Thank you for participating...

but this experiment is now over.

Stay well and be kind,
Mr. Bryant

Tuesday, October 29

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  T-minus two days until the book reports are due!  Remain diligent.  Again, I allowed the kids a few extra minutes at the end of the day to work on their homework.  Most have a good grasp on their efforts, so that book reports can take priority once the kids get home.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book page 186
- math 10.3, pages 221 & 222, problems 7-27
- keep working on book report

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday, October 28

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  There is much happening at school this week, and I am working diligently with the kids to ensure that they stay on top of their assignments and efforts.  I know that the book report is still weighing heavily on the minds of the kids, so I am allowing them the opportunity to spend the last twenty minutes of the day getting a running start on their homework.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- continue with book report
- reading practice book page 182
- math 10.2, pages 217 & 218, problems 10-20
- Blue Folder

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday, October 24

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book page 163
- math 9 extra, page 203, set B, 1-13
- nature log entry (if it wasn't turned in today)
- keep plugging away at the book report

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday, Oct. 23

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  Our Native Americans quiz went off without a hitch, and the kids seemed comfortable with the content.  They will have their efforts returned to them next Monday.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- nature log entry
- math 9 review, page 204, problems 1-20
- start looking at the setting section of your book report

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday, October 22

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  Tomorrow is our big 'ol Native Californians quiz.  I cannot impress upon folks how important it will be for the kids to come to school with their study guides.  Not only will I be collecting them, but they kids will be allowed to have access to them during the exam.  They will not be allowed to reference the text book.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

-30 minutes DEAR
- math lesson 9.3, page 197, problems 12-23
- continue with book report efforts on protagonist.  If done, move on to the antagonist.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday, October 21

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  We have a very busy week ahead of us, and the kids are feeling of the pressure of both the upcoming Native Californians quiz  (Wednesday) and the October Book Report (a week from Thursday).  We will work with our planners today in an effort to schedule our study/ work time effectively.

I have a quick favor to ask.  If each family, during their next trip to the grocery store, would please purchase and send in a box of Kleenex tissue for the classroom, it would be greatly appreciated.  The school can't seem to keep enough on hand, and these kids are full of boogers.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- reading practice book page 162 (this week's spelling words)
- 30 minutes DEAR
- continue studying for Wednesday's Native American quiz (use study guide for DEAR time!)
- consider beginning your book report efforts by working on the protagonist paragraph
- math lesson 9.2, page 194, problems 7-15

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday, October 17

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The class was in full-moon mode today.  They had lots of energy, and their mouths were moving as fast as hummingbird wings.  They claimed to be excited about tomorrow's Harvest Festival, but I have my suspicions. 

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book page 140
- math 8 review, page 186, problems 1-20

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday, October 16

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  We are in catch-up mode, as this was my first full day in the classroom this week. We are near wrapping our efforts with the book report template, and the kids are still looking at an October 31st due date for their individual efforts.
 I will be sending Blue Folders home next Monday.  My apologies for the delay. 
We finished our efforts with the Native American study guide this morning.  The kids will have a full week to fine-tune their efforts (making sure notes, illustrations, vocabulary, table of contents and a meaningful cover) before taking their exam next Wednesday.  The kids will be allowed to use their study guides during the exam, so it will be in their best interest to make sure the guide is their best effort.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book page 138
- math 8.4, page 177, problems 9-17

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday, October 15

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  I made a brief appearance in class this morning, as I sprained my ankle on Sunday and am not moving well.  I am planning on being in class on Wednesday, and appreciate your patience while I recover.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book page 137
- problem o' the week 5 (due Thursday)
- math 8.3, page 175, problems 7-19

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday, October 10

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  These days are flying by, and the kids are working very hard to accomplish their assignments.  I am very impressed with their efforts, and excited to see them taking ownership with their work.

Everyone is responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- math 7.5, page 155, problems 2-7
- reading practice page 125

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday, October 9

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  The kids were able to get a good head start on their math homework today, so please enjoy an afternoon of light homework.  The kids are responsible for the following:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice page 123
- math 7.4, page 153, problems 5-18

Respectfully,
Mr. Bryant

Tuesday, October 8

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  We have spent our last two days taking care of district benchmarks for language and math, and the kids have been troopers.  We have a writing assessment to take care of by the month's end.

The blog has been updated to reflect the most current conference schedule and assessment focuses.  Sorry for the lag in keeping it current, but the issue was on the server's end (thankfully).

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book 122
- math 7.3, page 149, problems 7-16

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday, October 7

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  Conferences are upon us.  I sent home the most current schedule of appointments with the kids today. Their Blue Folders are full of goodies, so please be sure to check them out.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book page 121
- math 7.2, page 145, 8-16

Respectfully, Mr. B

Thursday, 10/3

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  Sorry to be posting late, however our internet was down on campus today and I am just getting home.

For some odd reason (I am working with Blogspot currently), I am unable to update next week's conference schedule.  I hope to have the issue resolved soon so that I can offer you an accurate schedule.

The kids have an odd assortment of assignments today, and they are as follows:

- if a nature log entry was not completed last night, it is due no later than Friday
- the final Island of the Blue Dolphins quiz went home with the kids tonight.  Some were able to complete their efforts in class. Those who were unable to finish were asked to take them home.  They are due Friday morning.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday, 10/2

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  Our efforts with Team Time have been very rewarding this week, and the kids are working well in their respective groups. 

The library will be hosting our annual Book Fair next week during conferences.  The kids will be going home with catalogs on Thursday, and we will be previewing the fair on Friday.  Parents are needed to help staff the fair.  If you are interested and have the time to spare, please drop me a line and I will pass your name along to the librarian.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book page 107
- math chapter 6 review, page 138, problems 1-20
- nature log entry

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday. 10/1

Hello families, and thanks for checking in.  We held our first classroom auction this afternoon, and the kids were wacky to spend their classroom money on some fun items.  We will hold reward auctions at the end of each month.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice page 106
- math lesson 6.5, page 131, problems 6-29

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday, 9/30

Howdy all, and thank you for checking in. If you've not scheduled a conference for next week, please contact me at your earliest convenience so we may make arrangements. 
Today was our first effort with RTI (Team Time) for the school year.  The groups worked very well.  If your child has not informed you of their classroom placement, a note went home in the Blue Folders today.
We will be wrapping up our efforts with Island of the Blue Dolphins this week, and assessing our knowledge of the book on Friday (written) and next Monday (AR).  To get into the mood for Halloween, we'll be reading Roald Dahl's The Witches next. 

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- Blue Folders (please return no later than Friday)
- reading practice book page 106 (complete spelling list is on page 413)
- math lesson 6.4, page 129, problems 1-5

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday, 9/25

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book page 87
- math 6.2, page 123, problems 15-30

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday, 9/24

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  We held our class elections this afternoon.  The class was impressed with the speeches of all who ran, and the voting was close.  In the end, both Malia and Kylie were voted to represent the class on our Student Leadership Board.  The kids will be meeting monthly with staff to plan and implement spirit days, community events and fundraisers.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- math set B, page 108, problems 13-24
- reading practice book page 91

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday, 9/23

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  This is our last full week together before the implementation of RTI next Monday.  Again, I will be sending home notices regarding your child's RTI teacher in next week's Blue Folder.  This week's Blue Folders are light, but please check out the "Drive for Schools" raffle information.

The conference schedule has been posted here on the blog.  Please check your time.  If you do not have a scheduled appointment yet, please look at the available times and email me with a preference.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- math chapter 5 review, page 110, problems 1-15
- reading practice book page 86
- Blue Folder

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday, 9/19

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  I hope to meet as many of you tonight as possible.  Again, the classroom will be open from 7-7:30.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book pages 56 & 57
- math 5.4, page 103, problems 3-17

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday, 9/18

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  The kids were still reeling from our trip to the aquarium yesterday, and we were not as productive as I had hoped to be.  We are continuing our efforts with Island of the Blue Dolphins and will be wrapping up Matilda shortly.  As we finish Island, we will be transitioning into our studies of Native Californians. 

Thursday night is our Back-to-School event.  I will have the classroom open from 7-7:30 to discuss curriculum and plans for the year.  Mrs. Dorney will be speaking in the MPR from 6:30 - 7, and the lower grades will be opening their doors from 6-6:30.  This is a parents only event, please. 

Students who have expressed an interest in leadership have until Friday the 20th to submit their speeches for consideration.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- Reading Practice book page 61
- Math 5.3, page 99, problems 9-19
- Nature Log entry on an animal observed at the aquarium

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday, 9/17

Thanks to everyone who made our trip to the aquarium a positive experience.  The kids were wonderful!

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday, 9/16

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The kids are insanely excited for tomorrow's aquarium trip!  We have everything set, and a few notes regarding tomorrow are making their way home in today's Blue Folders.  In case you don't see the folder today, here is what you  need to know:

1. Be on time.  We are leaving school at 8.
2. Bring a recyclable sack lunch (even chaperones).
3. Bring a camera if you'd like, but know how to turn off the flash.
4. Don't bring money, because admission is free and we are not going to the gift shops.

The kids were given time to take care of their spelling HW in class, and just have math to contend with tonight.  They are responsible for the following:

- Blue Folder
- Math 5.2, page 95, problems 14-23
- Reading Practice book page 60 (the spelling that should have been finished in class)

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday, 9/12

Hello all,  and thank you for checking in.  We had a very nice day, despite a not so great start. I didn't make it to school until almost 9, as a car crashed into my house last night!  We are fine, but taking care of police reports and insurance took up my morning.  The kids were great for Mrs. Maraldo in my absence.
We had a great time this week discovering the history behind the sinking of the Titanic, and the kids were treated a documentary this afternoon, "The Ghosts of the Abyss", that chronicled the exploration of the wreckage.  Very cool stuff!

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- math chapter 4 review, page 88, problems 1-20
- study for tomorrow's spelling quiz

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday, 9/11

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  The day is an obviously somber one as we recall and pay our respects to those who lost their lives on 9/11.  I can't believe its been 12 years, as the memories are so vivid.  The class and I did a little exploration of the subject matter today, as they were full of questions.  We watched a Brainpop video on the subject, and it did a wonderful job presenting information and facts in a non-threatening, non-graphic manner.  The kids may still have questions, so please be prepared should the subject arise.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book page 46
- math lesson 4.4, page 83, problems 8-23
- problem of the week 3 due tomorrow

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday, 9/10

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The drizzle hasn't quite dampened our spirits, as the kids are still full of energy!
You child was given an Accelerated Reading goal today, and a printed diagnostic that explains how their goal was set.  Goals will fluctuate each trimester, depending on you child's successful level of engagement with the program.  This first trimester ends in early November.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- Reading Practice book page 50 (conjunctions in compound sentences)
- Math 4.3, page 79, problems 14-29

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday, 9/9

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  The above critters visited the classroom today courtesy of Kayla.  Our shores have had an unfortunate wash-up in the past week and we have been treated to some rarely seen deep-sea fish.  If you're interested in checking out the carnage for yourself, I'd suggest a stroll between New Brighton and Capitola (along the cliffs) at low tide.  I've seen several species of eels, deep sea fish and crabs as of late. 

Tomorrow is picture day.  Sadly, we have PE first thing in the morning, so our scheduled picture time is 10:30.  Watch out for bed head!

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- Blue Folders
- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading workbook page 45
- math lesson 4.2, pages 75 - 76, problems 6-20

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday, 9/5

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  Thanks also for the quick responses to my request for chaperones and drivers.  We currently have seats for 25 students and are needing space for 7 more.  Please take advantage of the free fingerprinting services being offered after school this week in the library!

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book page 22
- math ch 3 review, page 68, problems 1-20

Respectfully,
Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book page 21
- math lesson 3.4, page 63, problems 6-18
- Nature Log entry

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

We've Got the Power!

Howdy all, and thank you for checking in.  We have been experimenting with electricity these past few weeks and the kids had a good time this afternoon trying to create working circuits.  We will be working with electricity for the remainder of the month before we move into our food chain studies.

Lots of goodies in the Blue Folders today, including information on our upcoming aquarium trip. Please try to return all required paperwork to school by this Friday.  We are very fortunate to have a parent volunteer their services everyday after school this week in helping parent volunteers get fingerprinted (as required by new district safety protocols).

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- math 3.3, page 60, problems 11-24
- reading practice book page 20
- math problem of the week #2 (due Thursday)

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday, 8/29

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The class worked very hard on their first literature quiz this morning, and the results were impressive (as the class averaged an 87%).  They also seemed confident with their math quiz, and I will share their results with you early next week.  The kids should be prepared for tomorrow's spelling quiz.  Please also ensure that Blue Folders are returned to school each week.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice page 37
- math lesson 3.2, page 55, problems 11-24

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday, 8/28

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book page 36
- math chapter 2 review, page 42, problems 1-14

Friendly reminders:
- math quiz on Thursday (tomorrow)
-spelling quiz on Friday

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday, 8/27

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  I'm sure the kids have told you about scheduled aquarium trip, and I am also sure that you received an email from the school last night regarding TB tests and fingerprinting requirements for classroom and field trip volunteers.  The school is working on making this testing process and easy one, as we want your help.  I will be sending home paperwork with permission slips later this week.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- Reading practice boom pages 26 & 27
- Math lesson 2.4, pages 35 & 36, problems 11-24

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday 8/26

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The class is settling into a routine after our first week together, and we seem to working well.  Blue folders are making their way home with the kids this afternoon.  I did not grade last week's work, with the exception of Friday's spelling quiz.  Normally, a red stamped 'B' will be printed on assignments that I have logged in my grade book.  You'll note a space to acknowledge receipt of the Blue Folder on a weekly basis, as well as various means by which to contact me.  Please ensure that Blue Folders are returned no later than Friday of each week.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- Blue Folders
- 30 minutes DEAR
- Reading practice book pages 30 & 31 (weekly spelling words)
- Math 2.3, page 33, problems 9-20

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday

Howdy all, and thank you for checking in.  You have great kids, and I am really enjoying the time we are spending together.  They have so many stories and life experiences that they are eager to share!  The class feels like an amazing fit.

The kids had a little bit of time at the end of today to begin their homework, and several were able to get a great start.  Here is what they are responsible for tonight:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- math 2.1, page 27, problems 1-11
- reading practice book page 15
- study for tomorrow's spelling quiz

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  We had another great day!  The kids seem to have found their comfort zone already, which makes me excited about where we are heading as a group.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- nature log entry (its all about the details)
- chapter 1 math review, page 22, problems 1-15

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Hello Room 13 families, and thanks for checking in.  My first day with the class went well.  The kids are engaged and seem to be excited for our school year together.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- reading practice book pages 6 & 7
- math lesson 1.4, page 17, problems 6-14

Respectfully,
Mr. Bryant

Welcome to Room 13

Hello Room 13 families, and thank you for checking in.  Your children will be bringing home a Blue Folder on Monday that will need your attention.  Please review and return the required forms IN the Blue Folder no later than Friday.  The Blue Folder will go home each Monday, and will need to be returned by Friday of that same week. 

This blog will be updated Monday - Thursday, but parents are asked to check in with their child's planner for daily assignments.  Planners will go home with students each school night and will need to be brought back to school each morning.

This blog is changing frequently, and is the best place to keep apprised of what is happening in the classroom.  Please do not communicate with me through the blog.  I can be reached best via e-mail at Jeff_Bryant@PVUSD.net, or feel free to stop by the classroom after school.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Have a beautiful summer

Hello my friends, thank you each for a wonderful school year.
Respectfully, Mr. B

Many, many thanks

Thanks to the parents and family members who volunteered their time and resources to make this morning's trip to the Aptos Cinema a memorable one.  The kids had a great time, and the parents who attended did as well.  The kids were amazingly well behaved, and I am very proud of how they represented the school.  They even received compliments from the theater staff as we were leaving.

Again, tomorrow afternoon at one will be our Big Spin and Honors Assembly.  We will be meeting in the MPR, and all are welcome to join us in the festivities.

I would also like to pass along that Valencia is opening enrollment to Summer School to all interested parties.  If you have questions about the program, please check the PVUSD website, or speak with our wonderful office staff.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

The Home Stretch

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  As we wind down on the school year, we have a few things left to take care of.  Here are some of the things we are looking forward to this week:

- Yearbooks were distributed today.
- We finished filming "Villains in the Gold Fields" this afternoon.  I'll be editing our efforts this week so that the kids will each have a copy by Friday.
- Final Red Folders were sent home on Monday.  There is no need to return them.
- Wednesday brings our trip to the Aptos Cinema for our Year-End Celebration.  I will be emailing families Monday evening to go over the logistics.
- Wednesday afternoon is the Annual Staff vs. Sixth Grade Softball Game.  It will be at 1 o'clock, as the day is NOT RESTRUCTURED.
- Thursday afternoon at 1 will be our final awards assembly of the year.  The following students will be honored: Julia, Declan, Sophia, Dominic, Ben, Ava, Holden, Santana & Riya. If you've the time, feel free to join us in the MPR for the festivities.
- Report cards will go home with the students on Friday.

Thank you all for a very nice year.  You have some genuinely kind and amazing children. Please encourage them each to keep up their studies over the summer, as fifth grade is right around the corner.

Respectfully, Mr. B

Tuesday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  We are nearing the home stretch and the kids are truly full of summertime energy.  This week sees us wrapping up our California reports and filming our Gold Rush movie.  We have pushed back the filming to Thursday and Friday to allow for some much needed practice.  On Thursday and Friday, it would appreciated if the kids were to bring "western' themed clothing (i.e. jeans, flannel or denim shirts, cowboy hats, etc.)
As a friendly reminder, I cannot accept school work past this Friday, as I need to submit grades Monday morning.  The kids will be given access to the computer lab to complete any last minute AR quizzes no later than Thursday.
If you've not submitted the Aptos Cinema field trip form and donation, please do so this week.  I need to get a check cut this weekend by the school treasurer and cannot do so if the funds are not accounted for.
Thank you all so much for the birthday love this past week.  It was priceless and greatly appreciated to be recognized.
Please contact me with any concerns.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

If you have a minute, please read the letter below.

An open letter to the PVUSD Board of Trustees

Posted: Tuesday, May 21st, 2013
BY: EILEEN CLARK-NAGAOKA

I am a teacher at H.A. Hyde Elementary and am writing to protest the PVUSD administration’s response to Pajaro Valley Federated Teacher’s proposals for the current round of negotiations.

I have worked in PVUSD for almost 24 years. I, like most other teachers, am hard working and a little crazy in my level of dedication. Most days I’m in my classroom at least two hours past my contract time. I’m in my classroom again for several hours over the weekend. For many years while teaching at a district school that did not have an active home and school club, I organized all the school carnivals, flea markets, family literacy nights, Million Words Celebrations, etc. All of which took hundreds of hours of unpaid time.

Now that I am at H.A. Hyde, which has an active parent group, I am no longer so busy, but I continue to be the quintessential team player. This last week I went up to Camp Koinonia to relieve a fifth-grade teacher so that she could go home to her baby, (by the way fifth-grade teachers are not compensated beyond contract hours for their required round-the-clock attendance at science camp) and I organized Bike-to-School Day, which involved driving to Santa Cruz for materials, arriving at school early and staying late.

I am not asking for your praise or your thanks for these above-and-beyond activities and, of course, I know that I won’t be compensated for them monetarily. I am asking for your respect and for the acknowledgement that I am a professional who does what’s necessary because it is what it takes to make my classroom a rich learning environment and to make my school community healthy and cohesive. I am a professional and I am not uncommon in my level of dedication.

Please try to imagine my outrage then, when I read the district’s response to my union’s proposals for smaller class sizes, more prep time, and compensation equal to that of similar districts in California. After six weeks of no response at all to the union’s proposals, the administration responded with nothing but “take-backs.” They propose that teachers must call Superintendent Dorma Baker to have personal days approved (she must have a lot of time on her hands). They propose that sick days may have to be verified by a doctor’s note — as though writing five pages of sub plans and essentially losing a day of instruction with our students is not enough of a deterrent to false sick days. They propose that the definition of staff meetings be changed to mean only those that include the whole staff, including janitors, secretaries, etc., so that, through this semantic trick, teachers’ required meeting time will be unlimited, thus cutting into our already insufficient prep time. Other meeting times, they propose, would be unlimited, thus allowing all prep time to be eaten up by meetings.

All I can think is, “How dare they?” How dare they question my professionalism to this extent? If you, Trustees, are really convinced by the administration’s arguments that the majority of teachers are abusing our leave benefits and shirking our professional obligations, why not task Superintendent Baker with going out to the local golf courses during school hours and tallying the number of teachers she sees there. Then ask her to drive by local schools an hour after contract hours and tally the number of cars still in the staff parking lots. I can promise you that there will be more teachers giving away their time then there are those stealing time from the district. How dare they assume the opposite?

•••

Eileen Clark-Nagaoka is a teacher H.A. Hyde Elementary School.

The week

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  Red folders each contain a letter regarding upcoming events, due dates and reminders.  I've attempted to include all information to make these last few weeks of school as manageable as possible.  If I have left something out, please feel free to contact me.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday & Thursday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The kids are very excited about Thursday night's Open House, as they are eager to show off their accomplishments.  The classroom will be open from 6ish to 8.  We have no special presentations to be timely for, so feel free to show up when it is convenient.

The science projects are looking good, and the kids began to share their efforts with the class today.  We will continue to share them over the next few days.

See you Thursday, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday & the Science Project

(Insert ominous music here......)

Hello friends, tomorrow brings the due date for the science projects.  Completed efforts are expected on Wednesday, as the kids will be sharing them.

A friendly reminder that Friday is our field trip to Cabrillo.  The kids will need to pack a sack lunch on Friday.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday, & the Week

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The kids should be wrapping up their science projects in the next two days, as they are still due on Wednesday.  This week sees us beginning our final literature study with Raold Dahl's James & the Giant Peach and well as undertaking a pretty cool math-based art project on spacial reasoning / representation.

Friday is our field trip to Cabrillo College.  We have a few volunteers to help us maneuver the day, but we could surely benefit from a few additional eyes and minds.  Please contact me if you are able to come along.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday & Friday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  I need to let everyone know that we were exposed to pink eye this past Friday.  I have an official notice from the school that I will send home with the kids tomorrow.
It is my sincere hope that the kids are taking advantage of the reduced homework load by working diligently on their science projects.  We will spend next Monday doing one last batch of research for our California reports before we begin rough drafts in the classroom.  The kids should be able to finish drafts at school before taking them home to type.
We are almost done with presentations for the artist reports.  The kids have done amazing jobs and the class has been most impressed with their peers.
Friday we will be watching the Hiroshima documentary, and I expect there will be a very heartfelt discussion afterward.  Please be mindful that the kids will more-than-likely be coming home wanting to talk or with additional questions.
Have a great weekend, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in.

If you've not taken notice, there are some pretty cool things happening at school in the next two weeks.  This Friday is the Family Music and Movie Night.  Two Rio rock bands will playing on the upper-grade playground at 6pm, and the Pixar film "Brave" will play at sundown.

Next Thursday evening will bring our annual Open House.  Classrooms will be open from 6:30 - 8 to families and friends.  The fifth grade will be host a burrito feed prior to the classrooms being opened, and our very own fourth grade will be hosting a bake sale.  Proceeds from the event will go toward offsetting sixth grade science camp costs.

The kids should be knee-deep in their science project efforts at this point.  I have yet to clear all students to work on their projects, as I haven't received investigative questions & hypothesis from everyone yet. You know who you are...so get them turned in without delay.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday and the week

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  The STAR testing is going remarkably smooth, and the kids have been troopers.  If all goes according to plan, we will be wrapping up our efforts no later than Wednesday.

Several students have yet to submit their investigative question and hypothesis for their science projects.  I have spoken with those individuals and will expect the work on Tuesday.  I also reviewed the report format with the class today and sent them home with folders to prepare and present their efforts on.

Lots of goodies in today's red folders.  Please keep your eyes open.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday & Friday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The artist reports are looking very good, and the kids began sharing their efforts this afternoon. 

I am aware that many of the kids are feeling overwhelmed by the science project.  If they are unable to get their initial assignment / approval in by tomorrow, I will gladly allow them the opportunity to spend some time with the project this weekend.  They are welcome to submit their investigative question, hypothesis and steps on Monday.

We have finished our efforts with the STAR language section.  The kids will begin the math portion next Monday.

Have a beautiful weekend, Mr. B

Wednesday

Just a friendly reminder that the artist report and visual aide is due tomorrow.  We'll be sharing our efforts Thursday and Friday with each other.

Our first day of CST testing went off without a hitch.  We'll complete our efforts with language arts on Thursday and then take care of the math components next week.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday & STAR testing

Tomorrow brings our first of two scheduled days of STAR language arts testing.  Testing will take place from roughly 8:30 - 10 each morning.  Please ensure that the kids are well rested and fed before coming to school.  I've already purchased the kids gum for the exams, and they are anxious to get chomping on it.

Book reports were submitted today from most of the kids.  Artist reports are due Thursday.

Please return "White Light, Black Rain" consent forms as soon as possible.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Everything Changes

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  We are down to our final 30 days of school and STAR testing is upon us.  With these last weeks together finding us wrapping up core curriculum (reading anthology is done, we are on the last chapter of math and have one lesson from science left), you will not finding your child coming home with daily homework assignments. Instead, and as promised, the kids will find themselves working on larger projects.  The month of May will have us making a film, crafting a California report,  engaging with a science project and working with some very cool art projects.

I will still be updating the blog daily, so as to keep you best informed as to our going-ons and to expectations and goals as clear as possible.

This week's schedule is panning out as follows:

Tuesday - Final book report due

Wednesday & Thursday - STAR testing (language arts)

Thursday - Artists report and accompanying visual aide due.  Can be typed or in the student's best printing.

I would ask that the kids attempt to maintain their daily 30 minutes of DEAR, if possible.

Today's Red Folder has many returned papers and a permission slip for a documentary that I would like to share with the class.  Please return both to class by Friday.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  A few friendly reminders:  tomorrow is Jogging-for-the-Arts.  Next Tuesday, book reports are due.  Next Thursday, artist reports and visual aides are due.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- spelling 118 (due tomorrow)
- math 27 review, page 616, problems 1-10

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  We had a very nice day.  The kids and I were covering some upcoming due dates for projects we are working on.  Please be mindful that next Tuesday brings the due date of the final monthly book report.  Next Thursday brings the due date of artist reports.  The kids are responsible for a visual aide to accompany their efforts.

With STAR testing beginning next week, the kids will no longer have daily homework assignments for class.  Instead, they will be working on their long-term projects for May.  Information regarding their science projects will go home in Monday's folders and we will begin our California report research on Monday.  So much to do, but all manageable when mindful of timeframes.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- spelling 117
- math 27.4, pp 609-610, all problems

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in. I had a great time at PE today with the kids.  I don;t get out there much with them to just play.  We were playing a modified version of dodgeball.  I got pegged a couple of times who are clearly holding some pent up aggressions toward me. The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- spelling 116
- math 27.2, page 603, problems 1-11(should have finished in class) & 27.3, pages 605-606, problems 5-14

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Happy Monday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in.  I'd like to extend my sincere appreciation to the parents who made the time to accompany us on Friday's trip to Elkhorn Slough.  The day was a mixed bag, honestly.  The weather was amazing and the kids were engaged, but we were separated into two groups for the day which made the overall experience less meaningful.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- spelling 115
- math 26 review, p. 596, problems 1-10
- Cabrillo permission slip / Red Folder

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday & Friday

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  I allowed some time at the end of day for the kids to hopefully complete their homework for the evening.  We spent time discussing tomorrow's trip to Elkhorn Slough as well, as the day will be action packed and require some preparation on their end.  Each of the kids will need to bring the following tomorrow for the trip:
- a sack lunch
- a bottle of water
- a light jacket
- a camera (if they'd like to take pictures)
- a knapsack or small backpack, as they will need to carry their supplies
- comfortable walking shoes
- please wear pants (no shorts), as it is tick season
- a hat to block the sun (if you'd like)

We are hoping to leave school as near to 8:30 as possible.  If all goes as planned, we will leave the slough at 1:30 and make it back to school by the final bell.  I don't want to inconvenience anyone by missing busses, etc.

By any chance they need to finish it, this is tonight's homework:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- spelling 113 (packet due tomorrow)
- math 26.4, pp 589-590, problems 1-21

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- math 26.3, pp 585-586, problems 6-20
- spelling 112
- Nature Log efforts will take place on Friday's trip.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in.  I will be emailing families shortly with our itinerary for Friday's Elkhorn Slough trip.  Please be on the look-out.


The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- math 26.2, p. 583 (6-18)
- spelling 111

Monday

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  It is the dreaded tax day.  I finally got around to finishing mine last night.  Not fun, considering the weekend was so beautiful.  Red Folders are full of goodies today.  Please be on the look out for information on our Jogging for the Arts fundraiser, an opportunity to sign up for the after school tennis program and this Friday's Bargetto's social and fundraiser.

The kids and I are about half way through our efforts with the artist reports, and they are shaping up nicely.  Once drafts are completed, the kids will be asked to take them home to type.  The kids will also be assigned a companion piece to the report which will give them the opportunity to craft a piece of art in the style of their report subject.  (If kids are not working on a visual artist, such as a musician or writer, they can recreate an album or book cover.)  Final drafts and visuals will be due Thursday, May 2nd.

Friday's trip to Elkhorn Slough is going to be very cool.  I will be emailing all families the particulars of the day no later than Tuesday.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- Spelling 110
- Red Folder
- Math 25 review, page 576, 1-10

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  Sorry about the blog snafu yesterday.  All appears to be well now.  I've updated drivers and chaperones for Elkhorn Slough and made notes regarding long-term assignments as well.  Please feel to check out the changes.

The students are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- math 25.5, pp 569 & 570, problems 1-20
- spelling 108

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  We had a great discussion this afternoon about immigrants and migration, and the kids had many questions that brought up the topic of racism. They were shocked and dismayed to know that our nation's history was not always kind. If the conversations come up around the dinner table tonight, you now know where they originated.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- spelling 106
- math 25.3, p 565, problems 1-14

Respectfully, Mr.Bryant

Monday

Hello all, and welcome back from what seemed to be an extremely short Spring Break.  I spent some time landscaping my yard and building a table from an old gate door.  It was a good time, but I'd like a few more days to enjoy some sunshine.

Our first day back was a mellow one.  We are slowly building toward our efforts with artist reports and the wax museum.  The kids have selected their artists and begun their preliminary research.  We'll begin writing our body paragraphs this week before exploring the introduction and conclusion.

The kids were anxious to get their March book reports back from me today, but were disappointed to learn that I had not corrected them over the break.  March book reports will be returned next Monday, and final book reports for the year are due on April 30.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- math 25.2, pp 561 & 562, problems 6-24
- spelling 105
- Red Folder

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday & Spring Break

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  We are so close to break, and the energy from the kids is palpable.  We have one day left together, and we have a mellow day planned with buddies, our class auction, some literature and the school's talent show in the afternoon.

I would like to extend wishes for a peaceful and happy spring break.  I am looking forward to some rest and spending time with loved ones.  I'll see you all in ten days!

Tonight, the kids should be completing their spelling packet and book report to turn in tomorrow.

Respectfull, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  It looks (fingers crossed) that the school's water issues will be fixed by this evening, and that business will return to normal tomorrow.  Please keep us in your thoughts.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- math 24 review, page 548, problems 1-10
- spelling 102
- book report still due on Friday

Respectfully, Mr. B

Tuesday & the Porta-Potty Playground

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in.  Due to the sad state of our school's facilities, we currently have no running water or flushable toilets.  We are making due with porta-potties, hand sanitizer and bottled water, but it is hardly fun.  The maintenance department is working to resolve the problem.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- spelling 101
- math 24.4, pp 541-542, problems 3-15
- continue with book report efforts for Friday.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  We have a few days to get through prior to our well-deserved Spring Break.  Here are  few things for you to be aware of:

- RTI (Team Time) has moved into a novel study, as we have successfully completed a three-week science unit on Wind, Water, Ice & Waves.  The novel we will be working with is From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.  The study is scheduled to run about six weeks.  We will be focusing our efforts on comprehension, predictions and inferences.

- Our Elkhorn Slough trip is in need of chaperones / drivers for April 19th.  If you are able to join us for a day of science and nature, please drop me an email.

- Thursday will bring the upper grades award ceremony, the Big Spin.  We will be honoring student achievement and character.  All are welcome to join us.  The festivities will start and 1 and finish at the end of the school day.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- Red Folders
- Math 24.2, p. 536, problems 10-23
- spelling 100
- 30 minutes DEAR
- March Book Reports are due this Friday!

Respectfully, Mr. B

Wednesday & Thursday

Well, it looks like I will only be out of the classroom on Thursday after all.  Here are the homework assignments for tonight and tomorrow:

Wednesday -

- 30 minutes DEAR
- spelling 97
- Nature Log entry
- Math 23.5, p. 525, problems 2-7

Thursday -

- 30 minutes DEAR
- spelling 98 (packet due Friday)
- Math 23 review, p. 528, problems 1-10

Respectfully, Mr. B

Tuesday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The kids are responsible for the following materials today:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- spelling 96
- Math 23.4, pp 521 & 522, problems 4-18
- a friendly reminder that the March Book Report is due a week from Friday.

Respectfully, Mr. B

Monday & the Week

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The weekend was genuinely beautiful, and I hope that you each had the chance to spend some time out of doors enjoying yourself.

Red Folders have information regarding our April 19th field trip to Elkhorn Slough.  It is an amazing ecological reserve and we have been afforded the opportunity to explore these unique lands.  When I was there the other weekend, I saw leopard sharks not four feet from the shoreline!  It is my hope that kids have an equally exciting and rewarding experience.  Please return the permission slips in a timely manner.   Also, if you are interested in joining us, please send me an email.  The trip is free!

I will be out on Thursday and Friday of this week working with the Silicon Valley Math Institute.  If you have questions or concerns while I am away, I will be available via email.

Please returned signed report card envelopes back to the classroom by Friday.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- 30 minutes DEAR
- spelling 95
- math 23.2, page 516, problems 6-17
- Red Folders

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday & Friday

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  Our days have been hectic this week, as the kids have had to work with three separate benchmark exams (one for language and two for math).  They have managed to get through all three, which made the introduction of our artist in residence for the next nine weeks all the more fun.  Today the kids spent an hour working with a cartoonist, and will continue to do so on Thursday afternoons through May.  We are putting together portfolios and are excited about sharing them at our Open House in May.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- spelling 87 (packet due tomorrow)
- 30 minutes DEAR
- complete Wednesday's Nature Log (if it was not turned in today)

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  We had a genuinely pleasant day, and the kids worked very well with their language benchmark assessment this morning.  We have kicked off a new literature unit and are working with Lois Lowry's Number the Stars.  It is a Newberry Award winning book, and looks at the German occupation of Denmark during World War II.  We are two chapters in and the kids are hooked.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- 30  minutes DEAR
- Math 22 review, page 502, problems 1-20
- a detailed nature log entry on an object that is not man-made.

Respectfully, Mr. B

Tuesday

Hello all, and my apologies for the late post.  I was locked out of my blog account (?), and have just gotten access back.  I am working diligently on report cards in preparation for them going home with the kids on Friday.  It has been exciting to recognize their growth this past trimester.  I have asked the kids to make a few changes in these past few weeks in ramping up for our efforts in the third trimester, and have another to add to that list; I am asking that kids increase their independent reading efforts at home from a 20 to 30 minute window each day.  I spoke with the kids with the class about this today, and shared my thought process behind the decision with them.  Aside from improving their comprehension and fluency levels by engaging with more independent reading, it will also prepare them more thoroughly for the workload that will accompany 5th grade and beyond.

Tonight, the kids are asked to complete the following:

- spelling 85
- math 22.4, problems 9-26
- 30 minutes DEAR

Respectfully, Mr. B

Monday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  We are off and running here with our first week of the third trimester!  The year is truly flying by.  As a friendly reminder, report cards for the second trimester will be going home with the kids on Friday.  New Accelerated Reader goals for the third trimester were set and shared with the kids today.  We have the pleasure of working with three benchmark assessments for the district this week.  As a result, I will not be offering a math test this week.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- Red Folder
- spelling 84
- math 22.2, pages 489-490, problems 5-22

Respectfully, Mr. B

Thursday

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow's spirit day is themed "Famous People".  Tomorrow brings us three assessments; we will have spelling, a Gold Rush and math quiz.  Busy day!

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- spelling 88 (packet due tomorrow)
- math 21 review, page 482, problems 1-15

Respectfully, Mr. B

Wednesday

Howdy all, and thank you for checking in.  We had a rousing morning, as the power cut out on campus about ten minutes before school started!  The kids were so excited.  Thankfully, and much to the disappointment of the class, it came back on about a quarter after 8 and the day was returned to normal.

Last call for this trimester's AR efforts!  I will be closing out this second trimester tomorrow and tabulating AR efforts at that point.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- spelling 87
- math 21.5, page 479, problems 1-6 (most of the class was able to finish this)

Respectfully, Mr. B

Tuesday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  Tuesday's seem to be our roughest day at school each week, and today was no exception.  The kids worked most of the morning, begrudgingly,  on their State Writing Exams.  Their efforts will not be reflected on their respective report cards, but will made available to families in the summer (along with the results of this May's Language and Math Exams).

Friendly reminders were issued to handful of students this afternoon who have yet to submit their biome study guides or their By the Great Horn Spoon! packets to have them turned in by Wednesday afternoon for credit.  We will be sorting through our No Name Papers Basket Wednesday with the hopes that the kids claim any stray efforts before I begin report cards on Thursday afternoon.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- Spelling 86
- Math 21.4, p. 477, problems 1-15
- Continue with Saturday Night Activities.

Respectfully, Mr.  B

Monday and Changes

Hello, and thank you for checking in.  As this is the final week of the second trimester, we will be making some procedural changes moving forward.  One of my goals for the fourth graders I have the pleasure of working with is to have the kids take a greater measure of responsibility for their efforts and actions.  As such, I will no longer be offering a weekly homework log for the kids.  Many of them have become lazy with maintaining their planners, and one went so far as to say, "Why should I write in my planner with you give us a list of assignments?"  Ugh, not what I wanted to hear.  I will be reviewing expectations with the kids and promoting their effective use of planners.  If they fail to bring their planners home to work with, they can take the initiative to check this blog.  It will continue to be updated Monday through Thursday.

Thursday is the last day I will be accepting make up work or assignments from the kids.

We are wrapping up our Gold Rush studies and game this week.  The kids will be assessed on their knowledge of the time with a quiz on Friday.  We are not making a study guide, nor will I be sending one home with the kids.  Their efforts with the classroom game should more than prepare them for the quiz.

Third trimester AR goals will go home in next Monday's Red Folder.  Report cards will be made available a week from Thursday.

We have a field trip to Elkhorn Slough tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 19th.  I will keep everyone in the loop as I get more information from the reserve.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- DEAR
- math 21.3, pp 473 - 474, problems 4-15
- spelling 85 (packet due Friday)
- Red Folder
- Keep working on your Saturday Night Activity for Friday.

Respectfully, Mr. B

Thursday

Howdy all, and thank you for checking in.  I apologize for not posting yesterday.  It honestly slipped my mind.  Sorry if it caused any confusion.

The grading period will be ending a week from Friday, with report cards going home the following week.  The kids have until next Thursday to submit any missing or incomplete assignments.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- DEAR
- RPB p. 395
- math 21.2, pp 469-470 (1-30)

Respectfully, Mr. B

Tuesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in.  I sincerely hope that your children did not interrupt your dinner conversations last night with talk of cholera.  We were studying diseases associated with the Gold Rush and researched cholera, yellow fever and scurvy while in the computer lab yesterday.  The kids had an absolute "blast" learning about some rather unpleasant symptoms associated with cholera, in particular.

Some questions have arisen regarding the Saturday Night Golden Gulch activity, and I'd like to clear up any misunderstandings.  The project is homework for the class, and is due a week from Friday, March 8.  The kids have been asked to create something related to the Gold Rush to share with their classmates.  It might be art, a diorama, a narrative, a dance, poem or song. The possibilities are many, but have to be centered around the Gold Rush.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- DEAR
- RPB p. 392
- math 20.4, pages 449-450, problems 7-30
- Book Reports still due Thursday

Respectful, Mr. B

Happy Monday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in.  There is much to share, so let's get started.
1. Land biome quiz was exceptional.  Overall, the kids knocked it out of the park.  So great to see them take responsibility for their studies.
2. Golden Gulch is in full swing.  We are officially Gold Rush miners.
3. This is our last week working out of the reading anthology for RTI.  Next week our efforts turn toward a literature study with E.L. Konigsburg's Newberry Award-Winning From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Franweiler.
4. This Saturday I am spending the day at Elkhorn Slough and taking part in a naturalists workshop.  This is in preparation for our spring trip to the reserve to follow up on our biome and food chain studies.
5. The February Book Report is due this Thursday.  Don't procrastinate.
6. Golden Gulch Saturday Night activities are due on Friday, March 8th.  The kids will be sharing their efforts on that day.
7. The grading period ends a week from Friday.
8. Red Folders are full of returned assignments today.  Please review them with your child.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- Red Folders
- 20 minutes DEAR
- math 20.3, p. 447, problems 5-22
- RPB p. 391

Respectfully, Mr. B

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  Lots going on tomorrow! We will be treated to a primary grade concert first thing in the  morning, and we'll be in the MPR from 8-9 enjoying their talents.  You are welcome to join us.  Our land biome quiz will be tomorrow as well.  The kids will need to submit their study guides prior to the exam.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- 20 minutes DEAR
- math 20.2, page 444, problems 11-28
- RPB p. 383
- continue studying for land biome quiz.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  Just a few things the kids are responsible for today:

- RPB p. 380
- Nature Log entry
- 20 minutes DEAR
- continue studying for Friday's biome quiz

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday, and the week

Howdy Room 13, and thanks for checking in.  The week is off to a wet start, but we were only seeing gold!  Our gold rush simulation officially kicked off today, and our seven mining teams will be seeking their fortunes in the next couple of weeks.  Wednesday sees the teams choosing their route to riches, while Thursday will have the teams prospecting.  This is one of my favorite units to work with during the course of year and your kids will walk away from the adventure all the wiser (and actually liking history)!
Tomorrow brings us our chapter 19 math quiz.  We have worked diligently these past few weeks really cementing our understanding of fraction and decimal relations.  I have my fingers crossed for some positive results.
Friday brings our land biome quiz.  I sincerely hope that the kids are choosing to study this week, as the test is a doozy.  I will be offering up three questions for each biome we covered, as well as a few extra credit opportunities.  As a friendly reminder, I will be collecting study guides for grading prior to the exam.
With these short weeks I have held off on sending home red folders.  I did send home a homework sheet with the kids today, as well as two notices from the school regarding the See's Candies fundraiser and the upcoming auction.  We'll resume our regular schedule next week.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- 20 minutes DEAR
- RPB pp 376 & 377
- Joe Trella, Fraction Fella math
- study for land biome quiz

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday & Friday

Thanks all for checking in, as we have much to share.
First, thanks to all who contributed to our impromptu Valentine's exchange today.  We spent the last 20 minutes of the day getting sugared up.  Holy cow, it does not take much to get these kids going.
Second, we are postponing out math test until next Tuesday.  The kids will benefit from a few additional days of working with the decimal / fraction dynamic.
Third, we are officially in the Gold Rush mode of our history studies.  With our reading of By the Great Horn Spoon! nearly complete, we will be venturing into a simulation game to further cement our understanding of this very important time of California's history.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- 20 minutes DEAR
- RPB p. 361
- Math extra, p. 435, sets b&c

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  Just a quick note regarding homework for you, as the kids are responsible for the following today:

- 20 minutes DEAR
- RPB p. 360
- math 19 review, p. 436, 1-20

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in.  I hope that each enjoyed your three-day weekend.  Mine was so nice, that I made it 4!  I was not in class today, as I was having a filing done.  Not as fun as I would have liked.  Oh well.  I will be back on Wednesday.
Thanks to everyone who made it to the mission with us on Friday.  What a great day.  I will be posting some pictures here in the coming days, so check back in soon.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 20 minutes DEAR
- RPB pp 356 & 357
- Math 19.5, pp 429 - 430, problems 7-24

Respectfully, Mr. B

Thursday & Friday

Howdy all, and thank you for checking in.  Tomorrow is the big Mission San Juan Bautista trip, and the kids are chompin' at the bit to go check out some history!  Please make sure that kids bring a bag lunch and jacket.  Cameras are optional.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- math 19.4, 6-25
- RPB 336
- Nature Log (for those who forgot)

Respectfully, Mr. B

Wednesday

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  Your children have their progress reports, and hopefully they are eager to share them with you.  While the cover letter will explain a great deal, you may still have questions or concerns.  Please feel free to contact me should the need arise.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- Nature Log entry

- RPB p. 335 (We ran out of time to cover this material prior to the end of school today.  If your child is not readily grasping the concept, no worries.  We will cover the content on Thursday.)

- Math 19.3, problems 7-18

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.  Progress reports are ready to go, and will follow the kids home from school on Wednesday.  Each will include a cover letter that explains where we are at as a class this grading period.

Today, the kids are responsible for the following:

- 20 minutes DEAR
- RPB 332
- Math 19.2, page 421, problems 17-30

Respectfully, Mr. B

Monday & the Week

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  There was some serious 49ers sadness in the classroom today.  Your children are so passionate!

Just a few notes to be mindful of:

- Progress Reports are not quite ready, and will be going home on Wednesday, not today.
- Friday is our Mission San Juan Bautista trip.  If you've volunteered to come along with us, please ensure that your driver forms are current with the school's office.

The kids are responsible for the following today:

- 20 minutes DEAR
- RPB p. 331
- Math unit 8 review, pp 410 - 411, problems 1-20 (There is a math quiz tomorrow on ch. 18.)

Respectfully,
Mr. Bryant

Thursday & Friday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in.  The school was a wacky place today, as we lost access to water and toilets at 11am.  The school brought in porta-potties which the kids went crazy for.  The issue is supposed to be resolved tonight, but I would suggest that each child be sent to school with a full water bottle tomorrow in case we are in the same situation again.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

- 20 minutes DEAR
- math 18 review, 1-20
- RPB p. 323

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The class was wonderful today.  We had a great discussion about what we are working toward as a class for the second half of the school year.  We are near our hundredth day together, and we have about 90 to go.  Weird how quickly the time flies.

After our math lesson today, I am not comfortable quizzing the kids this Friday on mixed numbers and improper fractions.  We are going to take a few extra days to cement our understanding before moving forward with assessments and chapter 19.

The kids are responsible for the following this evening:

- 20 minutes of DEAR
- math 18.4, problems 8-19
- RPB p. 321
- January book reports are due tomorrow.
- We are postponing our normal Wednesday Nature Log entry until next week so as to allow our procrastinators to complete their book reports.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  I wanted to let everyone know that I will be sending home progress reports this coming Monday.  They will cover language arts, math, science and California studies.  The printouts will cover your child's current academic standing.  Blanks will indicate missing work.  I will not have time to include January's book report on this printout, but they will be current to this Friday and include all of this week's assessments.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

- 20 minutes DEAR
- RPB p. 317
- math 18.3, problems 7-17
- January book report due by Thursday

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday and the week

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  As I am sure many of you heard, one of our classmates broke his arm during PE on Friday.  Just a quick update to let you know that our friend will be back in class on Tuesday.  The kids were kind enough to make cards on Friday and shared their concerns & well wishes with him.

A friendly reminder that the December / January book report is due on Thursday.

We are still awaiting the return of a handful of permission slips for next Friday's field trip to San Juan Bautista.  We are set for drivers, thank you!

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- DEAR 20 minutes
- math 18.2, problems 7-26
- RPB p. 316

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday and Friday

Hello all, and thanks for checking in. These short weeks can be very taxing, as there is a week's worth of material to cram into four days.  The kids get stressed and our patience with each other can wear thin.  We will manage to make it through with a few smiles tomorrow.

Friday brings us two short assessments.  The kids will have vocabulary and math exams.  We will continue our literature efforts with By the Great Horn Spoon and spend some time discussing the differences between deciduous and coniferous forests.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

- 20 minutes DEAR
- math ch. 17 review, 1-15
- RPB p 301

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday and Multiplication Mayhem

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in.  As we begin our studies of fractions, we are finding that a great many of the kids are lagging with their multiplication skills.  I know that I am promoting rote memorization, which I am not a fan of, but it is extremely important that the kids commit these to memory.  We will working with timed drills in the classroom, and I would ask that parents work with multiplication facts with the kids at home as well.

We are in need of one more chaperone that can accommodate three children for our Mission San Juan Bautista trip in February.  If you are available, please send me an email.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- 20 minutes DEAR
- RPB p. 300
- Math 17.5, pp. 381 & 382, problems 14-30

Respectfully,
Mr, Bryant

Tuesday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  I sent an email out to families today regarding our upcoming field trip to San Juan Bautista.  Please return permission slips ASAP.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- 20 minutes DEAR
- RPB pp 296 & 296
- math 17.4, pp 377 & 378, problems 11-24

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  The kids are responsible for the following materials tonight:

- a Nature Log entry.  I would like to stress again that the purpose behind these log entries is to explore the use of details in emphasizing the kids' observations.  The kids and I spoke at length today regarding their approach / effort with these assignments, and they understand what they should be producing.
- Math ch. 16 review, page 360, problems 1-20
- 20 minutes of DEAR

Respectfully,
Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Hello all, and thanks for checking in.   Today we began discussing how the US began to venture into Alta California while it was under the control of Mexico.  The kids were surprised to learn how many times the land has changed hands under the various nations we've covered so far.  We're leading up the Mexican-American War and statehood!

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- 20 minutes of DEAR
- RPB p. 271
- math 16.3, pages 353 & 354, problems 6-19

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Happy New Year!

Hello all, and thank you for checking in.  It is my sincere hope that each of you had a restful and fulfilling holiday season.  I definitely enjoyed sleeping in late!

We are back to our regular routine.  The kids and I are beginning a new literature unit with Sid Fleischman's By the Great Horn Spoon!  It is a fun book about the California Gold Rush, and will lead into our studies of the subject.

After our very successful exploration of water biomes, we will delve into our studies of land biomes this week.  The kids will be keeping detailed notes of our discussions in their study guides.

Math this week will focus on positive and negative integers.  It is a short unit before we begin our work with fractions.  There will be a short quiz on positive and negative integers on Thursday.

I am not sending home red folders today, as I did not grade any work over the break.  I will be sending folders home next week.

I am reverting back to updating the blog daily.  The kids will still receive a weekly homework sheet and maintaining their planners.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

- 20 minutes DEAR
- math 16.2, page 351, problems 1-13
- RPB page 270

Respectfully,
Mr. Bryant