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!