As the year comes to a close, I want to express my sincere gratitude for supporting me this year in your child’s eduction. Students know me as a person who likes to kid around, however, they understand and know my passion behind their ablitiy to achieve in their academics and in life. I truly believe we all have something to offer. At the same time, we need to support each other in order for us to reach for our very best.

I have told the classes serveral times, there are two things that will change your life…the books you read and the people you meet. It is my hope that I have introduced them to both of these. Any service oriented industry, teaching in particular, gives you the privilege to connect with other human beings. Through our interactions, I believe, we can only come out greater on the other end.

This year revealed some great changes in your son or daughter. Change is the only constant that we will all know. Adjusting to the change is important. We’ve all been taught the smart and strong survive. It has been my observation that these are worthy attributes, while the ability to quickly adjust to the situation really determines our survival.

Even though I love to laugh and joke, I take my responsiblity as a teacher very seriously. I see that what I do gives permission for others to do the same. Being a “super model” is essential in today’s society because we follow what we have been shown. That which we take into our minds, we take into our hearts.

The definition of appreciation means to add value to or make greater. I appreciate your support and your children’s attention throughout the year.

Enjoy your summer, be there for each other, and remember the miracle that we have the privilege to enjoy everyday. Abraham Lincoln, who battled depression throughout his life said, “Happiness is a choice.” I realize sometimes we all forget the choice.  A Shakespeare teaches that nothing is good nor bad lest we make it so.  I’ve told the class many times that we make it all up.  We must cultivate thoughts that raise us higher and tune out the negative static.

Natale Merchant says it all in her song thank you.  I would like to congratulate your children as they move onto the next stepping stone of their lives.

It has been my pleasure to serve you and your children.

See you in September!

Be well,
Jim Guerci
guercij@pearlriver.org

The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.  ~John E. Southard

The weather has been a bit oppressive of late. The heat has stayed steady and I can hear my grandmother say, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” I don’t care what she said, it’s hot!

We’ve been reviewing this week for the final. Obviously, we’ve been going slow. It’s a good thing that the classroom gets a little spill off from the office AC. We’ve kept the doors closed to keep the cold in, but it’s still a battle with the heat.

I spoke to the class yesterday regarding a June reading calendar. I’ve suspended the reading calendar for the year. However, they can still fill out their reading logs and submit them before the big end of the year raffle.

This week and next, we will continue with review. Their homework will be the usual 20 minutes of independent reading. I think the habit of reading everyday can only build their abilities.

Most of their grades are completed for the quarter. We will have our final on Friday, June 20th. I will try to get one more post before the end of the year.

Until then…be cool, stay in school.
Jim Guerci
guercij@pearlriver.org

Yes, the year is winding down, the students can’t wait, and yet there is work to do.  Last week, we began “Weirdo’s War”, the final class novel.  It’s a story that speaks to the fact that we are all different and we perceive the world from our point of view.  This point of view may be different, yet can unite the human experience.  The two main characters, Daniel Edwards (Weirdo) and Tosh Tozer (the bully) find out while trapped in a cave that they have more in common than what is shown on the surface.

We’ve been creating Mind Maps to help us remember the story.  Some students have made the connection to the value of this format and use it in other classes.  It’s based on research on how the brain retrieves information; it’s very similar to the algorithm  Google uses in its search engine.  There is always a purpose to what I do.  The information that they are gathering will help them prepare for the writing piece on the final.

Yesterday, the class brought home their writing pieces which I hope they showed you.  I did ask for a signature.  The point of the assignment was to transfer the direct instruction that was modeled in class.  They were allowed to use their notes, novel, and workbook as resources in putting together their writing.  Some struggled, which was great.  I wanted them to go through the process because that is were the growth happens.  If it was all too easy then I’m not teaching them anything.

When I modeled the writing, they were amazed at my cross outs, corrections, and revisions.  The point was to show them that the really good writing piece doesn’t magically flow out of the individual’s mind.  The really good writing piece is found in the process.  I read and re-read my piece out loud to show them my thought process as I write.  Too many times in the past I have seen students scrawl out an essay in 10-15 minutes; then to witness the shock and awe when they receive a poor grade on it.  The process of writing is just that, a process.  I try to get across to the class that the writing isn’t just a quick fill in the blank assignment.

We don’t have a lot of time left in the class.  This part of the year is essential for the students.  I look to impress upon them that the end of the race is just as important as the beginning.  I want them to finish strong.  Four weeks is a lot of time.  I want to use this time and finish strong.  They have the rest of the summer to relax.

Until then,

Jim Guerci
guercij@pearlriver.org