This Week In Social

Studies
Ms. Ashley Parra

10/1/2015

Edition 1, Volume 4

How Can I Help My

Child at Home?

I would like to encourage

my students and their
families to practice using the
internet to find academically
appropriate information.
We have a few big research
projects coming up in the
next few months and
students will really benefit
from discussing methods of
research with their parents.
Students from 3rd period show off their group mind-map.
From left to right: Suzie Q., John S., Jane D., John D., Stacy M.

To lead a conversation
about what your child has
learned about research you

Establishing the Colonies:

End of Unit Projects
In the next two weeks, we will be finalizing our Establishing
the Colonies Unit by creating a cumulative end of unit project
due before Parent-Teacher Conferences. Students will be
asked to choose from six different project types (song, skit,
diorama, poster, travel website, travel commercial) with
which they will be expected to demonstrate their mastery of
the material we have covered in this unit. The rubrics for
each of the project types can be found on our class website or
requested via email. Students will be given five class periods
to work collaboratively on their projects, however, they will
need to spend some time at home as well.

can ask How do you know

if a website is credible? or
How do you start looking
for a credible source of
information? Dont limit
yourself to social studies. It
helps to talk about how
credible the news is, or
political ads you may see on
television. If you would like
additional information or
resources to help your child,
please do not hesitate to
contact me!

Bi-Weekly Social Studies Calendar

Events and Project Due Dates

5
Group
Work
Period
Establishing
the
Colonies

6
Group Work
Period
Establishing
the Colonies

1
Group
Work
Period
Establishing
the
Colonies
7
8
Group
Establishing
Work
The
Period
Colonies
Establishing Project Due
the
Colonies

2
Group Work
Period
Establishing
the Colonies

9
Parent
Teacher
Conferences

10

Parent/Guardian Volunteer Opportunities in Our Classroom this Month:

Take and organize classroom photographs for the newsletter and webpage.
Read representative government documents to the class/student groups.
Give a short presentation on any of our current topics that interest you.
Make copies and/or file paperwork for the next two weeks.
Design or hang student work bulletin board 13 Original Colonies theme.

Contact me at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or ashleyparra@school.edu to volunteer

MsParra-XXXXMiddleSchool.com

Notes from the Teacher

Jane D. is doing very well in our third period class. I think you will enjoy the
picture of her on page one of the newsletter with her collaborative group showing
off their mind-map from the beginning of our Establishing the Colonies unit.
Jane gets along very well with all of her classmates and can often be seen
tutoring and assisting those classmates who need help. I look forward to seeing
her work on the Establishing the Colonies Project due on October 8 .
th

-Ms. A. Parra