December 2nd

1st Trimester Communications

PLPs

Swifties started early in the trimester with the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) process, first setting goals in our conferences, then creating their e-portfolios around these goals.  We refer to these e-portfolios as both portfolios and PLPs.  Students have been reflecting on these goals and adding evidences to document their progress throughout the trimester.  They have a lot to share with you in our upcoming conferences.

Please ask your son or daughter to review their PLP with you before your parent-teacher conference.

Jumprope Reports

In addition to the PLP, you will be receiving a report from "Jumprope," the new WCS standards-based grading program.  You will see scores for learning targets in all of your child's classes on one report now!  The Jumprope report will be e-mailed as a PDF from the school next week, so please be sure you have your e-mail up to date with the front office.  You can e-mail Amy Benoit with any changes.

For more information on please see the following resources:

• School Bell Article from WSD Administration
• Proficiency Based Learning overview by Mr. Hunt

Portfolio Conferences

Core teachers are scheduling portfolio conferences.  Students lead these conferences by reflecting on their goals using the evidences in their PLPs, so please choose a time that works for you and your child.  We will also review Jumprope reports as well.  You can open our calendars with the links below:

• Ms. Donnelly
• Ms. Laberge
• Ms. Skapof
• Mr. Hunt

Washington DC Update

We need lots of help for Fun Night on December 16th still. Sign up here.  Also, please share your commitment for future fundraisers on this document.

Thank you!

School Musical Update

The Drama Audition Schedule is now POSTED !! The students will need to take a look at the days and times that they are signed up for.

WCS 8th Grade Trip

Permission slips for the WCS 8th Grade Trip went out to all parents of 8th graders.  We're posting them here in case you need further access.  We will also have hard copies of the forms available at school.

8th Grade Celebration Trip
2016-2017 Behavioral Expectations
Field Trip Medical Information Form

Science Updates

5th and 6th graders are learning about the impacts of human activities on the Lake Champlain watershed.  This week they modeled the effects of fertilizer,  cow manure, oil leaks, and pet waste on the lake using a 3-d model on loan from the Lake Champlain Basin Program.

Hiwot adds pet waste to the model (using chocolate sprinkles)

Philip adds manure to fertilizer the fields (cocoa powder)

The class takes turns "raining" on the watershed