Identity Unit Ends, Human Migration Unit Begins
We ended our Chemistry unit today with sublimating solid iodine, and exploring Oobleck. During this unit, students learned about phase change and how the molecules behave in each of the different phases. After Thanksgiving Break, we will be starting a Human Migration Unit. We will learn about the United States early history with Three Worlds Meeting (Africa, the Americas, and Europe). Mid December, students will choose a migration to study. This will be any migration in human history. They will participate in the "Suitcase Project," which includes art and report writing. We will present these January 17th, and all are invited to attend.
New Books
To go with our Human Migration Unit, your student will be participating in a book group. Your student has chosen one of the following:
Day of Tears by Julius Lester and The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equaino by Olaudah Equaino
Refugee by Alan Gratz
How I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle
The Open Road by Alexandra Diaz
Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate
Students will be learning how to discuss these books in small groups, and will write about these books in their reading notebooks. Mrs. Hill will be leading discussions on How I Became a Ghost. Mr. Taylor will be leading discussions on Refugee. Mrs. Williams will be leading discussions on the other three titles. If you have any questions about any of the books, please do not hesitate to ask. Students will have from December 1 - January 17 to read this book.
New Independent Reading Policy!
I have received many requests to help students read more at home. Starting in December, students will be asked to read at least one independent book per month. This will be in addition to the book they are reading at home. We will have short book projects which we will work on in school dedicated to these independent reading books. I will start this up when we return. Thank you for all of your feedback on this!
Winter Recess
When there is enough snow, Questers have the chance to go sledding on our amazing sledding hill. Students need snow boots, snow pants, and mittens to do this. If your student would like to participate, but does not have these required clothing items, please let us know. Later in the year, we hope to have a skating rink as well!
Quest Feast Each year, the Quest Team has a holiday feast to celebrate our community and the winter holidays. This is a feast that parents and other relatives are welcome to attend. It is a tight squeeze on team, but we have always fit everyone in! We ask each student on the Quest Team to bring in a sample (4-6 servings) dish that their family enjoys eating – perhaps something traditional – and we have a big potluck lunch. Students sign up for entertaining with singing, instrumental pieces, or other forms of appropriate entertainment. The feast is held in the Quest Team's classrooms. Family members are welcome! Each student is expected to bring a dish, a drink such as cider or juice, a dessert, or paper products like plates, forks and knives or napkins. Please email Melissa Williams with what you can bring. We ask everyone to bring something to contribute to our community.
Here is a link for more information.
We wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
