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Trip to Montpelier

In the first week back from vacation the 6th grade had a great trip to Montpelier where they visited the Vermont State House, the Vermont Supreme Court and the Vermont Historical Society Museum. We had wonderful chaperone/drivers for whom this was their first trip to our capitol as well. At the Historical Society the students were divided into three groups to explore, through real artifacts, the process of being a curator, a researcher, and an archaeologist. At the state house we toured and spoke with our senator, Jeanette White. Our representative, Mike Mrowicki, visited the classroom the Monday prior and talked to the students about what goes on at the state house. When we sat in on the House, Mike introduced us, which was quite a treat for the group. We ended the day at the Supreme Court where the students reenacted a real court case. Five students were selected to be the Judges. While they adjourned to chambers to review the case, the two groups of “lawyers” planned how best to present their case. As the “judges” entered the court and the gavel rang out we all rose to begin the trial. The “lawyers” presented convincing arguments, but in the end the decision from the lower court was overturned.

Knitting Activity in the 6th Grade

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Jan 16-27
It is good to see the snow and have the chance to start skiing. The new schedule is in full swing with our winter sports program set for Tuesdays. There are hopes for x-c skiing as well, so please make sure your child is set to hit the trails on Fridays as well as warmly dressed for recess every day. They need to have “snow gear” in order to sled.

With the completion of first term reports and conferences next week, I find myself beginning to reflect upon what it means to be midway through the year. This year is critical as the sixth graders are halfway between 5th and 7th grade. They have come from the self-contained 5th grade classroom and will be operating in the more self-directed atmosphere of the upper school building next year. An important goal for the sixth graders this year is to continue to develop positive study skills and habits that will allow them to be successful as learners. These include organization, time management, careful and neat work, being prepared for class with materials and homework, maintaining focus during class, etc. In addition, the hard work of problem solving, the persistence necessary for researching, the concentration required for analyzing, the patience needed for collaborating, and other attitudes of learning need to be embraced.

This week I will be away at a conference on Thursday: “STEM and 21^st Century Skills.” Abijah Reed a former math teacher at Putney School will be subbing for me.

We will start skating on Friday. We have the ice at Vermont Academy from 10:30 to 11:30. You are welcome to join us if you can. Additionally, the ski and skate sale will be up and going Thursday and Friday. The forms for the winter sports program are available in the office and online. Please get these in as soon as possible. 

Kathy 

This week we are hoping to get the new keyboarding program up and running. The goal is to have each student keyboard for ten minutes daily and learn touch-typing. We will also work with the students on developing consistent and successful folder management., On Wednesday the students will have their 5th in a series of 6 workshops centered on our study of the Maasai. Wednesday the 6th grade student will join the rest of the school in putting together Harvest Baskets with their buddies during All School Meeting. (Please, remember to send in  your basket item.)

I just received word that Dummerston School is hosting a DANCE, Friday, December 2 from 7:00-9:30 p.m.
For more information call 254-2733