One day down, 179 to go!

The first day back was a pleasant one. We are fortunate enough to have some real characters in the classroom, and the vibe has been a good one. We went over curriculum today, discussed the year, tackled some math, enjoyed some art, and observed some nature. Tomorrow will give us a fuller opportunity to delve into math, literature and writing.

The kids were sent home with a heapin' helpin' of information from the school, so be on the lookout. Please complete and return the requested forms ASAP.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- Parent Packets
- PE Permission Slip
- select and bring a chapter book to school for Thursday

Respectfully, Mr. B

Welcome to the new school year...

Our summer has come and gone, and we are finding ourselves gearing up for the new school year. I am looking forward to a room full of excited, fresh faces this coming Wednesday.

This blog has been designed to keep families apprised of classroom goings-on, as well as school-wide news. It will be updated Monday through Thursday of each school week, and should be something that is viewed frequently by students and parents alike. Homework will be listed here daily, and information regarding long-term projects, quizzes, holidays and links can be found as you scroll down the right side of the page. Questions for me should not be posted here, but sent to my district e-mail. I will make every attempt to respond to e-mails within a school day, but please keep in mind that is not always possible.

Students received a list of items that they will need to provide for themselves each day at school (in class placement letter). I expect students to arrive to class on time, and prepared to participate in our daily activities and explorations. Please feel free to stop by and introduce yourselves during the first week of classes. I am happy to spend a few moments talking to you all, but Back-to-School Night is just around the corner and I will cover our school year in detail then.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

a million thanks

Here's a to a wonderful summer. This school year has been amazing, and I cannot actually believe that it has ended. This day is always a relief, but brings about a sense of sadness as well. How will the kids be? What will they be doing? I know we have come far as a group, and I know that the kids will be successful in whatever they do.

Even though school is out, a few kids have volunteered to visit on Monday to help finish up the murals. We have some lettering to knock out. The kids each signed the works today, and they are looking so good. I'll post pictures early next week once everything is done.

Respectfully, Mr. B

KOA and beach clean-up info!

Howdy all, and welcome to the countdown. We have too much going on, as usual, but we will get through it, and be wearing a smile.

The beach clean up with our buddy class is tomorrow. It will be a quick trip, there and back in two hours. We'll clean up Beer Can Beach, have a snack, and play a few games before heading back to school.

Wednesday is going to be overcast, but it has become somewhat of a KOA tradition to experience some heavy morning fog. It doesn't seem to matter once the kids are in the pool though. For kids who will be swimming, they will need a swimsuit and towel. KOA has asked that we keep pool toys at home, as we will have good number of kids in the water. Goggles are fine, but no noodles, flippers, squirt guns, etc. Lunch will be served at 11:30, and there will be plenty of pizza for students and parents alike.
The following families have graciously volunteered their time as chaperones and drivers:
Drivers- we'll work on condensing these numbers
Renee Tallman - 4 kids
Lisa Smith - 3 kids
Evan Field - 3 kids
Laura Cook - 3 kids
Dorte McBride - 3-6 kids
Ian Wiinikka - 5 kids
Julie Roberson - 5 kids
Holly Maxwell - 3 kids
Tawni Pardue - 4 kids
Paul Woodley - 3 kids
Chris Perry - 3 kids
Bill Peck - 4 kids
Chaperones-
Beth Prichard
Francia Birulin

Snacks prepared for the potluck can be brought to class on Wednesday, and we'll truck them over to the KOA campground. We'll be leaving school as near to 9:15 as possible, and will be leaving KOA @ 1:30.

Thanks all. We're looking forward to a fun week!

Respectfully, Mr. B

dispelling rumors

While I appreciate those of you lobbying for me loop the class up to fifth grade, I do not have the clout or pull to guarantee such a reality. The reality, as it stands now, is that there will be 2 flat 5th grade classrooms, and one 4/5 combination. The fifth grade teaching staff is one that is fortunate enough to not be affected by the mass of layoffs @ Rio, and none of them have expressed an interest in switching grades. Therefore, if I am to return to Rio next year, it will be as a fourth grade teacher. Sorry to disappoint a few of you, but that is the crumbling cookie as of 5/28/09.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Howdy all

We are making great progress with our two murals. If you have time to stop by and check them out, they are in the upper quad area. If not, I'll post pictures here early next week.

Friday bring the Rio Mini-Olympics. Should be a fun day of sports and (hopefully) good sportsmanship! Each of the kids are receiving a t-shirt for participating.

Our final week of school begins on Monday! We are all breathing a big sigh of relief. If folks are interested in walking to the beach with us on Tuesday, we'll be leaving at 8:30 and returning by 10:45. I will post a list of drivers for Wednesday's KOA day no later than Monday. I'll post friendly reminders about what kids can and cannot bring to the beach day and KOA day on Monday as well.

Have a great weekend. I am dying to see 'UP'. It looks amazing. Hopefully report cards go quickly enough to allow be to go see it.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. The kids were insane today, after our groovy three-day holiday. Hopefully everyone is feeling rested and recharged for these last few days of school.

I'm holding the sending home of Orange Folders until the last day of school. There were too many still not returned today from last week. Please make sure they are returned soon, as the final folders will have a bunch of goodies in 'em, including report cards.

We'll be painting our murals this Thursday and Friday. I asked the kids to bring a junky tshirt that they don't mind getting dirtied, as the paint we will be using does not wash off clothing. Keep the new sneakers at home those days as well.

Friday brings a morning of mini-Olympics. We still need consent forms from Ryan and Shaniah! Please get them in immediately.

We also need Beach Clean Up permission slips from Laura and Navid.

Have a good one, Mr. Bryant