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!