Week 4

A special thanks to James and his mom for bringing Moon Cakes and other snacks on Wednesday. The Chinese Moon Festival is a traditional Chinese event that is celebrated during the full moon in September.

We had a great time on Friday at lunchtime. We got pizza and went to the park. I plan on doing that every other week just to break the monotony of going to the upper bay for lunch. During class council last week, we talked about ways to make lunch more enjoyable. I agreed to taking kids to the park once a week and having lunch in the commons on the off weeks. If any parents would like to help with this, I would appreciate the company!

One of my goals this year is to have all students using ACADEMIC LANGUAGE. Knowing and understanding the vocabulary of math and science will aid students in grasping the concepts.
Students will be quizzed weekly on new words related to the concepts being taught.
Week 1 Academic Language Quiz consisted of the following math terms:

• constant
• consecutive numbers
• symmetry
• translation
• reflection
• line of symmetry
• rotation
• tesselation

Our math class this past week looked more like an art class. Students made tesselations using equilateral triangles and symmetric designs they created. In science we talked about the two main concepts we will cover this year. Namely, Chemistry and Physics. We took a look at the scientific method by guessing how many marbles and what types of dividers in 7 sealed boxes. Using only observations from the outside of the box, students formed hypotheses stating what the inside of the box looked like.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Student-Led Conferences Oct 11-14 minimum days

week 2 and week 3

What a great year this is turning out to be! I can say with surety that this school year kicked off so much smoother than the last two years. I feel privileged to be a partof such a great endeavor. Students are getting into the routines of school and reconnecting with their friends as well as making new ones. We have six students in 8th grade and seven (and counting) in 7th grade who are new to IA this year. They have blended right in to our school culture.



Yesterday, during morning meeting, we reflected on what is different about our school compared to other schools we attended. Here are some of their responses:

• Teachers help me when I don't understand instead of make me feel dumb.


• Teachers actually listen to me and care about me.


• I like that we learn things "hands on" instead of reading about it in a book or memorize using flash cards.


• This school is open and inclusive - students decide.


• Kids are nicer.


• Teachers make kids feel comfortable.


• We have group work and collaborate.

The past two weeks were spent establishing our schedule, introducing our "Me project", and diving into math.

This year in math, all students will concentrate on five core concepts in order to perfect their algebraic thinking: 1) Equivalence 2) Patterns and Functions 3) Variables 4) Graphing and 5) Mathematical writing

For the past two weeks we have been looking at patterns and learning how to represent them on T-Charts. Some students have been able to turn their understanding of their charts into algebraic expressions. Ask your student about Leapfrog, Flying V or Pattern Blocks.

Thank you to those parents who came to back to school night last Thursday. Those of you who couldn't make it, please contact me. I am in need for volunteers to help me in and out of the class(especially a room parent). Also come sign up for a time slot for Student Led Conferences to be held the week of October 11 through Oct 14.

Lisa's Class Week 1 Update

ATTENTION! IA NEEDS STUDENTS! Although the 8th grade class and 3rd grade class are nearly full, some classes need more kids! Please let your friends and neighbors know about Innovations Academy. They can enroll immediately. Contact me if you have questions.
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We made it through the first week of school! I had a great time seeing old faces and getting to know new ones. I am sure this year will be another great one at Innovations Academy.

This week we spent most of our days with the seventh and eighth graders combined. Because Tony and I will both be seeing your students, we want to form a united front when it comes to classroom procedures, positive discipline and schoolwork expectations. We spent this week setting goals and expectations, finding out about each other, creating posters to promote a positive community and most of all, having fun!

Next week we will begin our first project and ease into "real" schoolwork! I will be assessing all students to place them into pre-algebra or algebra classes. Our first math unit will center around symmetry and patterns. We will kick off science learning about chemistry and chemical reactions.

Some reminders:

Kyle's birthday party is this Saturday at 6:30 at Corvette Diner

NO SCHOOL MONDAY! Happy Labor Day!

Please bring school supplies by Tuesday. Return any unfinished school paperwork to Donna.

School lunches begin Tuesday. You must pre-order a day ahead. Check out our school website for more information.

Back To School Night is Sept 16th

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. I look forward to another great week next week.