parting words

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. Our final day together was a peaceful one. The kids finished up their Reading Buddy books and were able to pass them along into some grateful little hands. We reminisced about the school year, sharing our likes and dislikes. Then the class was able to watch the teachers trounce the graduating sixth grade class at softball (12-7). I even made an unassisted double play!

The kids were sent home with a great deal of materials. It is my sincere hope that the kids enjoy the books, and take time to keep up with the math skills by actively engaging with the math Expressions. The content is actually quite good, and will provide a challenge to even those comfortable with what we have worked with this year.

Have a restful summer. Remember to enjoy yourselves along the way.

Rock on, Mr. B

a rad day

Howdy everyone, and thanks for checking in. I just wanted to extend a hearty thank you to all the families that made today's trip to KOA possible. The weather stayed on our side, and a rather memorable day was had by all. So many smiling faces! Honestly, it was a magnificent day.

Tomorrow brings closure to the fourth grade. The kids will be sent home with some goodies, but they don't need their backpacks. Please remember that the dismissal bell is at 10:50.

I'll leave some parting remarks tomorrow, as I it's 5:30 and I would like to go home now. Its been a very long day, and I have a sunburn to take care of.

Respectfully, Jeff

No news is good news

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. These last few days of school will be used primarily for wrapping up loose ends and providing a sense of closure to what we have accomplished together this year. I find it amazing that the time has passed by so quickly. There will not be homework this week, as all grading has been completed. I'll be calling families tomorrow with information regarding our KOA trip on Thursday. Remember, we are the dessert group!

Regards, Mr. Bryant

Lucky us!

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We have been absolutely spoiled these past few days with some amazing guests. Yesterday, Mr. Southall was able to come in and share some of his research with the class. He is a marine biologist, and doing some pretty amazing work with sound. The kids can check out some of the material that was covered at www.dosits.org. Very groovy stuff. Today, we were treated to some projects that were completed by the AP Environmental Studies students from Aptos High. Thanks Dr. LaHue!

Tomorrow brings us a Rio Rockers musical performance, Mr. McMillan's music project, and our viewing of the Hiroshima documentary. Should be an enlightening and enjoyable day.

Friday is the last day to submit any work for credit, aswriting report cards are how I will be spending my Memorial Day weekend. I was very firm with date, as have been all the Rio teachers, so no exceptions will be made when kids try to turn in late work next week. Report cards and Blue Folders will go home with kids next Friday. I will not be sending home Blue Folders on Tuesday next week.

Tonight, the kids should only need to complete math 27.5.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We had some fun today playing with the concept of static electricity. If the kids are running around trying to shock you tonight, I apologize. We'll continue our exploration of electricity and magnetism during these last days of schools with some great hands on activities and experiments. I'll post some pictures if I remember to bring in my camera!

We got into a heavy discussion yesterday regarding the bombing of Hiroshima. The kids were amazed and horrified by the before and after images of the city, realizing the power of atomic energy as a weapon. We are midway through the story of Sadako. The kids have found the material to be enthralling.

I know that several of you committed time and energy into yesterday's staff appreciation luncheon, and I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you. The lunch was amazing!

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- math 27.4 (continuing with perimeter and area)
- science practice book pages 2-9 (most were completed in class)

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday & Wednesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- reading log (due tomorrow)
- math 27.2 & 27.3
- complete Reflections practice pages 71-81 (if necessary, as they will be collected tomorrow as well)

Much thanks, Mr. B

Monday & the week

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. Wow, the clock is really ticking here! We have eight days left together, and each is packed full of goodness. Tuesday brings our year-end math benchmark and the beginning of our study of Hiroshima. Wednesday brings a scientist sharing his research on ocean mammals. Thursday we will be fortunate enough to be visited by high school students sharing their environmental studies work. Friday we will be treated to Mr. McMillan's musical history extravaganza. Should make for some excitement.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- reading log (due Wednesday)
- blue folders
- math 27.1
- Reflections practice book pages 80 - 81 (I will be collecting practice book pages 71-81 on Wednesday.)

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant