Tuesday 8/18

Thanks for checking in. The restructured school day is always an odd one, especially now that it is falling at the beginning of the week. I think that I am going to miss the good old short Wednesday.

Our short story of the week is entitled "Akiak", and it is about an Alaskan sled dog competing in the Iditarod. Its an exciting story, and the kids have enjoyed the work that focuses on the race.

We are trudging through math, using a new district mandated curriculum. It is not my favorite, but the kids seem to be working with it quite well.

Tonight, the class is responsible for the following:

- reading log
- math practice pages 5,6,7 & 8
- reading practice book pages 6-7

Again, I will attempt to offer the kids a few minutes at the end of each day to begin their homework (in an attempt to clarify understanding, etc.), so not everyone will be bringing the full list of work home each day.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

a full week of fun

Thanks for checking in. We had a very full day, to what is going to be a very full week. The kids are working hard and getting down routines and understanding expectations for the fourth grade. It can be a trying time, so support them as best you can.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- check blue folders and return to school no later than Friday
- reading log
- math lesson 1.2, pages 3-4
- reading practice book pages 9-10
(I allowed the kids time to begin their homework in class, so workloads will vary by student tonight.)

Respectfully, Mr. B

Thanks for checking in

Howdy all. We had a very productive day today. The kids worked diligently on some writing samples, learned some math patterns when working with a million, began a science experiment and started exploring the worlds of producers and consumers. Tomorrow brings us into our first literature study with The Island of the Blue Dolphins!

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

-school dismissal agreement
-math practice book pages 1&2

Respectfully, Mr. B

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