Wednesday, August 31st

Tonight's homework: Word Wisdom p. 10 (there is a quiz Friday over Unit 1, Part 1)

Good morning Lodge students and families,

We are continuing the lifeskill of having a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. The quote of the day relating to the lifeskill is by Mary Engelbreit, and she said,

"If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it."

This quote had me thinking this morning. As a teacher, I am often faced with the rigors of maintaining classroom discipline, in order to invite a warm, creative thinking environment for all involved. Sometimes, as a class, we need to "change it up," as they say in hockey. In the beginning, Mr. Polk would say "Pride Promise" and most students would respond by raising their hand and quieting. After almost four weeks, I do have students who respond as they should, but not as many as the first week. I had a new student come in and tell me they used a "level system" in order to get quiet. So, for example, students will hear me say, "Level 1!" and they know to "Zip it. No talking or noises will be allowed."

So, I know as a teacher, I will need to keep "changing it up" to to keep the students disciplined in order to get an education. The second part of the quote helps me too. If I can't change it, I need to "change the way "I" think about it." I know sometimes that I can easily get frustrated because I do not tolerate talking or noise when I am speaking/teaching, or when another student or adult has "the floor." I need to remember to have a positive attitude and know that perfection is humanly impossible. I need to utilize the noise and adhere it to the students' strengths. Just my thoughts for the day...

In class, students were introduced to the Student Reference books for Science. These books will STAY AT SCHOOL. They are not being assigned to students because I only have enough for a class set. Therefore, there will be no homework assignments with the reference books; it will be used for classwork only. We read a chapter that dealt with terminology including: sediment, erosion, weathering, deposition...Ask your child what these words mean.

TOMORROW...the students will be doing an outside Science study to discover the "Earth's Changing Surface." A letter introducing the unit is going home today with your child. Also, there is white slip you can sign if you are interested in volunteering tomorrow for the event. Please follow the directions on the form.

If you have any questions, please e-mail me at ben.polk@evsc.k12.in.us

Have a great day!

~Mr. Polk

HOMEWORK tonight: Word Wisdom p. 10