Letter to my students on the last week of school 16/17

Dear AdVENTURER's,

It is time to say good-bye to some of you. This time around is is particularly poignant for me, as this class of 2025 will be the last group of AdVENTURERs who I had the privilege to teach every day for your complete AdVENTURE experience. That makes you unique in many ways. Aside from the content that we've discussed in class, through this experience you've learned to navigate the ups and downs of relationships. At times you've been friends, and at times you've been enemies, but through it all that sense of family remained. 

As you move on to whatever is next for you, know that each and every one of you has a special place in my heart. Through your insightful comments, your personalities and the laughter and tears we've shared, you have been my teachers. Because you shared your experiences with me as you went from children to adolescents, and allowed me to guide you through this transition, I will be forever changed. You provided me with opportunities to grow as an educator and as a person. You were the ones I thought about every time I decided to try something new and I thank you for your patience and compassion when things did not work out. 

I take ownership of all those times I pushed you too hard. Know that I did that because I believe in you. I could not bear the thought of allowing you miss an opportunity simply because it would be easier to let it go. Each of the talents, skills, and abilities you developed when things were hard will serve you in the years to come. I invite you to continue to concentrate on the things that will have a positive effect on your life. Choose your friends wisely, listen to your trusted adults and mentors, and do the best you possibly can in everything you attempt.  As your memory of me fades, know that I will continue to search for the accomplishments that undoubtedly await you, and I will be forever in the background rejoicing with you.

Know that "once my student, always my student". I can and will always be willing to help. Even if you are graduating (congratulations by the way!), do not hesitate to contact me if you ever need to. You have a special place in my heart, and though you may be gone from my classroom you will always be a true AdVENTUREr.

Always,
Mrs. Garcia

Portfolios

This Week on the Island 05/15-05/19

Dates to Remember:

• End of Year Student Exhibition Night 05/24
• End of Term 6 06/02.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News
Do not forget, Birdbrain and Blogs!

  5^th Science

This week you will use the environmental accords we discussed last week to create your "dream" city. Put on your scientist's hats as you develop your ideas for exactly what a city must have to be sustainable.

6^th Science and  7th Science

This week you will continue on to phase 2 of your End of Year project. Use your notes on the environmental accords to identify their presence in your Urban Village. How environmentally responsible is your work in math? 

7^th  Engineering and 8th Engineering

Your e-portfolios are about to be done. Revise them to make sure not only that you have complied with the requirements, but also to ensure that they represent you in the best way possible. For those of you that are ready to move on, you may begin working on this EndOfYear project. I can hear you groaning already, but this is your last chance to really impress everyone with all you can do. Have fun and take your learning to the "next level".

This Week on the Island 05/08-05/12

Dates to Remember:

• End of Year Student Exhibition Night 05/24
• End of Term 6 06/02.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News
Do not forget, Birdbrain and Blogs!

  5^th Science

We are almost to the end of our "Interactions in Ecosystems" unit. We will start the week analyzing a couple of case studies, figuring out what happens to an ecosystem when there is a natural disaster. We will then begin the Science portion of the End of Year unit, talking about environmental responsibility.

6^th Science 

On Monday, we will have our final discussion regarding the "Fish Kill in the Grey Bay". The results of the fish autopsies are revealed. Who is the real culprit? You will then have an opportunity to write a rebuttal letter, putting together everything you have learned. Finally we begin the Science portion of the End of Year unit, talking about environmental responsibility.

7th Science

This week we start by discussing how acids and bases can be neutralized. We will put final touches to your knowledge of middle school chemistry using the LOL platform. We will use that to introduce you to our EOY unit, and discuss human impacts on the environment. 

7^th  Engineering and 8th Engineering

Urban Village Website
Building is almost done. I am incredibly proud of the work you are doing, and cannot wait to see the finished products. Make sure you know the fun answers to the EDP quiz you will take. They are 2 and Hong Kong.