GLM+10-12-11

We are going to bring our computers to our next CW meeting and look at Science Standards and activities to see if we need to add or delete anything. We will also start to look at our math curriculum and get ideas on differentiated instruction.
 * SK Grade Level Curriculum Writing Minutes **
 * October 12, 2011 **
 * Science Curriculum: **

We combined the sorting of animal pictures by attributes with the understanding the difference between insects and non-insects and wrote a new rubrics. We also made changes to the Life Cycles rubric to include the pumpkin life cycle – see changes on attachments. We need to find the animal pictures and use the same ones. Bonnie and Judy are going to look to see if they have them. We will need to start assessing next week.
 * Assessment/Rubrics: **

We deleted: Makes logical predictions, reaches informed conclusions, and collects and records data from our report card. We added: Sort animal pictures by attributes and understands the difference between insects and non-insects. We all signed the change form and Sue was going to have Pat Z. sign it before giving it to Sherry.
 * Report Card Changes for T1: **

We each shared how we are using the science journals in our classrooms. We need to learn not to showcase work like in our scrapbooks etc. and use it more like a journal. We also agreed to include our SK Tree study in the journal. All three of us came away with ideas from each other. Judy started off by reading //What is a Scientist//? and then having the class illustrate what kind of scientist they would like to be. Sue shared a calendar she had her class use to keep track of the emerging butterflies. Bonnie shared her Life Cycle Math sheet that also kept track of how many caterpillars, chrysalises, and butterflies.
 * Science Journal: **

Judy read //Hello Tree// and then with her third grade buddies went in search of their SK Tree in the front circle. After taking pictures of each child with his/her choice tree, Judy then downloaded them and used voice thread and the Smartboard to help pick the class tree. Bonnie’s class took a hike around campus, talked about attributes of each of the trees, picked their top three choices and then voted on one as their SK tree. They went back to the tree and sketched it, did a bark rubbing, and collected leaves. They will meet Tim Schuh there next week to find out the history behind the tree. Sue’s class went on a hike, and took pictures of students by their favorite tree and then came back to the classroom to vote. They still have to sketch their SK Tree.
 * SK Tree: **

Bonnie updated the notes and will email them to everyone. We talked about planting pumpkin seeds with 3rd grade this year and then in the fall next year, pick them with 4th grade. Pat says the garden was ripe with pumpkins this year. It would mean we would give up our pumpkin field trip next year and eliminate parent chaperones. This may allow us to add back the Milwaukee Public Museum field trip in February. We agreed to give it a try.
 * Pumpkin Farm Notes: **

We want to do the same thing we did last year – a Bowling and Pizza Party for 6 winners with each winner bringing 1 friend. We will offer it to SK and 1st graders. It will take place on a Friday after school in January or early February. Bonnie will email Trish Kaufmann the information.
 * Holiday Shop Raffle item: **

The budget is now coming via email. We had questions about the decodable book charge and thought it came out of another account. Bonnie will talk to Kathy when she returns. Bonnie also will talk to Julie to make sure we get an itemized statement from the bookstore.
 * Budget ** :

Judy has already finished doing Running Records and will start Guided Reading next week. Bonnie and Sue will start sometime after they finish assessments/conferences. Bonnie feels that we should all be starting at the same time.
 * Running Records ** :