Tuesday - Friday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. This is more than likely the last post I'll offer up this week, as the kids should be focusing their efforts now on Heritage or State Reports. Daily math will not be happening during the testing window. We managed our first STAR language component with a minimum of fuss. Please refer to yesterday's blog entry for the list of testing times and subjects for the remainder of the week.

Also, the fourth grade received a flier from Tawni Pardue regarding the fourth grade bake sale at Open House next week. Please be on the look out for it. Similarly, the fifth grade received an email from Jennifer Eldredge today regarding the burrito feed at the Open House.

Take care, Mr. Bryant

The Countdown Begins...

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We are in the home stretch to summer, and the excitement is tangible. It is my sincere hope that each of you had a pleasant and healthy Spring Break. My adventures in Southern California were great, and a much needed recharge.

Tomorrow brings the start of the much-dreaded STAR assessments. Our schedule for the week is as follows:
Tuesday 10:25 - noon Language 1 (4th and 5th)
Wednesday 8:30 - 10 Language 2 (4th and 5th)
Thursday 10:25 - noon Math 1 (4th and 5th) & 1-2 Science 1 (5th only)
Friday 8:30 - 10 Math 2 (4th and 5th) & 10:30 - noon (5th only)
If the kids want cocoa after testing, they need to provide a mug for themselves. And, its true, I do allow gum during the testing and the kids are welcome to bring their favorite cud to chew.

I informed the kids today that daily homework assignments are all but done for the year, and that their efforts will need to be directed toward their reports. California (4th) and Heritage (5th) reports are due next week, and artist report information will go home next week.

This week will be wrapping up our work in the Saxon math text. We still have a few chapters to work with in the California math text, but the majority of it will be worked on in class. The fourth grade will be finishing their work with Number the Stars and beginning Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, while the fifth grade will begin their reading of Harriet Tubman. Fourth grade is starting their final science unit on electricity and magnetism, and the fifth grade will begin their research on the water cycle.

And, finally, remember that next Thursday is our annual Open House Event! Mark your calendars, as we are excited to share our learning and efforts with you all.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday, Beyond & Hot Chocolate

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We are so very close to freedom, and the air is alive with the promise of sleep and sunshine. Please enjoy your Spring Break. There is not specific homework tonight, but the fourth grade has selected their respective topics for their California Reports and the fifth grade has their Heritage Reports. The due date will sneak up on us quickly, so it is my sincere hope that the kids get a head start on their research. The fourth grade was given the handout for the visual aide that will accompany their written report today.

Finally, state testing will begin on the Tuesday we return and continue through that week. I make hot cocoa for the kids to celebrate the end of their testing each day, but I would ask that kids bring in a ceramic mug so that I am not buying and throwing away insulated cups each day.

Enjoy, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We're off to a great start with the kids' science projects. We'll be sharing the remainder of their work tomorrow and Thursday.

I'm going easy on the homework for the remainder of the week in the hopes that the kids get a head start on their next project (heritage or California report).

Both grades are responsible for Saxon 116 tonight, however I'd suggest that the fourth grade review their science for tomorrow's exam.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. Please check over the Monday Folders, as I have assigned the kids next writing project. The fourth grade will be working on their California Reports over the next three weeks and the fifth grade will be working on their Heritage Reports during the same time frame.
The kids have their Science Projects due tomorrow, so hopefully they are near wrapping up their efforts. With that in mind, each grade has only Saxon 115 to work with this evening.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Thursday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We're making wonderful progress with our anthology for the Young Authors Fair. The kids have been furiously typing expanded versions of some of the quick writes we've worked on during the course of the year. They're coming out nicely, and the kids are adding illustrations to compliment their work.

Tomorrow brings the due date for another writing, as the kids should be completing their final drafts of the picture is worth a thousand words story. I'm excited to share and read their efforts.

The fifth grade has a solar system exam tomorrow consisting of ten short answer questions. The fourth grade will have a short answer exam next Wednesday on land movement. They'll receive a short study guide on Friday to begin working with.

Just as a friendly reminder, science projects should be coming to their fruition this weekend. Completed projects are due Tuesday morning. The kids will be sharing their efforts with the class between Tuesday and Thursday of next week.

Finally, the kids are responsible for the following tonight:

Fourth-

- Saxon 113 / HM math 20.3
- finish 1,000 word final draft

Fifth-

- Saxon 113 / HM math 20.1
- finish 1,000 word final draft
- study for science exam

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

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

Fourth-

- Saxon 112 / HM math 20.3
- 1,000 word story final draft for Friday
- Illustration for anthology (if not already turned in)

Fifth-

- Saxon 112 / HM math 19.5
- 1,000 word story final draft for Friday
- Illustration for anthology (if not already turned in)
- continue studies for solar system quiz

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant