April 17, 2008
Once again it has been too long since the last update. We continue to have a fabulous year. Many wonderful and exciting things have been happening in class. I hope that students have been sharing with everyone.
Unfortuantely it is time to say goodbye to Mrs. Friend!:( She has been a wonderful teacher and the kids will miss her greatly. I have no doubts that she will be impacting the lives of young people for years to come. We will celebrate her contributions Friday March 28. We have been lucky to have her as part of our classroom!
This week science fair projects have been presented. They are fantastic! The Science Fair is sure to be a success with projects of this caliber. The fan favorites have been the Mentos and soda pop EXPLOSIONS, but excellent projects have been completed investigating germs, carnivorous plants, molds, patterns in milk and a plethora of other scientific topics.
We are winding down our early American discovery experience. I have been blown away by the kids and how they have successfully navigated their way through this very complex unit! Students are really understanding the difficulties that colonists faced as they explored and settled the New World. I believe that it has provided a solid background for the students when we begin focusing our attention on early American settlements (primarily Jamestown) and the birth of our nation.
WASL
The WASL is coming. We will be testing April 14-25. We will be spending the next couple of weeks highlighting some test taking strategies. I know that many can begin to get stressed about testing and put a lot of pressure on themselves to be successful. The most important things I want to emphasize is for kids to RELAX, get REST, and EAT well! I have no doubt that everyone will give their best effort.
Thanks again for all of your support. You are awesome!
Captain John Smith of the Jamestown Colony.
Important Dates
- Math WASL #1 - April 18th
- Math WASL #2 - April 21st
- Writing WASL #2 - April 22nd
- Math WASL #3 - April 24th
- Camp Seymour Permission Slips out April 22nd
- Camp Seymour - May 21-23
As you know, history is my passion, and I hope that it will become yours as well. This year we will immerse ourselves in history. We will explore geography near and far. We will become Native Americans coming of age. We will sail across the Atlantic Ocean on a voyage of discovery to the New World. We will live the life of a colonist from settlement to the dawn of the Revolution! Prepare yourselves to be challenged and excited.
What's up next:
- Jamestown - we will take a closer look at the 1st successful, long-term English colony in the Americas.
- We will look at colonial government , economics, and the introduction of slavery.
- Colonial Williamsburg - we will develop government further and take a look at the colonial caste system.
- We will explore trades, economics, slavery, entertainment, and the murmurings of independence.
Imagine, Inspire, and Persevere!