Students have been working through the writing process in the classroom: gathering, organizing, and drafting. Soon we will move on to revising and editing, leading to our final "published" animal reports. What amazing work your children are doing in writing and science!

We look forward to seeing the creativity and hard work of Room 8 students when these projects come to school next Wednesday, May 15. A reminder - these can be as simple or elaborate as your family chooses (and time permits - I know what a busy time of year this is). This is intended to be a family project - it's not only "ok" to work together, but encouraged - I hope this proves to be special time and good memories. If you've misplaced yours, there is a copy of the handout on the "Upcoming Events" tab - it's below the table of activities.

In the classroom, we will begin end-of-year state testing later this week (see Upcoming Events for details). On these days, please be sure your child comes to school well-rested, having eaten a nutritious breakfast, and with a nutritious snack for recess. Of course, those reassuring comments from parents of "you can do this, try your best, you are well prepared..." on the way out the door go a long way! In addition to the year's curriculum, we've been preparing through viewing sample tests and completing "focused Instructional Assessment Blocks" (math quizzes) to expose students to the format and tools of the testing program.

Several Students have already exceeded their third trimester AR Points Goals - what hard workers! Please keep an eye on your child's progress (log in with them to take a look), and encourage their continued reading, Daily Reading Journal completion, and AR test-taking. Keep up the great work!

Thank you to all who have already signed up to help out. We'll look forward to TK-3 Eagle day, as well as awards and a Readers' Theater performance on the last day of school - we hope to see you in Room 8!

Hello Room 8 families,

What an exciting week it's been in Room 8! You've no doubt heard about much of the following around the dinner table:

 

We've just begun the conversation, and you may have contributed ideas to the chart your child has in his or her homework folder.

Which animals might be a good choice? A key piece is that they must be researchable. For the purposes of this research report, that will mean having at least one book that is at an appropriate reading level. It should also be one that seems interesting to the student – we’ll be working on this for a long time, and will even get to work on a special at-home project with our families.

We'll solidify our animal choices next week, so you might incorporate a visit to the public library or even schedule a time to meet with an expert in our community (in person or virtual).

Field Trip - InConcert Sierra

Thank you for sending in permission slips. InConcert Sierra will send a team of docents to our classroom tomorrow morning to prepare, including such topics as the genre, instruments, performing group (Fandango), and pieces of music they can expect to hear, and concert etiquette.

Spring PTC Candyland Event

Mark your calendars! Our PTC is coordinating this event (flyers came home in today's Thurs. envelope). If you are willing to coordinate an auction basket for our classroom, please email me. We can come up with a theme (perhaps outdoor cooking or family game night) and request donations.

 

Alta Sierra Families,

 

It is Random Acts of Kindness Week. Ask your child about the daily kindness challenge they hear in the morning bulletin or if they did a special kindness activity that day in class. Kindness Bingo [will be] sent home [tomorrow] for you and your family if you'd like to play. Cross out acts of kindness to get a Bingo. For each Bingo you complete, your child will earn a prize. Please be sure to sign the bottom of the sheet before sending it in. They are due by next Tuesday, 2/20, to be eligible. If you have any questions, you can reach out to the Student Council Advisor, Alicia Alonso, at [email protected].