I expected we'd each struggle with the transition back to school post winterbreak, however, our reentry into the classroom atmosphere happened rather smoothly. Before break we had a stellar classroom shindig organized and orchestrated by Ule and supported by a handful of warm-hearted and kind parents. It wasn't until after our cocoa bar and sweet-toothed feast that I grabbed the camera to document. I captured some entertaining shots of the kids performing their individualized holiday skits. Before the images let me just a take a moment to express my gratitude to Ule for throwing us a wonderful party. Thank you Ule! And also much thanks to all the families for sharing with me thoughtful Christmas gifts.
Gregory making music
Conner, Kaytee and Kimberly impressing us.
Camden and Conner sharing their Christmas skit
Joli and Lauren acting as Santa and his Elf.
Ta-da
Paradisio and Jeffrey in the Rap Battle
Ask your child about the Raku Firing we did on December 19th.
What is Raku?
Raku pottery
is created with a specific ceramic firing process that uses both fire
and smoke to create unique patterns and designs. The piece is first bisque fired, then it is glazed and undergoes a raku firing process. The firing process requires a special raku kiln that is fueled by propane and reaches temperatures of about 1,800°F (about 982°C).
After
the kiln, it is then removed from the kiln using specially designed raku
tongs. While the raku pottery piece is still hot and glowing, it is placed
inside a metal can full of combustible materials. The heat
emitted from the pottery causes these materials to catch on fire.
After
the materials inside the metal can catch on fire, a lid is placed over
the can and the pottery is sealed inside. As the fire consumes the
oxygen within the can, it also draws the oxygen out of the pottery and
its glaze. This process is called post fire reduction. It is this stage
that creates the unique look of raku pottery. The resulting patterns and
colors are unpredictable, as they are created through the natural
process oxygen removal
We are very appreciative of all of Pam and Doug’s hard work and assistance.
Why did we do Raku?
Because in Expeditionary Learning we look at Big Ideas and Guiding Questions through different “lenses” or “case studies”.
Our Expedition was “Why Does It Matter?” and the case studies were:
1. Carbon, Climate & Controversy
2. You Got a Problem with Me? – Mountain Pine Beetle
3. Rocks, Raku & You
Big Ideas
▪ All cycles have matter and energy
▪ Matter and energy affect each other and are recycled
▪ Systems are often connected
▪ Scientists have specific ways of finding things out (thinking skills)
Guiding Questions
▪ Where do matter and energy come from? Where do they go?
▪ What happens when matter and energy are recycled?
▪ How are systems and cycles connected?
▪ How do scientists figure things out?
▪ What is the role of scientific literacy in people’s lives? Why is it even important?
Dates to Be Aware Of:
Spelling Bee:
January 16: Immediately following ASM
CRMS Families:
January 22nd from 6:00 – 7:30 PM – Blue Knight Parent Night for Renaissance, DCMC, Sedalia, Soaring Hawk and Larkspur – flyers for this night were attached to the course selection packets.
January 30th – Course selection sheets due back to 6th grade teachers
April 2013 – Parent only dessert and coffee open house at CRMS. More details on this event will be sent at a later date.
April or May 2013 – All 6th grade students will take a field trip to CRMS for a tour and student information presentation. More details on this event will be sent at a later date.
MESA Families:
January 22nd: MESA will visit REMS
January 15th or 16th: Parent Orientation Night: 303-387-4750.
Winter Voyage:
6th Grade: 2/4-2/7 with 2/8 as a day of rest
5th Grade: 2/25-5/27with 2/28 as day of rest
NO SCHOOL: Professional Development (teacher work day) – 1/18 & 2/15
NO SCHOOL: Holidays (MLK & President’s) – 1/21 & 2/18
TCAP Testing – Week of 3/4
End of 3rd Quarter and Start of Spring Break – 3/22
