Thursday & Friday

Howdy all, and thank you for checking in. We successfully completed the district's trimester writing prompt today. After I copy and score and the papers, I will be happy to send home results with your kids.

Its been a writing intensive week. We are working very well with our mission reports and are already on our third paragraphs. Once we complete our rough drafts, the kids will be making brochures for their mission using the Apple Pages program. Its a very cool program, and I am eager to share the ease of its use with the kids.

Friday will bring us a quick spelling quiz. We will also be working with crafting compasses as part of our magnetism studies. We will continue our writing efforts as well, both at grade level and in dictation with our kinder buddies.

I am thrilled to share that your kids were amazing at choir today. They are coming together with their efforts in a way that I think will surprise a good number of you when our performance date comes around in mid-December.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

- spelling for tomorrow's quiz
- math 11 review, page 250, problems 1-20
- RPB page 142

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We had a very productive writing day as we begin the composing of our individual mission reports. Today we collaborated in crafting a viable introductory paragraph and then worked on the purpose of mission buildings. Tomorrow we will be looking at how the lives of Native Americans were changed by Spanish influence before closing with secularization and the change of government within Alta California.
Tomorrow will also bring a district writing assessment. The kids will be reviewing and summarizing their understanding of literature on the Titanic. Should be good fun.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

- math 11.4, pages 243 & 244, problems 1-24
- RPB pp 139 & 140 (possessive nouns)

Respectfully,
Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We had another excellent day! The kids participated in an amazing conversation this morning regarding class struggle and how governments have used differences to justify the oppression of segments of their populations. Really deep stuff, and fun to facilitate when you can see those little wheels spinning in their heads and connections being made. Just cool, and makes me excited to recognize our potential as a group.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- Witches packet still due tomorrow.
- Reading practice book pages 132 & 133
- Math 11.3, page 239, problems 1-30

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We had a very nice day today, and all appeared well-rested after our three day weekend. Hopefully we are developing a trend here!

Report cards are in your child's possession. You'll find much more than a report card inside each envelope. A detailed assignment page, AR progress and a new AR goal, as well as letters from the superintendent and myself are also included. Please take the time to read over the content of each. I would ask that signed report card envelopes be returned to class ASAP. I've indicated in my letter that the report cards contain an error, and I will be spending Wednesday afternoon correcting my transposed marks. None of the marks change or effect overall number grades. I will send modified report cards home with the kids on Friday or Monday.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

- Monday Folders & Report Cards
- Reading Practice Book pages 136 & 137 (this week's spelling)
- Math lesson 11.1, page 235, problems 1-27
- Complete The Witches packet no later than Wednesday

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday and Thursday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We had a very pleasant day, and the kids were charming. We were able to wrap up our literature study of the Witches by Roald Dahl, and the kids have until next Wednesday to complete and turn in their study packets.

We also reviewed the finer points of nature logs. The kids will be working on an observation of their choosing this afternoon / evening.

Thursday is the last day of this school week so that we may observe Veteran's Day on Friday. With that, I'd like to wish you each a peaceful three-day weekend. I will be on campus tomorrow, but only in the classroom until recess. The new report cards are taking some time to get used to, so I will be in the computer lab most of day in an effort to complete them.

Report cards go home on Monday, and will include a detailed print out of assignments and Accelerated Reader efforts for the first trimester. New AR goals will also be included with the report card, but goals are already available on-line.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

- math 10.3, page 221, problems 1-25
- a nature log entry of the student's choosing (must not be man made or a pet)
- work with Witches packet as necessary
- complete Mrs. Mitchener's math problem of the week (if necessary)
- continue studying spelling words for tomorrow's quiz

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Oh, my friends. It would appear that we are now on our third round of lice exposures. I am at a loss as to how best approach the issue, as we keep a clean classroom. Lice cannot survive more than a day without a human host, so the classroom is not a breeding ground. I would ask that all jackets be washed immediately and that hats stay out of the classroom for the coming two weeks. These are only precautionary steps, mind you.

Class went smoothly today in my absence. The kids were able to complete a great deal of their homework prior to the final bell, so tonight's assignments may already be done! If not, they are as follows:

- math 10.2, pages 217 - 218, problems 1-25
- "Let's Write" from the back of California Studies Weekly

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday, and the short week

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We have a very busy and short week ahead of us. I will be on campus Tuesday working on math curriculum, but will not be in the classroom. I am also looking at taking Thursday to work on report cards, but have yet to secure a sub. I'll keep you all apprised as I learn more.

We are continuing our exploration of magnetism and electricity, are engaging with research on the California Missions and nearing the end of our literature unit on Roald Dahl's The Witches.

Thanks to those of you who made it to the mission on Friday. It was an enjoyable, low-key day. The kids were able to take part in a scavenger hunt that took to them through the nooks and crannies of the mission's history.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

- Monday Folder
- RPB pp 121 - 122
- math 10.1

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant