Looking Ahead

I am certain that it was Monday yesterday, but my calendar tells me otherwise.  Leanne Bouwer kindly agreed to take on the A-1 yearbook page.  I pulled together some photos for her (late, I'm afraid) and was simply astonished to see how much the students have changed.  Of course they're taller, but their faces and their expressions are so much more grown-up these days.   That said, it is very hard to imagine that they will be onto bigger things in just a few short weeks. (see info about Castillero visit).  

You may have heard that I was in the science lab on Monday and today.  Students will be tested on 5th AND 4th grade material in Science.  Annually, we do two review lessons of 4th grade material.  I enjoyed the opportunity to help refresh all the 5th grade students on the material they covered last year, but will be happy to be back to "business as usual". 

We have a tremendously busy schedule ahead of us:

"What Is a Flame?" Contest

I introduced the judging plans to the students on Wednesday.  We will begin reviewing the 10 submissions that we received tomorrow and will continue next week.  There is a possibility of some media coverage of the event, but we will take it in stride should that occur.  Our focus is to pass critical judgement on each of the submissions.  

I received more information about the final stages of the contest.  A WORLD_WIDE assembly is tentatively planned for 11 am EST on May 9th (8 am local time).  If the time stands then I will invite all students to come to school an hour early.  We will watch the assembly together.   One school from our region will be chosen by lottery to partake in the final deliberations.  Who knows...it could be us.

State Reports

If you are wondering if your student is on track,  by now he/she should have completed the following:

• Cover;
• Physical Map;
• Circle Graph on Employment Distribution (except 2 students who had technical problems in the lab);
• Notes on History approx. 50 years leading up to statehood & 50 years of modern history;

Bibliographies should be up-to-date with any resources consulted.  Each student should have started the outline for the History section of the report.   If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to drop me an email, call or swing by A1 after dismissal (mornings are typically a little hectic).

A Very Special Assembly

Mr. Rousseau has, as I mentioned over the break, delivered on the plan for a special assembly.  We will enjoy "The Endangered Authors" National Group Tour on Tuesday.

"A school-wide event for middle grade readers, the “Endangered Authors!” is a game show-themed theatrical show that includes trivia, comedy and interviews with the authors of four middle grade titles: Shark Wars by E.J. Altbacker, A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz, Accidental Adventures by Charles London, and The Books of Elsewhere by Jacqueline West.  This tour is sure to capture students’ imaginations and have them reading round the clock."

Please find attached an order form for any of the books.  As you will see on the order form, books can be inscribed with a student's name. If it fits your family's budget,  please consider supporting this event with the purchase of a book that your child will enjoy. 

CSTs

Next Tuesday marks the beginning of the annual California State Testing ritual.  The 5th grade schedule is as follows:

Tue:  Science

Wed:  Science

Thu:  Language Arts

Tue:  Language Arts

Wed:  Math

Thu:  Math

Sufficient sleep, nutritious food and a "can do" attitude are the things that each student needs throughout the testing period.

Castillero Visit

A team from Castillero is planning to visit and meet with students and parents on Wednesday, May 2nd at 3:20.  Parents are welcome to join their children during this informational discussion.

Field Trip

We are planning a field trip to the Tech Museum.  Please see the letter to be sent home on Monday, April 23rd with more details.