a million thanks for the memories

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We had two very wonderful days today, depending on your grade. The fourth grade kids had a blast at Mission San Juan Bautista,and I would like to extend a heart-felt THANK YOU to Lindsey Hymes, Grace Nigh and Cheryl Johnson for helping the kids the most out of their day. The fifth grade explored some pretty rad science at the Tech Museum's Body Worlds Vital exhibit. Great experience and great discussions. A special THANK YOU to Mark Silberstein, Marcus Caudill, Linda Moore, Jennifer Eldredge and Tracey Brosig for helping make our day a memorable one.

Friday brings us a hundred years forward in our art studies, as we are leaving the impressionists behind and venturing into modern art. We'll look at pop art for the next month or so, and will begin our studies with Andy Warhol. We'll see if we can make soup cans and Brillo boxes look chic.

Tomorrow each grade level will needed to turn in the week's vocabulary words, and a short quiz will take place. Students will also be submitting their completed literature circle packets.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Good Wednesday

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

fourth -

- Saxon 8A
- Reading Practice Book pages 130 & 131 (will need to use large reading book to complete)

fifth -

- Saxon 46
- Reading Practice Book pages 114 & 115 (will need to use large reading book to complete)

Tomorrow are our field trips. A voice mail will go out between 6:45 and 7:45 tonight.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Happy Tuesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. The kids are getting very excited about their respective field trips on Thursday. I'll send a voicemail out to the families tomorrow night regarding the details of Thursday's trips, but will quickly inform you the fourth grade will be leaving school at 9am from Mrs. Davis' room and the fifth grade will be leaving our classroom at 8:30. Both classes should be returning to school no later than 2.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

fourth -
- Saxon 45
- Reading Practice Book pages 132-133
- finish lit circle job for tomorrow morning
- continue with vocabulary for Friday

fifth -
- Saxon 8A
- Reading Practice Book pages 116 - 117
- finish lit circle job for tomorrow morning
- continue with vocabulary for Friday

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

A New Week...

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. Well, report cards went home with the kids this afternoon, as well as new Accelerated Reading goals for the second trimester. Report cards are such a tricky time for kids as they often reflect on them with an overabundance of pride or an extremely critical eye. When reviewing your child's report card, please be mindful of praising their strengths before harping on areas of concern. Also, please return card envelopes in a timely manner.

Next Tuesday brings us our Big Spin celebration honoring personal and academic achievements in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades. The following students will be receiving certificates: Citizenship - Milo & Camille, Honorary Achievement - Coleman & Camille, Accelerated Reader Excellence - Arielle & Maya, Honor Roll - Trevor, Megan, Lucas, Hannah, Ethan, CeCe & Carolyn, and Principal's List - Arielle, Kyle & Kaylee. I'll update parents regarding the ceremony time if you'd like to attend.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

fourth fifth

- Saxon 44 - Saxon 45
- Dolphin vocab. - Beaver vocab.
- lit circle job for Wednesday - lit circle job for Wednesday

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

We're making models

The kids have had a very nice time this week working on historical models of early colonial settlements (5th) and California missions (4th). It's been a collaborative effort that sometimes has them odds, but their efforts thus far have been commendable. We'll continue to work on them for the next week or so, and we'll be displaying the models in the classroom and on campus for other students to admire and enjoy.

Secondly, we held classroom elections today for student leadership positions. Candidates had to write a speech noting their qualities for leadership. The voting was close, but Ian and Abby were voted into office for Lucky 13. Congrats to them both. We look forward to your positive contributions to the school community.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

4th: 5th:

- Saxon 42 - Saxon 43
- lit circles - lit circles

Enjoy the long weekend,
Mr. Bryant

Happy Monday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We're off and running with a very short holiday week, but the kids will be engaged with quite a bit of work at school (and not so much at home). We are busy constructing our mission and colony models, and the kids are excited about showing them off. The fifth grade has begun their science study of weather and the fourth grade is looking at rocks and minerals.
Report cards go home next Monday.
Several fifth grade students need to submit their Body Works permission slips still. Please ensure that they are turned in this week. Also, we could use a few parent guests to get us over the hill to the Tech. If you're interested in coming along, I will gladly cover the cost of your admission to the exhibit. Please email me if you can help out.
Monday folders have a new Scholastic order form for interested parties. All orders will need to be submitted by Friday, November 20. The link for ordering is listed on this page (lower right).
I'll be out on Wednesday, and Mrs. Abelar will be here in my place.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

4th: 5th:
-Saxon 41 -Saxon 42
- lit circle work - lit circle work
- Monday Folders - Monday Folders

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Howdy all...

...and thanks for checking in. Keeping it simple today for a good many reasons. We'll wind down the end of the first grading period tomorrow with some historical model building, as the kids work collaboratively to create representations of early colonial settlements (5th grade) or missions / presidios (4th grade).

We had another emotional morning today, as the class was visited by grief counselors from County Metal Health. The kids were wonderful, and I am proud of their participation with the discussion. I neglected to send home information with the kids today from Mrs. Dorney regarding the services that were made available to the kids, but will do so on Friday.

The kids should be prepared with the following tomorrow:

- Literature Circle jobs
- section 3 vocabulary

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant