Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Hola Miercoles

Howdy all. I completely neglected to remind the kids to gather a leaves for tomorrow's science experiment. If folks have time, please collect a small lunch sack of leaves that we can use tomorrow. We'll be looking at leaves from deciduous trees only, so no pine needles please! Thanks for the last minute help. It is much appreciated.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

-Reading Log
-Math lesson 95 (all)
-Reading practice book pages 319 & 320 on pronouns

Respectfully, Mr. B

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Tuesday Terrors

Howdy all. These kids play the meanest April Fools jokes. I think I was informed that my fly was down about a dozen times. I actually fell for it the first time. And then I was told that a few of the students were moving away at the end of the week, and then the rest were taking extended vacations next week. Such imaginations!

We began our exploratory research for WWII report topics today and about 2/3 of the class has committed to a subject matter. I'll post reminders about timeframes and expectations periodically, but these reports are being structured and written in the comfort of your homes...not in class. A few folks have raised concern about the content of the WWII reports, so I will repeat here what I informed folks of way back at our Back-To-School Night last September. The reports themselves and the subject matter that we deal with in class with our readings and literature studies are simply meant to broaden perspectives of world cutures and events. It is in no way glorifying the idea or effects of war. I know the subject matter is often considered controversial, but in light of the state of the world today, it is more than relevant.

Tomorrow is a short day. Mrs. Sawyer will also be holding her used book sale after school. All books will be a quarter.

Finally, the kids are responsible for the following tonight:

-Reading Log
-Math lesson 94 (1-20)
-Reading Practice book pages 316 & 317

Respectfully, Mr. B

Monday, March 31, 2008

Welcome Back!

Howdy all. Hopefully the Spring Break fround you each some time to relax and enjoy yourselves. The kids were definitely not excited to be back at school today! Still, we'll move forward with some fun and engaging work during these last months of classes.

The Green Folders are chocked full of goodies today. Please take a moment to review the World War II report and outline that went home. With two exceptions of computer research time that will be made avilable to them in the class, these reports will be completed at home. They will be due on Monday, May 12.

Next Monday will bring information regarding the 4th grade science faire. At that time, with the two rather sizable reports / activities taking place at home, I will limit homework each night to math and a reading log for the remainder of the school year. More information will follow shortly.

The school will be holding a used book sale on Wednesday after school. All books will be a quarter!

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

-Reading Log (in Green Folder)
-Math lesson 93 (1-20)
-Science workbook pages 104 & 105

Respectfully, Mr. B

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Spring Break Extra Credit

Howdy all. I hope that you each have a restful and enjoyable break. The kids were made aware of two extra credit possibilities today that they may tackle while away from school. They are as follows:

1.) Keep a Reading Log

2.) Complete an interdependence poster to share with the class. Assignment details are on page 103 of their science workbooks.

Respectfully, Mr. B

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Wednesday & reminders

Howdy all. These short weeks have us powering through material. The kids are more than anxious for Spring Break to start, and I can't fault them for it either. I hope each of you are making time to spend with family and friends.

The May 9th Auction and Golf Tournament is quickly approaching, and I know that many of you have volunteered your time and energy to ensure its success. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Classroom parent Alicia Steinhart sent a request home in the students' Green Folders a few weeks back seeking donations to help fund the class auction basket. While she has received a good number of replies, we were honestly expectly a greater response. If that information and envelope have been misplaced, I will gladly supply folks with a replacement. Please let me know via email.

I will posting a few Spring Break extra credit options for students tomorrow!

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

-Reading Log
-Science WB pages 102-103
-Read Reflections textbook pages 300 - 303
-continue studying for tomorrow's water biomes quiz

Respectfully, Mr. B

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Tuesday and Wednesday

Howdy all. Well, it finally happened...the class asked where the Earth came from today. The state prohibits me from sharing my opinions in regard to the subject matter, but the kids are aware of the debate between science and creationism. I encouraged them to discuss it with their friends and family members to formulate an opinion of their own.

Tomorrow brings the first grade production of "The Ugly Duckling". We'll be in the MPR between 9 and 9:45 if any of you care to join us.

The students are responsible for the following tonight:

-Reading Log
-Math 90 (1-20)
-Reflections workbook pages 74-75
-continue studying water biomes from biome book (quiz on Thursday)

Respectfully, Mr. B

Monday, March 17, 2008

Monday and the week

Howdy all. Hopefully the report cards went over well for everyone. They can be exciting, as well as a let down.
We have three days (!!!!!) until the arrival of spring break. And while we are ramping up for a break, we are still entrenched in our studies. Homework will be light for the week, but our classroom studies will be centered on biomes, math and literature.

I am not sending home green folders this week, for the simple fact that there is very little to return. I'll send everything out upon our return.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

-Reading Log
-Math 17A
-Science WB pages 98 & 99

Respectfully, Mr. B