7th Grade Daily Schedule

Here is our daily schedule. Keep in mind that assemblies, projects, or the class mood can have a significant impact on our schedule. You may notice that we begin learning at 8:00 and work straight through to the very last minute. Please leave home a few minutes early so that students are in their seat at 7:45 and schedule afterschool events so students do not need to leave until 3:30. Thank you!

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
8:00-8:15	Spelling/Vocab Test
8:15-8:30	Math Block
8:30-8:45
8:45-9:00
9:00-9:15
9:15-9:30
9:30-9:45	Core (History/Lit/Science)
9:45-10:00
10:00-10:15
10:15-10:30		ART, T		IEW
10:30-10:45
10:45-11:00
11:00-11:15	B/O/MA	IEW	B/O/MA	Science Lab
11:15-11:30
11:30-11:45
11:45-12:00
12:00-12:15	Lunch
12:15-12:30
12:30-12:45
12:45-1:00	WL	WL	WL	WL
1:00-1:15
1:15-1:30	Spelling/Grammer
1:30-1:45
1:45-2:00	GR	GR	GR	GR
2:00-2:15
2:15-2:30
2:30-2:45	PE	PE	PE	PE
2:45-3:00
3:00-3:15
3:15-3:30

Welcome to 7th Grade 2012

Dear 7th Grade Families,

 

My name is Mrs. Melanie Adams and it is my pleasure to be the 7th grade teacher at Cascade Heights. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to partner with your family during this critical time in your child’s life. I believe that together we can create a positive learning environment that will allow your student and the entire class, to excel both academically and socially.

I have worked continuously in the field of education since 1991. I started as an educational assistant in special education working with a variety of students in grades K-8. From Mt. Hood Community College, I earned my Speech Pathologist certification in 2001 and then graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelors Degree in Education. After teaching for a year I returned to Concordia to earn my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I also earned my certification as a Reading Specialist. My teaching certification authorizes me to teach all grade levels from Preschool through Eighth grade. I plan to continue my education over the next 10 years earning my National Board Certification and my Doctorate Degree. I believe it is a teacher’s ethical obligation to continue to seek out the best practices in their field in order to better meet the needs of every child. I have been at Cascade Heights since the inception and can’t imagine teaching anywhere else. I believe strongly in the mission and vision of our school and look forward to working with the 7th grade class to make the mission and vision come alive in our classroom.

 

Outside of the classroom I have a wide variety of passions. I am an avid reader and writer. I read a wide variety of books from biographies to science fiction. My favorite authors include Robert Heinlein, Mercedes Lackey, JK Rowling, and Diana Gabaldon. Most weekends you can find me in the woods hiking new trails in the pursuit of letterboxes. I believe that being outdoors is very important and spend a significant amount of time outside with my two children swimming, hiking, bike riding, and camping.  I was born in Portland but grew up in Northern California, returning to the Portland area in 1995. I can’t imagine ever living anywhere but the lush forests of the PNW, even with the rain!

 

It is my goal to foster a passion for learning, help students find their personal place in the world, learn to stand up for what is right, and how to work with others to create incredible works they are proud to show off. I have monthly field trips planned that coincide with our units in history, science, PE, art, and literature.  I believe that education is a family affair and believe that each and every child is capable of excellence.

 

Our first day of school is Wednesday, September 5th.  Doors open to our classroom at 7:45 a.m. each morning.  School ends at 3:30.

Students are expected to be in full uniform for their first day of school. (Navy blue bottoms and a white collared shirt; black, brown, navy blue, or white shoes. A fire engine red sweater, vest or sweatshirt is optional) Don’t forget to remove finger nail polish before the first day! This is the uniform violation we see most often in seventh grade. A VERY detailed uniform code is available on our website. Our PTA offers a uniform resale as well. Each piece is $3.00 and there is a full inventory of very nice uniforms in all sizes! Please shop the PTA FIRST to benefit our school. The uniform exchange is also available at all major school functions. Dennis Uniform and Land's End both have Cascade Heights registered uniforms. You may also purchase pieces from any local department or thrift store.

 

Our healthy snack policy is one reason many families love Cascade Heights! A fresh bottle of water and snacks like celery and peanut butter, pretzels, whole wheat crackers, low sugar, low fat yogurt, fresh vegetables, or fruit will help growing bodies get through the morning and do their best. We also strive to be "zero-waste" which means we do not impact the environment by throwing away packaging each day. A cloth sandwich wrapper rather than a Ziploc bag, a permanent water bottle that can be washed each day rather than disposable water bottles, Tupperware-type containers that can be recycled rather than "open and toss." Reusable containers are most desirable. We study the importance of protecting our earth and we want to practice what we teach. In seventh grade, we have a morning snack and then lunch. Some students find that their body works best if they have an afternoon snack as well. I am fine with this as long as it’s a “quiet” snack.  Please pack accordingly; we work and play hard and need lots of nutritious food!

The PTA is hosting a “Get to Know You Tea” on Tuesday from 12 - 2, which is also a great chance to drop off your supplies and see the room. 

Mark your calendars! Back to School Night is Thursday, September 6th from 6:30-8:00 PM. We are offering two half hour sessions for parents with more than one child. This event is an important time to come and learn about the classroom procedures, rules, policies, and general schedule. I will also have sign-up sheets available for fall conferences. Those who are here will get first pick!

Volunteer training is required for everyone who would like to be in the classroom or chaperone on field trips this year. In addition to the required 20 minute training session, if you are interested in driving on field trips, you must submit a copy of your current automobile insurance and driver's license to Mrs. Marlatt in the main office. All volunteers must also complete a background check for $3.50 with Mrs. Marlatt.

I look forward to seeing you at the Tea Party, on the first day of school, and at Back To School Night!

With my deepest regards,

Mrs. Adams