Civil War Day

Hello,


I'm exhausted, but proud of the kids for doing so well last night and today.  Many of us were at the school for 30+ hours (awake for most of them). 


Big thanks to the parents who helped with chaperone shifts, or brought nourishment, or chipped in for pizza, or helped set up or take down.  It takes a lot of cooperation to get these things done, but I think we succeeded in creating another memorable experience for the kids.


We need to start getting into the nitty gritty on the Gettysburg trip.  I've reserved tent spaces for our class and will start getting into the expected costs so I can get a rough projection on numbers and vehicles.  Learning last night that our campground has a pool may have convinced a few more to come along.  The more the merrier. 


Tomorrow should be an easy day.  I won't get too up in their face.  We need a breather.  We'll probably show off some of our learned Civil War knowledge to each other and see what happens after that.


Thank you again for last night and today.  Your kids shined.


Steve

Camping Wednesday Night

Hello,


We are camping tomorrow night!  Students may stay after school.  Please bring everything you need to get through two days of school if you are camping.  Remember that one of those days is reenactment day, so don't forget your "uniform." 


Everyone is invited to camp.  This will be not rough camping.  I plan on ordering pizza for dinner.  Maybe a parent volunteer will help go get it?  No fires.  We are having a dessert celebration in the school at 6:30 for our visitors from China.  That will benefit us as well.


I have plenty of spare tents and tent space.  Bring a sleeping bag and come on down.  At least two adults will have to stay up at all times.  I'm hoping that one of them doesn't have to be me all night.  That may make for a very grumpy teacher during the reenactment.  Or I might collapse from exhaustion like many of the Alabamians whom faced our 20th Maine on Little Round Top. 


The actual Gettysburg, Pennsylvania trip is still planned for June 21st (Sat) to June 24th (Tue).  Three nights camping at Artillery Ridge campground.  I've made reservations for us to camp.  One family has also reserved a cabin already.  More details to follow, after this short, but full week of activities.


Please email me w any questions.  I'm thinking fruit and granola bars for breakfast on Thursday for our campers tomorrow night.  Again, no propane stoves or lanterns are allowed.  I'm trying to make this as easy as possible. 


Have a good night.  No blog tomorrow.  I will have kids here for a full 32+ hours.  No time for blogging.


Thanks,


Steve

more civil war work

Hello,


We are working hard to get these projects done.  I don't think anyone can see the finish line yet.  I was being as blunt as possible about the timeline.  We have no time to waste.  Next Thursday is coming fast.


Thanks for the responses on the camping for next Wednesday.  Parents and families are welcome to stay.  Parents are also welcome to sign up for a night sentry shift and then go back to their comfy homes.  If it gives me another hour of sleep, it's fine with me.


The school is having a potluck dessert night that night.  That will be nice.  We camp out.  People bring us desserts. 


No fires during our camp out.  No camp stoves.  No propane anything.


The Jr. High informational nights for our fifth grade parents are half way through.  One more tomorrow night at the jr. high at 6:30.  I plan on going.  I'm kind of like a parent.


Our read aloud, The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg, about a boy from Maine tracking down his brother who was falsely signed into the Union Army, brought about an unexpected discussion today.  A character in the book is being swindled into marrying a girl who just wants his money.  This led to a lengthy discussion on marriage and divorce.  Lots of questions, lots of viewpoints.  You may want to ask your child about it.  It was a hot topic.  It was nice to talk about something other than the War Between the States for at least a bit. 


Have a great night.


Mr. Shea

Civil War Dispatch

Hello,


We're up to our elbows in paper mache.  The class is continuing to work hard on their Civil War projects.  It is taking nearly all of our day.  Math is the biggest break from the ongoing projects.  We could still use some tin cans and newspaper, if you have any to spare.  Thanks.


A note went home regarding the camping on the night before the reenactment.  I'm open to any level of participation, but will need some parent help during the late shift.  Here is a copy of the note:

Hello parents,

Our class will be camping at HBS next Wednesday night, the night before the Civil War reenactment.  We will set up our tents next to the soccer field.  I am not going to try to make this a camp of Civil War veterans where we do everything “like it was back then.”  I am going to try to make it as easy as possible.  Dinner will consist of sandwiches, fruit and salad.  Families are welcome to join us.  I have several tents, but may need some of you to help out in that department. 

Showers (in the school) will be available (that night and the next morning.) 

Can you let me know below if your child will be staying, if you (or anyone else) in your family will be staying, and/or if you can take a patrol shift during the night (two adults awake at all times)?


I’m happy that we are getting to do this.  This will give us a little “dress rehearsal” for our later camping trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.


Thanks,
Mr. Shea

_______________________ will be staying after school to camp at HBS on Wednesday, May 28.

Other info I need to know: __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Parent signature ____________________________________Date________________________


Please get back to me on your child's (or family's) plans.


In math we worked with protractors again.  The kids struggled a bit yesterday, so I changed my homework assignment for them.  Tonight they will be able to handle it.  Geometry is fun to teach and learn.  You should hear about more hands on learning in math over the next few weeks.


Four blue permission slips for upcoming field trips also went home.  Please get them to me as soon as you can. 


Sorry for the late notice about the cancellation of homework club.  My meeting was on my calendar, I just never relayed the message. 


Thanks for reading.  Have a great night.


Mr. Shea

I have a good excuse

Hello,


I know I said that I was getting back on the blog horse, only to not write it last night.  I have a good excuse.  Our internet was down at school.  I couldn't.  I'm back today. 


I just got the go ahead on camping here at the school on the night before the reenactment.  I asked the kids to let me know if they think they might participate.  An official permission slip will go home tomorrow. 


Ask your child about their Civil War project.  They chose today.  We are going to have to work hard to get all of this done in less than two weeks.  I asked for cereal boxes (or the like) a while back.  We still need some to make our cartridge boxes.  Thank you in advance. 


A note was supposed to go home with all students this afternoon regarding a safety incident.  I got it out late so not everyone brought it home.  Here is a copy:

To Harriet Beecher Stowe School Families:

I am writing to inform you of an incident that occurred around 11:30 a.m.

yesterday. During the recess block a gentleman who was not affiliated with

Harriet Beecher Stowe School entered the building through the bus loop door.

This individual purchased pencils from the book fair then left very quickly. The

volunteers at the fair alerted the office about this unusual behavior immediately.

We were able to ascertain from staff members and our cameras that the

individual left the school property. As a precautionary measure, students

remained inside for the remainder of the day while we investigated this incident

further and worked with the Brunswick Police Department.

Please be assured that this individual did not attempt to make contact with any

student, and at no time were our students in danger. In addition, the Brunswick

Police Department located this individual and spoke to him about his unusual

behavior.

The safety of all our students is our highest priority. Please don’t hesitate to

contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Jean Skorapa, Principal

Thanks for reading.  Have a good night.


Mr. Shea

Long time, no write

Hello,




I'm sorry I haven't written.  I've been busy.  While that is true, I am truly sorry that I didn't keep up with the blog last week.  It was a combination of how much I have to do, and laziness.  I'll do better.
 


Here's the scoop.  We are 100% in on the Civil War unit.  It is nearly an all encompassing unit.  Our reading and writing center around it, as well as any other time we can squeeze in.  Even during specials, it has become a major focus.



The reenactment day is scheduled for Thursday the 29th.  A note went home today about opportunities to volunteer.  From making stew or hardtack to helping set up or take down, there is a lot to be done.  Our class in particular, should have more opportunities to help out because I plan on camping in the school field with as many students from our class who can.  Mrs. Skorapa and I are still waiting for the official go ahead from the Brunswick Recreation Department.  I was hoping to get that okay before the volunteer note went home so I could amend it for our class.  I'll get info out to you on the camping as soon as we get permission.




I also still plan on a real trip to the real Gettysburg.  After talking to several parents, I think the best day to leave would be Saturday the 21st of June.  The last student day is the 19th.  That would give you a day to pack.  My last school day is that Friday.  We would leave from HBS early Saturday morning.  This is not a school sponsored event.  We are doing this on our own, just like the Plymouth trip.  The plan is to camp for three nights, Sat, Sun, and Mon, and then return on Tuesday.  The driving time is about eight hours straight through.  I figure if we stop for bathroom breaks and lunch, we could be there between four and five o'clock.  Plenty of time to set up camp, eat, maybe even dip in the pool.  Camping rates at Artillery Ridge Campgrounds for groups are 8.50 a night per person.  That would be 25.50 per person for the three nights.  Cabins are also available for any non-camping types.  You would just need to bring sheets / blankets.  You can check out the website, but I think the rates are 70/night for a 4 person cabin, 90/night for a six person.  I'll send a note home soon to see the interest level, possible drivers, potential costs, etc.  I will rent a van if needed, because this is going to happen.


Our math class took the NWEA MAP test today.  Most didn't finish and will be back at it tomorrow.  Most likely that will mean another night of no math homework, since we won't have a real math class.  I was happy with their patience today.  It is a long 52 question test, but since it is untimed, there is no reason to rush.


The all school band concert is tonight.  I'm looking forward to seeing our fifth-graders play with the big boys and girls.  I'm also looking forward to seeing so many of my former students. 


I'll do better at this blog thing from here on out.  Please keep tuning in.


Thanks,


Mr. Shea

Happy May Day

Hello,


We have our spring NWEA reading test tomorrow. 


We have our weekly spelling test tomorrow.


In math, we'll have our chapter test.


I guess that takes care of most of the day.  Other than that, I will be swearing in Union and Confederate soldiers for their respective simulation armies.  Band and DARE will end the day. 


Big thanks to Pat today for working one on one with kids on the main idea of passages.  She was planning on coming back tomorrow, but now that I look closely at the schedule, there isn't any time to fit in her expert help.  Next week, I guess.


The kids did well on those practice science tests.  There were some questions on food chains and fungi, but overall, they seem to know their stuff. 


My ear seemed to take two steps back today.  My voice was extremely loud in my head again.  AUGH!! 


We'll try again tomorrow.


Mr. Shea