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!
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