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