Look at All the School We Have!

Families, I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving break. I know we are all going to need the rest, given the busy weeks we have ahead. I have a few reminders for next week and some mention of upcoming events.

Homework

Thank you to those students who returned their Country Report Extension Project assignment papers. We will be wrapping up the writing portion of the project this week and will start the Extension Project presentations on Friday. Remember, this is not a formal speech. More an opportunity for the students to share their learning and get feedback from their peers. 

On Friday, I will send home a regular writing homework. It will be due back December 6th, followed by a second writing assignment due on the 13th. I will probably send home a short writing assignment on the 14th to turn in before Christmas break starts on the 19th. 

Service Learning & Fundraising

There are many service learning and fundraising projects happening in the coming weeks. The leadership and KC clubs are heading up a can drive, blanket collection project, and are supporting our Scrip drive. In addition, the fifth grade will be holding a book fair December 3-7th. Finally, the OPPO will be holding Santa's workshop from December 10-14th. I know they are looking for parent volunteers if you are interested in helping out. 

Christmas Party

The sixth grade will be holding a Christmas party on December 19th. Like the Halloween celebration, it will be held at the end of the day, from 2:00-2:50. I know I have one parent volunteer, but if you are interested in helping out, please let me know. 

On the note of volunteers, now that Mrs. Chase (our amazing and wonderful student teacher) is done with her placement, I will be needing more parent volunteer support. If you completed a volunteer form at Back-to-School Night, you might be receiving an email with a request for help.

Have a wonderful week!
-Ms. Kinsman

NOvember

NOvember

Yep, that's right. Get your babysitters on speed dial. It's No School November. The students and I went through their planners and marked the days we will be missing school. I've also included a list below. While I miss the working with the kids on those days, I am looking forward to conferences and the holiday season.

November 8-9: Conferences
November 12: Veteran's Day
November 21-23: Thanksgiving Holiday Break

Halloween

Thank you to all the parents who helped make our Halloween party a success. The kids' costumes were great, and the team felt like the students had a lot of fun. 

Scrip

Scrip orders are due on Monday. If you are interested in ordering Scrip, I have included a link to the form here. Please be sure to make your checks out to Otto Petersen. We will be planning two more orders before winter break, as well. There will be plenty of time to get your holiday gift cards before Christmas.

Conferences

At this year's conference, we will be reviewing your student's progress report and discussing any concerns and/or goals you have for your child. I would like to invite students to attend. Ultimately, they are the one who decides their success! If you would prefer not to have your child present, I understand. I am also comfortable asking the student to step out for a moment if necessary. I am looking forward to meeting with all the families this year.  

Awesome October

Halloween

Wow! Our first holiday of the year is already upon us, and the sixth grade teachers could use your help! Below, I have included a list of tasks that could use the support of some parent helpers. Again, if you are interested in one of the specific tasks below, please let me know. 

Our party will run from 2:00-2:50 on Wednesday, October 31. If you are coming to the party, you MUST have a background check on file and check in at the front desk before coming upstairs. 

Halloween Party Tasks 

• Go to Winco to purchase 60 reasonable priced, but decent tasting apples. Also purchase enough small caramels (bulk) and cheesy popcorn (popped and cheap!) for the whole sixth grade student body (about 165 students).

• Arrive before party to cut apples

• Stay through party to pass out food

• Stay after party to help clean up

The students are welcome to wear costumes to school on Halloween, but please remember: no gore, weapons, or masks. We are also asking students to NOT to apply make-up during the school day (this includes using markers to decorate your body!). 

Google Accounts

I was hoping our district would be establishing Google Accounts for our students this fall. Unfortunately, it looks like this may not be the case. In the meantime, I have a project I would like the students to work on, which really works much better if they have a Google account. As a result, I am asking families if they could please create an account in the meantime. I will be sending home a form with your student on how to accomplish this task. If your child already has an account, they can use that. Please watch for this form before the end of the week.

Look at all the fun we have learning with technology! This is the class studying vocabulary with  Quizlet!

Progress Reports and Conference Scheduling

Next Friday, November 2, we have no school. This is to give teachers time to prepare progress reports for fall conferences the following week (November 8-9). The progress report is new to elementary schools, and I am still learning about this process. However, I am looking forward to sharing information about your student's progress at conferences. 

Conference scheduling is also different this year. Rather than sending home a sign-up request, parents will be able to log into Signup.com to schedule a time. I will be sending home more information about this process soon. In addition, watch for information in the school's newsletter. 

Fundraisers!

Thank you to all the families who supported our first round of Scrip fundraising. A special thanks needs to be extended to Anne P. and Mindy H. (parents) for helping make sure our order was picked up and organized. The sixth grade team appreciates you participation! 

Our next round of orders will go out the week of November 5th. I will have order forms available at the OPPO's Thirsty Thursday event and will send home notification next week. I know the OPPO would love to see you there, as well! Their support helps keep our field trip costs down and provides classroom monies for supplies. It is a super fun event; I look forward to seeing you there!

How Has it Already Been More Than a Month?

Busy Sixth Graders

Time is flying by in sixth grade! We have been working hard and have now moved more into the routines of the school year. This includes our weekly writing homework expectations, more science and social studies instruction, and a nearly a full unit from our language arts curriculum. 

Our biggest project of the first quarter, the partner interview, is also well underway. Student pairs have been meeting to interview one another in order to create a narrated slide show about their peer. This week, the students will be finishing up their scripts, and will hopefully begin the technology portion of the project before the week's end. My hope is to be able to have the work completed by fall conferences so families can see what their students produced.

Scrip Sale

This week, we should also be sending home information about our first Scrip sale. Please join sixth grade families in supporting our effort to fund raise for an end-of-the-year celebration trip to Oaks Amusement Park. If you have never purchased Scrip before, it easy! Here's how it works:

1. Choose from a number of gift cards available through the Scrip program. They have a number of local options, including Fred Meyer, Papa Murphy's, and Starbucks.

2. Fill out a Scrip order form. If your student forgot their form, you may use the following link HERE, or pick up a form from the main office.

3. Send your order form, and a check or cash payment back to school with your student by Monday, October 15th. Please make checks payable to Otto Petersen Elementary.

4. Orders will be sent home or ready for pick-up on October 19th.

Halloween is Coming

Halloween is just around the corner. If you are interested in helping out with our team party, please feel free to send me an email. I will also reach out to parents who filled out 'Parties' on the volunteer form. If you have time to run errands, like picking up paper supplies and food items for the party, please also let me know. We will hold a the grade level celebration on Wednesday, October 31st, from 1:55-2:50.

The Business of Being in Ms. Kinsman's Room

We are now well underway and having a great time. Again, I am so impressed with our class. They are working hard and adjusting well to the demands of sixth grade. 

I want to thank those families that made it to Back-to-School Night. Most of my presentation focused on work expectations, grading, and special sixth grade events- namely Outdoor School. I have included a slideshow about grading below. If you have any follow up questions or concerns please let me know. I do not have much information about Outdoor School at this point, other than we will be going sometime in the spring. As we hear more information, we will pass it onto families.

First, please note the link below. After Back-to-School night, families were provided with log on information for Synergy, our grade reporting software. As your students prepare for middle school, I think it is important for students and parents alike to be aware of how to check assignments. If you have problems logging in, please contact the main office, and they will help you out.

Secondly, it is important to understand how to interpret the ParentVue information. The program is not well suited for reporting proficiency grades (i.e. does your student exceed, meet, nearly meet, or does not meet the sixth grade standard). In order to help avoid confusion, I created the following guide. Please use this information when reviewing your student's scores. 

Again, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about your child's performance. I want to ensure they all have a successful year!

Geography Links

Geographic Terms Slide Show

The True Size Of...

Oxfam Globe Unwrapped

PlaceSpotting

Back in Action

Whew! What an awesome first week we had! I am so impressed with all of your children and cannot say enough good things about our class. The kids were studious, enthusiastic, and dedicated all week. I hope they were able to get some rest this weekend. I know I was exhausted.

This week, we will be starting a more normal routine. We will start our regular language arts instruction, possibly start groups for math, and will continue with our first science and social studies units. I also will pass out our first writing homework for the year on Friday. I will make sure expectations for the homework are clear, but know that I will be going over this routine at our Back-to-School Night.

I also wanted to explain our specials schedule. Your student may have explained we are now following an ABC routine. Today is a B-Day, meaning we have library. Tomorrow we have P.E. I will be helping the students record the days in their planners each afternoon.

A-Day = Music
B-Day = Library
C-Day = P.E.

Thank you for returning all the forms for the beginning of the year. I am finding your notes, and the students reflections, to be very helpful. I am still familiarizing myself with each of your kiddo's needs, but if you have any concerns that have not yet been addressed, please let me know. 

Have a great week!
Ms. Kinsman

It's That Time Again

It is my favorite time of year: Back to School! Welcome to the sixth grade and to my class blog. I am so exited to have your student in my room this year and cannot wait to see their eager/excited/terrified/dread-filled/exhausted faces come Tuesday morning. I hope your students remember our fly-up day meeting from June and are excited and ready for sixth grade. I know I am!

Supplies

A couple of quick notes as we get prepared for the first week of school. We will not be holding a Meet the Teacher Night or a supply drop off. As a result, your students will need to haul all their supplies to the classroom on Tuesday morning. I'll have areas for supplies labeled and ready to go. Here's how I separate the supplies...

In Your Desk or Cubby (labeled with student’s name)	Storage (Items are for specific uses. Students will have access as needed)
Folders, Binder, Notebook Some Paper (about half a small pack) 10 Pencils Calculator Pencil Pouch/Box Colored Pencils Markers Scissors Highlighters Watercolors Glue	Dry Erase Marker Sharpies Extra Paper Extra Pencils White Paper Facial Tissue Hand Sanitizer Sanitizing Wipes Ziplock Bags Emergency Food/Water
Special Instructions	Special Items for Ms. Kinsman’s Class
Please put your headphones in a ziplock bag, and label it clearly with your name in Sharpie. I’ll store these in a special basket.	One spiral notebook One composition book

First Day of School

Drop off and pick up times have remained the same this year. Students enter the classroom at 8:15 am and are released at 3:00 pm. Please also make sure your student knows how they will be getting home on the first day of school. Here's a helpful link to the bus routes. Parent drop-off and pick-up is in front of the gym. Walkers will exit through the front doors.

On Tuesday afternoon, I will be sending home all types of information with your students. Just in case it doesn't make it home, I have included some of the documents below. It would be great to have this information returned by Friday morning, as it helps me to get to know your students and set them up for success. 

Class Notes

Whoooo is Your Child?

Whoooo Can Volunteer?

Welcome Back Scavenger Hunt

Back-to-School Night

For all other information about our day-to-day classroom procedures, please join us on Wednesday, September 19, from 6-7:30. I will provide a short, yet informative, presentation on myself and our classroom. It should answer questions about homework, grading, and fun events unique to the sixth grade. I will also be available to answer questions. 

If you have any concerns between now and back-to-school night, please do not hesitate to email or call. There is a 'contact me' link on the right side of the page, or you can call the school at 971-200-8003, ext. 3204. I always try to call or email back before the day is over.

We will see you soon!

-Ms. Kinsman

It's the End of the Year as We Know It

We are in the final weeks of school, and we are absolutely rocking it! Believe it or not, the students have been incredibly studious this last week, and we are already off to a great start this morning. We were luck to have a fun art literacy lesson on Friday and have many fun events coming up next week!

The Serious Stuff

A number of important assignments will be wrapped up over the next few days. This include a persuasive writing piece, the Newbery Book Reports, a persuasive writing assessment, and the final chapters of A Wrinkle in Time. In addition, we'll be finishing our nutrition unit and personal finance simulation. Be sure to be asking your students about how they did managing their checking and savings accounts!

The Fun Stuff

Here is a list of fun events the students have in the coming two weeks. If you would like to volunteer to chaperone the field trip, please let me know. I can bring five parent helpers this year, and I only have one spot reserved. 

Wednesday, June 6: 4th Grade Play and Final Spirit Assembly

Friday, June 8: Last Day of Math Groups

Monday, June 11: Kick-ball game (with professional kick-ball pitcher!)

Tuesday, June 12: Fly-Up Day (morning)

Wednesday, June 13: Field Day & Staff vs. Student Volleyball Game

Thursday, June 14: All day field trip to Oaks Park

Friday, June 15: Last Day of School; Dismissal at 12:45

What to Expect at the End of the Year

Book Reports & Homework

This week, students should have finished reading their Newbery Award winning titles. We have been working on the rough draft of the book report in class, and will continue to work on finishing the final draft next week. 

I originally thought we would have enough time in class to finish the reports by Tuesday, May 29, but with our busy schedule, there has not been enough class time to make this happen. In order to ensure the book reports are completed in a timely manner, I will NOT assign writing homework for next week. Instead, I will ask that students finish specific parts of the book report they are not able to finish in class. I will assign these parts each evening. Be sure to check with your students (and their planner...yep, we still fill these out each day) to see which portion of the project is due. If it has already been completed in class, your student will not have homework. 

Examples of the finished project.

Other Announcements

Please be checking in with your student about flyers and other end of the year communication in their mailboxes. Many forms about camps and summer events are being sent home each week. Today, an envelope to order yearbooks should be coming your way. If you have any questions about summer activities, please let me know. We have a number of great offerings in Scappoose.

Math Night, Book Reports, and Other End of the Year Events!

Math Night

Don't forget, tonight is Family Math Night and the OPPO bake sale. It should be a fun and relaxed event, with many delicious treats for sale. I look forward to seeing students and families this evening. The event begins at 6:00 pm and runs through 7:30 pm.

Book Reports

Hopefully your student has mentioned a new project we started this week, the Newbery Award Winner Book Report. We had a "book tasting" on Monday, where students enjoyed cookies and milk, while also sampling some new stories. They had over 50 titles to choose from, all Newbery Award winners or honor books. We did our best to ensure everyone has a book they will enjoy and will be able to finish on our tight timeline.

Students should finish reading their titles by Wednesday, May 23. This is the official "three weeks from when we all started our books" date. I had the students take the number of pages in their novel and divide the amount by 21. We now all know the number of pages to be read each day. I am working to give at least 20 minutes a day for silent reading time.

The report portion of the project will be due on Tuesday, May 29. Most of this project will be completed in class. However, if I notice students falling behind, I may ask them to bring home their work. I'll try to also let parents know if I have concerns about project completion.

I will post a digital copy of the note sheet soon. I have to get a little more technological to make that happen! The final project pages will be available once the notes are completed and checked off.

Field Trip

This afternoon, I also sent home information about our two end of the school year field trips. We will be headed to a Timber's game next Friday, May 18th. In June, we will celebrate the end of elementary school with a fun day at Oaks Park. Please be sure to ask your student for the forms. Both permission slips are on the same sheet of paper, but both sides need to be signed.

And We're Back

Thank you all so much for your support in getting our kids to Outdoor School. We had such an amazing time! Working through all the paperwork and notifications was definitely a process and you were nothing but helpful. I know we were a little late getting back to school (the final ceremony speech was a bit long winded), but I really appreciate your patience and gathering the luggage prior to our arrival.

All around, I am so pleased with the outcome of this experience. If you have any suggestions to help with next year's group, please do not hesitate to send me an email. I want to make sure we have the community's support in continuing this program.

Pajama and Movie Day

Tomorrow the sixth grade teachers are hosting a pajama/movie day. Students can wear their pajama and bring ONE fuzzy item. Then, in the afternoon we will being watching, The Lorax. Being that we have had such a busy week, it will be nice to relax with our students.

All Things Outdoor School

Outdoor School Updates

Outdoor School is now just a week away. Below is a list of last minute details and requests before we head out. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know! 

1. I'm sending home the FINAL form this afternoon. Please complete and return by Friday. It is essential I know how students will be getting home on Wednesday, March 25th. 

 2. Volunteers are needed for supply drop-off and return. On Monday morning, from 8:30-8:45, we would love extra help labeling and loading our moving van of luggage. On Wednesday, March 25th, we need a few parents to help unload and sort the students' luggage. The van should arrive back to the school by 12:30. If you are available to help at either time, please let me know.

3. A few permission slips have still not been completed. They were printed on bright orange paper. Please be sure to get these returned as soon as possible. 

Report Cards 

Report cards are being sent home with your students this afternoon. Please let me know if you do not receive a copy. Please also note that the report cards are available on ParentVue. Have a great week!

Updates Galore!

State Testing

Yesterday we began state language arts testing. I am confident our students are ready and will do a great job. On the home front, it would be wonderful if you could work to ensure your student is getting a good night's sleep, a healthy breakfast and lunch (we test after lunch), and is at school during the afternoon through the next few weeks.

Outdoor School

On Tuesday morning, the students and I read through some important Outdoor School update information, which was also sent home. There was an attached permission slip. Please be sure to have this completed and returned to the school as soon as possible. We will probably have a few more pieces of paperwork between now and Monday, April 23rd. Be sure to check with your student for any updates.

Students have also been asking questions about the supply list. I have included a copy here, as well as a link to the Outdoor School website. Do not hesitate to send me any questions, but also know the website is an excellent source of information.

Writing Homework

Please be aware I will be continuing writing homework this spring. Because of the unusual schedules of the last few weeks, I have not been sending home assignments on Fridays. However, I will be sending home another persuasive piece this week, due next Thursday morning. We also have a writing task due this morning. Please let me know if you have any concerns surrounding homework.

The Boat

Finally, the Red, White, and Blue Crew has been relaunched. Our project coordinator, Nate, was able to fly up to Sitka over spring break, helped attach our new sale and get a new coat of paint on the boat, and headed out to sea for the relaunch. Check out the cool video below.

Relaunch of the S/V Red, White, & Blue Crew in Sitka, Alaska from Columbia River Maritime Museum on Vimeo.

In addition, the Oregonian picked the story of our little vessel. Here's the link to that piece:

It's Just Around the Corner

With spring break (and human growth and reproduction) behind us, we are now closing in on the end of the year! I cannot believe how quickly time has passed. This is such a great group of kids, I really don't want to the school year to end. Before I get all weepy for summer, we have a busy spring before us. Please read on for some important announcements.

Report Cards & Conferences

I will be completing report cards this Friday, April 6th. This means no school for students. The following Friday, April 13, is also a no school day. We will be holding spring conferences. These are a teacher/parent request style conference. I have a few parents I will be contacting directly to set up meeting times. If you do not hear from me by week's end, and have concerns you would like to discuss, please let me know and I will add you to the schedule. I am available both in-person and by phone.

This report card will reflect your child's progress in the second trimester. Most students are doing very well, and have shown significant amounts of growth from the beginning of the year. Please remember, I score based on the end-of-the-year benchmark. If your student is still struggling to earn a 'Meets' score in any particular area, they may still be able to get there by year's end. I will include suggestions for helping our learners reach these goals in the comments section of the report card. 

Outdoor School

Thank you so much for returning your student's ODS medical forms. These are heading off to the site-supervisor by the end of the week. If you would like to order any Outdoor School apparel, I need the forms ASAP. Tomorrow if possible. The order forms were included in your packet of information.

On Monday, I will also be sending home a detailed letter with information about drop-off and pick-up times for ODS. In addition, if you are starting to realize you may need supplies, please do not hesitate to send the supply request form to school with your child. 

Here's to a lovely spring!
Ms. Kinsman

Middle School is Right Around the Corner!

Announcements

Thank you to all the students who remembered to complete and return their middle school forecasting sheets. These are due tomorrow, Friday, March 2nd. While I know the middle school takes the forms that are turned in late, the chances of students getting their first choice of class greatly diminishes if the forms are not turned in on time.

Your student should have also brought home two other reminder flyers. The first was for the Hoop-a-Thon money envelope. These are due back to the school next Thursday, March 8th. This gives the OPPO time over the following weekend to count and tally hoops for prizes. 

In addition, I sent home information about an upcoming Outdoor School information night. This will be held Wednesday, March 14, from 6:30-7:30. We will have a short presentation on the Outdoor School program, required forms, supply lists and a chance for questions and answers that evening. We encourage both parents/guardians and students to attend. The kids are excited, but also a little nervous. This will be a great chance to put their minds at ease and get everyone ready for this fun adventure!

Mini Boat Update

I also wanted to give an update on our mini-boat, the S/V Red, White, and Blue. While checking its position earlier this week, the class was disappointed to see that it was heading directly toward the Alaskan coastline (good geography lesson...it was Alaska, not Canada, as many students contended). Alas, yesterday our little boat decided it was sea weary, and drifted ashore. 

I was sad to hear the news, until Nate, our wonderful Columbia River Maritime Museum coordinator, let me know the Coast Guard was on our case! That's right. We got the full search and rescue treatment! I've included pictures of the mission below. Our vessel has not yet been recovered, but we have a volunteer who will be taking her back to sea! What a great adventure our little boat has had.




 

Here's the message from the USCG, "Captain - The S/V Red, White & Blue was located today high aground in the vicinity of Sitka Sound - pictures attached.  A salvage & refloat operation is being planned for the weekend, weather permitting.  Thanks to CDR Will Walker and his crew for locating the vessel!"
So official!

 

Look at her! All alone in the rocks! So happy to see her beautiful sail still intact.

 

If you zoom in, you can see her along the rocks.

I have not had a chance to share any of these exciting developments with the students. Tomorrow morning should yield a fun discussion, especially when considering the information we learned on our field trip to the Maritime museum about search and rescue operations!

Have a wonderful weekend!
-Ms. Kinsman

Civil Rights Scavenger Hunt

Civil Rights Internet Scavenger Hunt

Civil Rights Internet Scavenger Hunt1. Civil War Amendments & Jim Crow
Write the three Civil War Amendments and a brief description of each one:
____th Amendment -
____th Amendment -
____th Amendment -
What was the purpose of the Jim Crow laws?


2. Not A Funny Situation!What is the title of the cartoon?
Why do you think this title was given to the cartoon?


3. Separate and Not Equal
Under “What was Jim Crow?” write three examples of segregation that you did NOT know before we began the unit:
A.
B.
C.

Louisiana Literacy Test
Check out the “Louisiana Literacy Test” and answer as many of the questions you can. What are your thoughts on this “test?”


4. Plessy v. Ferguson
What three words are used to describe Plessy v. Ferguson?


5. W.E.B. DuBois Fights Back!
What organization did Dubois help found in 1909?

Based on what you already know, what is the purpose of this organization?

6. The Supreme Court Overturns Plessy v. Ferguson
What Supreme Court case overturned Plessy v. Ferguson?

When did this case end?

7. The "Mother" of the Civil Rights Movement
Examine the photos of Rosa Parks. Identify any two famous people photographed with Ms. Parks.

8. Montgomery Bus Boycott Victory
Find the “flyer” that was given on the eve of the victory. Write about one “specific” suggestion that stands out the most to you.



9. Little Rock
Which of the Little Rock Nine was the first African American to earn a diploma at Little Rock Central High School?

10. Students Sit for Freedom
What was the name of the store that the Greensboro Four began their sit-in?

How many protesters showed up on the sixth day?


11. King's Letter
How did MLK write his famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail?”



12. Civil Rights Act of 1964
What was Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?


13. Voting Rights Act of 1965


This piece of legislation (law) outlawed what two types of attempts to limit blacks from voting?

14. Black Panthers


What was the difference between attempts by MLK and the role of the Black Panthers?

15. Cesar Chavez & UFW
What did the farm workers win?


16. Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968
Why was this law controversial?


17. Tinker v. Des Moines
What did the Court “hold” on concerning Tinker v. Des Moines?


18. N.O.W.
What was N.O.W.’s goal since 1966?

It was Just Another Tuesday

What an afternoon we had yesterday! I wanted to let you all know, your students were very patient with the lock out situation. While they had many questions about all the possible scenarios that might have played out, they were calm, composed, and excellent role models to the younger students in the building. I really appreciate their patience as teachers worked to get students home safely. 

As always, it has been busy here in sixth grade. We are currently writing an expository paper, studying human migration and the establishment of early civilizations in the Americas, reading about the Moon landing, starting a novel unit, and SO MUCH MORE! 

In the coming days and weeks there are a few events to keep in mind. First, Friday is a sports themed dress up day. The students can wear their favorite jerseys, hats, or other sports paraphernalia. In addition, we will be sending home information about the upcoming Hoop-A-Thon on Friday afternoon. This is the largest, whole school fundraising event of the year! Please be sure to ask for important paperwork this weekend.

In addition, the OPPO send home flyers for their upcoming Thirsty Thursday event. If you are interested in pre-ordering tickets for the fundraiser, please send payment and the coupon back to school with your student. It should be a lot of fun, with live music, beverages, and snacks. I hope to see you there!

Finally, our class is nearing the end our science rotation with Mrs. Ashley. Hopefully, you have been hearing about the upcoming catapult project. Just in case you were not aware, the due date for the project is Wednesday, February 7. The packets, which support the project and other tasks completed in and outside of class is due next Monday, February 5th.

Have a great rest of the week!

Migration Internet Scavenger Hunt

Start Here!

Step 6:
Fixed link: Here

Step 7:
Fixed link: Here

Lock Out Room Link

https://goo.gl/EYHyNK

Welcome to 2018!

Welcome back to the new year! I had a wonderful break and hope all of your families did, as well. A few reminders for this week...

Field Trip on Thursday

We are headed to the Columbia River Maritime Museum this Thursday. It is located in Astoria, so we must make sure we leave promptly on Thursday morning. Unfortunately, we will NOT be able to hold the bus if your student is late. Please work to make sure you are here on time. 

I currently have two parent volunteers available to chaperone the trip. I have room for one additional adult. Remember, it is first come first serve for free entry. If you would like to help, please let me know and I'll add you to the list.

Please be sure your student packs a healthy lunch and beverage for the trip. School sack lunches are also available if needed. Please have your student let me know tomorrow if they would like a sack lunch. 

Homework

This week writing homework will resume. Because we have a short week, I am asking students to turn in their assignment on Friday morning, rather than Thursday morning. Next week's writing homework will be assigned on Friday.

In January, I will be asking students to write a series narrative stories. Some will be fictional, while others will be personal or biographical. In class, I will review proper paragraphing technique, dialogue rules, and how to create interesting story lines. This week's assignment asks the students to imagine a super hero enters reality and needs help surviving the "real world". I'm excited to read their work!

Pride Assembly and Spirit Day

On Friday, it is crazy sock and sweater day. Please encourage your students to participate. We will also have a fun spirit assembly in the afternoon to look at this month's character trait: Diligence.

I am sure it will be a fun and exhausting week! 2018 is off to a great start!