Newsletter 22

2005-2006                          Room 302—Newsletter 22                     http://room302.blogspot.com

5/23/2006

Dear Families,

This has been on my computer for the last two weeks, but things have been happening and interfering.  It’s just that time of year.  I’m trying to roll with it, and along those lines:  What a great week of teacher appreciation!  It was  a big help in easing stress and adding some extra fun.  Thanks so much to everyone for all they did.  It was all wonderful.
Rockets…
I’m so glad first grade was able to get in on the rocket thing.  We do not yet have the dates for putting them together—that will depend on when they arrive—but the launch date looks to be June 14, starting with us ASAP in the morning, about 9:05 or so.  My memory from last year was that having parent helpers when we put them together made things much easier—I’ll let you know when I know—and then it’s always fun to be out there and watch them launch.  If you still haven’t sent in your $8 for a rocket, I think you could still get it in under the wire.
Field Trip…
Wow!  The Seattle Children’s Theater  always does such a nice job.  This was a fabulous experience, greatly enhanced by all of the adults that came with us.  I can’t thank them enough.
In writing….
I hope everyone found much to appreciate in the Mothers’ Day gifts. A lot of heartfelt work and concentration went into creating those pieces, from writing ideas in the rough draft to creating finished product, and all the steps in between.
In math….
Our latest math book is Number Games and Story Problems.  The title pretty much says it all.  The games offer not only a way to practice math skills in an authentic context, but also the social element that is so crucial in learning.  They learn a lot from each other.  The story problems are phrased in different ways that require the reader to really pay attention and figure out what is being asked, and they are a chance for students to practice using words, pictures, and numbers to explain thinking.  Success depends on using reading, math, and writing skills all together.
Class Placement…
I hope everyone has had the chance to send back the informational form about their children to help us in placing them for next year.  We try to take all relevant information into account during the process, and you’re the ones that know the children best.  We’ll be going through that placement process Thursday afternoon.
Chapter Book Read Aloud…
Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry
Snack…
We are getting pretty low, but I must say those graham crackers from the gingerbread houses sure lasted a long time.  If you’ve not yet had a chance to send in snack, now would be a great time.
PTA Carnival
This is tomorrow, on Wednesday, May 24.  They may still need volunteers.  It looks to be a lot of fun!
Calendar…
Wednesday, May 24—Justyn’s Birthday     Wednesday, May 24—PTA Carnival
Thursday, May 25—Early Release Day     Friday, May 26—No School
Monday, May 29—No School (Memorial Day)     Saturday, June 3—Rien’s Birthday


Sincerely,


Jeff

Week of Monday, May 15

Friday, May 19, 2006
We didn’t have writing today.  Amber’s dog came and surprised us instead.  Amber’s foster mom came in with the dog and let us pet it.  Amber’s dog is from China, called a Pekingese.  It was the emperor of China’s dog.  It’s 12 weeks old and fuzzy.  He’s little: he weighs about 4 lbs.  He licked us on our hands and faces.  She had to pull him on his leash every time because he wouldn’t move, and he slid on his bottom.    He wiggled a lot, and once Amber accidentally dropped him, but he was okay.  Before they got the puppy, the puppy’s mother pulled too hard on his umbilical cord when it was being born and split the puppy’s stomach, so the puppy had to get stitches.  Now the puppy has a big, long scar on his tummy.  We had so much fun with Amber’s dog, Tieckey!