Week of September 28th - October 2nd

Dear families,

I hope all is well with you at home. I have a few announcements and reminders for you regarding Room 10. Here they are:

- We are lucky to have a talented ceramics teacher, Jenni Ward, who will be coming for four weeks to do ceramics with our class. The kids will create three original pieces (one each week) and then use the fourth week to paint them. She was here last year and the kids really enjoy her. So, look forward to some great art in the coming month.
- Today we will kick off our science unit and begin studying Living Things (plants, animals, etc.). Our Big Idea is: All living things need energy and matter to grow. In the coming weeks your kids might be talking about producers, consumers, and decomposers. They'll also be learning about food chains and food webs. Look for a letter to either come home or be posted on the blog that will give you some ideas for the home if you want to extend science.
- The Harvest Carnival is this Friday and I (maybe regrettably) have volunteered to do the Dunk Tank. So, if you're kids are looking for a way to pay me back for anything, Friday is their chance. I will be in the tank from 7:15 - 7:45 (or until I freeze). I hope to see you all there - the carnival should be great.
- Conferences are coming up the week of October 12 - 16. I look forward to meeting with all of you and sharing a progress report from the first two months. I have a lot of scores to share and hope to explain a few things and answer any questions you might have. The school brings someone in to schedule everything so look for your conference times to come home soon.
- Time for Kids has been a big success! Many kids have chosen to do some extra work and earn $5 McMoney at the same time. It's a fun way to discuss current events with your kids.
- Last but not least, a new $5 McMoney bill has been out into circulation! On the suggestion of one of my students, I have printed some new money. Should be a lot of un.

Hope all is well,
Mr. Mc

Week of September 14th - 18th

Dear parents,

Things have been going really well here in Room 10 but busy, busy, busy!

We have been learning all about California's 4 regions and their distinct features. We're the third biggest state and we have learned that because of that each part of the state is a little bit different. The kids will be finishing up a great first chapter with a region poster and accompanying paragraphs. I look forward to see how they represent the different regions that make up our wonderful state.

Math has been a blast this year and the kids are really responding well to our routine. I have begun integrating some multiplication practice at the beginning of each lesson to warm them up and build on last year. We have also been motivated by mini-celebrities, podium practice and of course, McMoney challenges. Please ask your kids what all of these things are so they can fill you in! The test scores through the first three chapters have been amazing and I couldn't be happier!

We have started singing some Oldies rock an roll so please listen to the songs in the music player and don't be surprised if your kids are singing "Rock Around the Clock" or "Surfin' U.S.A" as they do their work!

Parent conferences are coming soon so please return your form so they can schedule your time. With 34 conferences I am going to need your flexibility with scheduling. I am sure everything will work out just fine (although I might be exhausted by the end of the week).

Hope all is well,
Mr. Mc