School Culture by Charles Debelak

November 2015 Vol 22 Issue 3

SHARING OUR VISION – SCHOOL CULTURE BY CHARLES DEBELAK n the October Clipboard, I explained how the success cycle ing and character development far exceeds any program frames instruction at Birchwood. This simple yet deeply re- or curriculum factor. Isearched practice enables children to maximize their potential At Birchwood, our culture is one of growing and thriving. Whether while building self-confidence by tailoring their instruction and related to intellect or character, we grow, and when we grow we workload according to their individual ability and grade level. feel alive, we feel good about ourselves, and we are inspired to The success cycle will be a key component of sustaining our continue growing and help others grow. Birchwood has established mission into the future. a “garden” with good soil, plenty of water, nutrients and the love of Another factor for sustaining our mission is the preservation gardeners. Here we plant saplings so they will grow and bear fruit. of our culture. Culture is an expression of the values, practices Inspiration, encouragement, support, kindness, warmth, thoughtful- and traditions of any given institution. Culture is the cumulative ness, consideration and professionalism at its highest level are the effect of how people in an institution treat themselves, how they hallmarks of our culture. In the coming months I will explain some treat one another, and how they treat their institutional responsibili- of our efforts to continue and even enrich this wonderful culture ties day after day. The power of culture to determine student learn- we enjoy at Birchwood.

UNDER THE CANOPY result is that all students receive a world-class education regardless of socioeconomic situation. The less obvious consequence is that NEWS FROM BIRCHWOOD Birchwood must operate more efficient operations than our peers. Thus, Annual Fund support allows us to improve, grow and access Why Fundraising Matters: The Students opportunities that lean margins might otherwise preclude. Every year, Annual Fund dollars So, support the Annual Fund today. Click here or stop in the Main directly benefit students. Two key Office and make a gift that directly benefits your student. focus areas include improved facili- ties and programs. For instance, Michelle Ehlert this summer, many rooms had Director of Advancement lockers removed and replaced with custom shelves. We purchased new Celebrating the Success of Birchwood’s classroom furniture and stocked the Class of 2012 National Merit Scholars foreign language building. On the Congratulations to alumni Clive Chan, Peter Abou Haidar and programming side, philanthropic Kavya Ravichandran from the Birchwood class of 2012 for being dollars seeded both the music and named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists and to Naomi Wu visual arts programs. They also and Alexander Isherwood, supported Signature Programs like who were named Com- History Day, MATHCOUNTS and Future Problem Solving (FPS). mended Students in recog- CONTENTS Donations provide travel scholarships for national competitors and nition of their outstanding Teaching Character...... 2 have permitted us to grow the December Dance & Drama Residency. academic promise. Thirty- Reflections by Charles Debelak Financial accessibility for students is also a key focus. Last year, six percent of the 2012 Early Start...... 3 the school provided financial aid to more than 48 percent of Birchwood graduating Class News...... 4 class is ranked among the students. In addition, we maintain tuition that is 30 percent lower Future Problem Solving...... 13 than our next closest academic peer. This means that all Birch- top students in the nation. Upcoming Events wood families receive an education equivalent – and often better continued on page 13 Poetry Show...... 13 than – that of our far more expensive counterparts. The obvious

1 © Birchwood School | 4400 West 140th Street | Cleveland, OH 44135 | Office: 216.251.2321 | www.birchwoodschool.org TEACHING CHARACTER Potential is a Gift – Excellence is a Habit

t Birchwood, we believe for character education to be effective and enduring, we must first inspire children to Avirtue, and, second, we must teach and train them lessons in virtue. In the September Clipboard, I shared a new initiative to inspire students, featuring an all school theme that fills the atmo- sphere with positive virtue. We began the first day of school with our “smile campaign.” In October, I described how we inspire children through stories in our daily openings across all grade levels. This month our teachers share examples of how character is taught and trained throughout the school day in each of our classrooms. Helene Debelak Director of Curriculum Mrs. Debelak relishes seeing each Birchwood student cultivate their character year after year throughout their Birchwood career. First Grade (Mrs. Sprau) Seedlings Mrs. Sprau’s first grade homeroom listened to stories about friends Seedlings have been working on sharing. Mrs. Shumway and during opening. Through reading “The Price of Friendship” in Miss Hoelter encourage the Seedlings to take turns and share “Uncle Arthur’s Storytime” by Arthur Maxwell, the students with their classmates. During center time there are many friends learned that friends stick with each other, even if they would eager to play. The children are reminded that the classroom works rather do something else. The children are practicing this at recess. best when everyone takes turns. Giving students the appropriate They’re learning to sometimes play what others would like to play language to share also assists in creating an environment where and to follow the rules of the game even if it means they get out. students respect one another. First Grade (Mrs. Mamone) Sprouts Mrs. Mamone’s first grade class has been excited about the new Sprouts are learning what it means to be kind to their friends and “on a positive note” program taking place in their classroom. teachers. The children are using kind words and actions throughout Each week Mrs. Mamone selects a student on Monday morning. the day. Recently, a student was struggling to put on his coat and Throughout the week, she keeps track of the positive character another friend offered to help. Mrs. Sabruno and Mrs. Brady are traits she sees that child exhibit. On Friday, after a drum roll and helping the students experience the importance of what it means to much anticipation, the student’s name is revealed and they get to use kind words during snack time and lunch. Sprouts are under- take home a special letter to share with their parents. standing that when kind words are used, classroom friends feel happy. They have also been learning to work as a team to clean up. This involves offering to help a friend even after they have finished Second Grade (Mrs. Syed) their own clean up. As classmates work together, each child is Mrs. Syed’s second grade homeroom has finished learning how developing a sense of teamwork. to be a good friend. The class read books about friendship and the character traits of being a good friend. During the day the children Kindergarten practice being a good friend by being helpful, considerate and kind. The favorite quote of the class is “A slice of nice makes a Mrs. Chen and Mrs. Hallett’s kindergarten classes have learned mile of smile” from the book “Kindness Is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler” by how to be “bucket fillers.” Students have learned that a bucket- Margery Cuyler. Currently, the students are reading books about filler is someone who is helpful, caring, kind and considerate of believing in yourself. So far the children’s favorite books on this others. The classes have been recording bucket-filling actions on topic are “Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon” by Patty Lovell and paper links when a student is seen “filling someone’s bucket.” “Dandelion” by Don Freeman. They understand the importance of For example, helping another student pick up spilled materials being yourself regardless of what others may think. from their supply bin without being asked to do so, asking another student who is alone at recess to join in and play, and comforting continued on page 12 another student when he was sad and missing his mom.

2 Birchwood Clipboard | November 2015 | Vol 22 | Issue 3 REFLECTIONS BY CHARLES DEBELAK EARLY START A NOTION ROOTED IN HISTORY AND MODERN RESEARCH

e have established that good character is built upon good habits, and good habits are a result of practice Wover time. Also, we asserted that good habits are formed primarily during youth, the first 15 years of life. Now I hope you did your homework from last month, which was to study the personal histories of friends and relatives that you consider of good character, that is, those who could be role models for your children. Were you able to make the connection between childhood experience and adult character? I will guess you did because I have done this little exercise hundreds of times whenever I meet someone whose character makes an impression on me. The connection from early childhood to good character in adulthood is always evident. Furthermore, when I’ve talked to friends from different cultures or ethnicities, the story remains the same. A few years ago while chatting with friends, I described the advantages of building good habits in youth. One friend of Hindu background told me that was I was moved by this conversation, though not surprised. Here was how many Hindus viewed early childhood character development. something so universal, so common to our shared humanity. Con- In fact, his family had a traditional saying that parents should clusions are self-evident. People are people, humanity is humanity, regardless of cultural, religious or ethnic background, and history ... if children learn to read early, has evidenced that the development of good character occurs pri- the benefits of being a competent marily in childhood. reader multiply throughout It’s not just the claim of various cultures. Scientific research during the past 50 years has drawn the same conclusions: the acquisition childhood and adolescence. of skills, knowledge, habits and attitudes multiply – the earlier the investment, the greater the return. An idea dubbed “The Matthew Ef- fect” by famed sociologist Robert Merton, just as the rich get richer, treat children under 5 like princes and princesses. From age 5 to children who learn to read early have the benefits of being a compe- 15, children must be made to work as hard as servants in order to tent reader that multiply throughout childhood and adolescence. shape their habits and attitudes. After this period of hard work, he said, children “become our friends for life.” Sociologists have called this the “cumulative advantage,” and it has important implications across the academic curriculum as well “Hey, we have a comparable belief in my country,” interrupted my as in the development of good character habits. Researchers like other friend, who was from an Islamic tradition, “but we spoil them Jonathan Haidt (New York University) and Martin E. P. Seligman until they are seven,” she continued with an impish grin. (University of Pennsylvania) note intrapersonal habits, the personal I am not an anthropological scholar so I cannot completely verify habits that lead to academic success, like self-discipline, diligence their statements based on extensive research. Nevertheless, the and perseverance, can and should be developed early. Their effect conversation mirrored what I had heard from friends of Jewish, multiplies and forms the basis for teenage attitudes and achievement. Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and Buddhist backgrounds. The History and research are in accord; the development of strong need of early training for the formation of attitudes and habits is a character needs an early start. belief that spans diverse cultures.

Mr. Debelak has over 30 years experience working to shape achievement ethics in young people. He is available for conversation at [email protected].

3 © Birchwood School | 4400 West 140th Street | Cleveland, OH 44135 | Office: 216.251.2321 | www.birchwoodschool.org CLASS NEWS K Math Mrs. Chen’s and Mrs. Hallett’s kindergarten mathematicians con- Seedlings tinue to work hard in their math groups. The students have shown The Seedlings in Mrs. Sabruno’s and Mrs. Brady’s class have been a wonderful understanding of number sense and are now using busy learning about autumn and looking for changes in the world this knowledge to work on addition concepts and computation. around them. Seedlings have enjoyed watching leaves on the trees An addition strategy the students have learned is counting on. The change color and were eager to share their favorite fall color. The students have learned to count on by using their fingers, objects, class has also been learning about how animals prepare for winter. their heads and a number line. Many students have become so flu- As winter approaches, the Seedlings are discussing and observing ent with their addition through 10 and have moved on to addition changes in the weather. Students noticed that it was windy in Octo- through 20. Some students have also learned the difference between ber, which led them to create beautiful windsocks. The class is also even and odd numbers, and are counting using ordinal numbers continuing to focus on the letter and number of the week. through lots of kinesthetic activities. The students enjoyed getting out of their seats and lining up to figure out who is first, second and Sprouts so forth. They loved the ordinal number task cards and figuring out challenging word problems through showing their work. Sprouts have begun taking part in the Early Learning Initiative through University Circle Inc. They are participating in a field visit K Reading every month that allows the children to explore museum collec- tions, music, nature and theater performances throughout Univer- Kindergarten students are working diligently on reading books, sity Circle. In October the class visited the Children’s Museum sight words, phonics, research projects and more, according to of Cleveland and explored the Young Architects: Designing the their respective reading group. All students have started using a Future exhibit where they were able to use all sorts of materials to personal “book box” to keep their “good fit” books in. Each week, make tall buildings. Sprouts also learned the importance of a strong the students get to take the books home from their book boxes to foundation in order to build tall structures that would not fall over. read to their family. The kindergarten students used all 16 of the One of the favorite sight words they learned in September and October to create a books shared by shared writing project. Mrs. Shumway and Miss Hoelter was, K Science and Social Studies “Iggy Peck, Archi- In October, Mrs. Chen’s and Mrs. Hallett’s kindergarteners learned tect.” Iggy saves about the wonderful human body. The students now know all about his classmates and their five senses through books, interactive experiences, songs teacher while on a and exploration projects. Students used their sense of hearing to field trip using his play Animal Sound Bingo. They used their sense of sight to take a inventive building closer look at things around the classroom. They used their sense skills and teaches of touch to feel various textures. They used their sense of smell to everyone the impor- figure out what was in mystery bags by using the scientific meth- tance of creativity ods of hypothesis and conclusion. They used their sense of taste to and imagination to sample a variety of foods – including one dish with bitter melon design buildings. – and to distinguished the differences between salty, sour, sweet Sprouts have also added the words “architect,” “building,” “de- and bitter. Mrs. Chen’s and Mrs. Hallett’s classes came together sign,” “create,” “house” and “structure” to their word wall. This to culminate the unit by using all of their senses to figure out the month’s sight words were “and,” “on,” “can” and “I.” Math activi- item in a mystery box. They shook the box to hear what was inside, ties have focused on building, spatial awareness and measurement. they smelled it, then they touched it, and finally, used their sense of sight to check to see if their hypothesis was right! The students Kindergarten loved this unit and were often heard singing a five senses song taught at the begin- Grandfriends Day in the kindergarten classes was a great success ning of the unit. thanks to all the parents who volunteered to help! Grandfriends made a keepsake with handprints cut out from construction paper Kindergartners and a photograph of the student and their grandfriends. The grand- have just begun friends and kindergarten students also enjoyed doing Rainbow Fish learning about math by sorting, counting, graphing and of course, eating them. community helpers and how they

4 Birchwood Clipboard | November 2015 | Vol 22 | Issue 3 CLASS NEWS continued 1st-2nd Computer Each week the children have two computer classes. Mr. Sprau and help our city to be safe, clean, healthy, growing and moving. The Miss Miller teach a math session and a programming session on classes began the unit by talking about what is a community and alternate weeks. For the math session, students practice skills that all the places and people they are working on in class. There are many good online activities that help a community that help reinforce key concepts. During the programming session, thrive. Students worked they use MicroWorlds JR, a program that teaches children to use in groups and planned and different commands to create fun scenes with moving characters “built” their own cities and objects. Mrs. Mamone and Mrs. Sprau teach programs that are out of town blocks. They related to language arts. The students honed their mouse control decided where their hospi- skills by creating pictures in Sand Art and Paint. They enjoyed tal, schools, police station, saving their artwork as personalized home page backgrounds. The post office, grocery store first- and second-graders also started learning keyboarding skills. and homes were placed They practiced using proper fingering for “a” and “s” and will in their own “cities.” learn how to type more letters as the year progresses. The students were proud of their creations and 1st-4th Computer enjoyed giving a “tour” of This year the classroom teachers will be teaching the majority of their cities to their class- computer class. Mrs. Waldal is still overseeing the curriculum, mates. Special thanks to teaching online safety and teaching basic computer concepts. Mr. Chris Ronayne, who While this is a big change, it helps computer class time be used to graciously lent us these match up with concepts students are learning in math, reading and town block kits. Students also came up with an extensive list of language arts. Teachers are able to direct students to activities that community helpers and everything they want to know about them. are appropriate for them. If they are playing a math game online, There will be some exciting visitors in the weeks to come. Miss Miller can have them play a game that reinforces concepts they have been working on in math class. With language arts les- 1st Math sons, Mrs. Mamone can have them type their stories in Microsoft First-graders are learning to identify coins and their values. They Word. Mr. Sprau and Miss Miller are also teaching math concepts are learning to count coins of mixed values, including pennies of distance, degrees and thinking skills in MicroWorlds JR. nickels, dimes, quarters and half dollars. The children are learning that the secret to success is to be a master of skip counting. It’s not 1st-2nd Language Arts always easy to skip by 25 (quarters) and then, immediately, switch The first and second grade students in Mrs. Mamone’s and Mrs. to skipping by 10 (dimes) and five (nickels). One great resource Sprau’s classes have been working on adding details and descrip- is the website thatquiz.org, which provides practice counting coin tions to their stories. The first-graders modeled the book “Baby combinations. Mr. Sprau and Miss Miller are happy to report that Bear Sees Blue” by Ashley Wolff and focused on color words as the children are doing an excellent job. they described things an animal would see during the day. Next, they modeled “A Child’s Good Morning Book” by Margaret Wise 1st Spanish Brown. This time they focused on describing animals and children The first-graders reviewed shapes and the calendar. They worked getting ready for the night while also giving details about what the diligently to learn the objects of the classroom and big numbers. sun or moon might look like. Mrs. Rodriguez asked questions about their names, ages, birthdays, The second grade class modeled “The Winter Noisy Book” by where they live, preferences of food, and animals that they like. Margaret Wise Brown in two different ways. First, they focused on Students had a good time answering the questions and also enjoyed using good descriptions to tell about a mystery sound heard by an learning a new Spanish song each week. animal. The following week, after a review lesson on onomatopoe- ia (sound words such as “boom,” “crash” or “crunch”), the students modeled the book again. In this story, they used sound words to tell

5 © Birchwood School | 4400 West 140th Street | Cleveland, OH 44135 | Office: 216.251.2321 | www.birchwoodschool.org CLASS NEWS continued and Mrs. El Sady’s hope that these young scientists will continue to be excited about science and interested in investigating the world around them. about things an animal might hear in the fall and then described what made those sounds. The class also thoroughly enjoyed a grammar lesson on synonyms where they brainstormed lists of 1st-2nd Social Studies stronger, more descriptive words to use in their writing in place of First and second grade students have been learning about discover- more generic words such as little, good and pretty. ers and trailblazers and their impact on history. The class has been studying and memorizing facts about Henry Ford, Benjamin Frank- 1st-2nd Reading lin, Thomas Edison and more. They love the end of class review session with Miss Zehel to show what they know and remember The first- and second-graders are being whisked away by the about each inventor. Students have made balloons, spelled their magic of fairy tales. They are learning about famous fairy tale name in Morse code, and invented their own instruments. They authors like Hans Christian Andersen and compilers of fairy tales recently made their own “Eppsicle Ice Pop” or popsicle just like like Charles Per- Frank Epperson did when he was only 11 years old. The students are rault. They read really enjoying this unit and cannot wait to make popsicles again. classic versions The first and second of European graders are being whisked 2nd Math fairy tales like away by the magic of fairy “Little Red Rid- The second-graders are wrapping up a unit on money with ing Hood” and tales. Mrs. Mamone and Mr. Sprau and Miss Miller. After reviewing coins and their are comparing Mrs. Sprau were captivated values, and then counting coins, they practiced making change and contrast- and trading coins. As an added bonus they experimented with an ing them with by their imaginative and exercise called The Change Changing Challenge, in which they modern Ameri- detailed pieces. tried using different amounts of coins to make a given sum. For can versions like example, they tried to make 55 cents using three coins, then using “Petite Rouge: six coins. The children are becoming very proficient in their ability A Cajun Riding Hood” by Mike Artell. The children have become to handle money. adept at identifying the components of fairy tales such as magic, royal characters, animals that display human characteristics, good 2nd Spanish and bad characters, and the pattern of three, and were able to use Second-graders had a wonderful time working on la casa and ob- them to write their own fairy tales. Mrs. Mamone and Mrs. Sprau jects of the house. They placed furniture in different rooms of the were captivated by their imaginative and detailed pieces. house and held conversations about their own house, appliances and furniture. They enjoy learning new Spanish songs and loved 1st-2nd Science singing “A Mi Burro Le Duele La Cabeza” with Mrs. Rodriguez. There is something new in Mrs. Syed’s and Mrs. El Sady’s science class: science centers. Here, young scientists can investigate and 3rd Language Arts work with each other by handling materials and observing, mea- Under the direction of Ms. West and Mrs. Kufahl, the third grade suring and recording data. students are discovering some of the many ways that professional This quarter, the first- and second-graders learned about the human authors organize their material. They enjoyed the silly story “For- body: the human life cycle, cells, tissues, organs and systems. In tunately,” the more scholarly “Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions the Cardiovascular Center students used a stethoscope and lis- of Benjamin Franklin,” and the picture book, “Carmine: a Little tened to their heartbeat. They More Red.” Each models a very different pattern of organization, counted and recorded their which students have eagerly been applying to their own work. resting heart rate and their The teachers are encouraged to see the children writing longer walking and running heart pieces and sharing them enthusiastically with their peers. Stop by rate. In the integumentary sometime during “Quiet 10” or while the children are engaged in (skin) center, young scientists “author’s chair” where they offer both constructive help and ac- observed their skin, hair and colades to their classmates. The students are also eager to practice fingernails using a magnify- their grammar skills several times per week via “Caught ‘Ya,” in ing glass. They also made a which teachers put a sentence with several mistakes on the board. thumbprint and documented Students then labor to make this sentence perfect using editing the details. It’s Mrs. Syed’s marks. As teachers check student work, most get “caught” because

6 Birchwood Clipboard | November 2015 | Vol 22 | Issue 3 CLASS NEWS continued 3rd Spanish Students worked on time and clocks. They talked about everyday they have missed finding an error or two. The goal, of course, is activities and they imagined calling their best friend to talk about that the children begin to edit their own writing, catching their what they did today. The most enjoyable activity was when Mrs. errors and revising their work, as they become more competent in Rodriguez asked the students to write two schedules, one they their written expression. would really enjoy and the other they didn’t like at all.

3rd Math 3rd-4th Computer Mr. Sprau and Miss Miller are assisting third-graders as they learn Third- and fourth-graders have been working on their typing skills to tell time. After learning to read a calendar, the children began using typing.com with Mrs. Waldal. Students also started using working in two groups. One group is mastering telling time to the their Google Apps accounts and learning about Google Docs. They nearest minute and finding elapsed time using a schedule. The will use Google Docs to write stories, create slideshows and submit other group is focusing on elapsed time by drawing a timeline to their work electronically to their teachers. solve simple story problems. 3rd-4th Science 3rd Reading “The foot bone’s connected to the ankle bone, the ankle bone’s Mrs. Debelak and Ms. West finished reading aloud the exciting connected to the ...” The third and fourth grade scientists are busy mystery book, “The Pink Motel” by Carol Ryrie Brink, before learning about the human body systems with Mrs. Syed and Mrs. delving into a new genre. The students are thrilled to be given the El Sady. The classes have been divided into groups, and each group opportunity to explore all kinds of historical fiction books. They will be doing a research project on an assigned body system to began the unit by signing their first contract in which they set a present to the class. goal for the number of pages and books they would read over the They have also been learning about good nutrition. They learned course of this unit. As a class they are enjoying the rich language that the new food pyramid shows them two things: the food groups Patricia MacLachlan uses to describe the prairie and the sea in they need to eat and that they need to do some exercise or activities “Sarah Plain and Tall.” They are recording sea and prairie words everyday to stay healthy. At the end of their unit the little “nutri- on Post-its as they read. Using these words, they will make a Venn tionists” enjoyed having a healthy snack party. diagram when they finish the book. They have also been practicing writing answers to comprehension questions and citing page 4th Language Arts numbers to show examples and reasoning. This month the fourth-graders entered a Creative Communica- 3rd Social Studies tion essay writing contest. Their compositions could be on any topic they chose, but needed to be nonfiction with a limit of 250 Students in Miss Zehel’s and Mrs. Kufahl’s class have enjoyed words. In language arts class, under the guidance of Ms. West, activities ranging from making butter while studying rural commu- the students were able to set up their Google accounts on the new nities to becoming a distinguished panel of experts who expounded third and fourth grade Chromebooks. It was convenient to work on on one type of community during an in-class talk show. They have typing and editing stories without traveling to the computer lab. also completed their first states and capitals test, eagerly setting The students were encouraged to use the concepts they were taught their goals high to reach for those nines and 10s. Miss Zehel, who in mini lessons throughout the quarter, such as making a chart to exudes enthusiasm for all things Cleveland, is currently leading the investigate whether they had added enough sensory details to their writing. After careful consideration and many read-throughs of Miss Zehel, who exudes enthusiasm their stories, the students emailed their work to Creative Communi- for all things Cleveland, is currently cation on October 15. They can’t wait to hear the results! leading the students into an 4th Math appreciation of our fine city. After completing a thorough review of whole number concepts, such as place value, rounding and estimating, the fourth-graders students into an appreciation of our fine city. First up are Play-Doh have begun a unit on decimals with Mr. Sprau and Miss Miller. models of student-designed mounds, patterned after the Native They are learning that decimals are another form of expressing American mounds found throughout Ohio. This unit of study will fractions. So far, they have covered decimal place value, equivalent take the class all the way from the glacial period to Cleveland in decimals, comparing decimals and writing decimals as fractions. 1850. Hang on for the ride. They are currently learning the four operations of decimals and solving word problems with decimals.

7 © Birchwood School | 4400 West 140th Street | Cleveland, OH 44135 | Office: 216.251.2321 | www.birchwoodschool.org CLASS NEWS continued ing his many years of teaching English as a second language. The program, VLAT, emphasizes using a variety of sentence structures (V), precise use of language (L), amplification of ideas (A), and 4th Reading careful transitions between sentences and paragraphs (T). Thus, Under the guidance of Ms. West, the fourth-graders began a Laura many students have begun to look at their work with a critical eye, Ingalls Wilder author study this month. They signed their first con- asking such questions as Can this thought be stated more pre- tract of the year, setting goals for the number of pages and books cisely? Can I find a better word to convey my meaning here? Have they will read within this unit. They are excited to learn all about I used action verbs whenever possible? Both teachers are gratified pioneer life through the eyes of a young girl and her family. Wilder to see their students making these changes and engaging in more wrote many interesting stories about her father hunting, making of their own revision and editing since clear written expression bullets and smoking meat. She retells stories Pa told her as a little remains the goal of the language arts program. girl. The students enjoy reading about Laura Ingalls Wilder as she reminisces through her engaging and interesting writing. They will 5th Reading practice answering comprehension questions, citing page numbers Poetry Show preparations and rehearsals with Mrs. Little and Mr. to show examples and their reasoning. They will also use context Kurtz are in full swing, with students progressing nicely on recita- clues to discover the meaning of vocabulary words. After guessing tions and choreography/blocking. Having completed their units, the meaning, they will look up the definition in a dictionary. essays and projects on inspirational sports figures, the students with “The Sign of the Beaver” are now traveling back in time to 4th Social Studies Having studied the Southeast and Northeast sections of the United Poetry Show preparations and States, the fourth grade students have moved on with Mrs. Ku- fahl to their favorite area of the country, the Midwest. Along the rehearsals with Mrs. Little and Mr. way, they have practiced various study skills, including sketching Kurtz are in full swing, with students pictures in their notes to recall information, making flashcards to progressing nicely on recitations and remember crucial points, and using graphic organizers. They also decided that presenting their knowledge via a “talk show” format choreography/blocking. is more enjoyable than taking a traditional test. In addition, the students are working in their Map Skills books and are excited to the wilderness of Maine in colonial America. Here, a boy’s sur- be embarking on their first research project of the year, a study of vival in a hostile environment depends upon his ability to cross the a regional Native American group. Look for posters, dioramas, cultural divide between the white man and the American Indian. travel brochures and other creative projects that will display their Class goals include understanding setting as it affects daily life in a research findings in a few weeks. particular historical context, awareness of various types of conflict in literature, and appreciation of cultural perspectives. 4th Spanish Students reviewed objects of the classroom, numbers, animals 5th Science and the calendar. They had many words to memorize and played Miss Brown’s and Miss Bottini’s fifth grade class is experimenting games to help them learn. They worked on plural nouns and made with color and light for National Chemistry Week. They completed up their own sentences about items in the classroom. They liked to three experiments and entered them in an American Chemical So- read “Que es el Calendario” and “Mi Animal Favorito.” They also ciety contest. Miss Bottini and Miss Brown have been teaching the practiced pronunciation, repeating each word after Mrs. Rodriguez, students the steps needed for their science fair projects. Students and answering questions about the readings. have been hard at work on their review of the literature (due Nov. 19). Students will continue to learn the steps needed to carry out 5th Language Arts their science fair projects and begin testing soon. Save the date: Science Night will be held on Jan. 15. The Creative Communication essays, having been revised end- lessly, proofread painstakingly and sealed carefully in an envelope, are on their way to the fall contest. Mr. Kurtz and Mrs. Kufahl 5th Social Studies have begun to see the fruit of their labors in improved student Following a broad look at Native American cultures, students writing for this competition. Each week the students engage in a began learning about European exploration of the Americas. After sentence by sentence editing program developed by Mr. Kurtz dur- viewing a series of videos about explorers from Portugal, Spain,

8 Birchwood Clipboard | November 2015 | Vol 22 | Issue 3 CLASS NEWS continued 6th Language Arts Mrs. Tzeng and Mr. Kurtz have been guiding students in the art England and France, students chose one explorer to research of clear, effective descriptions with pieces depicting people and in-depth. Mrs. Miller and Mr. Parrino also had a fun classroom places, such as a brief scene from the movie “Good Will Hunting” brainstorming session of the personal qualities needed by great ex- and an emotive photograph of an old woman. Mrs. Tzeng is also plorers. The students voted on their top five, and after tallying the involved with Future Problem Solving (FPS) as students diligently votes, students will have to assess whether their explorer showed prepare for this competition, while Mr. Kurtz is guiding students courage, wisdom, determination, preparation and leadership. in their in-process editing (VLAT) skills. These include using a Through many smaller research projects like this, students become variety of sentence structures (V), precise use of language (L), adept at developing research questions, finding sources for note amplification of ideas (A), and careful transitions between taking, taking notes, and then presenting their information in a final sentences and paragraphs (T). product. For this project, students will produce explorer brochures that will be on display in November. 6th Reading Poetry Show rehearsals with Mrs. Little and Mr. Kurtz are in full 5th Spanish swing, with students progressing nicely on recitations and chore- Mrs. Rodriguez taught adjectives and comparisons. The class ography/blocking for their “poems of seasonal shades,” which in- completed activities from the workbook about colors and types of clude pieces about youthful determination, family, play and simple hair. Students had fun describing their friend’s hair: long, short, medium, straight, wavy or curly. They read an article: “The Cloth The current reading unit (survival) is and The History” using a dictionary to find the meaning of the new words. The children also learned the verb ser (to be) in order to the marvelous historical fiction by Lois write their own descriptive sentences. Lowry, “Number the Stars,” about a 5th-6th Computers young girl ... Fifth- and sixth-graders have been working on practicing typing using typing.com. These skills are essential and require practice. contentment. The current reading unit (survival) is the Students are working on developing habits to keep their hands on marvelous historical fiction by Lois Lowry, “Number the Stars,” the home row while typing and keeping their eyes on the screen. about a young girl whose coming of age leads her to appreciate the sacrifices necessary to help her Jewish neighbors in Nazi Students are working on developing occupied Denmark. Through discussion, summaries and work- sheets, students are expected to distinguish between physical and habits to keep their hands on the home psychological survival, recognize character development, and row while typing and keeping their eyes understand survival issues in the context of man versus society. Students have also selected accompanying survival back-up-books, on the screen. such as “Abel’s Island,” “Island of the Blue Dolphins” and “Maniac Magee.” Close, focused reading intended to help students They are working towards a goal of 25 words per minute in fifth understand more involved concepts, such as gist, sacrifice and grade and 30 words per minute in sixth grade. theme, is the order of the day.

5th-6th Math 6th Science Fifth grade mathematicians have been demonstrating their knowl- Chemistry colors our world! Sixth grade students are experiment- edge of topics, ranging from long division to adding and subtracting with color and light to compete in the National Chemistry ing negative integers. Miss Janek and Miss Wasnick have been Week Contest. Students have been working diligently on their working with the students on applying these skills toward word science fair projects and review of literature (due Nov. 19). problems. In sixth grade, one group of students has been develop- Students will begin testing their projects soon. Miss Brown ing their mixed fraction knowledge and adding and subtracting and Miss Bottini would like you to save the date for Science negative integers. Another group has been working on demon- Night on Jan. 15. strating how to solve a linear equation for one variable. All of the students also work to apply these skills towards story problems to stretch their knowledge.

9 © Birchwood School | 4400 West 140th Street | Cleveland, OH 44135 | Office: 216.251.2321 | www.birchwoodschool.org CLASS NEWS continued 7th Social Studies In seventh grade social studies, revolution is ripening. Mrs. Miller 6th Social Studies and Mr. Parrino are presenting how the seeds of economic oppor- In sixth grade social studies, our world tour is cruising down a tunity and religious freedom that were planted when Great Britain river. Students are learning how the patterns of civilization since first settled North America grew to become the American Revolu- the rise of Mesopotamia depended heavily upon the advantages tion. After a quiz on the 13 colonies, students have progressed to of great rivers with Mrs. Miller and Mr. Parrino. The month of examine the economies and cultures, and world events that pushed November will be spent on a research project/web-based presenta- toward independence. History Day projects are also plowing tion on Ancient Egypt. Students who have chosen to participate ahead. Students are compiling their first sources on such topics as in History Day are also wading into the research phase. Topics Title IX, the United Nations, Cuban Missile Crisis, Lewis & Clark, among these students include: the Challenger explosion, Influenza John D. Rockefeller, Alexander Winton, McCarthyism, George Pandemic of 1918, the atom bomb and Walt Disney. Crile, the Beatles and child labor activism.

6th Spanish 7th-8th Computer Mrs. Rodriguez started a new chapter in “Como Somos?” The Mrs. Waldal has been helping students complete tutorials on students were working on descriptions of personality, conditions building and writing short programs in the virtual world through and emotions. They learned the verb ser and completed several the Virtual Reality Academy supported by the Air Force Research oral and written activities. They had a good time writing descrip- Lab in Dayton. Once students have completed the tutorials they tions of traits and personalities of their relatives and friends. are working in small groups to build houses and furniture in their virtual world. While building and designing is challenging, it has 7th Reading been great to see students working together creatively. Below is an image of the house that the eighth grade girls are building: Mrs. Debelak and Mrs. Neider are impressed by the reflective thinking exhibited by the students throughout the unit on “Harriet the Spy.” By way of class discussion and journal entries throughout the book, students pondered the book’s deeper meaning and the inner conflict of the main character. For the culminating exercise of this unit, they wrote amazing essays on the meaning of this quote by Keats: “Beauty is truth, truth beauty. This is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.” Their ability to apply philosophical

The teachers are having a lot of fun working with this class on their lines and actions for the Poetry Show ...

insight to the experience of the character is distinctive! The teachers are having a lot of fun working with this class on their lines and 7th-8th Latin I actions for the Poetry Show – such actors. Because reading even adapted Latin texts requires the memoriza- tion of many, many common verbs, the eighth-graders have used 7th Science the past few weeks to master lists of several hundred verbs. Mrs. Seventh grade students are showing progress on their science fair Haskins has taught them that one payoff for this labor – beyond projects. They are almost complete with their review of literature being able to tackle advanced readings from Roman history and (due Nov. 19). Students will start to begin testing their science fair legend – is that it is a big English vocabulary boost. The seventh- questions soon. Miss Brown and Miss Bottini would like you to graders are working energetically on untangling the mysteries of save the date for Science Night on Jan. 15. noun-adjective agreement and case endings.

10 Birchwood Clipboard | November 2015 | Vol 22 | Issue 3 continued CLASS NEWS 8th Science Miss Brown and Miss Bottini have been working closely with 7th-8th Math the students to finalize their review of literature (due Nov. 19). The Miss Janek and Miss Wasnick have helped the seventh- and students will continue with their science fair projects and begin eighth-graders to apply their independent learning skills primarily testing soon. Save the date for Science Night on Jan. 15. towards algebra. This means the seventh- and eighth-graders take their classwork and use their resources to excel through the objec- 8th Social Studies tives at a personalized pace to accommodate their needs. Also, the Students have been learning about the late 1800s with a look at coursework consists of applying their objectives to story problems, the rise of cities and the explosion of industrial growth under men reviewing past skills through problem solving, and preparing for like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. Concurrently, Mrs. their math competitions like the Continental Mathematics League, Miller and Mr. Parrino devoted a lot of time to help each student the American Mathematics Competitions and Math Olympiads. choose a History Day topic. With the theme Exploration, Encoun- ter & Exchange in History, the students have chosen a wide range 7th-8th Spanish of topics. Jocelyn and Alia are planning on doing a group website The seventh and eighth grade students worked on verbs and on the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Steven and Jake will also conjugations. They learned the verb to be (ser and estar) which is do a group website on Harvey Cushing, a brilliant neurosurgeon translated in two different verbs. They worked on the rules of when from Cleveland. Aasma and Channin will do a group performance to use ser and when to use estar. They liked when Mrs. Rodri- about the colorful character of Mother Jones and her work on be- half of coal miners, children and other union efforts. Five students The seventh and eighth grade students will tackle doing an individual topic. Luc will research Harvey Firestone, Joyce will look at the founding of the Cleveland Clinic, worked on verbs and conjugations. Jane will research the Hough Riots, Tejal will focus on the Ger- They learned the verb to be (ser and man Enigma machine in WWII, and Asim will look into the life of Nelson Mandela. We’re looking forward to some great projects! estar) ... Physical Education guez said sentences, leaving a blank for the verb that they have to The fifth through eighth grade students were asked to compete complete. They had a good time writing descriptions of traits and against Mr. LaBar and fellow classmates in the one-mile challenge personalities of their relatives and friends. for the month of October. Each day they complete a one-mile con- tinuous run and the students log the accomplishment on their calen- 8th Reading dar. Each run burns roughly 120 calories and has set the runners on The qualities of good readers are posted in the fifth-eighth grade track to complete our Birchwood 5k in May 2016. reading room. Over the course of four years, the teachers design literature units that build these qualities, and they are capped in The fifth through eighth grade Mrs. Debelak’s class during the eighth grade year. In the current historical fiction unit students have focused on “derives deeper students were asked to compete meaning” and “makes connections” by understanding 1) how against Mr. LaBar and fellow the literary technique of foreshadowing builds suspense, 2) how dialogue conveys characterization, 3) how authors portray moral classmates in the one-mile challenge dilemnas, and 4) how master writers research world settings to for the month of October. create engaging stories that enhance understanding of the human story. The class is utilizing Google to learn how to manage assign- The second- through eighth-graders have worked on football skills ments and due dates in this format. As they prepare for the upcom- and have participated in competitive games during gym class. ing Poetry Show, the performance skills they have acquired over the years is apparent. In addtion, the eighth-graders will bear the Kindergarteners and first-graders have continued to practice push- responsibility for many production aspects of the show. ups and sit-ups, and have worked on teams in cooperative games.

11 © Birchwood School | 4400 West 140th Street | Cleveland, OH 44135 | Office: 216.251.2321 | www.birchwoodschool.org Teaching Character have worked diligently to establish a routine checklist consisting of writing their homework in their planner, placing their pencil in (continued from page 2) their trapper, and looking in and around their desk for any materials that belong to them before leaving the class. Miss Brown and Second Grade (Miss Zehel) Miss Bottini are happy to report that the students have greatly Miss Zehel’s second grade homeroom students have learned how improved and are excelling at becoming responsible students. Posi- to be good friends. The class has read books about friendship and tive, outgoing behaviors are being reinforced on a daily basis, with what it looks like to be a good friend. The students have been exuberant good mornings and smiles all around. Weekly readings going out of their way to make sure everyone is included in our meant to reinforce winning attitudes and virtues are also a regular classroom activities. The students especially loved reading the Mo aspect of the character program for fifth-graders. Willems books: “My Friend is Sad” and “My New Friend is so Fun!” The second grade students are now focused on the theme Sixth Grade “believe in yourself.” They learned a lot from the book “Odd Boy In the sixth grade math class, Mr. Debelak, Ms. Janek and Out: Young Albert Einstein” by Don Brown. The story taught the Miss Wasnick have observed one student, who demonstrates class to be yourself and to never give up on your dreams. Birchwood virtues through his valediction after class each day. Regardless of how his day is going, he always says, “goodbye, Third Grade have a nice day” to all three teachers. It is a small gesture, but his Third grade is a “transition year” for Birchwood students. Home- kind act carries a trail of positivity that spreads throughout the work folders are replaced by trappers, homework schedules by staff as well as his peers. planners, and every subject now has its own folder. The “bar” of In the sixth grade homeroom with Mrs. Miller, students have been personal responsibility is raised tremendously. For this reason, Mr. working on goal setting in both their academic life and their per- Sprau and Miss Miller have spent considerable time working with sonal life. They’ve also practiced tracking the use of their time to the children to develop the habit of being organized. Specifically, see where and when they are the most productive. This helps them this means that students are certain all homework assignments are think beyond the immediate environment to a more long-term kind written in their planner, neatly and thoroughly. Each day prior to of thinking. They will continue to track their progress toward meet- dismissal homework planners are checked by teachers and students ing their goals throughout this school year. are rewarded if they have accomplished this task successfully. Seventh Grade Fourth Grade During opening, the seventh grade class watched the movie “Re- When Ms. West and Mrs. Kufahl learned that a few of their fourth member the Titans.” Students have been pulling key themes and grade students had thoughtlessly spoken unkindly while choos- relating them to their everyday lives. One theme – to be just to one- ing teams, the teachers decided to do a role-playing exercise in self and to others – is being used by one member of the class. That character class. As each teacher chose a student for her team, the person always looks to be a good leader and if they see a behavior other made a remark such as, “That student isn’t a good player,” that is not just, they respectfully correct and guide the younger or “She messed up the last time I picked her.” Though the com- student towards a positive outcome. Mrs. Janek is pleased that the ments were spoken in a light-hearted manner, the students experi- seventh grade students have been putting these themes into action enced firsthand how uncomfortable it was to hear such disparaging throughout their day. words. The light of realization dawned on several students’ faces, and the class then discussed speaking or writing an apology had any careless words slipped out to a classmate. The children also Eighth Grade brainstormed possible words of affirmation that would build up Mr. Debelak’s homeroom spent the first month of school discuss- their friends. Speaking empathetically and learning kindness and ing the role of courage, self-control and wisdom in reaching our good sportsmanship are character traits that Birchwood School academic goals for the year. Each member of the class needs cour- takes seriously, realizing that students need many opportunities to age to pay whatever price is necessary to reach their goals. Self- practice building positive habits. control is needed in order to balance pleasures and recreations with the work necessary to reach the set goals, and the students need Fifth Grade wisdom in the form of self-reflection in order to assess progress and make adjustments to insure success. The cultivation of virtues Fifth grade students have been working extremely hard to be aware is what makes the students into great people. of their materials and class supplies. This is the first year they have a locker and cubby to keep their books and supplies in. Students

12 Birchwood Clipboard | November 2015 | Vol 22 | Issue 3 Friday, November 13 UPCOMING EVENTS Poetry Show for Grades 5-8 November 25-27 Thanksgiving Break Saturday, December 5 International Festival and Auction (IFA)

UNDER THE CANOPY continued from page 1

Birchwood Hosts Grandfriends Day suburb of Shaker Heights. After WWII, William Levitt constructed suburbs that middle class returning soldiers and sailors could af- On October 23, Birchwood School celebrated Grandfriends ford. The students practiced building houses one by one and then Day. This is one of our favorite days, and this year did not tried the Levitt “assembly line” method. Together they constructed disappoint. We experienced our highest turnout ever with more a lovely suburban community. Many thanks to Mrs. Neider for her than 100 grandfriends joining us. Together, grandfriends and creative work in bringing Levittown to life for our students. students in grades one through four enjoyed a wonderful day of classroom activities. Future Problem Solving The day began when Six intermediate and two junior teams worked together in their preschool and kindergar- groups of four to complete their first packet on the topic “Treat- ten grandfriends enjoyed ment of Animals.” For two hours they persisted in order to breakfast with Mr. and understand a scene cast in the year 2044 in Bhutan, brainstormed Mrs. Debelak. They then 16 challenges from multiple perspectives, identified one underlying joined their students for important challenge to solve, and came up with 16 solutions. Each classroom fun. In the part had to be written up in afternoon, students in clearly elaborated sentences, grades one through four and all of this was com- enjoyed lunch with their pleted with teamwork and grandfriends, and Mr. sustained focus. Teams will Debelak led everyone in receive feedback from state singing. Families then evaluators to examine and “toured” the main hall via classroom activities – games and fun learn from their mistakes projects that showcased the academic studies of each department. before they complete the It was a wonderful day. Thank you to everyone who joined us. second topic in mid-De- Grandfriends are an important part of the Birchwood community, cember. In the meantime, they have begun research on the second and we thank you. We are already looking forward to next year. topic: “Disappearing Languages.” If you can recommend a speaker on this topic please contact Mrs. Debelak (hdebelak@birchwood- Mrs. Neider Brings Fine Suburban Living school.org) or Mrs. Tzeng ([email protected]). to the Third Grade Miss Zehel’s and Mrs. Kufahl’s third-graders were privileged to Mr. Debelak Shares His Knowledge With Other enjoy a hands-on lesson about suburban communities conducted Independent Schools by guest speaker, parent and Levittown expert Christine Nieder. In early November, Mr. Debelak gave a presentation titled “A Tal- Mrs. Neider spent much of her eighth grade year at Birchwood ent Development Model for Gifted Education in Elementary and carrying out an in-depth study of Levittown for the National His- Middle School” to attendees of the Independent Schools Associa- tory Day competition. She brought this knowledge and her experi- tion of The Central States Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota. ence as a social studies teacher together to create a lesson in which This annual conference brings together leaders from throughout students first imagined they were wealthy people who desired the region to further the mission of providing an outstanding edu- to live outside urban Cleveland and subsequently developed the cation to students who attend private, independent schools.