We have almost made it to midterms and we all survived! (I think!) I just wanted to send out a quick newsletter to keep you up-to-date on what we are doing in and out of the classroom! I believe that it is vitally important for parents and guardians to be as involved and aware of what's going on in the classroom as possible. It takes a team to educate our children and we all need to work together. MIDTERM GRADES WILL BE POSTED BY 3PM ON OCTOBER 5TH.

Students must come to class each day with their charged iPad. They will receive three (3) times when they can come without it until it must stay at school overnight.

Once again, I expect students to put forth 150% effort while in my class, which allows me the freedom to reduce homework assignments. Rest assured, we are working very hard during our class time and your child is receiving focused, intentional instruction. However, if your child fails to work up to his or her potential, work may have to be sent home to fill in any gaps missed in class.

After extensive research about homework and how students learn best, I have decided to create a Genius Hour/Passion Project this year. Every available Friday, students will have 40 minutes of class time to work on a project that interests them. It is not teacher-directed; it is student-driven! The sky is the limit for this project. It a student has a passion for video games, perhaps their passion project may be creating a new video game. If a student loves baking, perhaps their project will be to start their own cupcake business. Students will work and will reflect weekly. Students will not be allowed to have Genius Hour time if they are missing work for my class; this will help them keep their priorities straight! A parent letter went home on 9/29. I have also attached it to this newsletter.

Additionally, please review the two videos I have included. One is a brief summary and the other is about a young man's passion to create an arcade. Wouldn't it be great if your child gets as excited as he does?

• Mondays--Tween Tribune & Digital Note-taking, Vocabulary study (new words every two weeks), novel study will begin soon
• Tuesdays--Wonderopolis, Grammar study
• Wednesdays--Wednesday Writing (students will work all year on the three types of writing), Reading, Grammar review
• Thursdays--Analyze a Photo, Vocabulary review
• Fridays--Passion Project (information will go home on 9/29 for parents--be on the lookout!)

**Hard copies of material are made available to students, but they have to pick it up and advocate for themselves.

In this class, students will be utilizing many technology tools and I will be teaching them how to use them. It is their responsibility to educate you, as parents, about what we do in the classroom. Some of the tools we have been using are:

• iPads
• Google Docs
• Google Slides
• Google Forms
• Whoos Reading

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about what we are doing in the classroom.

I have taught English/Language Arts all of my career. This is my 2nd year at RJEMS and I love it here! There is no other place I would rather be. Additionally, I am also the Student Council advisor which makes for some busy times in my room. I am the proud parent of an 8th grader, who will be new to the building this year. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love movies! The Minnesota Vikings are my favorite team and I love talking about sports. I hope to share my passions with you in some way throughout the year.

Email: cdigby@isd318.org
Website: http://www.robertjelkingtonms.new.rschooltoday.com/
Location: 1000 Northeast 8th Avenue, Grand Rapids, MN, United States
Phone: 218-327-5800
Facebook: facebook.com/RJEMiddleSchool
Twitter: @digbyteach