I hope you had an opportunity to visit the State Fair on Wednesday. Students did a wonderful job of sharing information about their states, and visiting teachers have reported back that their students came away with interesting facts and questions. I was impressed by the knowledge shared and the energy and enthusiasm displayed throughout the morning. I know students are anxious to find out their grade, but it will take me a significant amount of time to carefully go through all the boards. Students will receive their State Fair grade when they return from the December break. Partners have been asked to decide among themselves who will get to keep the board, although I am available to help with the decision process (a picture of the board is a nice way to "keep" the board).
I appreciate all the help from Kristin Mercurio (working hard at the food table) and other parents who helped with the State Fair. Rancho parents are wonderfully supportive and helpful.
A final note on the State Fair: Jessie's dad, Dan Edblom, made a wonderful 3-4 minute slide show of the State Fair (accompanied by the wonderful song, "This Land Is Your Land"). The students saw it yesterday and really enjoyed seeing themselves and their friends. Thank you Dan!
The language test scheduled for this past Tuesday never happened, and has been rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8. We will also get back to weekly spelling assignments, daily math and the Friday quiz, and geography packets when we return in January.
For parents curious about GATE and GATE testing, be sure to attend NUSD's Jan. 15 GATE Information Night. The meeting will take place at the district offices, from 7-8:00 P.M. And if you still have questions about Walker Creek, plan to attend Walker Creek's January Open House on Jan. 21, from 11:15-12:15 (with an optional hike from 10-11). RSVP at 415.491.6602, by Monday, Jan. 19. For more information, go to www.walkercreekranch.org.
In anticipation of another wonderful effort by parents, thanks for creating a great end of the year (2008)/winter solstice/holiday party for the students of Room 14.
It's hard to believe that 2008 is coming to an end. I hope everyone has the December break they want--relaxing, exciting, quiet, fun-filled or a combination of all of these things! I look forward to students coming back energized and ready to get back to work. Have a wonderful 2 weeks, and I'll see students back on Jan. 5.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
The class had a wonderful time on Monday's field trip. Their decorations looked great, they enjoyed sharing the experience with Mrs. Dees' class, and they were well-fed at the lunch. A huge "Thank you!" to everyone who made the day possible--the Thomson family for initiating the field trip, our drivers (Mrs. Gutierrez, who got a rental car because her own car wasn't working properly; Mrs. Garbarino, who volunteered to drive at the last minute to make sure all the students in Mrs. Dees' class would have a ride; Mrs. Stevenson, Mrs. Leonard, Mr. McKay, Mrs. Mercurio, Mrs. Hamilton-Tsao, and Mrs. Thomson), and the other parent chaperons (Mrs. Kwong, Mrs. Ding, Mrs. Wedrychowski, Mrs. Clark, and Mrs. Thomas) who helped out on the ferry and with the luncheon. Thanks as well to everyone who sent in food to the potluck. Rancho parents are fabulous! We could not have gone without parent support. I hope you'll have a chance to ride the Larkspur Ferry sometime during the holidays to enjoy the decorations.
A huge "Thank you!" to all the parents driving and chaperoning our Chabot field trip today as well (Mrs. LoVetri, Mrs. Stevenson, Mrs. Garbarino, Mrs. Gutierrez, Mrs. Clary, Mrs. Buckley, and Mrs. Mercurio). I know there will be other parents coming along to help with the day, and I thank all of you as well. This has always been a very fun and educational field trip, and I expect it will be again today.
Reminders about the State Fair:
Our class will have a party on Friday, Dec. 19, from 1:30 until the end of school. Everyone is welcome to come and help out. Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Garbarino are organizing the afternoon, so please contact them if you have questions or would like to help.
Have a great weekend.
A huge "Thank you!" to all the parents driving and chaperoning our Chabot field trip today as well (Mrs. LoVetri, Mrs. Stevenson, Mrs. Garbarino, Mrs. Gutierrez, Mrs. Clary, Mrs. Buckley, and Mrs. Mercurio). I know there will be other parents coming along to help with the day, and I thank all of you as well. This has always been a very fun and educational field trip, and I expect it will be again today.
Reminders about the State Fair:
- the date is Wednesday, Dec. 17; it will begin at 8:45 A.M. and end at noon.
- Students are strongly urged to dress in some way that is representative of their state (farmer, businessperson, historical figure, fictional figure, state animal, an athlete on one of the state's college teams or professional teams, etc.). Please do not go out and buy a costume; just use what you can find or borrow.
- Students should bring in 2 or more artifacts that are representative of their state (a Frisbee, if the Frisbee was invented in their state, a golf club if there is a well-known golf course where professional golf tournaments take place, 1 or 2 apples if the state is known for producing apples, etc.) Again, no one needs to go out and buy things; use what you have on hand or can borrow.
- Students MAY bring food to share. IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT REQUIRED, and will not impact their grade. Each year several students bring in small samples to share (bite-sized!). For example, if your state is a major wheat-producing state, a student might bring in a loaf of bread, cut each slice into multiple cubes, and then let State Fair visitors have a cube to taste. If you have ANY questions at all, please contact me.
Our class will have a party on Friday, Dec. 19, from 1:30 until the end of school. Everyone is welcome to come and help out. Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Garbarino are organizing the afternoon, so please contact them if you have questions or would like to help.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Important announcements first:
1) We have enough drivers for our field trip to decorate the ferry--thank you parents!
2) The date of our State Fair has changed to Wed., Dec. 17. Please mark your calendar accordingly (our original date was Dec. 18). The State Fair will take place all morning, beginning about 8:45am and ending about noon. Parents (and any other interested folks) are encouraged to visit. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Lots going on as we make the most of the few weeks before the December break. Students will be working with their kindergarten partners today, making decorations for Monday's field trip. The class has been working on multiplying decimal numbers, and will take that chapter test on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The next geography test is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11. We will have a language test the following Tuesday, Dec. 16. We are continuing to read The Sign of the Beaver and discuss both the story and the wonderful use of language. We will also begin practicing narrative writing. We have begun working on the next science unit, Living Systems.
Our initial focus in science is on cells. Although a typical "ideal" cell contains other organelles, we'll concentrate on the following, in order to understand cellular respiration and photosynthesis: both plant and animal cells have a cell membrane, cytoplasm, a nucleus with a nucleolus where the chromosomes and DNA are located, multiple mitochondria, and vacuoles, but only plant cells contain chloroplasts and have cell walls. We spent time yesterday on an investigation of diffusion and osmosis (diffusion across a living cell membrane). We'll move on to body systems and plants.
Just to keep parents informed...the state note-taking guide must be completed no later than Wed., Dec. 10. As soon as students complete their state note-taking guide (and some are finished or nearly finished now), they can begin working with their partner on creating their State Fair board. The assignment sheet students were given lays out the requirements, and I'll be working with each group to help them decide which partner is responsible for which parts of the board presentation.
Again, many thanks to those parents making our field trips next week possible. The students are also looking forward to the potluck lunch on Monday, when we get back from the ferry. Just to remind everyone: on Monday, Dec. 8, we'll leave Rancho by 8:45am. Students need to dress warmly and in layers. We'll be back by about noon. On Friday, Dec. 12, we'll be gone all day. We'll leave Rancho as soon as possible (8:30am) so students must arrive at school on time! We'll be back by the end of the school day (2:50pm). Each person going to Chabot must bring a bag lunch and drink.
Have a wonderful weekend!
1) We have enough drivers for our field trip to decorate the ferry--thank you parents!
2) The date of our State Fair has changed to Wed., Dec. 17. Please mark your calendar accordingly (our original date was Dec. 18). The State Fair will take place all morning, beginning about 8:45am and ending about noon. Parents (and any other interested folks) are encouraged to visit. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Lots going on as we make the most of the few weeks before the December break. Students will be working with their kindergarten partners today, making decorations for Monday's field trip. The class has been working on multiplying decimal numbers, and will take that chapter test on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The next geography test is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11. We will have a language test the following Tuesday, Dec. 16. We are continuing to read The Sign of the Beaver and discuss both the story and the wonderful use of language. We will also begin practicing narrative writing. We have begun working on the next science unit, Living Systems.
Our initial focus in science is on cells. Although a typical "ideal" cell contains other organelles, we'll concentrate on the following, in order to understand cellular respiration and photosynthesis: both plant and animal cells have a cell membrane, cytoplasm, a nucleus with a nucleolus where the chromosomes and DNA are located, multiple mitochondria, and vacuoles, but only plant cells contain chloroplasts and have cell walls. We spent time yesterday on an investigation of diffusion and osmosis (diffusion across a living cell membrane). We'll move on to body systems and plants.
Just to keep parents informed...the state note-taking guide must be completed no later than Wed., Dec. 10. As soon as students complete their state note-taking guide (and some are finished or nearly finished now), they can begin working with their partner on creating their State Fair board. The assignment sheet students were given lays out the requirements, and I'll be working with each group to help them decide which partner is responsible for which parts of the board presentation.
Again, many thanks to those parents making our field trips next week possible. The students are also looking forward to the potluck lunch on Monday, when we get back from the ferry. Just to remind everyone: on Monday, Dec. 8, we'll leave Rancho by 8:45am. Students need to dress warmly and in layers. We'll be back by about noon. On Friday, Dec. 12, we'll be gone all day. We'll leave Rancho as soon as possible (8:30am) so students must arrive at school on time! We'll be back by the end of the school day (2:50pm). Each person going to Chabot must bring a bag lunch and drink.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Conference week is almost over as I write this Friday morning, and it has been a great week. Students enjoy the early days, and I enjoy the opportunity to speak with parents and students about student progress. The support that parents at Rancho provide to their children, as well as to teachers, is a big part of what makes Rancho a wonderful and successful learning community. Parents, thank you for all you do for your child and our classroom.
Students have been working on their state note-taking guides, in preparation for the State Fair. They have specific assignment sheets, to remind them when particular parts of the state note-taking guide must be completed. Once students are done, they will begin working with their partner on their State Fair presentation. The State Fair itself will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18. Parents and other interested adults are encouraged to attend. Students will be displaying their work and discussing their state all morning, beginning at about 9:00am. There will be more information as the date approaches.
We spent this week on multiple digit multiplication and are beginning the unit on multiplying decimal numbers. Most students did well on yesterday's math chapter test, but the test yesterday was a wake-up call for a few students who either have not yet mastered their math facts or are not paying enough attention to detail (not only must you multiply correctly, but you must also add and regroup correctly). These skills, along with similar, related skills in division, will be necessary for the remainder of the school year (and beyond!) as we work with fractions, decimals, ratios, and percents. Please help your child practice the necessary skills.
Even though students return from Thanksgiving break on Dec. 1, any student may take an AR test on Monday and have points earned apply to their November goal--all they have to do is tell me. Of course for students who have already met their November goal, any AR tests they take on Dec. 1 will apply to their December total.
We are continuing to read The Sign of the Beaver. We are using the book to work not only on reading strategies, but also to enhance our writing skills as we study the wonderful use of language by the author. It is difficult to not read ahead, but this is one book I want students to savor, and read together. We may not finish the book until after the December break.
As I look forward to a week with my family, I think of all the things I have to be thankful for, and without a doubt being part of the Rancho family is one of them. Have a great break!
Students have been working on their state note-taking guides, in preparation for the State Fair. They have specific assignment sheets, to remind them when particular parts of the state note-taking guide must be completed. Once students are done, they will begin working with their partner on their State Fair presentation. The State Fair itself will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18. Parents and other interested adults are encouraged to attend. Students will be displaying their work and discussing their state all morning, beginning at about 9:00am. There will be more information as the date approaches.
We spent this week on multiple digit multiplication and are beginning the unit on multiplying decimal numbers. Most students did well on yesterday's math chapter test, but the test yesterday was a wake-up call for a few students who either have not yet mastered their math facts or are not paying enough attention to detail (not only must you multiply correctly, but you must also add and regroup correctly). These skills, along with similar, related skills in division, will be necessary for the remainder of the school year (and beyond!) as we work with fractions, decimals, ratios, and percents. Please help your child practice the necessary skills.
Even though students return from Thanksgiving break on Dec. 1, any student may take an AR test on Monday and have points earned apply to their November goal--all they have to do is tell me. Of course for students who have already met their November goal, any AR tests they take on Dec. 1 will apply to their December total.
We are continuing to read The Sign of the Beaver. We are using the book to work not only on reading strategies, but also to enhance our writing skills as we study the wonderful use of language by the author. It is difficult to not read ahead, but this is one book I want students to savor, and read together. We may not finish the book until after the December break.
As I look forward to a week with my family, I think of all the things I have to be thankful for, and without a doubt being part of the Rancho family is one of them. Have a great break!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Students enjoyed the Halloween party--a big "Thank you!" to room parents Lorena Garbarino and Marianne Hill, as well as all the other parent helpers. I love it when Halloween is on a Friday! It was a great way to end the week.
Parent-teacher conferences begin on Monday, Nov. 17. If you need a reminder about our agreed upon time and date, please email me (sspry@nusd.org), call, or send in a note, and I'll provide the information. Please remember that your child is invited to join us for the conference (or we could have one with your child and one with just parents--let me know), so even if you did not check the box to confirm that your child will be attending, please feel free to bring him or her. Contact me if you have any questions.
The 50 states test has been taken, and work on the State Fair projects has begun. Our class's State Fair date is Thursday, Dec. 18. Students are collecting information about their individual states, completing a note-taking guide, and will then work with their partner to create a presentation, including a presentation board, as the experts on that particular state. They have received the specific requirements for the project. We also spent some time talking about the day of the State Fair. Students are encouraged to dress in a way that somehow connects to their state. For instance, a student working on California might choose to come dressed as John Muir, a Gold Rush miner, Gov. Schwartzenegger, a farmer, a surfer, or some other character associated with the state. Students are also encouraged to bring appropriate artifacts that represent important products, inventions, activities, industries, or historical events for their state. Again, if the student's state is California, they might bring in an example of an important agricultural product (cotton, garlic, etc.); a backpack, snowboard, or replica of the Golden Gate Bridge to represent the importance of tourism in the state; a book by John Steinbeck to represent literary contributions from Californians; and so on. While students are working with a partner on their particular state, they will have individual responsibilities, and their grade will reflect their own effort (including the ability to work collaboratively) and the product they create (in other words, partners may not receive the same grade). Judging by their enthusiasm so far, I know they'll do a great job.
If you are able to help out on our 2 December field trips, Mon. Dec. 8 to decorate and ride the Larkspur Ferry and Friday, Dec. 12 to Chabot Space and Science Center, please contact Marianne Hill (marianne@nhainc.net). As I mentioned in a previous blog, Mrs. Dees and I would love to have a potluck back at school after the trip on the ferry (Dec. 8). I know there has been a fair amount of interest from the parents in Mrs. Dees' class, but so far I haven't heard anything from our class. I understand if it seems to be too much. Please contact me or one of our room parents (Lorena Garbarino, at lorenagsellshomes@yahoo.com or MarianneHill, at marianne@nhainc.net) if you are interested in helping.
Reminder: student dismissal is at 12:30 every day next week, Nov. 17-21. Thanksgiving break is Nov. 24-28.
Have a great weekend.
Parent-teacher conferences begin on Monday, Nov. 17. If you need a reminder about our agreed upon time and date, please email me (sspry@nusd.org), call, or send in a note, and I'll provide the information. Please remember that your child is invited to join us for the conference (or we could have one with your child and one with just parents--let me know), so even if you did not check the box to confirm that your child will be attending, please feel free to bring him or her. Contact me if you have any questions.
The 50 states test has been taken, and work on the State Fair projects has begun. Our class's State Fair date is Thursday, Dec. 18. Students are collecting information about their individual states, completing a note-taking guide, and will then work with their partner to create a presentation, including a presentation board, as the experts on that particular state. They have received the specific requirements for the project. We also spent some time talking about the day of the State Fair. Students are encouraged to dress in a way that somehow connects to their state. For instance, a student working on California might choose to come dressed as John Muir, a Gold Rush miner, Gov. Schwartzenegger, a farmer, a surfer, or some other character associated with the state. Students are also encouraged to bring appropriate artifacts that represent important products, inventions, activities, industries, or historical events for their state. Again, if the student's state is California, they might bring in an example of an important agricultural product (cotton, garlic, etc.); a backpack, snowboard, or replica of the Golden Gate Bridge to represent the importance of tourism in the state; a book by John Steinbeck to represent literary contributions from Californians; and so on. While students are working with a partner on their particular state, they will have individual responsibilities, and their grade will reflect their own effort (including the ability to work collaboratively) and the product they create (in other words, partners may not receive the same grade). Judging by their enthusiasm so far, I know they'll do a great job.
If you are able to help out on our 2 December field trips, Mon. Dec. 8 to decorate and ride the Larkspur Ferry and Friday, Dec. 12 to Chabot Space and Science Center, please contact Marianne Hill (marianne@nhainc.net). As I mentioned in a previous blog, Mrs. Dees and I would love to have a potluck back at school after the trip on the ferry (Dec. 8). I know there has been a fair amount of interest from the parents in Mrs. Dees' class, but so far I haven't heard anything from our class. I understand if it seems to be too much. Please contact me or one of our room parents (Lorena Garbarino, at lorenagsellshomes@yahoo.com or MarianneHill, at marianne@nhainc.net) if you are interested in helping.
Reminder: student dismissal is at 12:30 every day next week, Nov. 17-21. Thanksgiving break is Nov. 24-28.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 31, 2008
I hope your child came home and told you about the great work they did at the restoration field trip on Tuesday. They worked so hard! It was a beautiful day (and this rain will help our newly planted trees!) It was a wonderful, high energy, collaborative effort, and I am very proud of them. And the parents, wow! Thanks for getting us there and back (and tolerating the dirty clothes on the way home), but also for the wonderful enthusiasm and effort you put into the project as well. This field trip cannot happen without parents, and I thank you for making this experience possible for our class. I expect that everyone who participated slept well Tuesday night! I will work with S.T.R.A.W. to schedule a visit to the ranch near the end of the year to see the short-term results. Many pictures were taken during the day, and I hope to have some up in the classroom very soon.
Students went to an assembly on Wed., as part of Red Ribbon Week, that spoke to the problem of bullying. They were given information about types of bullying (physical, social, and verbal), as well as specific strategies to deal with bullying. Although bullying is not a big problem at Rancho, it does occur. It would be wonderful if every family could have a discussion (now, and periodically as the year progresses) specifically about respectful behavior and how to deal with any problems their child encounters at school. Please know that they can always come to me or any other adult at school to report problems or get help with situations that make them uncomfortable. Our goal at Rancho is not just to teach academics, but to prepare the whole child for their next steps.
Reminder: the 50 states test is coming up--November 13. Students who have to make up state region tests will do so by Friday, Nov. 7. Our last regional test, West-Part 2, will be on election day,Tues., 11/4. Once that is done, students will pick/be assigned (they make a list and I try to give them their 1st or as close to their 1st choice as possible) the state they will report on. We'll be doing a modified State Fair in December (it will be a busy month!). More details soon.
If you have not yet confirmed your parent-teacher (-student) conference time (a new notice is in today's Friday folder for those families from whom I still need to hear), please do so by Friday, Nov. 7. If the time assigned to you does not work, please let me know and we'll find an alternate time.
And one last reminder, students are asked not to bring candy to school for lunches or snacks (although we'll have treats at today's Halloween party!). Have a great weekend!
Students went to an assembly on Wed., as part of Red Ribbon Week, that spoke to the problem of bullying. They were given information about types of bullying (physical, social, and verbal), as well as specific strategies to deal with bullying. Although bullying is not a big problem at Rancho, it does occur. It would be wonderful if every family could have a discussion (now, and periodically as the year progresses) specifically about respectful behavior and how to deal with any problems their child encounters at school. Please know that they can always come to me or any other adult at school to report problems or get help with situations that make them uncomfortable. Our goal at Rancho is not just to teach academics, but to prepare the whole child for their next steps.
Reminder: the 50 states test is coming up--November 13. Students who have to make up state region tests will do so by Friday, Nov. 7. Our last regional test, West-Part 2, will be on election day,Tues., 11/4. Once that is done, students will pick/be assigned (they make a list and I try to give them their 1st or as close to their 1st choice as possible) the state they will report on. We'll be doing a modified State Fair in December (it will be a busy month!). More details soon.
If you have not yet confirmed your parent-teacher (-student) conference time (a new notice is in today's Friday folder for those families from whom I still need to hear), please do so by Friday, Nov. 7. If the time assigned to you does not work, please let me know and we'll find an alternate time.
And one last reminder, students are asked not to bring candy to school for lunches or snacks (although we'll have treats at today's Halloween party!). Have a great weekend!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Students had their first visit with our art docent on Wednesday, and did a wonderful project Picasso-inspired project. We are very fortunate to have Cathy Dial (a Rancho parent, but not with a child in our classroom--and a great art docent) as our art docent. It will be a great year for the art docent program in Room 14!
The restoration field trip is on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Please refer to last week's blog entry (or last week's paper copy) for information about the day. Most importantly:
We have the opportunity for another fun field trip--decorating one of the Larkspur ferry boats (in celebration of all December holidays) and then taking the ferry to San Francisco and back. Many thanks to Alex Thomson's family for making this field trip possible. Our date for this field trip is Monday, Dec. 8. The field trip is free EXCEPT that we need parent drivers to get us there and back (and they get to ride the ferry with us). Students will make the decorations at school (or also at home, if they chose to do so). Mrs. Dees' class will be coming along as well. She and I were hoping we could coordinate a potluck lunch afterward (we should be back at Rancho by 12:30) of holiday foods from different cultures and/or traditions. Sounds a bit ambitious perhaps, but it could be a lot of fun! The one potential problem is that both classes already have the field trip to the Chabot Space and Science Center scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12, and that cannot be rescheduled. It may be asking too much of parent drivers to help both classes get to both field trips in the same week, but hopefully it will work! Please contact Marianne Hill (or me) if you can drive on Monday, Dec. 8 (8:45am-12:30pm). Folks have already signed up to drive to Chabot, and Marianne will be contacting those people directly.
**Please contact our room parent, Lorena Garbarino, if you can help with the potluck lunch on Dec. 8. Again, I think the students would have a great time.
I appreciate all the parents who have sent back their parent-teacher confirmation forms. If I haven't heard from you yet, or if there is a problem, I will be contacting you again to make sure that we can find a time for this important conversation. If you have any questions, please contact me.
The test on all 50 states, their capitals, and their postal abbreviations is coming up on Thursday, November 13. If your child has not already been practicing at home, now would be a good time to start--say 10-15 minutes each day. Check out http://sheppardsoftware.com/web_games.htm for a fun website for states' practice!
Our class will have a Halloween party on Friday, from 1:30-the end of the school day. You are welcome to come and help out! Please contact Lorena Garbarino or Marianne Hill if you have any questions.
Have a great weekend.
The restoration field trip is on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Please refer to last week's blog entry (or last week's paper copy) for information about the day. Most importantly:
- eat a good breakfast--there will be no time for a mid-morning snack
- dress in layers--it is supposed to be colder next week
- wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty or muddy
- BRING A LUNCH WITH A DRINK and A WATER BOTTLE
- wear a hat and sunscreen
- come ready to work and have fun!
We have the opportunity for another fun field trip--decorating one of the Larkspur ferry boats (in celebration of all December holidays) and then taking the ferry to San Francisco and back. Many thanks to Alex Thomson's family for making this field trip possible. Our date for this field trip is Monday, Dec. 8. The field trip is free EXCEPT that we need parent drivers to get us there and back (and they get to ride the ferry with us). Students will make the decorations at school (or also at home, if they chose to do so). Mrs. Dees' class will be coming along as well. She and I were hoping we could coordinate a potluck lunch afterward (we should be back at Rancho by 12:30) of holiday foods from different cultures and/or traditions. Sounds a bit ambitious perhaps, but it could be a lot of fun! The one potential problem is that both classes already have the field trip to the Chabot Space and Science Center scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12, and that cannot be rescheduled. It may be asking too much of parent drivers to help both classes get to both field trips in the same week, but hopefully it will work! Please contact Marianne Hill (or me) if you can drive on Monday, Dec. 8 (8:45am-12:30pm). Folks have already signed up to drive to Chabot, and Marianne will be contacting those people directly.
**Please contact our room parent, Lorena Garbarino, if you can help with the potluck lunch on Dec. 8. Again, I think the students would have a great time.
I appreciate all the parents who have sent back their parent-teacher confirmation forms. If I haven't heard from you yet, or if there is a problem, I will be contacting you again to make sure that we can find a time for this important conversation. If you have any questions, please contact me.
The test on all 50 states, their capitals, and their postal abbreviations is coming up on Thursday, November 13. If your child has not already been practicing at home, now would be a good time to start--say 10-15 minutes each day. Check out http://sheppardsoftware.com/web_games.htm for a fun website for states' practice!
Our class will have a Halloween party on Friday, from 1:30-the end of the school day. You are welcome to come and help out! Please contact Lorena Garbarino or Marianne Hill if you have any questions.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 17, 2008
FYI--don't forget to check out www.fossweb.com/CA for more science practice. Be sure to check out the Mixtures and Solutions Home/School Connection to find projects related to our current unit that you can do at home! Students might also want to check out the Colonial Williamsburg site, http://history.org.
Friday Newsletter
Another week down...Congratulations are in order to all the students of Room 14 who participated in the Rancho Spelling Bee on Wednesday! Special congratulations to the three school winners, all Room 14 students: third place, Heather; second place, Andrew; and first place, Adam! They will all have the opportunity to compete in the District-wide Spelling Bee at San Jose Middle School. Good luck to them all!
We have drivers and helpers for our restoration field trip in place now; thank you! As your child may have told you, our site has been switched from Point Reyes to the Barboni Ranch (which is just north of Novato, off Hicks Valley Road). We will be planting willows and other native plants along a creek that drains into Soulejoule Reservoir. Everyone going needs to be prepared for Tues., Oct. 28 in the following ways:
We will leave Rancho at about 8:35am and return back to Rancho by about 2:30pm. There will be no time for a midmorning snack, so it is very important that everyone eats a good breakfast before coming to school. STRAW provides gloves, all the necessary tools, and the expertise needed to properly restore the site; we provide the labor. It will be a great day! Please contact me if you have any questions.
THE PERMISSION SLIPS FOR THIS FIELD TRIP are in today's Friday folders. Please return the signed form by Wed., Oct. 22.
We are working on the math chapter dealing with data presentation and analysis. Students should be working on their own mneumonic devices for reliably distinguishing mean, median, mode, and range. All are easy to do, but easily confused unless you have a system.
We'll be having our first science test next week (Thurs.), and it will cover mixtures and solutions, as well as means of separating them, saturated and supersaturated solutions, and our investigations on chemical reactions (reactants, products--how do we know a chemical reaction has happened? What's the difference between a physical reaction or change and a chemical reaction?), including the chemical names and formulas we have been practicing in class {calcium chloride + sodium bicarbonate combined in water produce calcium carbonate (chalk) + sodium chloride (table salt) + carbon dioxide (gas) + water}. Because I cannot type in the subscripts properly using my computer, I can't provide the chemical formulas here except in word form, but students have all the information they need in their science journals. Students should also be studying for the geography and language tests they'll be taking next week.
DONATION NEEDED! We need straw/hay (a bale perhaps?) for 2 purposes: I'd like to put a thick layer of straw down on the bare soil under the new backpack structure (Thank you, NUSD) to keep the dust down (and mud, once it starts raining), AND to use as a mulch in our garden box (which I hope we can get working on and planted by the end of November). Please let me know if you can help us out.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Another week down...Congratulations are in order to all the students of Room 14 who participated in the Rancho Spelling Bee on Wednesday! Special congratulations to the three school winners, all Room 14 students: third place, Heather; second place, Andrew; and first place, Adam! They will all have the opportunity to compete in the District-wide Spelling Bee at San Jose Middle School. Good luck to them all!
We have drivers and helpers for our restoration field trip in place now; thank you! As your child may have told you, our site has been switched from Point Reyes to the Barboni Ranch (which is just north of Novato, off Hicks Valley Road). We will be planting willows and other native plants along a creek that drains into Soulejoule Reservoir. Everyone going needs to be prepared for Tues., Oct. 28 in the following ways:
- Eat a hearty breakfast the morning of the field trip!
- Bring a lunch and drink, as well as a water bottle
- Dress in layers that can be easily taken off as the day (and your body) warms
- Wear clothes that can get dirty
- Wear boots or shoes that can get muddy or dirty--it is a good idea to bring along an extra pair of shoes for the ride home and a plastic bag for the dirty shoes you wore during the day
- Wear a hat and/or sunscreen
- NO SHORTS--long pants for everyone
- NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES
- Arrive at school on time and ready to go
- Rain will cancel the field trip, which will then be rescheduled. If there is only a light mist that is not expected to last long, we'll probably still go, so pack a pancho or rainjacket!
We will leave Rancho at about 8:35am and return back to Rancho by about 2:30pm. There will be no time for a midmorning snack, so it is very important that everyone eats a good breakfast before coming to school. STRAW provides gloves, all the necessary tools, and the expertise needed to properly restore the site; we provide the labor. It will be a great day! Please contact me if you have any questions.
THE PERMISSION SLIPS FOR THIS FIELD TRIP are in today's Friday folders. Please return the signed form by Wed., Oct. 22.
We are working on the math chapter dealing with data presentation and analysis. Students should be working on their own mneumonic devices for reliably distinguishing mean, median, mode, and range. All are easy to do, but easily confused unless you have a system.
We'll be having our first science test next week (Thurs.), and it will cover mixtures and solutions, as well as means of separating them, saturated and supersaturated solutions, and our investigations on chemical reactions (reactants, products--how do we know a chemical reaction has happened? What's the difference between a physical reaction or change and a chemical reaction?), including the chemical names and formulas we have been practicing in class {calcium chloride + sodium bicarbonate combined in water produce calcium carbonate (chalk) + sodium chloride (table salt) + carbon dioxide (gas) + water}. Because I cannot type in the subscripts properly using my computer, I can't provide the chemical formulas here except in word form, but students have all the information they need in their science journals. Students should also be studying for the geography and language tests they'll be taking next week.
DONATION NEEDED! We need straw/hay (a bale perhaps?) for 2 purposes: I'd like to put a thick layer of straw down on the bare soil under the new backpack structure (Thank you, NUSD) to keep the dust down (and mud, once it starts raining), AND to use as a mulch in our garden box (which I hope we can get working on and planted by the end of November). Please let me know if you can help us out.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Friday, October 10, 2008
"Thanks!" to all the parents who have volunteered for the Oct. 28th restoration field trip. I'm not sure we have all the help we need yet, but we are well on our way. If you are interested in helping out (as a driver/supervisor of a work group or as a driver only or as a supervisor of a work group only) please let Marianne Hill or me know. It will be a great day! Unless it rains. Rain cancels the field trip, which would then be rescheduled.
The folks from S.T.R.A.W. (Students and teachers restoring a watershed) will be coming on Tuesday, Oct. 14, to give a presentation to the class about the project. They'll hear more about why people work to restore various parts of the watershed, and specifically about the kinds of things they will be doing on their day. Our class will be working with Mrs. Stanek's fourth graders out at Point Reyes. Not only is it fun to spend the entire school day off campus, this field trip gives students a real sense of helping their community in a meaningful way.
Students worked with their kindergarten buddies (Mrs. Lovi's class) on Tuesday for the first time, and it was a wonderful thing to see. They worked together to write and illustrate a letter to a serviceman or woman serving in Iraq. One of our favorite Rancho substitute teachers, Mrs. Barry, brought this project to Rancho, and the students loved it. Our goal was to create letters that would brighten the day of those serving our country far from home, and they did a great job. We'll be working with our kindergarten buddies once a month.
OPEN HOUSE AT WALKER CREEK RANCH, Wed., Oct. 15, 11:15 A.M.-12:15 P.M., with an optional hike from 10-11 A.M. This is the Annual Fall Open House and Tour for Parents, giving parents an opportunity to check out the facilities and the program at Walker Creek. There will be a second tour after the first of the year. Fifth graders will be going to Walker Creek in late May. For directions, go to www.walkercreekranch.org. If you plan to go on Oct. 15, RSVP 415-491-6602 by Monday, Oct. 13.
Parent-Teacher (Student) Conferences are scheduled for the week of Nov. 17-Nov. 21. I invite parents to bring students to the conference. They are old enough and mature enough to participate, and it can be very helpful to have them do so. I leave it completely up to each family to decide. Think about what will work best for your family and fill out the conference slip accordingly.
It has come to my attention that a few students are failing to keep track of the schedule of upcoming tests. Dates for tests are always written in the weekly chart on the righthand side of the whiteboard. Students know well in advance about all tests. The variation to that rule is math chapter tests, because students know as we go through the chapter that the test will follow the last lesson AND the practice test. Math chapter tests happen about once a week. We talk in class about why I give them a week's notice (or more) before a test--so they can study some every day before the test! While cramming for a test can give a student a good score on that one test, it is far less likely that they will retain that information or be able to successfully build on that information for later tests. Anyhow...make sure your student uses the full page calendar for each month in their homework organizer to write down the dates of upcoming tests and assignments AND remind them to check the weekly chart on the whiteboard. That said (and I do think it is important for students to take personal responsibility for their own work and assignments), we will be having the next language test on Tuesday, Oct. 21, the next geography test on Wednesday, Oct. 22, and a science test on Thursday, Oct. 23. Tests on states (next up: Midwest-Part 2) are every Tuesday (EXCEPT the day of our restoration--we'll take Western states-Part 1 on Wed., Oct. 29 instead).
Finally, a hearty congratulations to all the students in class (there were many) who had the courage and commitment to run for student council. The speeches were well written and well delivered. One student (who wasn't running) said it best, when we came back into our classroom to vote after hearing speeches, "Ms. Spry, do we have to vote? I can't choose!" How lucky we are to have so many students with leadership qualities at Rancho School! There will be many opportunities to participate, for those not elected, and they'll have a chance to sign up in the near future. Congratulations to those who were elected: Paris Monroy-President, Matt LoVetri-Vice President, Brandon Levy-Treasurer, and Ricky Clary-Secretary.
As always, if you have any questions, please let me know!
The folks from S.T.R.A.W. (Students and teachers restoring a watershed) will be coming on Tuesday, Oct. 14, to give a presentation to the class about the project. They'll hear more about why people work to restore various parts of the watershed, and specifically about the kinds of things they will be doing on their day. Our class will be working with Mrs. Stanek's fourth graders out at Point Reyes. Not only is it fun to spend the entire school day off campus, this field trip gives students a real sense of helping their community in a meaningful way.
Students worked with their kindergarten buddies (Mrs. Lovi's class) on Tuesday for the first time, and it was a wonderful thing to see. They worked together to write and illustrate a letter to a serviceman or woman serving in Iraq. One of our favorite Rancho substitute teachers, Mrs. Barry, brought this project to Rancho, and the students loved it. Our goal was to create letters that would brighten the day of those serving our country far from home, and they did a great job. We'll be working with our kindergarten buddies once a month.
OPEN HOUSE AT WALKER CREEK RANCH, Wed., Oct. 15, 11:15 A.M.-12:15 P.M., with an optional hike from 10-11 A.M. This is the Annual Fall Open House and Tour for Parents, giving parents an opportunity to check out the facilities and the program at Walker Creek. There will be a second tour after the first of the year. Fifth graders will be going to Walker Creek in late May. For directions, go to
Parent-Teacher (Student) Conferences are scheduled for the week of Nov. 17-Nov. 21. I invite parents to bring students to the conference. They are old enough and mature enough to participate, and it can be very helpful to have them do so. I leave it completely up to each family to decide. Think about what will work best for your family and fill out the conference slip accordingly.
It has come to my attention that a few students are failing to keep track of the schedule of upcoming tests. Dates for tests are always written in the weekly chart on the righthand side of the whiteboard. Students know well in advance about all tests. The variation to that rule is math chapter tests, because students know as we go through the chapter that the test will follow the last lesson AND the practice test. Math chapter tests happen about once a week. We talk in class about why I give them a week's notice (or more) before a test--so they can study some every day before the test! While cramming for a test can give a student a good score on that one test, it is far less likely that they will retain that information or be able to successfully build on that information for later tests. Anyhow...make sure your student uses the full page calendar for each month in their homework organizer to write down the dates of upcoming tests and assignments AND remind them to check the weekly chart on the whiteboard. That said (and I do think it is important for students to take personal responsibility for their own work and assignments), we will be having the next language test on Tuesday, Oct. 21, the next geography test on Wednesday, Oct. 22, and a science test on Thursday, Oct. 23. Tests on states (next up: Midwest-Part 2) are every Tuesday (EXCEPT the day of our restoration--we'll take Western states-Part 1 on Wed., Oct. 29 instead).
Finally, a hearty congratulations to all the students in class (there were many) who had the courage and commitment to run for student council. The speeches were well written and well delivered. One student (who wasn't running) said it best, when we came back into our classroom to vote after hearing speeches, "Ms. Spry, do we have to vote? I can't choose!" How lucky we are to have so many students with leadership qualities at Rancho School! There will be many opportunities to participate, for those not elected, and they'll have a chance to sign up in the near future. Congratulations to those who were elected: Paris Monroy-President, Matt LoVetri-Vice President, Brandon Levy-Treasurer, and Ricky Clary-Secretary.
As always, if you have any questions, please let me know!
Friday, October 3, 2008
We have a date for our watershed restoration project, Tuesday, Oct. 28. This is earlier than I had anticipated, but hopefully we'll be able to get enough drivers to make it work. We'll be going out to Point Reyes and possibly building willow walls and planting native plants. I don't have the specific schedule for the day yet, but we will spend the entire day at the site. S.T.R.A.W. (our amazing partners who make all this possible, through The Bay Institute) provides all the materials, including gloves, for the project, and the class provides the labor. The tasks are child appropriate, and we will work hard! We need drivers to get us to the site and 7 adults (drivers or others) to help supervise the student work groups. Any interested adults are more than welcome to join us for the day. Please let Marianne Hill (our field trip coordinator) know if you are able to help--those driver forms need to be completed as soon as possible! This will be a fun, exhausting, subtly educational day, and I can't wait!
We have moved into the Midwest this week--the Midwestern States-Part 1 test will be on Tuesday, Oct. 7, as will the next language test (which will include identifying prepositional phrases). Students have been learning about our Constitution since the beginning of the year ("We the People..."), and they have completed a study guide for the test they'll take on Wed., Oct. 8. The test on the second column of prepositions will be on Thursday, Oct. 9.
We have been focusing on algebraic expressions and equations in math, first in chapter 5, with an emphasis on addition properties and now in chapter 6, with an emphasis on multiplication properties. Our next chapter will be on graphing and data analysis.
The second geography test is coming home in this week's Friday folder, and it was an interesting test to grade. The grades ranged from perfect scores to not meeting standards--disappointing in that there were not more of the former and that there were any at all of the latter. Students need to study for these tests, using the geography packets we work on, discuss, and correct in class. We have talked extensively about latitude (parallels) and longitude (meridians), using maps, globes, and atlases to understand these basic locational concepts, and I was surprised to find that more than one student was unclear about these. If you have maps at home, or if you use a GPS unit, please take the time to help your child understand that the geography concepts we're working on in class are the same concepts that people use every day to help them find their way around or to understand our relationship, geographically, with other places throughout the world. Real life connections make learning more engaging and meaningful--students are benefitted when they understand that they don't spend all day at school learning things that are only for school but rather that they spend time learning things at school in order to understand the world around them. And on that note...Have a great weekend.
We have moved into the Midwest this week--the Midwestern States-Part 1 test will be on Tuesday, Oct. 7, as will the next language test (which will include identifying prepositional phrases). Students have been learning about our Constitution since the beginning of the year ("We the People..."), and they have completed a study guide for the test they'll take on Wed., Oct. 8. The test on the second column of prepositions will be on Thursday, Oct. 9.
We have been focusing on algebraic expressions and equations in math, first in chapter 5, with an emphasis on addition properties and now in chapter 6, with an emphasis on multiplication properties. Our next chapter will be on graphing and data analysis.
The second geography test is coming home in this week's Friday folder, and it was an interesting test to grade. The grades ranged from perfect scores to not meeting standards--disappointing in that there were not more of the former and that there were any at all of the latter. Students need to study for these tests, using the geography packets we work on, discuss, and correct in class. We have talked extensively about latitude (parallels) and longitude (meridians), using maps, globes, and atlases to understand these basic locational concepts, and I was surprised to find that more than one student was unclear about these. If you have maps at home, or if you use a GPS unit, please take the time to help your child understand that the geography concepts we're working on in class are the same concepts that people use every day to help them find their way around or to understand our relationship, geographically, with other places throughout the world. Real life connections make learning more engaging and meaningful--students are benefitted when they understand that they don't spend all day at school learning things that are only for school but rather that they spend time learning things at school in order to understand the world around them. And on that note...Have a great weekend.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Students did a wonderful job cleaning up the creek. It was a lot of fun working with Mrs. Dees' class. Many thanks to all the parents who helped out--could not have done it without them! Not only did students help the environment, they reinforced their sense of community. And since this effort was officially part of the Annual California Coastal Cleanup, students are invited to participate in the "thank you" BBQ at the Bay Model in Sausalito, from 12-3pm.
Don't forget that Tuesday, Sept. 23 is picture day--our time is 11:25am. Students have P.E. first thing in the morning, but will have plenty of time to primp at recess. Students who are buying pictures should bring in their payment envelopes ON picture day.
The next geography test is scheduled for Sept. 30. The chapter 4 math test will be Tues., Sept. 23, as will the Southeast States-Part 1 test.
Have a great weekend!
Don't forget that Tuesday, Sept. 23 is picture day--our time is 11:25am. Students have P.E. first thing in the morning, but will have plenty of time to primp at recess. Students who are buying pictures should bring in their payment envelopes ON picture day.
The next geography test is scheduled for Sept. 30. The chapter 4 math test will be Tues., Sept. 23, as will the Southeast States-Part 1 test.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, September 12, 2008
September 12, 2008
Our classroom still needs an art docent; anyone interested? Please let me know as soon as possible as there is a training meeting at the District offices next week for art docent volunteers. Students get a lot out of the program and projects, and I'd love to be able to have our class participate.
Our Coastal Cleanup day is Thursday, Sept. 18 (10:50-lunch). The Coastal Cleanup permission slips are in this week's Friday folder. The walking field trip permission slip everyone signed at the very beginning of the year satisfies District requirements, but we also need the forms from Coastal Cleanup to officially be part of the statewide effort (we also send in data about what kinds of trash we collected as well as an estimate of the total amount of trash collected, to be added in to totals from all other Coastal Cleanup sites). Please send these forms back by Tuesday, Sept. 16. Each year students enjoy this activity not only because they get to roam the creek and our campus with their friends during class time, but because they feel good about helping their community. And reinforcing their role in our community, including both Rancho and the greater Novato community is, I think, a great benefit for everyone.
**To find a site in Marin where you and your family can participate in the Coastal Cleanup on the official cleanup day (Sat., Sept. 20), go to www.coastforyou.org and click on "Join us for Coastal Cleanup Day." To continue to celebrate and learn about our coast and waterways, click on "This is the kickoff for COASTWEEKS" on the same site. This gives information about water and environmental activities throughout the state (from walks and kayaking to community service).
The first geography test is now behind us, and hopefully students feel more comfortable with what to expect in the future. These tests do require students to go back over the geography packets and study the concepts and skills presented, which is why students are reminded to keep each week's packets after we have completed them. Three students not only got perfect scores, but also answered the bonus question correctly! The next geography test will be Tues., Sept. 30.
The next math chapter test (ch. 3) will be on Tues., Sept. 16. While these beginning chapters are mostly review, they cover key foundation concepts. Please take the time to review any problems your child answered incorrectly and help them find their mistake. While we do this in class, the extra attention at home can really help.
Accelerated Reader is not yet up and running (very disappointing), but there is hope on the horizon! At this point, it appears the program may be available before the end of September. I have talked to the students about the delay, and let them know that there will be no specific AR goal for September for our classroom. I'm hoping that AR will be up soon enough for students to take at least 1 quiz this month, just to get used to the process again, but we may have to wait until October.
Thanks for all the glue sticks, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and facial tissues. We should be set for a while! I really appreciate your generosity.
See you at the Family Dinner!
Our classroom still needs an art docent; anyone interested? Please let me know as soon as possible as there is a training meeting at the District offices next week for art docent volunteers. Students get a lot out of the program and projects, and I'd love to be able to have our class participate.
Our Coastal Cleanup day is Thursday, Sept. 18 (10:50-lunch). The Coastal Cleanup permission slips are in this week's Friday folder. The walking field trip permission slip everyone signed at the very beginning of the year satisfies District requirements, but we also need the forms from Coastal Cleanup to officially be part of the statewide effort (we also send in data about what kinds of trash we collected as well as an estimate of the total amount of trash collected, to be added in to totals from all other Coastal Cleanup sites). Please send these forms back by Tuesday, Sept. 16. Each year students enjoy this activity not only because they get to roam the creek and our campus with their friends during class time, but because they feel good about helping their community. And reinforcing their role in our community, including both Rancho and the greater Novato community is, I think, a great benefit for everyone.
**To find a site in Marin where you and your family can participate in the Coastal Cleanup on the official cleanup day (Sat., Sept. 20), go to www.coastforyou.org and click on "Join us for Coastal Cleanup Day." To continue to celebrate and learn about our coast and waterways, click on "This is the kickoff for COASTWEEKS" on the same site. This gives information about water and environmental activities throughout the state (from walks and kayaking to community service).
The first geography test is now behind us, and hopefully students feel more comfortable with what to expect in the future. These tests do require students to go back over the geography packets and study the concepts and skills presented, which is why students are reminded to keep each week's packets after we have completed them. Three students not only got perfect scores, but also answered the bonus question correctly! The next geography test will be Tues., Sept. 30.
The next math chapter test (ch. 3) will be on Tues., Sept. 16. While these beginning chapters are mostly review, they cover key foundation concepts. Please take the time to review any problems your child answered incorrectly and help them find their mistake. While we do this in class, the extra attention at home can really help.
Accelerated Reader is not yet up and running (very disappointing), but there is hope on the horizon! At this point, it appears the program may be available before the end of September. I have talked to the students about the delay, and let them know that there will be no specific AR goal for September for our classroom. I'm hoping that AR will be up soon enough for students to take at least 1 quiz this month, just to get used to the process again, but we may have to wait until October.
Thanks for all the glue sticks, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and facial tissues. We should be set for a while! I really appreciate your generosity.
See you at the Family Dinner!
Friday, September 5, 2008
September 5, 2008
When making up the volunteer lists for Back to School Night I forgot one very important job, Art Docent. Yikes! If you'd be willing to take on the job (I very much hope that someone will!), please let me know. Thanks!
This first Scholastic book order is in today's Friday folder. Orders are due back to me by Thurs., Sept. 11. This is a great opportunity to buy books at very reasonable prices AND each purchase earns points for the classroom. I use those points to buy books for the classroom library. I hope you'll consider participating.
The class is settling into useful routines; we'll be ready for our first full week of school next week. Students were scheduled to take the first geography test today but it has been rescheduled for Tuesday. Students will take the chapter 2 math test on Monday. The first of the states tests will be given on Tuesday (Northeastern States-Part 1: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut). The next test, the following week, will be on the rest of the Northeast (Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland). Don't forget to check out http://sheppardsoftware.com/ web_games.htm for fun ways to learn the 50 states and capitals.
Students have been investigating mixtures and solutions, and using balances to discover that adding salt to a specific amount of water, to make a saltwater solution, increases the mass of the liquid even though the solution still looks like pure water. Things to ask your child: how is a solution different from a mixture and how can mixtures be separated?
Mark the date: Thursday, Sept. 18, Coastal Cleanup Day at Rancho.
This year's class will be participating in the California Coastal Cleanup, along with Mrs. Dees' class. Students clean up the school campus and Arroyo Avichi Creek. Although the official statewide date for the Coastal Cleanup is Saturday, Sept. 20 (and you can check online for places around Marin to clean up on Sat. as well), we'll be conducting our cleanup on Thursday, Sept. 18. Parent volunteers are needed to help supervise the groups--it is much more effective to work in groups of 4-6 than whole class. We'll begin after the first recess (10:50 A.M.), and will be back in the classroom to clean ourselves up before lunch (by noon). Please let me know if you can help. Mrs. Dees will be soliciting volunteers as well. All participants must sign the Coastal Cleanup waiver and permission slip, which will go home next Friday.
Don't forget that next Friday, Sept. 12, is Rancho's Family Dinner. I hope everyone will be able to join in the evening's activities as it is always a fun night. And please consider joining the PTA if you haven't done so already. The PTA makes so much possible at Rancho!
When making up the volunteer lists for Back to School Night I forgot one very important job, Art Docent. Yikes! If you'd be willing to take on the job (I very much hope that someone will!), please let me know. Thanks!
This first Scholastic book order is in today's Friday folder. Orders are due back to me by Thurs., Sept. 11. This is a great opportunity to buy books at very reasonable prices AND each purchase earns points for the classroom. I use those points to buy books for the classroom library. I hope you'll consider participating.
The class is settling into useful routines; we'll be ready for our first full week of school next week. Students were scheduled to take the first geography test today but it has been rescheduled for Tuesday. Students will take the chapter 2 math test on Monday. The first of the states tests will be given on Tuesday (Northeastern States-Part 1: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut). The next test, the following week, will be on the rest of the Northeast (Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland). Don't forget to check out http://sheppardsoftware.com/ web_games.htm for fun ways to learn the 50 states and capitals.
Students have been investigating mixtures and solutions, and using balances to discover that adding salt to a specific amount of water, to make a saltwater solution, increases the mass of the liquid even though the solution still looks like pure water. Things to ask your child: how is a solution different from a mixture and how can mixtures be separated?
Mark the date: Thursday, Sept. 18, Coastal Cleanup Day at Rancho.
This year's class will be participating in the California Coastal Cleanup, along with Mrs. Dees' class. Students clean up the school campus and Arroyo Avichi Creek. Although the official statewide date for the Coastal Cleanup is Saturday, Sept. 20 (and you can check online for places around Marin to clean up on Sat. as well), we'll be conducting our cleanup on Thursday, Sept. 18. Parent volunteers are needed to help supervise the groups--it is much more effective to work in groups of 4-6 than whole class. We'll begin after the first recess (10:50 A.M.), and will be back in the classroom to clean ourselves up before lunch (by noon). Please let me know if you can help. Mrs. Dees will be soliciting volunteers as well. All participants must sign the Coastal Cleanup waiver and permission slip, which will go home next Friday.
Don't forget that next Friday, Sept. 12, is Rancho's Family Dinner. I hope everyone will be able to join in the evening's activities as it is always a fun night. And please consider joining the PTA if you haven't done so already. The PTA makes so much possible at Rancho!
Friday, August 29, 2008
August 29, 2008
It was great to see so many parents at Back to School Night last night. Parental interest, involvement, and support are key components of what makes Rancho a great school, and I thank all of you for the time and effort you put into laying the foundation for your child's success.
Students did a good job of presenting their "pumpkin" boxes this week. It is always interesting to see what items they chose to include and why--from a clear message to the future about the environment to very personal statements about what they value most in their own lives. Grades for the project will go home in next week's Friday folder.
Students will take their first math chapter test on Tuesday, Sept. 2 (not the best timing, but we have to move ahead). They took the practice test today. We went over it thoroughly, and they are ready for the test. The first few weeks in the math textbook focus on number sense--place value, comparing and ordering numbers, and manipulating large numbers. We started the year working with whole numbers and will move to decimal numbers next week. Students who did not get at least 90% on the first mixed multiplication facts time test will take the test again on Thursday. Those who did score 90% or better will take the mixed division facts time test. Remember to try the Harcourt website, www.harcourtschool.com (password Andrews), for an easy way to practice math facts.
Students will take the first geography test next Friday. The test will cover material from the handouts for weeks 1-3. The geography handouts we use throughout the year are the study guides for any geography tests we have so students should keep them either in their binder or folder. We will begin our study of the states next week, culminating in a class State Fair. Students, over several weeks, will need to learn the names of all 50 states, their location, their capital, and their postal abbreviation. We'll move by region, beginning with the states of the northeast.
Students wrote some wonderful interview questions this week, and hopefully, if we can get everyone in class for an entire day, students will begin interviewing each other next week. They will write up their interviews, focusing on appropriate word choices, sentence fluency, and fluid transitions between paragraphs.
As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.
It was great to see so many parents at Back to School Night last night. Parental interest, involvement, and support are key components of what makes Rancho a great school, and I thank all of you for the time and effort you put into laying the foundation for your child's success.
Students did a good job of presenting their "pumpkin" boxes this week. It is always interesting to see what items they chose to include and why--from a clear message to the future about the environment to very personal statements about what they value most in their own lives. Grades for the project will go home in next week's Friday folder.
Students will take their first math chapter test on Tuesday, Sept. 2 (not the best timing, but we have to move ahead). They took the practice test today. We went over it thoroughly, and they are ready for the test. The first few weeks in the math textbook focus on number sense--place value, comparing and ordering numbers, and manipulating large numbers. We started the year working with whole numbers and will move to decimal numbers next week. Students who did not get at least 90% on the first mixed multiplication facts time test will take the test again on Thursday. Those who did score 90% or better will take the mixed division facts time test. Remember to try the Harcourt website, www.harcourtschool.com (password Andrews), for an easy way to practice math facts.
Students will take the first geography test next Friday. The test will cover material from the handouts for weeks 1-3. The geography handouts we use throughout the year are the study guides for any geography tests we have so students should keep them either in their binder or folder. We will begin our study of the states next week, culminating in a class State Fair. Students, over several weeks, will need to learn the names of all 50 states, their location, their capital, and their postal abbreviation. We'll move by region, beginning with the states of the northeast.
Students wrote some wonderful interview questions this week, and hopefully, if we can get everyone in class for an entire day, students will begin interviewing each other next week. They will write up their interviews, focusing on appropriate word choices, sentence fluency, and fluid transitions between paragraphs.
As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
It has been a great start to the new school year. I'm enjoying getting to know everyone, and we are all looking forward to having Lucca McKay join us on Monday.
Students took a multiplication math facts test today and will get the results on Monday. Mastery of math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division from 1-12) is not essential to success in life, but it will significantly improve your child's success in math from this point on (including middle and high school). If your child has not yet demonstrated mastery of basic math facts, I strongly urge you to work with your child to come up with a plan to work towards mastery. The website that complements our math textbook, www.harcourtschool.com (password: Andrews) has some very useful tools to help students practice math facts.
This week's Friday folder has a field trip permission form that I'd like returned by Wednesday, August 27. Our class will take several walking field trips to the creek behind the school throughout the year (I always walk the creek the day before to check things out--contact me if you have any questions or concerns), and this field trip permission form will cover all of those trips.
I look forward to seeing everyone at Back to School Night on Thursday, August 28--a flier will go home early next week to let you know the specific times for each grade level. This will be a minimum day for students, who will be dismissed at 12:30 P.M.
Have a great weekend!
It has been a great start to the new school year. I'm enjoying getting to know everyone, and we are all looking forward to having Lucca McKay join us on Monday.
Students took a multiplication math facts test today and will get the results on Monday. Mastery of math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division from 1-12) is not essential to success in life, but it will significantly improve your child's success in math from this point on (including middle and high school). If your child has not yet demonstrated mastery of basic math facts, I strongly urge you to work with your child to come up with a plan to work towards mastery. The website that complements our math textbook, www.harcourtschool.com (password: Andrews) has some very useful tools to help students practice math facts.
This week's Friday folder has a field trip permission form that I'd like returned by Wednesday, August 27. Our class will take several walking field trips to the creek behind the school throughout the year (I always walk the creek the day before to check things out--contact me if you have any questions or concerns), and this field trip permission form will cover all of those trips.
I look forward to seeing everyone at Back to School Night on Thursday, August 28--a flier will go home early next week to let you know the specific times for each grade level. This will be a minimum day for students, who will be dismissed at 12:30 P.M.
Have a great weekend!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
And so another school year begins! Welcome to Room 14 and fifth grade. I hope everyone had a wonderful summer--my favorite activities this summer included observing nesting sea turtles in Florida and spending time with family. As the year begins, we'll spend time getting to know each other and establishing our classroom routines as we dive into the fifth grade curriculum. It will be a busy but also, hopefully, a fun and productive year.
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