Comments and Words to Inspire
Trimester 1 ended for me on Friday, November 13. The last grades will be entered on Monday which you can continue to view through Wednesday. There really should be no surprises for you if your child has shared his/her grades with you as they were sent home and posted on Parent Access.
This website is here as a help to you and your child. You will see information about general activities in school and in seventh grade. Each curriculum section gives a brief overview of what will be expected for each week or so. Long term assignments will be explained and handouts for various assignments will be available as well. Every day homework assignments will not be listed. It is your child's responsibility to copy daily work and to know what it is and when it is due. It is my intent to modify this website every week, usually on Sunday evening.
We are doing everything we can possibly do to keep the classroom germ-free. Students wipe desks before classes start, at mid-morning, and at lunch/recess time. Hand sanitizer is available for their use whenever they feel they need it, but they are expeceted to use it after they use the wipes on the desks and before lunch.
Please do not request extra credit from me. I do not give extra credit assignments at the end of the trimester as a last ditch effort. I do occasionally provide some extra credit questions on tests or quizzes as well as a few extra credit assignments throughout the trimester. It is up to your child to take advantage of these extra credit opportunities. I encourage every child to to try all extra credit whenever it is given. There is nothing for them to lose in trying!
The best way to improve grades is to increase effort in the form of doing the best written work and studying.
The FISH! Philosophy is an approach that can help all of us achieve our best.
The FISH! Philosophy is a way of looking at life based on the work of some fish sellers located in Seattle, Washington. From their work the philosophy has been formed that includes these components: BE THERE, PLAY, MAKE THEIR DAY, and CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE.
BE THERE means to be aware of your surroundings, what is expected of you, and how you fit into the situation. This is perfect for students because they need to be physically and mentally present in the classroom, at play, and in all aspects of the school environment.
PLAY is a reference to approaching work and responsibility in an uplifting and energized way. For students this means that they need to realize what work they have and to seek the positive in all they do. I have made the promise to the students that we will approach this year's work with a light-heartedness and with fun wherever we can.
MAKE THEIR DAY means that everyone of us can identify different ways we can make life better for others, in both small and large ways. The students can find innumerable opportunities throughout their days to do "random acts of kindness" as well as to participate in major charitable acts that the school plans.
CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE refers to each of us having control over the way we view all that happens to us. It does not mean that we look at everything positively. There are times when a negative response is the proper one. For students they need to realize that each of them can decide how he or she will react in various situations. No one or no thing is making them act or react a certain way. It is all up to each individual!
See how this philosophy is perfect in a school setting, especially a Catholic school setting!
I use this section of the website to give some words of wisdom. Enjoy!
"If you think education is expensive - try ignorance!" - Derek Bok, educator and former president of Harvard University
Here's some advice that can make this year a bit smoother:
In class . . . pay attention - write down assignments - ask questions - take notes - turn in your homework on time - ask for help when you have a problem.
At home . . . gather study supplies into one place - plan your study time - find a quiet place to study - start early - do your homework - turn off the TV - stay away from the phone and video games until homework is done - do the hardest tasks first - break long assignments into short pieces - plan ahead for long-term assignments - don't get behind on your work - don't make excuses - get enough rest - get plenty of exercise.
The Funny Spot
Teacher: Cindy, why are you doing your multiplication assignment on the floor?
Cindy: You told me to do it without using tables.
