Welcome Parents and Families! Back to School Night 2017 Toll Middle School Welcome Parents and Families!

Teacher of English, Instructional Coach Rm. 1125 Eweaver@gusd.net Ms. Elizabeth Weaver Teacher of English, Instructional Coach Rm. 1125 Eweaver@gusd.net

Who am I? Glendale resident Occidental College Degree in English and Comparative Literature Masters Degree from Occidental Summer Tutorial, University of Oxford, England 19th year in GUSD Rocky’s Mom I am a product of the Glendale Unified School District. I know the high standards of achievement we strive for. And I love this Dog! Who am I?

Instructional Specialist Rm. 1215 mpiper@gusd.net Ms. Morgen piper Instructional Specialist Rm. 1215 mpiper@gusd.net

Who am I? New Mexico Bachelor's Degree 2004 - University of New Mexico Major- University Studies/ Minor- Dance, Earth and Planetary Science, Child Development Master's Degree - University of New Mexico BCBA & EdS- in process Penn State Hobbies: ukuleles, gardening, two stepping I am a product of the Glendale Unified School District. I know the high standards of achievement we strive for. And I love this Dog! Who am I?

OPENING DAY: “Using the materials on your desk, and working with your table mates, build a house.”

Guidelines Opening Activity Working together Use materials Houses fell apart Guidelines 21st Century Learning Collaboration Communication Resources Problem-Solving/Trying Again Creativity

Tonight’s Information Goals for the Year: Nurturing Habits of Mind Learning in Room 1125 Helpful Hints Information Resources Reminder – students are responsible for reading and know the Honest Policy, Dress Code, and Electronic Devices Policy for the school. Tonight’s Information

Goals for the Year: Nurturing Habits of Mind Building curiosity and critical thinking

Learning Goal is LEARNING Mistakes = Learning Kids Question Kids Think Solve Problems Teacher is a learner Learning

Why learning? nurturing habits of mind Cognitive Ability Creativity Leadership Humility Ownership Expertise Why learning? nurturing habits of mind

Expectations for Classroom Learning Learning in room 1125 Expectations for Classroom Learning

Curriculum: overview ONE theme throughout the year Coordinated reading of fiction, poetry, and drama with informational texts aligned to Science and History Reading and writing with rigor Discussion with a focus on Intellectual Standards Thematic units ending in an argumentative, synthesis paper (not persuasive) Logical, precise, relevant and accurate use of multiples sources throughout the unit Curriculum: overview

Reading: “Read like a detective” Purposeful addition of non-fiction & informational text Read for depth, not breadth Generate questions based on observation Fever 1793, Call of the Wild Reading: “Read like a detective”

Writing: “Write like a reporter” Use evidence from multiple sources Make meaningful connections to real-world Communicate more precisely and purposefully Proficiency of multiple genre writing Writing: “Write like a reporter”

Speaking & Listening: “Engage like an active citizen” More student-to-student academic discussion Develop accurate listening skills Students develop & ask questions Student collaborate and share ideas Teachers guide/facilitate discussion Speaking & Listening: “Engage like an active citizen”

Embedded language skills: Purposeful, clear & Concise Communication

Helpful hints for students For academic and life-long success

What Students Need to Succeed Willingness to Participate and Make Mistakes Practice Critical Thinking Homework – practice, develop skills Study Skills – re-read/write notes Ask Questions! Growth Mindset What Students Need to Succeed

Helpful hints for parents For academic and life-long success

How can parents support students Generally Stay positive! Keep your expectations high! EVERY KID CAN DO IT! Nutritional & physical needs, too! See mistakes as opportunities to learn, not as failures. Give Praise! Remove electronic devices at night and dinner time. Remind students to grapple with new ideas; this creates a more critical thinker. Encourage problem-solving by offering options rather than solutions. Homework friendly environment It’s okay if they don’t get the answer! It’s more important to reflect on how their thinking has gone awry. So when you see them struggling remind them to stay positive, right a different way, and write out questions to bring to class tomorrow. How can parents support students

Contact & Information Supporting Student Learning

Contact: supporting student learning Encourage student contact, first Contact me EARLY, if you have questions Email is fastest eweaver@gusd.net (818) 244-8414 x1125 Morning CORE conferences Contact: supporting student learning

Other support Welcome to visit & experience learning We will always provide what your students need. If you are able, your contributions are welcome! facial tissue, sticky notes, pens, colored paper, copy paper . . . Other support

Support for TOLL Toll Foundation – donations and activism https://www.firstgiving.com/411571/toll-annual-fund Parent Volunteers and Inclusion: Please Visit Support for TOLL

Rabindranath Tagore, Nobel Prize Writer “Don’t limit a child to your learning for he was born in another time.” Rabindranath Tagore, Nobel Prize Writer

The End Thank you for coming to support your student! Don’t forget to join the PTSA! www.gusd.net/Page/5851