March 30

7th Grade

Link to this week's 7th Grade Sheet 

March 27

Happy birthday, Mrs. Waistell.

Today marks the end of our second week in distance learning.  I was reminded by Coach Guy about our mindset.  We all can make excuses about our time this year.  For sure this is easy for some, while hard for others.  What we must remember is that we control our reactions to events around us.
Take this time to become a better version of yourself. Read more, fill in gaps that you have in learning, find the joy in learning.  
Clean out your room.
Try something new.  This week I have delved into tech more than I thought possible.  I have done yoga (oww).  I cooked my favorite dish.
I have enjoyed family time. 

Make the most of your time.  

7th Grade

1. Flipgrid or 3-3-1
2. Quiz on Aztec Reading
3. 10:30 Check in with Fin zoom
4. Turn in reading log (2 hours of reading).
5. Living history journal 3.  

8th Grade

Due today - 
Andrew Jackson 
Flipgrid
Socratic Seminar 11:30

March 26

This week I spent time reading through journals and reading logs.  I see a lot of excellent journals.

I am posting scores on Powerschool, and I try to stay caught up.  If you are falling behind, please email me late work.  Reading logs are required 4 days a week.  If you forgot to do one last week, do and extra one this week, and highlight that row!  

With the living history journal, you will have 8 entries by spring break.  If you miss one, make it up.

7th Grade

Today,

Log into Nat Geo Help link. Read Chapter 6 Lesson 3.1. It is about the city of Tenochtitlan. Read for comprehension. Highlight and take notes. I will quiz you tomorrow. Make sure you study the map, click the magnifying glass.

8th Grade

Continue your work on Andrew Jackson.

March 25

7th Grade

1. Check-in: on Google Classroom
2. Living History Journal #5

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• How are you occupying your time?
• How do you feel about this? psyched that you don’t have to come to school? bored? worried? bummed that you won’t get to see your friends?

3. Continue “All Summer in a Day” (see Tuesday) 
4. Outside Reading 30 min and log

8th Grade

1. Living History Journal #4

2. Andrew Jackson's Presidency

March 24

Good Morning,

We are in our second week of the COVID closure and I can see that your kids are adjusting for the most part. Academics is a lot like exercise. If you push yourself just slightly out of your comfort zone, then you will usually see growth. This is the case with reading. On average kids should read 3 to 4 hours a week, part of this reading is through academic subjects like history and science, but part of the reading should come from books that the kid wants to read. The goal is to get kids into the habit of challenging themselves. Keep your kids reading,

7th Grade

This week in 7th grade I am asking kids to keep up with the following
Living History Journal - 3 days a week
Reading Log - 5 days a week
Mayan History
A literature story
Aztec history

In 8th Grade 

The focus is on Andrew Jackson's presidency.

All items are found in google classroom on the 3/23 task sheet and as individual assignments.
In addition, students must check-in each day. On Mondays, it is a google form check-in found on the task sheet,
Tuesday through Friday, there is a question posed on Google Classroom. Check-ins should happen before 3 pm as I turn in a list to the office of who has not checked in. Yesterday I only had 19 out of 55 checked in.

Food Services

Finally, today is the last day of daily food service. There will still be meals given, but you are required to turn in your order today at  http://slcusdfood.org/online-ordering/#/catering/1532619635664/step1.  Order by 12 noon. 

March 23 Week 2 of the COVID Closure

Introduction

I hope that we adjusted to the reality of distance learning.  I know it has been a challenge for families and the world has thrown so much at you in a short time.  

From my perspective, I have to figure out how to teach a curriculum that moves our students forward, while keeping in mind that this can be a huge stressor for them. I am a parent also, and I have to adjust to my kids' homework, a limited amount of bandwidth, and longer lines at the grocery store.  

If you need a book and have a library card you can check out a digital book following this link.

Audible is also offering free audio books by following this link. 

7th Grade Students

This week we are continuing our study on the Maya.  To that end, I am using a hyperdoc with a series of tasks for students to complete.  We started this last week, but some students needed more time to adjust.  The hyperdoc and the assignments are posted in Google Classroom.

Then in writing, students are continuing to write a living history journal that is also found in Google Classroom.

In reading there is a short story by Ray Bradbury and students need to read this week for 2 hours from a book of their choosing.

8th Grade Students

Create Blog Post 4

Watch the Jackson video today and then start the assignment "Should Andrew Jackson be on the $20?

March 20

Day 3 of distance learning

Hello LOMS Families,

I would say day 2 was a bit more productive.  I did a zoom chat with about twenty students from 10 to 12.  I saw that many 7th graders got a good start on the required learning for the day.  By the end of Friday, you should have completed a minimum of two living journal posts each plus 90 minutes of logged free-choice reading.  In addition, you will complete a graphic organizer on the Mayans and create a paragraph or flip grid in which you answer the following question: What was the most remarkable achievement of the Mayans?  Be sure to give a claim, evidence, and reason for your opinion.

What did I do with my closure Thursday? I did a little bit of exercise on the Bob Jones trail, a short run to the beach.  I did a little work, and I hope to watch Frozen 2 with the kiddos.

Yesterday, I shared my family's schedule, and I will leave that up for one more day.

8:00 My kids should be up
9:00 to 12:00 academic time
12:00 to 1:00
1:00 PE
2:00 Complete school work and read
3:00 to 5:00 Social Time
5:00 is dinner then family time


Today, continue working on the task list, and I will add updates every so often.  For today's journal entry, kids should let me know if they heard about the county-wide "shelter in place."  I am curious what their take is on that.

Friday Task List Summary Grade 7

• Check-in question on Classroom
• Living History Blog - Google Classroom
• Read for 30 minutes and Log it on Google Classroom
• Read about Mayan achievements 6.2.4 Legacy of the Maya
• Explore the Living Maya Time Smithsonian website.  (Focus on: “The Maya and the Sun”, “Maya Math”, and “Sun, Corn, and the Calendar”  All are under “Maya Sun”). Graphic organizer to post in Google Classroom Friday morning.   
• Complete living history blog post week #1 (in Google Classroom) 
• Make a flipgrid post or write a paragraph.

Task List Summary for Grade 8

Living History Blog 3
Missouri Compromise Exit Ticket for those who haven't completed it



Don't forget that I will have office hours from 10 am to 12 pm.  I am hoping to have a special guest at 10:30.  WE shall see.

Email me if you have history or English questions.  pangel@slcusd.org
Get lunch at the school closest to you from 11:00 to 1:00.
Email Mr. Blum or Mrs. Dinielli if you need a Chromebook kblum@slcusd.org
Email Ms. Baca for social/emotional support. dbaca@slcusd.org

March 19

Day 2 of distance learning

Hello LOMS Families,

Thank you so much for checking in yesterday.  Yesterday, in my household it was not easy.  I have two high schoolers with a whole lot of work to do.  The sophomore at MBHS needs a science book, but we live in SLO, so I missed out today.  Also, my internet died Tuesday night and I spent almost 8 hours working with Spectrum techs to get it up and running.  Speaking of Spectrum, it is true that they are offering free wifi for families like you who are affected by school closures.  The hold time is a bit high, but once they get started the process goes pretty smooth.

After we finished our homework and chores our family battled it out with a game of Risk.  I am not sure what we will do today for fun, but each day we are on a schedule.

8:00 My kids should be up
9:00 to 12:00 S
12:00 to 1:00
1:00 PE
2:00 Complete school work and read
3:00 to 5:00 Social Time
5:00 is dinner then family time


Today, continue working on the task list, and I will add updates every so often.  For today's journal entry, kids should let me know if they heard about the county-wide "shelter in place."  I am curious what their take is on that.

Thursday Task List Summary Grade 7

Living History Blog - Google Classroom
Read for 30 minutes and Log it on Google Classroom
Thank You, Ma'am, read and respond -- Google Classroom
Does Kindness Matter paragraph -- Google Classroom
Go Beyond with Mayan Notes -- Student-created on paper or digital

Grade 8
Living History Blog 2
Missouri Compromise Exit Ticket for those who haven't completed it



Don't forget that I will have office hours from 10 am to 12 pm, and during that time I will post a link on Google Classroom so that I can communicate through video conferencing.

Email me if you have history or English questions.  pangel@slcusd.org
Get lunch at the school closest to you from 11:00 to 1:00.
Email Mr. Blum or Mrs. Dinielli if you need a Chromebook kblum@slcusd.org
Email Ms. Baca for social/emotional support. dbaca@slcusd.org

March 18, 2020

Hello students and parents!

The world changed dramatically in just the last few days.  However, since the beginning of time, human beings have been able to change and adapt in dramatic ways. The next couple of weeks will bring a sort of school experience that I never knew existed before. The road ahead may be steep, but we will be patient with one another. I have tried to make the process as streamlined and simple as possible. Please read ahead to understand the assignments your students will have in their Humanities class. In addition, I will be available Monday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Students may email questions or write questions on assignments in Google Classroom. My email is pangel@slcusd.org. Students need to check in to each of their classes every day, Monday through Friday.  In Humanities, they will check-in using a Google Form or Flipgrid on Google Classroom. Previously, I had used the blog to update any new information and detail everything in the Humanities class, but all assignments and announcements will be posted on Google Classroom, from now on.  If this sounds overwhelming right now, I understand.  However, I can (almost) promise that the students will be reading and writing and responding and Flipgridding like champions by this time next week.  However, if parents or students have any questions or concerns, please email me. If you would like to talk, send me an email with a good phone number to reach you and I will call you.

Living History Journal--Students, you are now a historian. Starting on Wednesday, March 18, you will be keeping a journal. Each day, you will detail what you are seeing in the news, how the world, how our nation, how your friends, neighbors, and family are responding to this pandemic.

You are creating a primary source that can be used by people in the future to learn about our lives during this crisis from your unique perspective.

Be authentic. Be honest. Be reflective. 

Short stories--Over the next couple of weeks we will be exploring the world of short stories. Each story will be accompanied by comprehension questions or a choice of writing a five-sentence paragraph reflecting on the story as a whole. Stories have been chosen because of their strong themes and / or their connection to what is happening in our world today.

Nat Geo and/or other history--Students will dive into the Americas (the New World) starting this week.  Sometimes, the assignment will be reading a page or two and taking notes. Other times, it will be watching a video and answering questions.  It could be taking Cornell notes on a topic the students are reading an article about or watching a documentary about.  

Book Club composition books--Students are accustomed to reading 30 minutes, four times a week in a choice book, and then choosing and writing about two different quotations, with a three-picture storyboard or three new words defined on Longman. That will continue to be the expectation. I will ask students to upload a photograph of their composition book entry for the week, each week, by Friday.  If students would like to transition to a digital version, they will be able to do this in the coming weeks. 

Flipgrid--This is a new, exciting, fun way for the students to connect with each other by making short videos on a variety of themes:  current events, reflections on short stories, sharing main points from their blogs, synthesizing ideas in history, or just simple check-ins. 

I know this is a lot of change, all of a sudden.  I have always been impressed with our incredible community here at LOMS.  In trying times, we know we are all in this together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or needs.  

Sincerely,

Mr. A

March 16

Day 1 of school closure:


Students and families,

I will be posting information on this site regularly.  The goal is to connect with students frequently.

Mr. A


Living History Blog Example

Friday, March 13

Today was a bit stressful.  The sports world had canceled or postponed so many things, that I was certain school was going to be next.  I took my students to the library for a Women's history lesson and I encouraged all students to check out 2 books as I felt this could be our last trip.

At lunch, I found out that Los Angeles and San Diego had both closed for extended breaks.  I listened to our county health officer and she did not recommend a closure at this time.  I kind of felt that maybe we could push on until Monday.

At 3 O'Clock, I heard the news that we were closing.  I felt sad.  I enjoy teaching, and I feel that my students have really grown as individuals this year. 

March 16

I went to school today.  I was happy to see that students will be provided with meals at many schools.  The 7th-grade humanities team met and we planned on the curriculum to help keep students connected. 

As I looked around my classroom, I see lots of great examples of student work.  I noticed that the city was pretty empty on my drive in.  I stopped for coffee at my usual spot and the regulars were not all there.  It is slowly sinking in that my daily routine will change for the time being, but I am keeping a positive attitude and exercising a bit.