Impressions January 2009

January 2009 • This Month • WG Middle & High Schools January Open Houses/Parent Info Nites for K-8 families considering Willow Glen Middle & High Schools

Welcome. Someone you know thought you’d be interested in getting brief, useful information about Willow Glen Middle School. That’s what this monthly e-newsletter is all about. Read more about Impressions at the bottom of this e-newsletter.

• WGMS API Scores Climb • Students Meet Author Paul Feig • Fall Musical Packs Theater • Meet Science Teacher Innovator

Innovative Teacher Inspires Green Dreams in Middle School Students 12-year science teacher veteran Maryam Raymond created a wildly popular hands-on, interactive elective called “Creator of Science”. Filled with interactive, critical thinking lessons, WG Middle School students are invited to uncover the sources and forms of energy, with a special focus on alternative energies and specifically, solar energy. Hands-on activities include construction of solar ovens, solar water heaters, solar cars, and a complete solar home. They are currently in the process of constructing and installing a solar water fountain for their garden. Solar Car Races | SEE PHOTOS

Middle and High Students Star in Fall Musical Middle and High School students joined together for the top-tapping Fall musical, Happy Daze. With a record number of kids participating both on and behind the stage, the mid-November performances were packed with well-wishers and lovers of musical theater. The Cast of Happy Daze | SEE PHOTOS

Author/Emmy-nominated Actor On Campus Discusses Book with 6th Graders Sixth graders met author and Emmynominated actor, Paul Feig, in the Middle School Theater on November 17th. The author signed copies of his book, Ignatius MacFarland: Frequenaut!, for each 6 th grade language arts classroom, courtesy of the Willow Glen Foundation. Paul Feig met students at the Middle School Theater.

Mr. Feig’s visit perfectly tied in with other middle school literacy initiatives, including a new student book group, which kicked off SEE MORE PHOTOS November 10th. WGM Earns Highest API Middle School Gain in SJUSD

WG High’s Advanced Artists Swim with the Sharks

Willow Glen Middle School recently achieved the biggest middle school API gain in San Jose Unified. Our Academic Performance Index grew 23 points from 717 in 2007 to 740 in 2008.

On Dec. 16th, the advanced sculpture classes had an auction/art show. The work and its show is a result of a truly authentic unit: students identified a need, chose a product and theme (shark!), and then, planned and managed the show itself.

We all know a school’s API is just a small part of the picture, but still…it’s good to know WGM is getting better and better all the time.

A sample of the art produced by the advanced sculpture classes

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Middle & High Schools Parent Info & Tours Dates Come hear about Willow Glen Middle and High Schools and their programs. More info: [email protected] MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPUS TOURS Gene & Mickey Long Library, on Cottle Ave Thursday, January 8, 9-11 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 9-11 a.m. RAM POWER BREAKFAST Middle School Cafeteria Sat., Jan. 24, 9:00 – 12:00 noon PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT Gene & Mickey Long Library, on Cottle Ave (Presentations only; no campus tour that night) T hurs., Jan. 29, 6-7 p.m. HIGH SCHOOL 9TH GRADE PROGRAM TOUR Gene & Mickey Long Library, on Cottle Ave Thurs., Jan. 15, ‘09 ~ 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AP/HONORS PRESENTATION: Gene & Mickey Long Library, on Cottle Ave Thurs., Jan. 15, ‘09 ~ 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. DAY TOURS (of School in session): T hurs., Jan. 22 & 29, ‘09 ~ 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. SHADOW TOURS (Incoming Students Shadow Current High School Students): Wed., Jan. 21/Feb. 4, ‘09 ~ 9:25 a.m. to 12:03 Wed., Jan. 28, ‘09 ~ 7:15 a.m. to 2:05 p.m.

ABOUT IMPRESSSIONS Knowledge is power – and the Willow Glen Foundation wants to give you more…m ore knowledge…more power with Impressions e-newsletter. This

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monthly e-newsletter is geared specifically for parents and teachers of

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Willow Glen High School

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Impressions will give you: –Brief, useful info on Willow Glen Middle and High Schools –A look into their programs and accomplishments –An introduction to some of our teachers and students

Next Month • Meet an Outstanding Student • Your Questions Answered! • A Quick Look At Willow Glen

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