Sunday, September 25, 2016

It's autumn, but for some sixth graders, love is blooming.

Hello!  As many of you may already know, some of the sixth graders have started “dating.” While this is an important developmental step, it is important to our classroom culture to recognize that not all people are ready to enter the dating world.  Others might not feel comfortable sharing their sexual orientation and who they “like”. 

In fact, I have always loved how our Open Schoolers have been able to maintain true friendships regardless of gender and I am always a little saddened when the “dating” starts. I believe it is with good intentions, but the tumultuous relationships that form and break up can cause a lot of distress for participants and bystanders.  It can be challenging to focus in school when there are notes, whispers, and difficult seating choices to be made.

During the year we will continue to learn and talk about how we, as individuals, can navigate the road through life.  We will practice ways to disagree with civility; we will learn techniques to value ourselves both inside and outside of group dynamics; we will practice emotional deescalation.  

Please consider this an excellent time to connect with your child and discuss your feelings about issues including:
What makes a good relationship
When and where affection should be displayed
Techniques on handling unwanted attention
Limits around personal cell phone use and communication (including cautionary tales around sharing public information and sexting)

The digital resources are as varied as our opinions on this issue.  Here are a few that might be helpful to read before you launch into your conversations. 

This New York Times article introduces the topic of early dating.
http://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/14/nyregion/some-fifth-graders-are-starting-to-date-early.html?_r=2

This article is about how to identify people one should avoid hanging out with and/or becoming. 

The second half of this article has “rules” for cellphone use.

Please let me know if you are familiar with other resources you have found helpful in this situation.

-Gabrielle

Monday, September 19, 2016

Scholastic Book Orders are DUE FRIDAY! (No exceptions).

Last week, paper copies of the book orders went home in the Friday Folders.  Scholastic Book Club books are a great way for students to own their books- and you can donate them back to our classroom if you want to!

Ordering online is easy!  Go to
Scholastic.com/readingclub

Log on as a new parent user. 
Our Class Activation Code is JCVD9. 

You can shop online and pay by credit card.  When I finalize the orders on Friday, your order will be processed. 


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ALSO- We have an early release on Friday.  Dismissal is 1:00. Students who get picked up need to adjust accordingly. Students who need after school care can participate in Kids' Night Out.  In addition to doing some fun activities, your payment will contribute to the Maine Trip fund. It's a win-win!

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Please remember you can email me with questions or comments anytime at
Ghovinen@jeffco.k12.co.us.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Sign up now to reserve your spot!

All School Colorado Opera Tour


Kara, Melody, Tom and Steve are excited to invite students Kindergarten through
Walkabout to join them in a Backstage Workshop at the Colorado Opera. This workshop is one of Colorado Opera’s most popular events, so don’t miss it!


November 8th from 9:00 am until 1:30 or so.


The cost is $11.00. Spaces are limited, so students will be signed up on a
first come, first serve basis.  Money is due October 18th. We will be taking a bus to the DCPA and then eating our lunch there, so students will need a sack lunch the day of the tour.


Bring your money to Melody or Kara to reserve a spot.


Thank you,

The JCOS Music Department



"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." Thomas Merton

Dash, skate, jump...

Rosie would like you to mark you calendars so you don't forget these important dates.

 

• All School Picture – Wednesday, Sept. 21stout on the field after the 10:45 fire drill.  
• Pumpkin & Zombie Dash – Friday, Oct. 7th
• Halloween Skate Day - Monday, Oct. 31st at Skate City.  We will be going to the Skate City out in WestminsterThe cost is $8.00. The haunted house, down in the gym, will open up for tours once we get back to school.
• Jump Rope & Hoops for Heart – Friday, February 3rd
• Field Day – Friday, May 5th
• All School End of the Year Picnic – Wednesday, May 24th

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

An Upcoming Harvest Feast

Dear JCOS Community,

 

Upcoming event! On Thursday, September 29th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, our school will come together to celebrate the richness of our community and garden.  

 

Please, join us for this JCOS family potluck "Harvest Feast" with a special (or just plain easy) recipe and an opportunity to break bread together with all ages!  

 

Weather permitting we will be outside the front of the school.

 

Please have the recipe written out and displayed next to your dish so that those who must, can avoid food allergies.

 

Thank you,

 

JCOS Harvest Committee

Friday, September 9, 2016

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Today the sixth graders meet with their Kinder buddies.

We all went to the school garden and "hunted" for some great sensory words. Sixth graders have been noticing great vocabulary in their reading and have been putting quality sensory imagery into their own writing. 

Working on our "small moment" trip reflection.

Look for the published pieces on the wall outside of our classroom!

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Might you BEE interested?

Bryan has received a hive as a donation to our Bee Club (thanks to To Bee Or Not To Bee).  If you would like to throw your name in a hat to be a host home for a bee hive, let Bryan know by Friday, September 16th.  To be a host home you must have a space on your property, and live relatively close to school (within five miles).   In return your family will get the opportunity to learn about how to "keep" bees.

Thanks,

Bryan  

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Picture Day is Tuesday. Please turn your money in today. ALSO- important information about FRIDAY.

On Friday the entire IA will be walking to Morse Park.  This park is large and spread out.  In order for students to have freedom and choice during this fun day, we need a few more adults willing to spend time at the playground, field, swings, and picnic areas. Bring your lawn chair and some outside games to share! Let Gabrielle know if you can join us at 9:00 for the walk over or if you will meet us at Morse Park later.

Students need to come prepared with a day pack containing sunscreen, TWO water bottles, and a healthy sack lunch (With advanced warning, Dawn can provided sack lunches for students who normally eat school lunch). Germ killer is also helpful.  PLEASE make sure your child brings full water bottles of their own. Comfortable walking shoes are also a MUST. 

Thanks,
Gabrielle

Friday, September 2, 2016

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