We have been using Class DoJo for a month or so now and have the feel for how it will be helpful in monitoring responsibility and student growth.  Tuesday afternoon I took time with one of my violin classes to discuss some possible rewards and this is what we came up with.  If this system seems too steep we can relax the points a bit beginning in March.

Points will be refreshed Sunday, February 4, 2018 so we can begin our new reward program.

Class Dojo Points beginning February 5, 2018
4 week points
32 – pick 3 things from the gift box
20 – pick 2 things from the gift box
12 – pick 1 things from the gift box
If each student in a class earns 32 points the class will be rewarded with a snack/treat as well as 3 gifts from the gift box.
If each student in a class earns 32 points or more in each 4 week period that whole class will earn a party at the end of the school year.

32 points = per week: on time, with instrument and book, turn in a filled out practice journal, pass on one pin song, post a performance video on class dojo or google classroom (or pass on 2 pin songs or post 3 performance videos)

20 points = per week: on time, with instrument and book, turn in a filled out practice journal (or, if no journal is turned in, post 3 performance videos or pass 2 pin songs)

12 points = per week: on time, with instrument and book, pass a pin song or post 2 performance songs

Congratulations to these two McCollough students for earning their Cadet Pins!

A suggestion to parents.  I realize that a beginning student might now sound great – but with steady and consistent practice at home your child’s playing will begin to sound very beautiful.  Please encourage your young musician to find a quiet place in your home to practice everyday.  You will be amazed at home much your child will improve after just one week of regular practice.

Dear Parents,

Please encourage your child to fill out their practice journal each day that they practice during the week.  This will help the students stay focused, use their time well and effectively, and make better progress.  The more progress they make the more beautiful they will sound and the happier we will all be.  😀

Dear Parents, Please mark your calendars for our Spring Concert on Wednesday, May, 9 at 5:00 p.m. The concert will take place at McCollough/Unis in the gym and include band and orchestra students from grades 5-12. More information will be given when we get closer to the date.

Since we have been exploring a few of the movements from the Nutcracker Ballet the students are curious about nutcrackers.  I promised the students that I would to take a picture of my nutcracker collection for them to see.  I will also bring one of them to school with me this week so they can see it up close.

McCollough Honors Choir students will be performing at the Town Hall Meeting in December.  They are preparing a special song to sing to their classmates and will also lead the students in some Holiday Songs between the grade level award presentations.

Congratulations girls!  You are the first students to be awarded the Cadet Pin this year!  Who will be next to receive the award?