Newsletter for February 17, 2017

I finally succumbed to the different bugs going around and ended up with pneumonia this week. I was able to return on Friday. I put a lot of effort into my sub plans and hope that every day I am absent is still filled with learning. I appreciate the many well wishes. It was good to see the students today.

This will be a brief newsletter regarding the Invention Convention. I hope you all have a wonderful (and healthy) long weekend!

Invention Convention

Students began experimenting with materials today in the library's Creation Station. While these efforts will not serve as final prototypes, students were able to problem solve (particularly how they would attach materials and making them sturdy enough for multiple presentations and demonstrations) and learn what they will need for their final prototype.

There will be NO homework next week in order to provide students with time to work on their presentation boards and final prototypes.

Please have your student see me if they need any of the following forms: problem sheet, Invention Convention packet, research sheet, presentation board plan and prototype plan. They should be done with all of these except for the "How I improved" section of the packet as many will get suggestions when practicing their presentations.

Presentation boards are due February 27th.

Prototypes are due March 6, earlier if possible to practice presenting.

Prototypes - Due March 6 Students will build a representative (does not have to be a fully operational) prototype. If the technology already exists for part of their prototype, they can simply mock it up (e.g., a garage door opener can be replicated from cardboard). Prototypes must be no larger than a paper box (approximately 20" x 12" x 12") and may not use chord dependent electricity. They may use batteries.

Presentation Practice - February 27 and March 6 Students will practice presenting with an emphasis on presentation skills and responding to questions. I encourage you to engage your student in discussions about their problem, process and invention. Have them practice at home, especially if they are quiet or anxious. It will be loud and a bit chaotic on the morning of the Invention Convention. A little preparation will go a long way.

Invention Convention - March 10  Students will present their inventions to families in the Windermere Multi-Purpose Room/Cafeteria from 10:00 till 10:45. Families are encouraged to help us celebrate student inventions and interview students on their invention process. In the past, many families have opted to take their student (and their materials) to lunch after the presentations. This is a great way to celebrate and to make sure display boards and prototypes go home before spring break.

The most common question I receive is, "How much should parents help?" It is important to note that while we may have some inspiring outliers, these should be student directed problems and solutions. As much as we want to help them (and you can), the ideas and solutions should be theirs. You can ask questions and let them arrive at their own conclusions. The Invention Convention is all about the process, rather than the end product.

Most importantly, this project should be student led and adult supported. This is NOT parent work. You may help your student by encouraging them to think about their invention. You can even help them assemble their boards and prototypes, but students must be able to explain their work and demonstrate understanding of every step of the process. We are not looking for robots or technologically bound solutions, but simple and achievable solutions to problems that impact many people. The real benefit of this project is the student learning. We want our future leaders to see they can identify and solve others' problems.

You can probably help most by having them plan and do a little work daily so they don't have to cram the night before their materials are due.

Social Studies

I invited a speaker from Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS) to visit as part of our social studies curriculum, learning how communities change over time. Our speaker, Mr. Nila Upreti, is a refugee from Bhutan. As part of the Bhutanese ethnic cleansing, many Nepalese were evicted from Bhutan beginning in the 1990s. Mr. Upreti talked about the refugee camps in Nepal and how he ended up coming to Columbus, home of the largest Nepalese community in the country. He also shared the sacrifices he and his family had to make, leaving behind a culture and community, but also the rewards of living in the US. I was very impressed with the students' questions and their thoughtful conversation with our guest.

Mr. Upreti and Mr. Tyler Reeve (CRIS) 

Important Dates & Reminders

Testing dates are in bold. I will highlight changes and new dates in red.

A Days: No specials 

B Days: Music and PE

C Days: Art

D Days: Library

E Days: Music and PE

February 20 No School for Students & Staff:  President's Day

March 1 - Early Dismissal 1pm
March 6 - Recycled percussion instruments due - Mrs. Delcamp will discuss with students. 

March 9 - 3rd Grade Musical @ 7pm
March 10 - Invention Convention 10:30-11:00 Cafeteria/Multipurpose Room. 

March 10 - Town Hall Meeting1:45 PM

March 10 - End of second Trimester

March 13 - 17 Spring Break - No School 

March 20 - No School for students - Teacher Workday 

March 28 - Progress Reports Home Today  

April 5 - 6 Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment
April 5 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon 

April 6 Spring Picture Day          

April 10 - April 28 STAR Reading and Math Assessments
April 12 - 15 Ohio Mathematics Assessment
April 14  No School for Staff & Students: Good Friday     

April 24 - 28 Scholastic Book Fair        

April 28  KID FEST 5 - 8pm

May 8 - 19 Terra Nova & Inview Gifted Screener
May 15 - 19 Diagnostic Writing Assessment
May 22 Field Day             

May 26 Town Hall Meeting 8:25am

May 26 Last Day for Students; End of third trimester     
May 26 Early Dismissal 1pm