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.