Kemp - Brazile 10/3

Parents-

• Attached is a letter from our principal concerning the upcoming testing.
• Quarter ends next week. Report cards will be delivered during conferences (grades will be available online though if you have received your Synergy log in from the office).

That pretty much sums it up. If you need a Synergy log in, the county requires you to show ID at the office to get the information. Please let me know ahead of time so I can make sure the Synergy contact has it ready in the office before you arrive.

Finishing up our project units this week and next. In Social Studies, those that have put the most work/thought into the projects are the ones who know the most on the test. That may seem obvious, but I've been stressing to the kids that taking the easy way out and not putting thought into it may meet the project standard but isn't helping them learn. Only they know if they're truly trying. 

In Reading, we've begun Messenger by Lois Lowry. Kids seem to love it so far. It gets better and they're making great connections. If I could get them to think in Math like they think when we're reading.....

Speaking of which, I think the biggest obstacles we face deal with getting the kids to think deeply and critically. I'm working with some other teachers and researching to find ways to "trick" them into thinking. In other words, I'm trying to find ways to get them more excited about school.

Our next project units will try to move a little deeper into critical thinking, working our way into independent projects eventually. 

In Math, we'll be moving to division next week. One thing I've implemented with the kids is error analysis. If they do not score well on a test, they can do an error analysis to earn some points back. They have to explain where they made their mistake and the correct solution. I'm also allowing this on the Social Studies test. The goal is for them to learn the material, so I want them to take advantage of this. On the Social Studies error analysis, I want them to write a paper explaining the correct answer to their missed questions. It can be a lot of work if they did poorly, but that's a consequence of not putting the effort in on the front end.

Hope you all have a great weekend! Roll Tide (or War Eagle or Go Dawgs)!!

Shane Brazile

---

Note: "This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail."

---