January 25, 2011
Dear Parent / Guardian:
A reminder that the next book report is due on Monday, January 31st. The students received another book report format / outline that I will be reviewing with them again tomorrow during our Language Arts class. As I have mentioned at the start of this academic year, studying a short story each week is not enough reading; students should have been picking and choosing a book of their choice borrowed from the library or purchased at a book store. The credit earned on the book report will be the equivalent of an exam grade for English, Reading, and Spelling/Vocabulary.
We have completed the chapter on the history of China in our Social Studies textbook; students will soon be working on a project on Ancient China. The project consists of a research report from each student and the art and speech portion of the project is the cooperative group work. By now, the seventh graders are very much familiar with the requirements of a project: file folder containing research information, notes, drafts of the report, written speech, daily journal of work progress, sketches and plans for the art. You may not be seeing the Social Studies textbook for the next few weeks, but there is DEFINITELY Social Studies homework daily: continual work on the China project. The scheduled deadline for the China project is Friday, February 18th. Since this project will be one of the major projects this academic year, the grading may be the equivalency of two Social Studies exam grades.
Our next major fundraiser will be for Easter. Last years fundraiser was a major success; the students put together Easter eggs consisting of foil wrapped chocolate Easter eggs stuffed into colorful plastic Easter egg containers, sold for $1.00 each. When the time comes, and when these materials are made available at Safeway's, Walgreen's, Target, and/or Costco, we would appreciate parents' participation in donating the necessary materials for this fundraiser. Again, the seventh graders are trying to build up their account in order to treat the graduating class to a farewell breakfast and graduation reception; this has been an ongoing tradition here at Mission Dolores School. Hopefully, for next year, the upcoming seventh graders and parents will be as supportive to these fundraising events in order for your child to enjoy a memorable graduation reception and breakfast! Whatever funds are left over from this year will follow the students into the eighth grade year to enjoy!
Please remember to send $1.00 donation with your child soon for the Chinese lion dancing scheduled for Chinese New Year Day, Thursday, February 3rd, in the morning! Your generosity will bring you good luck and fortune!
HAPPY NEW YEAR OF THE RABBIT!
Regards,
Mrs. Owyang-Lee

January 19, 2011

Happy New Year of the Rabbit!
We are pleased to announce that once again the Jing Mo Martial Arts group will be coming to our school to welcome the new year with lion dancing on Chinese New Year's Day, February 3rd. We are asking that each student donate $1.00 to express our gratitude for their visit. Please have your child bring this donation of $1.00 before February 3rd.
A reminder that the seventh graders have two field trips coming up next week: Tuesday, January 25th to Good Tidings Art Studio and Thursday, January 27th to the Asian Art Museum for the exhibit of the Samurai! Both of these fields trips will take place in the morning and we will be back to school in time for lunch. Students will need Muni fare: $1.50 (in change) for the round trip. If you are available on these days to join us and chaperone, you are most welcome and should be earning parent hours.
Please be reminded again that students are very much capable of accessing more academic help and tutoring online; especially in Math and French. I frequently remind students that I am available for extra help during the lunch recess (30 minutes) in my classroom and / or after school by appointment only. Also, for the seventh graders, from 12 noon until 12:30 p.m. daily, study hall and extra help are available. If students choose to waste time socializing during the school day, then there will be more homework, right? As teachers, we try to discipline and guide our students, but we cannot control them. Please continue to help strengthen your child in the educational process by supporting the teachers and remember, "Parents are the primary teachers". Your child's grades and homework continue to be posted online on a daily basis.
In regards to academic progress, do not underestimate the power of the student: the student has the power to excel in academic studies and the power to choose not to work on academics.
I especially love the third quarter, because it will end with Parent-Teacher Conferences!
Good Health, Happiness, and Success for 2011!
Mrs. Owyang-Lee