Thursday, March 3, 2022 Volume 16 Issue 21
It has been a long time since we’ve updated you on the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) implementation here at Thurgood Marshall. For readers who are new to the idea, SEM focuses on the enjoyment of the learning process with a specific concentration on planned enrichment experiences that are constructed around students’ interests, learning styles, and preferred modes of expression. The model helps students to better understand their abilities, interests, and learning styles by focusing on their strengths.
We generally describe the SEM process in three types of enrichment activities.
Type I Enrichment general exploration of different topics. This could be documentaries, guest speakers, virtual field trips, and online simulations.
Type II Enrichment Skill building and training. Students learn how to conduct their own project
Type III Enrichment students investigate real problems in small groups or individually.
Our goal this year is to have all fourth and fifth graders along with Ms. Reed, Mr. Simon, and Ms. Westby’s classes experience all three enrichment types. We were lucky to have access to renzullilearning.com where students were able to take an interest and ability survey which then recommended activities for the student to evaluate.
So far, all participating classes have been able to explore a variety of topics and are participating in enrichment activities regularly. Some classes are in type II enrichment groups learning the necessary research skills to understand their topic. A few ambitious students have made strides to begin their problems solving, type III, projects.
The best part so far is seeing the variety of interests in one room. One group of students might want to analyze how someone becomes a great soccer player while a group right next to them pours over the troubles facing the turtles in Lake Washington while another group creates an original song using online soundboards.
Enrichment time at Thurgood Marshall is anything but boring.
Literacy Tutor Needed!
Thurgood Marshall is hiring a literacy tutor to work with kindergarten students who need additional support learning letter names, sounds, and sight words. Tutors also support the classroom teacher during whole group activities and lunch.
The position is 5 days a week, 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. at $17.27 an hour.
Tutor qualifications:
Some experience working with young children or tutoring students
Enjoys working with and tutoring young children
Can commit for the entire school year
Is punctual, reliable, and flexible
YEARBOOK VOLUNTEER NEEDED
We are looking for a volunteer to work with Yuen Lui to put together a Thurgood Marshall yearbook for this year. Please email Katie at kjmay1@seattleschools.org if you are able to help with this. Thank you!
The RAVE Foundation (philanthropic arm of Seattle Sounders) came to Thurgood Marshall the Friday before mid-winter break for a conversation on leadership with Sounders FC alumni Brad Evans talked to our 5th graders about leadership. As an extension of their Books & Balls program, RAVE provided to the school library a book collection about African American Changemakers, curated by the Northwest African American Museum.
Fifth Graders all received a new soccer ball!
