Principal's Message
March 4, 2019
I have always been interested in metacognition (thinking about our thinking) and how it pertains to learning. In doing some research to share with students and teachers, I came across this article from Edutopia, Metacognition: Nurturing Self-Awareness in the Classroom. Educators have always known that metacognition is important for success in school. People who spend the time in thoughtful practice do better. This is because things make sense to students more when they understand what it is they are doing. If you ask your child why they are learning something and they say, “Because my teacher told me to,” they are missing the point. This is obviously a challenge because, in a sense, we do want our children to listen to us. But they need to understand the deeper meaning of why they are learning.
In a recent study from an introductory college level statistics class, some students took a short survey on how they might study and prepare for the class. These students were essentially forced to think about how they might learn statistics. The students who took the survey scored on average, one third of a grade higher than the students who did not take the survey. Metacognition helps student build awareness of their learning process. Learning is a skill much like anything else. Children who learn how to learn do much better in life. Higher order thinking skills develop through practice. Children as young as 3 years old can begin to practice metacognition.
The key to metacognition is to encourage your children to manage their own learning instead of passively absorbing material. This is where the growth mindset comes in. By simply promoting a growth mindset students understand that learning isn’t fixed - through dedication and hard work, they can learn to be more resilient and overcome many challenges that may otherwise feel impossible. Simply being aware that there’s a difference between a fixed and a growth mindset is one of the most effective metacognitive strategies for students.
There are a few things that you can do at home to teach your children how to use metacognition:
- Ask what is the main point of something read
- Ask if there is anything that is confusing or unclear?
- What could I ask the teacher about this topic?
- What am I doing to make sure I remember this later? Are my notes good?
- What should I do if I get stuck?
- What do you think will show up on a test? Why?
- How much time do I need to spend outside of class?
- What grade would I get right this second if I took the test?
- What strategies will I use to study for this class? Is it enough to re-read my notes? Do I study well with friends? Do I need to talk things through?
This list might seem like a lot, however it is actually a low cost high yield way to get the most out of study time. Use the bullet points above as conversation starters with your students. By taking the time to have these brief conversations with your children you train their brains into thinking about their learning. In addition, children will begin to understand what kind of learner they are. We all have our strength and weaknesses. By thinking about learning, students can maximize their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses and develop stronger study habits.
What I really enjoyed about the article linked above was the fact that they mentioned the Compass Advantage. This resonates with me because it focuses on the whole child. I look forward to writing about the Compass advantage next week.
Tom Domer
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8th Grade Grad Shirts
All T-shirt and sweatshirt orders are due to Ms. Williams by this Thursday, March 7th. Checks or cash are accepted (exact amount only please) and checks can be made out to Central Middle School. An electronic order form can be found here: 8th Grade Grad Shirt Order Form 2019. Please contact Mr. Domer for scholarships.
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Weekly Parent Support Group
Thursday nights at Heather Elementary School Library from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. We tackle parenting challenges, share resources, contribute with ideas, and build our parenting community. They say, "It takes a village" so please join us for an opportunity to find your village. The group is free to parents in the San Carlos School District.
To RSVP go to this link and purchase your free ticket:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parent-support-group-san-carlos-school-district-tickets-53717537601
Mustang Roundup
Arroyo CMS PTA
The Central Arroyo PTA nominating committee is beginning to plan for next year. If you or a friend are interested in getting involved, please contact Lucrecia Boswell or Megan Miller
Open positions include:
- CMS PTA President
- Stampede and Soar Fun Run Leads
- Chicken's Ball Chair
- Fundraising Chair
- Membership Chair
- Yearbook Coordinator/Sports Photographer
- P.E. Loaner Washing Coordinator
- 8th Grade Promotion Dance Chair(s)
- 8th Grade Promotion Breakfast Chair (s)
2019-2020 School Year Calendar
SCSD Board of Education ratified the 2019-2020 school year calendar. For the complete calendar visit https://4.files.edl.io/dc3c/02/25/19/214215-e15c3eb4-2dbd-448e-abf4-40f4b24ce374.pdf .
Parent Ed: Preventing Drug and Alcohol Use
Join the professionals from Being Adept, along with their teen panelists on March 12 from 6:30-8:30pm at the SCSD District Office to learn the latest research-based practices for preventing drug and alcohol use among teenagers and young adults. There will be an opportunity for Q &A and interactive role play to help the adults understand how best to incorporate fruitful discussion with your family about this important safety topic. This free event is funded by our SCSD PTA Coordinating Council with support from the Sequoia Healthcare District and SCEF. RSVP: http://evite.me/cyW9TzAwyu
5th Grade Basketball Begins in March
Boys and Girls at Mariposa, SCCLC, and Arroyo are welcome to join us for our 5th basketball season this spring. Girls and boys will be placed onto even teams that will compete against other local 5th grade teams. This is a semi-competitive program aimed to introduce students to school sports and develop students into better basketball players. Score and rankings will be kept, but only to assist with the players' development.
The school athletics program is managed by Legarza, who conducts the tryouts, trains and staffs all the coaches, and coordinates all gym space and referees for the season. My role is to provide communication between SCSD and the athletic directors.
Use this link to register: https://www.scsdsports.org/scsd-registration-1
All players must read the Concussion Information and fill out an Athletic Clearance Form that requires a doctor's authorization every 16 months.
Tryouts:
- Girls: March 27, 2:00-2:45pm & March 28, 4:15-5:00pm
- Boys: March 27, 2:45-3:30pm & March 28, 3:30-4:15pm
Practices: 1-2 times per week and games will be 1-2 times per week. All events will take place between school letting out and 7pm Monday-Thursday. We try to schedule as much as possible right after school lets out, but cannot accommodate all teams all the time.
Season: The season will run for approximately six weeks with 6-8 games played between Mariposa/SCC and Arroyo, in addition to other local 5th grade teams.
Please contact Minday Hill at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Middle School Sports Registration Open Now
Our spring season for school sports is about to begin. These sports include Boys' Volleyball, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, and 5th Grade Basketball. Partial and full scholarships are available; simply send an email to [email protected].
IMPORTANT CHANGES- Please use the DISTRICT LINK https://www.scsdsports.org to register for upcoming Spring Sports. You must register prior to tryouts, and some sports are limited to the first 30 registrants, so please register right away.
TRYOUTS and SCHEDULES- We will be posting all tryout dates soon, but the full schedules aren’t available until we are able to meet with our Art David Athletic League (ADAL) to determine the entire league's schedule. If your child registers and then discovers that the practice schedule won’t work for him/her, then you can request a refund.
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS- USE THIS WEBSITE TO REGISTER https://www.scsdsports.org/
1. Click on "After School Sports" in the top header
2. Click on “Spring"
3. Select your school. Note that some sports have combined school teams and you will need to scroll down to see those, as well as to see the 5th grade programs. Also note that Mariposa/SCCLC is combined for 5th grade, and TL/SCCLC is combined for 6-8 grades.
4. Read the information and register
5. Select the button for the sport for which you are registering (again)
6. Add to cart
7. View your cart
8. Checkout
SCSD Athletics
Please use the DISTRICT LINK https://www.scsdsports.org for information on SCSD Athletics. Call 415-334-3333 or email [email protected] with any questions.
SCEF
Last Chance to Participate in the Fantastic Auction Items at the Gala!
Purchase a Lucky on Live raffle ticket and you could be the lucky winner! Choose from a selection of valuable Starlight Gala live auction items. See all eligible items at www.scefkids.org/lol2019
If you would like to purchase raffle tickets send an email to [email protected] noting how many you would like and which auction item you would select if you are the winner. Only 275 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $100 each or 6 for $500.
Teacher Auctions
Did you miss out on grabbing a spot for your child to go on their teacher’s outing?
The POST EVENT "auction" site has over 300 spots in 85 outings still available!
All spots are for sale at Fixed, Buy-it-Now prices.
Check them out at: https://scefkids2019.ggo.bid
Community Partners
2020 San Carlos Chickens' Ball
What is the San Carlos Chickens’ Ball?
It is a fundraiser for San Carlos Schools, a community builder, and it’s a show with a rousing opener, skits, entr'actes, and a dazzling finale! The melodrama skits and the variety skits must be based on a nugget of history in the time of the San Francisco Barbary Coast (1890 to 1918). Turn of the Century theatrics, sets, and costumes add mightily to the entertainment! Fanciful entr'actes interpret contemporary works! Since 1940, everyone has been invited to, “Come play with us in the Chickens’ Ball!”
- www.chickensball.org
- Facebook: sancarloschickens’ball
- [email protected]
Want to be involved? Email [email protected] School liasons, musicians, actors, singers, dancers, extras, set and costume designers, set builders and painters, those who sew, stage crew, etc. ALL are welcome. Come join the fun and the unique San Carlos time honored tradition!
Weekly Parent Support Group
Thursday nights at Heather Elementary School Library from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. We tackle parenting challenges, share resources, contribute with ideas, and build our parenting community. They say, "It takes a village" so please join us for an opportunity to find your village. The group is free to parents in the San Carlos School District. The topic for February 28 is ideas to help our children with depression in its various forms.
To RSVP go to this link and purchase your free ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parent-support-group-san-carlos-school-district-tickets-53717537601
High School Happenings
Sequoia High School
Open House
Thursday, March 28, 2019 -7:00-8:30 PM
Open to Current and Prospective Students
Sequoia Day/Sequoia Stampede
Saturday, April 13, 2019 (9:00 AM)
Freshman Welcome Night
Wednesday, April 25 @ MPR 6:30-8:30 PM
Also, for more information about Sequoia and all of our programs, please visit our website at http://www.sequoiahs.org/index.html
Carlmont High School
Attached please find the October Carlmont Corner & a detailed flyer about Shadowing at Carlmont. Shadow registration will be available through our website beginning on October 8th.
http://www.carlmonths.org/Parents/8th-Grade-Transition/index.html
INFORMATION
• Carlmont High School website: http://carlmonths.org/
• Sequoia Union High School District website: http://www.seq.org/
MIDDLE SCHOOL LIAISONS
• Central, Charter, & Tierra Linda: Chris Cook [email protected]
• Nesbit, Ralston & Non-Feeder: Carol Castro [email protected]
• For non-feeder school ONLY: email [email protected] to join mailing list
Summit/Everest High School
For more information go to summitps.org
Design Tech High School
http://www.designtechhighschool.org/