The Clerc Center
Connection

What's Happening on MSSD Teams

By Sue Jacoby

No doubt, this has been a unique first quarter. Every teacher and staff member at MSSD has answered questions and faced challenges they couldn't have imagined a few months ago. The events of the last six weeks have also presented some interesting "teachable moments". Teams spent considerable time focusing on the events of September 11th and their impact on the world. Teachers and staff worked to develop the students' fund of knowledge as well as their empathy skills. On Team 9, students worked in groups to create bulletin boards that chronicled the events from September 11th and their reactions and questions. Team 10 held a series of team meetings and community-building activities so students could ask questions and share their reactions. Students on Teams 11 and 12 did a webbing activity in their social studies classes that had them considering the personal, global, and economic impacts from September 11th. Students on Teams 11 and 12 also participated in Gallaudet's workshop on the impact of September 11th. And this was just the first two weeks of school!

Transition was also a focus on the teams. Students on all teams spent several weeks in transition activities that prepared them for their work experience placements. Workshops addressed resume' writing, interview skills, workplace communication, and work experience responsibilities. Freshman took responsibility for their closed weekend travel plans through a series of activities that had them anticipate their travel needs, write to their parents asking for travel details, and learn about new travel regulations. It was obvious from the student comments, "Why do I have to do this?" and "This isn't my job", that the workshops were necessary and valuable.

Here is a taste of the good stuff happening at MSSD…Juniors are using their writing journals to respond to ethical dilemmas posed in their English classes. Team 12 students are practicing their generative thinking skills during text activities that encourage them to think and analyze non-fiction material. Freshmen are creating their own versions of a "perfect world" in preparation for The Giver and 1984. In Earth Systems Science, seniors complete LEAs following lab activities. This written documentation of their lab activities provides support as they write their lab reports. Team 10 students also used LEAs to discuss and document their hieroglyphics social studies project. After comparing Egyptian hieroglyphic grammar with English grammar, the student made clay cartouche's of their names. Then, through LEAs, they chronicled their experiences. In many math and science classes, students use journals for summary and reflection.

During the always-popular soap-making lab, Juniors learn about the scientific method and develop insight into the lives of Civil War era people. The students develop a sense of belonging during the lab since they depend on each other for guidance and support. One of the most telling signs about Chemistry is that students arrive early to class!

Teams continue to work many hours to create challenging and intriguing learning environments for all students. Look for more MSSD happenings in future newsletters.

Every Penny Makes a Difference

By Sara Gillespie & Gail Solit

Thanks to all the teachers, staff, students, friends, and families at CDC, KDES and MSSD who participated in the "Every Penny Makes a Difference" fundraiser. We raised over $800--most of it in pennies!

On Friday, Oct. 5, Nan Moring, a representative from the American Red Cross, joined us for an assembly at KDES. Students on Team 6,7,8 signed the Pledge of Allegiance and also presented information about why we started the penny collection. Students on Team 1,2,3 presented information about their daily penny count and the graph they made showing how quickly the pennies added up. Students on Team 4,5 presented information about the American Red Cross. Then each team presented their penny collections to Ms. Moring.

One parent commented that the students' presentations gave her chills. It was a very moving assembly.

We want to thank everyone who was involved in planning the assembly and penny drive. Special thanks go to the Assembly Planning Team: Katie Breedlove, Susan Schatz, and Maureen Burns. We would also like to thank Barbara Kaufman and Stacey Pedersen for working with the students on their presentations for the assembly. We were very proud of our students.