Thursday & Friday, and ....duh, duh, duh.....REPORT CARDS!!!!

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We had a few minutes to experiment with Photobooth in the computer lab this afternoon. Please indulge in our excess.

We'll the report cards went home in their greedy, nervous little hands. Again, please take some time over the next day or so to have conversation with your child about his or her successes and areas for improvement. Also, it would wonderful to get the signed report card envelopes back in a timely manner.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- reading log
- reading practice book page 319
- study for tomorrow's spelling quiz
- math has two pieces tonight; the kids needs to finish the chapter 18 pretest that went home yesterday. When that pretest is completed, they have the option of completing textbook page 408 (problems 1-20) for extra credit / test prep.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. Just a quick note regarding homework. The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- reading log
- reading practice book page 321
- complete math problem o' the week
- math 18.4
- I am sending home the math practice exam for Friday so the kids can spend time with it in preparing for their quiz. It is not due until Friday.
- remember to bring library books Thursday!

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday & the report card roller coaster

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. I want to remind folks that I will be out on Friday with the district Math Department. Mrs. Abelar will be in my place. As I will not be here on that date, I will instead be distributing report cards on Thursday afternoon as the kids leave for the day.
I would like to take a moment to prepare folks as to what they should expect. Firstly, the second trimester is often a difficult one, especially with the lengthy winter break. The work load increases, and the kids need to stay abreast of numerous projects as they juggle their schedule. As such, grades during the second trimester are generally, but not always, less stellar than the first trimester. I look at the year as a roller coaster; we amp up as the year begins. We establish routines, norms and expectations. As the second trimester begins, we are in that freefall after the coaster reaches its initial climb. The kids just hang on and hope to make it through the twists, turns and loops. There are lots of them, and they can be scary and frustrating! The third trimester is the reward; they have made it through with varying degrees of success. Some are terrified to get back on the ride, but others are thrilled to get back into that seat as soon as possible. These last 12 weeks of school will fly by, but during that time that kids will appreciate the ride (if they don't already). The third report card generally reflects their best efforts.
This report card will give everyone the opportunity to reflect on their successes and areas for improvement. The comments I include are honest and never sugar-coated, but extremely mindful of the age group they are reaching. My expectations are high, both academically and personally, and the kids know this. Please take time on Thursday evening to sit with your child and review their report cards. Please applaud their successes, but be fair in discussing how they might improve themselves as we prepare to buckle in for the last part of the ride.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

- math 18.3
- nature log entry
- reading practice book pages 312 & 313
- reading log

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday and beyond...

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. Today is the first day of our final trimester together. Weird to think that we have come this far, and that there are only 12 weeks of school left. Can you tell that I am counting?

Blue Folders today have several items of interest in them. First, the kids have been given their Accelerated Reading goals for the third trimester. The report also features a progress report that shows their gains / losses as they have worked through the first couple of trimesters. The average goal for this grading period is 35 points. Some are higher, and some are lower, but we will be working through 4 books together in this final grading period that will aide each child in meeting and surpassing their respective goal. Also in the folder is a new reading log and information regarding a cool fundraiser.

Thursday is the last day to submit Scholastic orders. The link is attached to the blog.

Friday brings report cards. They are looking very interesting.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- blue folders
- math 18.2
- reading practice book pages 316 & 317
- reading log

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant