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 & 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 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 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

Thursday and Friday

Wow. We had a groovy assembly with Roc Lerum this morning. He covered aspects of friction and gravity with a unique juggling and unicycle act. A good time was had by all. Tomorrow's assembly brings us a musical performance from the Wild Rovers, a local Irish band featuring two Rio teachers.

Monday is St. Patrick's Day. The kids are invited to wear green and have crazy hair!! Woohoo! Erin Go Bragh!

Report cards go home tomorrow. With few exceptions, they are looking very good.

The kids are responsible for the following:

-Reading Log
-Math lesson 89 (1-20)
-Reflections workbook, pages 72-73
-Reflections review questions 1-5 on page 292 (in textbook)

Respectfully, Mr. B

The axe falls tonight...

Howdy all. I know that several of you have voiced concerns over my using the blog to inform you of district happenings, but what is going down tonight because of the State's proposed budget cuts effects all of us. Tonight's Board Meeting (7pm at the District Office on Green Valley Rd in Watsonville) has numerous items up for vote that will dramatically change the face of PVUSD. Aside from the layoffs, of which there are many, classroom reduction is proposed to be eliminated in K-3 classes, as well as in the 9th grade core literature classrooms. This means that classroom sizes will swell across all grade levels, while fewer teachers and services will be available for students. The outlook is grim. A letter writing campaign has been enacted to address the issues at state and district levels. Our voices are powerful in number, and I would encourage those of you who are able to to write local congresspeople and delegates to inform them that they need to lobby for your children's futures. These cuts are not taking children into consideration, nor their value on the continued success of the well-being of our society.

The children are responsible for the following tonight:

-Reading Log
-Math lesson 88 (all)
-Morse Code activity. Using page 283 in the Reflections textbook, students are asked to complete a short statement about themselves in code that identifies their full name, their place of birth (city and state), and one of their hobbies.

Respectfully, Mr. B

Tuesday

Howdy all. I am bogged down with meetings and report cards this week, so messages will be brief.
The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

-Reading Log
-Math lesson 87 (all)
-Reflections workbook page 71
-Green Folders

Respectfully, Mr. B