Monday, December 14, 2015

Room 17 News for December



Hello Room 17 parents,

I hope you all had a nice weekend and had a chance to enjoy some holiday cheer.  Yesterday, my daughter and I enjoyed plans for making holiday candy apples – A new tradition I hope to continue throughout the years.

I wanted to let you know about how our Friday was last week.  When students first came into class, we made a schedule of activities for the day.  Students wanted to take some time to reflect on the incident that happened on Thursday, hear my side of the story, do some outdoor P.E., enjoy the scheduled student winter presentations, make cheerful cards for Sullivan, learn about Physics, silent read, and rehearse for the School Winter Program.  Amazingly, we were able to do everything on our Friday list. 

Counselors did take time to talk about how to process the events of Thursday.  I remembered two important key thoughts - 1.) Know that there is a good community of support at Mt. Washington that we can go to if needed and 2.) People process trauma in different ways, so if you’re feeling sad, angry, or even nothing, it is okay.  I feel fortunate that I teach in a school where the community is strong and very supportive especially during a crisis.

We have a very busy schedule of activities ahead for us this week.  First, students will be performing in our Winter Program on Monday.  We will also continue our winter presentations.  So far, I have seen some amazing presentations where students have given our class real experiences of cultural celebrations in winter!  I am looking forward to what this week will bring during our presentation time.  We are also expected to receive our donors choose books in the mail.  Students will have a chance to take a book home and will be assigned a book report to complete for the winter break.

In closing, I’d like to thank Franki Cox and Heidi Falconer for coming to our class on Wednesday to do a wonderful harvest garden lesson with Room 17.  Kids made vegetable rolls with their garden harvest and fragrant herbal sachets.  Moms, you rock!  I’d also like to thank Sherry Young for volunteering in our class.  Your help is much appreciated.

Remember that science camp applications are due this week.  If you have any questions or concerns about the science residential camp, please reach out to me. 

I am looking forward to a great week of winter celebrations and learning.

Sincerely,

Michele


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

News this week in Room 17

Hello Parents!

It was wonderful to see the creative and unique costumes of room 17 and throughout Mt. Washington Elementary at our Halloween parade last week.  I remember seeing Mike from Monster's Inc, Kernal Sanders, and many other fantastic costumes.

Our Orange day last week was another day of wearing something different from the ordinary.  Student Council called attention to Bully Prevention by asking our school to wear orange. Our sixth grade leaders; Tomiko, Alijiah, Jasmine, and Hailie tied orange ribbons around school trees, created anti-bullying posters, and spoke to classrooms about the importance of bully prevention and wearing orange.  We also read aloud a book in class called  "Confessions of a Former Bully."  From this book we learned that 90% of 4th through 8th graders report being victims of bullying and that more than half of bully situations stop when a peer intervenes on behalf of the student being bullied.  We will continue to discuss this topic throughout the year.

This week an enthusiastic group of 5th and 6th grade students who love and adore books met at lunch to discuss and select books they would like to see in our tall empty bookcase at the back of the classroom.  Besides the book lists they reviewed, they made many special requests - some including "Percy Jackson," "Lord of the Rings," "The Jedi Academy," and even "Shakespeare." In the next few weeks, my goal is to post a request through DonorsChoose.org for these books.  Stay tuned to learn more.

I am happy to report that all of our students in 5th and 6th grade have worked hard to learn all of their songs for our upcoming dress rehersal with Master Chorale this week.  Your children sing beautifully.  I am sure you will be amazed by their performance coming up on November 13th.

Lastly, I'd like to thank Franki for her continued and unwavering support.  Recently, she created a Shutterfly account where we will be able to safely post pictures.  Soon, you will be able to see pictures of our students doing science experiments, spirit days, field trips, and other activities.  This account should be active and linked to this blog within the next few weeks.


Sincerely,

Ms. Madrigal



Wednesday, October 21, 2015

News this week in Room17


Hello Parents of Room 17!

Thank you for attending the Update Parent Meeting on Monday.  I think it was a great opportunity to hear concerns, clarify classroom learning strategies, and answer questions about how things are going in Room 17.  As always, please feel free to email me at anytime if you have further questions. I usually respond within a few hours during the school week.

This week, we had another wonderful and engaging "Council."  Our topic was bullying and I believe our students were quite courageous as many took the risk of sharing their thoughts and feelings on this sensitive subject.  All students were very respectful of each other and acknowledged one another's feelings about experiences that were shared.

We also had some changes in our room.  The cardboard boxes were cleared off the tops of desks as some were being filled with used tissues, candy wrappers, and pencil shavings which buried the broken pencils below!  Now we have clean canvas pencil pouches that can be easily carried to the library or computer lab.  Any personal items in the old boxes belonging to students were returned today and more will be returned tomorrow.

In math, all 5th graders are shining stars in the understanding of their math topic of division.  Some of our 6th graders were struggling with the challenges of the conversion process between decimals, percents, and fractions.  Today, Ms. Arika, Ms. Enriquez, Ms Porter, and myself tackled a rigorous review.  Many of our students received individual assistance as well as small group instruction.

Lastly, I am thrilled to report that our student-composed songs are complete.  Today, all students went home with their CDs and music sheets in hand.  Be sure to ask them to play their music for you!

I am very much looking forward to an exciting science camp coming up soon!  Please see the information letter that we sent home regarding the science curriculum, lodging, and payment due dates.

Sincerely,

Ms,. Madrigal

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Room 17 News for the Week of October 12, 2015

Hello Parents of Room 17!

I hope everyone had a restful weekend and enjoyed some cool indoor fun!  Our family stayed cool with some frozen purple popscicles which left us looking like Halloween came in swirling over our lips and tongues.

This week we will continue our garden discussion and consider tomatoes, herbs, and other possibilities.  I'd like to thank Franki Cox and Sherry Younge for stepping up to be our Garden Volunteers for this year.  They will be helping our students with garden planning, planting, harvesting, and all the wonderful extended learning that will come from community gardening.

We will also continue our literature circles.  Last week, students eagerly began reading their books and enjoyed a discussion about what they might gain from the lessons they discover as they read.  This week students will explore characterization as it relates to the book they are reading.

On Friday, we have our field trip to see Rhapsody in Taps - a Los Angeles based touring group with tap dancers and musicians.  We are all looking forward to a great performance and learning opportunity in performing arts.

I am listing our current weekly activity schedule as it stands now and in the near future:


  • Monday Orchestra       8:15 - 9:15
  • Tuesday Science           8:30 - 10:00
  • Wednesday Standard or Garden Time
  • Thursday FocusFish    12:50 - 1:35
  • Friday Master Chorale 8:30 - 10:00, Computer Lab 11:00 - 11:45
Lastly, there is a beautiful tall empty bookcase that is screaming, "Fill Me Up!"  This week I will be forming a committee of students who love new books and are interested in helping to create a wish list of books for our bookcase.  Stay tuned to hear what they will select.

Just a reminder that the parent meeting scheduled for tomorrow, October 12, 2015 is cancelled and will be rescheduled for next week.

Looking forward to another great week!

Ms. Madrigal



Thursday, October 8, 2015

Save, Share and Volunteer

Save, Share and Volunteer!

Hi Everyone,

Today was Picture Day. Your child was sent home with an order form last week. Check the office for an extra form or order here (http://schoolportraits.lifetouch.com/Details.aspx?eqs=Y3Kglg4C9QLarkx3EfhVBZqJr+AqYFis). Order pics before Saturday, when prices are said to triple.

Tomorrow: Coffee with the Principal: Friday October 9, 2015, 8:30am in the Parent Center. 
Garden Rep: We need volunteers to help out in the Garden! No experience necessary! We can work around changing schedules. Sign up now so we can plant next week, and make the cut-off for a winter harvest. Parents can sign up to volunteer here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Fqg3SS-95pX04t_QMzRvTSbLuq5igo3yJdx-L-6uSgY/viewform?c=0&w=1 
Carnival of the Howling Wolves: We need volunteers, tools, and cash donations! See our wish list on the right, and help us make this the best Haunted House ever!!! 
Have a great week! 

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Room 17 news for the week of October 5, 2015

Hello Room 17 Parents!

I'd like to thank Franki for maintaining the Blog for Grade 5/6 and for helping me take the reins so that I may utilize this Blog as a form of communication with parents.  I am looking forward to posting upcoming news about fieldtrips, projects, science resources, and photos with a link to Shutterfly.

This week, we will be introducing some new activities.  We will continue to work with Spelling City, however, students will be given a homework assignment to go online and use their spelling words in an interactive game and an activity to help with spelling vocabulary.  We are also starting our literature circles, otherwise known as book club discussion groups.  Last week,  students went on a book "walk and talk" and selected a book to read among seven different choices.  Be sure to ask your child what book he or she will be reading.  The gardening project is also about to begin this week.  We will be talking about what to plant and how we can use what we harvest in traditional foods of different cultures.  How wonderful to be part of a classroom community of such rich diversity!  I hope this will bring forth traditional family recipes as we explore growing and harvesting in the garden. 

Thank you to all the parents who helped their children study the homework spelling words.  Last week, the majority of students scored a "4"  on their spelling test.  Way to go!!!  Speaking of homework - Just a reminder that the purpose of homework is threefold:  1.) Students will have an opportunity to practice and reinforce what they learned during the school day.    2.) Students will develop responsibility of independent work that they need to complete at home. 3.) Parents will have an opportunity to see what students are learning and working on in class. 

Looking forward to a great week!


Ms. Madrigal



Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Room 17 Sub, Art, and Homework 9/29/2015

Hi Lovely People! 

I am so sorry for duplicate and missed emails. My hope is that using mailchimp for our weekly updates will remedy the delivery issues of the recent weeks. Please kindly reply to messagefranki@gmail.com to confirm receipt of this message. Thank you for your patience and support.

I am writing to let you know that Ms. Madrigal was out Monday. Our students worked a full day of instruction per Ms. Madrigal’s lesson plans with a substitute teacher. Feel free to reach out to Mrs. Gravino with questions. 

I Also want to remind everyone about the art assignment due Wednesday. Ask you child for details. The students are being tasked with a project inspired by David Hockney's Mulholland Drive. This was assigned last Wednesday. 

The following is a note below from the PTA regarding courtesy use of the email llst. 
"Please note that it is our policy that the classroom email list is for parents of Room 17 only and is for school correspondence. The list is open so that parents can contact each other re: play dates, birthday parties, after school pick ups, homework, field trips, ride shares etc. As always please respect the privacy of others. Please DO NOT use this list to solicit any other non-school related business. Please DO NOT forward this list."

Lastly, thank you to Anvi Kevany and Rachel Livingston for chaperoning our LACMA visit. 
Have a great day! 

Room 17 Announcements for the week of September 28th, 2015

Hello Everyone, 

I hope this finds you well, having enjoyed a wonderful weekend. It was lovely to see smiling faces at our first big school event of the year last Saturday. A special shout out to our volunteers. Your help and participation were deeply appreciated and directly impacted the success of the day. Thank you! 

The class website is almost complete, and will be a useful resource in staying connected and up to date on class and school news. Look for a link in the coming days. 

Our field trip to LACMA was a great success. We were lucky to have small groups on our docent led tours. It was inspiring and thrilling to see our students create art on the spot, and engage in reflective and introspective dialogue about art. Yes, your kid did that! We plan to order our field trip shirts this week (thank you Crystal/Jayden’s mom for helping with that process) so please send in your t-shirt size order form and donation if you have not yet done so. $5 (included in your $65 donation) will cover the cost of a shirt. 

There are important announcements in the MWPTA ehowl.  Click on the MWPTA link to the right or copy and paste the address below into your browser.
http://mwpta.org/pta-ehowl-newsletter-week-of-spt-28-oct-4-2015/

Thank you for all you do!

Room 17 Educational Plan Update 9/26/2015

Hello R 17 Peeps! 

Hope everyone is having fun beating the heat. Below is a message from Mrs. Gravino. Stay tuned for weekly news. 

Best, 
franki
323.791.8300

Dear Parents,

Here is an update for room 17 since our meeting on September 16th. 
    * Ms. Madrigal met with Jessica Niessen, ELA coordinator (Local District Central) on Friday, 9/18. We planned on meeting the English Language Arts standards through Integrated Units using Social Studies. Jessica will be back the first week of October. 
    * On Friday, 9/25, Ms. Madrigal planned 6th grade Science with Bernice Caan, Science coordinator (Local District Central). 
    * On Wednesday, 9/30, 5th and 6th grade students will take the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessment as a pretest. They will take the post test mid-November - early December. 
    * Last week, Ms. Madrigal introduced Council to the students. Ms. Madrigal discussed Council in Schools at the 9/16 meeting. 
    * This past week, Ms. Madrigal introduced Spelling words. These words were taken from the current Treasures Anthology story. 
    * On Monday, 9/28, you will receive your child's individual student report from Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math. 

Thank you to all the parents who chaperoned on the field-trip this past week. 
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Ms. Madrigal at mmadri5@lausd.net or (323)225-8320.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Gravino

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Hi R17 Peeps! 

I Hope this finds each of you well.  Updates and reminders are below. 

Classroom News: 

The week at a glance: 

Monday: 7:45a-8a-Bring in your plastic, glass, aluminum, and tin recyclables for the Green Team. These contributions raise funds to support our Edible Garden program.

Tuesday: Early dismissal at 1:30pm

Wednesday: NO SCHOOL-Happy Yom Kippur

Thursday: Rooms 10 & 17 LACMA field trip
Room 17 students are asked to wear blue shirts (turquoise/aqua if possible) for the field trip, and comfortable walking shoes. Please remember to pack a disposable sack lunch,  snack and water for your child. Our class will also need 3 parent chaperones. Chaperones are asked to be responsible for their own transportation, snacks, lunch, and beverage. Please reply to mmadri5@lausd.net or send a note in to school with your student if you would like to be a chaperone for this trip by Tuesday morning. 

Saturday: Pancake Breakfast and Mt. Washington Made Craft Fair, 9am-1pm
We are lucky to host such a wonderful community event. Please sign up up here http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4fada62ca6ff2-mtwashington  for an hour of desperately needed service, then enjoy a delicious serving of food, fun and community here on the hill! There are 23 open slots for volunteering! Each class is being asked for 6 volunteers-your neighbors, friends and relatives are all welcome to help! 

Class Room Donations: 

Class Shirt and Field Trip contributions: Please send in your donation to Ms. Madrigal as soon as possible. Your $65 donation will be used to cover the cost of buses and class t-shirts. Extra/Partial contributions are welcome. Checks should be made payable to Mt. Washington School, memo line: Room 17 field trip donation. 

Classroom Supplies: Donations of cleansing wipes, hand sanitizer, liquid hand soap, paper towels, facial tissues are all needed and appreciated. 


Thank you!
Welcome to Room 17!

My Name is Michele Madrigal and I am excited to take on the role of Interim Teacher for the 5th and 6th grade students of Ms. Krumal's class here at Mt. Washington Elementary. I received my Master's Degree in Multi-Cultural Studies from Teachers College, Columbia University, and come to Mt. Washington with 15 years experience as a credentialed teacher.

Thank you for sharing your children with me. I look forward to getting to know your children and supporting them in a successful year here at Mt. Washington Elementary.

Thank You,
Michele