Monday, and the week

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We have a very odd and abbreviated week in front of us. We are all excited for the Winter Break, but we'll spending a couple days exploring academics before heading out. The kids have been uber-excited about our Cindy Sherman inspired art project this week. They have been crafting scenery and costumes to help them present their character portraits. We shot some pictures today, and will get the balance taken care of on Tuesday. The kids will get their portraits back after the break.

Wednesday brings our Winter Break celebration. A big shout out to Jennifer Eldredge for organizing what is sure to be a groovy potluck / game party. The kids can't wait!

Finally, I need to inform everyone that the classroom has been exposed to lice. I am sending home notices today regarding how to inspect for lice, so please be on the look out for it.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday & Friday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. Friday is a school-wide spirit day, which will undoubtedly amp the excitement level for break that the kids are already experiencing! Yippee! Kids are invited to wear pajamas and sunglasses. Odd combo, but it's what student leadership brainstormed.

Friday is also the final day of the canned food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank. Please help out if you can.

Friday morning we are attending the school rock band assembly. If you'd like to join us, we will be in the MPR from 9:15 - 10.

Friday brings two quizzes to the classroom. First, the fourth grade will be taking their rocks and minerals test. Secondly, the fifth grade will be attempting the weather exam again, as Wednesday's results were less than stellar. Both quizzes will be in the short response format.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

fourth-

- Saxon 55
- Kingdom writing due tomorrow (if not already turned in)
- study for rocks and minerals exam

fifth-

- Saxon 57
- Kingdom writing due tomorrow (if not already turned in)
- review weather facts
- continue with Big Idea research for Monday

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

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

fourth-

- problem o' the week
- RPB page 202
- Rocks & Minerals study guide for Friday's quiz
- Kingdom writings due no later than Friday

fifth-

- problem o' the week
- Reflections practice book pages 62-64
- Kingdom writings due no later than Friday
- Big Ideas research for Monday's exam

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We're off to a great start with the Second harvest Food Drive. As a classroom, we have already filled one whole barrel! Keep sending in what you can, as we have until the end of the week.

Tomorrow brings the fifth grade science exam on weather. The kids have been working with their notes for the past week, so hopefully they are prepared! Their weathering monitoring devices were installed today, and I must compliment everyone for their creativity and effort with this project. We are eager to see them put to use with the wacky weather that has been predicted for the week.

The fourth grade students were provided with study guides for Friday's Rocks and Minerals exam, which will consist of ten short answer questions.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

fourth-
- Saxon 54
- RPB pages 198 & 199
- study guide for Rocks & Minerals quiz

fifth-
- Saxon 56
- RPB pages 177 & 178
- study guide for tomorrow's weather exam

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday, and the week

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. Wow, the kids are already psyched for the Winter Break (and I think a few of them are already on vacation in their minds!). We have a very full week, with much happening. Here are a few things to be mindful of:

- Second Harvest Food Bank Grind Out Hunger Campaign. Today through Friday, students are asked to bring canned and boxed foods to donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank for the holiday season. 1 in 4 children in Santa Cruz County go without 3 full meals a day. Being in the privileged community that we are, it would be great to help those less fortunate than ourselves. They are in need of high protein items like tuna and peanut butter. No perishable goods, or items in need of refrigeration.

- The school is also hosting a coat and sweater drive through this Thursday. The drop off point is located in the front of the school, near Mrs. Dorney's office. Please make sure items are washed before donating.

- The fifth grade has a science exam on Wednesday. They were provided with notes last Wednesday to study from.

- Fourth grade has a science exam on Friday, and will receive notes tomorrow to begin studying from.

- We do not have spelling or vocabulary words this week or next.

- Fifth grade will have a social studies exam next Monday, and will get study guidelines on Wednesday to begin working with. This is a Big Idea Exam, and will consist of three questions that will require paragraph / short essay responses.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

fourth-
- Saxon 53
- RPB pages 196 & 197
- Monday Folder

fifth-
- Saxon 55
- RPB pages 180 & 181
- Monday Folder
- study for Wednesday's science exam

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday & Friday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We have a wonderful day, full of some very creative writing. We were also treated to the second grade production of "The Little Red Hen". They did such a great job. We did a minor setback today, as one of our crayfish attacked and killed its tank-mate last evening. Nothing too gory, but the victor has been cannibalizing the deceased! The kids were fascinated by the events.

Friday brings us a spelling test for those who did not pass Monday's pretest, as well as brief area and perimeter quiz for the fifth grade students. We'll also be exploring the life of Chuck Close. Our first look at a living artist! The kids will then begin working on their giant self portraits, using Close's grid system as a model.

Tonight's work is keeping it simple.

fourth-

- Saxon 52
- study spelling

fifth -

- Saxon 54
- study spelling
- continue with weather devices, as they are due no later than Monday

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. Just a few quick announcements to share. The fourth graders began corresponding with pen pals in Barcelona, Spain today! They received their first letters, and have crafted responses that will be sent within the next week. Fifth graders have completed study guides for next week's science exam on weather. The information is extensive, but they've been given concrete facts to work with rather than themes (like the last study guide).

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

forth-

- Saxon 51
- RPB page 188
- problem o' the week

fifth-

- Saxon 53
-RPB page 164
- problem o' the week
- continue with weather monitoring device

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant