This Week

Good afternoon!

     This week is atypical in a few different ways. First, Mrs. Schoenfeld is out all week chaperoning the Fall Girls Pathfinders, so if you cannot reach her… that is why.

     Ms. Lund will be out on Tuesday chaperoning the Girls Engineering trip to UMaine in Orono — a few of our girls will spend all day on campus learning about engineering and the opportunities they can find.

     Wednesday will be a two-hour delay for students (staff have meetings and trainings), so expect busses at 8:30 if they usually come at 6:30; the official school day starts at 9:10 instead of the usual 7:10.

     On Thursday, Mr. DeMaris will be out chaperoning the Boys Engineering trip to UMaine in Orono — it's like the trip for girls, but for the boys! Thursday night is the first production of the drama club's play from 7:00 – 9:00 on the stage in Lowlands Gym. See you there!

     Finally, Friday during Advisory students will walk against bullying; if you have an orange shirt, bring it and wear it. Friday night is the second and last production of the drama club's play; same time and place as on Thursday.

     If you have any questions, email, call, or comment, and we will get back to you!

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Ferry Beach — What should I bring?

Good morning,

     Tomorrow (Wednesday) after the first Allied Arts class, Barclay students pack into busses and head down to the Ecology School at Ferry Beach in Saco. We will spend the rest of the academic day there, exploring the dunes and the forest and learning about the environment and the management of our natural world. Students will come back to school in time to get on their regular bus and go home at their regular time, or attend whatever after-school programs they do.

     Please remember that this means students will be walking on uneven ground for a period of multiple hours, with a break in the middle to each lunch. We highly suggest students wear closed-toed shoes, either sneakers or boots, so they do not injure themselves or break a sandal by slipping. The weather is predicted to be 75 – 80 degrees down in Saco that day, so you won't need any cold-weather gear like we will in the spring, but be advised that the school dress code still applies on field trips.

     Many students have indicated they will bring their own bag lunch on the trip; students who have said they need a school lunch have told us already, and will have a school-provided bag lunch available.

     We are looking forward to a good time!

With anticipation,
Mr. DeMaris

The Week in Preview

Hello Everyone,

     This week in Clan Barclay we have ourselves a busy, busy schedule. Last week, students were introduced to the basic ideas of argument, and this week we will continue on that theme. But first, we need to refocus on our books.

     Monday will be spent in the library, reading quietly or finding new books and then reading. Students must be prepared by the end of September to present their reading book to the teacher and the class, and they will write a review of their books as well. Monday is a step in that process. Remember your book if you have one.

     Tuesday will be a day for argument development. Students will open their first argument assignment and begin to flesh it out, adding evidence and searching for credible sources to support themselves, separating the good from the bad. Remember, if your source is not credible, your evidence is not useful, and your argument is not valid. Do not ruin a good argument with bad evidence! Also, the next Newspaper Club meeting is Tuesday after school.

     Wednesday is our field trip to the Ecology School at Ferry Beach in Saco! Students will attend their first Allied Arts class, then pack into busses and head down for a day of walking and talking and exploring the coast and the woods nearby. Be sure to dress accordingly — check the weather forecast! We are going, rain or shine. Also, the next Chess Club meeting is Wednesday after school.

     Thursday we get right back to arguments, and this time they will be student pairs based on student-selected topics, albeit selected from categories we may discuss ahead of time. Remember, we will not use laptops this day. The key is a clear, cohesive presentation of your ideas, this time in written and spoken word.

     Friday will be a day for building on arguments by developing claims from evidence found in news articles. This day will be less free-form and more structured, so students can better understand how argument should be organized.

     Finally, I found this clever quotation by a modern author, and I appreciate it; share and consider!

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

Ferry Beach

Hello All,

     Just to update you, our clan is going on the class field trip to the Ecology School at Ferry Beach in Saco. This will be an overnight from Tuesday until Wednesday; the kids will return by 1:30 Wednesday afternoon, in plenty of time for their busses or after-school activities. Remember to pack the basics:

1. sleeping bag
2. pillow
3. toiletries (incl. a towel if you want to shower)
4. change of clothes
5. warm clothes (incl. hat, gloves, outdoor-appropriate shoes)
6. snack for bus ride there, if you like
7. board game or book

Do NOT bring the following:

1. cell phone
2. iPod or other music player
3. any other electronic device (except a dedicated camera, as per Mrs. Davis' permission)

You will leave your laptop at school after Allied Arts, and any phones or other electronics we will confiscate as we find them. You will have plenty to do without them.

     By this point, you should have asked your questions weeks ago, just as you should have turned in your permission slips. If you are not going, you have work to do. Be productive with your time.

Thank you,
Mr. DeMaris

Ferry Beach

Hello All,

     Tuesday and Wednesday Dundee Clan will attend The Ecology School at Ferry Beach, down in Saco. Students are to leave cell phones and other electronics behind to take twenty-four hours to simply live together, learn together, and experience an interactive education on ecosystems and the environment. Teachers will have their phones in case of emergencies, and we will be back in time to dismiss on regular buses Wednesday afternoon.

     You can find more information here, at The Ecology School website. http://www.theecologyschool.org/overnight

     Students should bring a change of clothes, basic bedding (or a sleeping bag), dry socks, and basic amenities. The Ecology School provides all meals and houses students and teachers in dorms. As we are taking this trip in March, students should remember to bring warm clothes, including gloves and hats; this is an interactive education, so they will spend much of their time outside.

     Any questions may be directed to Mrs. Davis or a member of Dundee Clan, or you can contact The Ecology School at the number or email address on their contact page. http://www.theecologyschool.org/contact-us

     Bundle up, and remember to bring your sleeping bag.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris