Hello,
I hope everyone made it to the ice cream social. I forgot to remind students on the way out today. It looks like the biggest crowd that we've had for one.
Homework tonight is to finish up thank you notes to Pat, our weekly classroom volunteer, and to Detective Andreotti and the BPD for treating us to bowling and pizza.
Some students have spelling quizzes tomorrow on the words that they were supposed to learn this year but haven't quite got down.
The highlight of the day was the morning activity in the soccer field. We went out with Mrs. Palopoli's class and flew solar balloons, including one that was fifty feet long! It was fantastic. And a great way to review how atoms behave when heated.
We should finish up our explorer cards tomorrow. The kids did the major work for those cards months ago. We just never got around to the arts and crafts part of putting them together. We may not have gotten to everything that I planned, but we got to this.
I was thinking about some of the things you might want to do before going on our Gettysburg (non-school) trip, or any camping trip for that matter. Could you please go over with your child what a thorough tick check means? I'll make sure each child showers at least once a day. That would be a good time for them to do a good once over to make sure none of the little buggers are on them. We'll be walking in the woods and fields of Gettysburg, and I'd like to leave all the ticks in the town they were born in.
I also like to take care of the little things (like shaving) that I don't want to have to worry about on the road. Kid should probably cut finger nails and toe nails. Then they won't have to bring clippers or worry about them. Make sure that all the essentials get packed: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, etc. They should have their before bedtime bathroom routine down pat, and know where to find their stuff at that time.
As far as packing, the days should be around eighty degrees and the nights around sixty. Long sleeves and pants shouldn't be needed. You may bring one of each for a just in case you get chilly moment, but over all, T-shirts and shorts should be the clothes of choice. I'd bring some type of flip flop for the showers, but I don't think that they would make good walking shoes. Teva type sandals could work well for both. Swim suit, rain coat and two towels (one for showers, one for pool) should be packed.
I'm excited to go. It makes the end of the year feel easier. I won't be saying goodbye to everyone right off.
Thanks for reading. Email me with questions or concerns.
Mr. Shea
Monday, June 16, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
A week to go
Hello,
It is hard to believe how fast all of this is wrapping up. I'm trying my best to get everything accomplished that we need to do. We won't be doing a couple of the nearby jaunts that other classrooms will be doing, but there are positives and negatives to having me as a teacher, depending on your perspective.
Pat came in and helped us with our final spelling test and a review of the Daze reading test. She has been a great help this year, and I know the kids appreciate her as much as I do. She brought cookies today, which brought out even more appreciation.
We tackled area of triangles today in math. Our homework didn't reflect that, only because I don't think they quite grasp it on their own. Right triangles were easy to understand. Obtuse triangles were the toughest to grasp. We'll get back at it tomorrow, and three more times next week.
We reviewed the digestive system in science and then jumped back to the nervous system. Eye sight was the major topic, continuing our understanding of how our brain sends and receives signals. We discovered our blind spot and looked at some illusions. Our Q & A sessions for every topic are so long, I just want to hug them all for their curiosity. And I don't hug.
I'm hoping we get to some Jeopardy for review of major 4th and 5th grade topics tomorrow. If not, there is always next week.
Have a good night.
Mr. Shea
It is hard to believe how fast all of this is wrapping up. I'm trying my best to get everything accomplished that we need to do. We won't be doing a couple of the nearby jaunts that other classrooms will be doing, but there are positives and negatives to having me as a teacher, depending on your perspective.
Pat came in and helped us with our final spelling test and a review of the Daze reading test. She has been a great help this year, and I know the kids appreciate her as much as I do. She brought cookies today, which brought out even more appreciation.
We tackled area of triangles today in math. Our homework didn't reflect that, only because I don't think they quite grasp it on their own. Right triangles were easy to understand. Obtuse triangles were the toughest to grasp. We'll get back at it tomorrow, and three more times next week.
We reviewed the digestive system in science and then jumped back to the nervous system. Eye sight was the major topic, continuing our understanding of how our brain sends and receives signals. We discovered our blind spot and looked at some illusions. Our Q & A sessions for every topic are so long, I just want to hug them all for their curiosity. And I don't hug.
I'm hoping we get to some Jeopardy for review of major 4th and 5th grade topics tomorrow. If not, there is always next week.
Have a good night.
Mr. Shea
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
A normal day!
Hello,
It was great to have a normal day. We are figuring out areas and perimeters of odd shaped polygons in math. We are writing on a specific topic of our choice in literacy. Today, we went in the computer lab for that. We took our final DAZE reading test this afternoon. In science, the girls went to Mrs. Palopoli and her boys joined ours to finish our talk on puberty and human development. We had a full forty five minute Q & A.
The DAZE test went much better than our last one. I think that some prior knowledge of the topic that you are reading about plays a major role in understanding. This test was about music, musicians and orchestras. That was a much more accessible topic than last trimester's Hispanic theater in the Latino community.
Our big trip to Gettysburg is looking great. Two families plan on staying in cabins at the campground. We have a total of eleven kids from the class, eight other siblings and friends, and twelve adults (counting everyone meeting us there). Thirty-one! Wow. I'm very pleased. I'll send another note home next week about ride combinations. This is not a school endorsed trip. We will meet at HBS to leave next Saturday morning, but it isn't school affiliated.
Our last homework club will be next Tuesday. It may not be too heavy on the homework.
Have a great night.
Mr. Shea
It was great to have a normal day. We are figuring out areas and perimeters of odd shaped polygons in math. We are writing on a specific topic of our choice in literacy. Today, we went in the computer lab for that. We took our final DAZE reading test this afternoon. In science, the girls went to Mrs. Palopoli and her boys joined ours to finish our talk on puberty and human development. We had a full forty five minute Q & A.
The DAZE test went much better than our last one. I think that some prior knowledge of the topic that you are reading about plays a major role in understanding. This test was about music, musicians and orchestras. That was a much more accessible topic than last trimester's Hispanic theater in the Latino community.
Our big trip to Gettysburg is looking great. Two families plan on staying in cabins at the campground. We have a total of eleven kids from the class, eight other siblings and friends, and twelve adults (counting everyone meeting us there). Thirty-one! Wow. I'm very pleased. I'll send another note home next week about ride combinations. This is not a school endorsed trip. We will meet at HBS to leave next Saturday morning, but it isn't school affiliated.
Our last homework club will be next Tuesday. It may not be too heavy on the homework.
Have a great night.
Mr. Shea
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Bowling, an assembly and phys. ed.
Hello,
That was an easy day. The kids bowled in the morning courtesy of the Brunswick Police Department and our kids successfully making it through the DARE program. They were also treated to a pizza lunch. Thank you to the Brunswick P.D. and our DARE officer, Detective Andreotti. Detective Andreotti is also the officer on duty at the Jr. High, so I think that it is a good thing for our kids to have established a positive relationship with him.
The school assembly topic was responsibility. Many fifth graders spoke on how they have been responsible lately. The band played the school song. The fifth graders then symbolically passed the torch to the fourth graders to lead by example.
The kids are loving P.E. class. They are playing some Pirate Ball game. I don't know all of the rules, but it is kind of like a four-way capture the flag.
Back to normal business for the rest of the week. We have a few end of the year assessments to get through, otherwise our focus will be the human body, geometry, and (as always) literacy.
Thanks for reading,
Mr. Shea
That was an easy day. The kids bowled in the morning courtesy of the Brunswick Police Department and our kids successfully making it through the DARE program. They were also treated to a pizza lunch. Thank you to the Brunswick P.D. and our DARE officer, Detective Andreotti. Detective Andreotti is also the officer on duty at the Jr. High, so I think that it is a good thing for our kids to have established a positive relationship with him.
The school assembly topic was responsibility. Many fifth graders spoke on how they have been responsible lately. The band played the school song. The fifth graders then symbolically passed the torch to the fourth graders to lead by example.
The kids are loving P.E. class. They are playing some Pirate Ball game. I don't know all of the rules, but it is kind of like a four-way capture the flag.
Back to normal business for the rest of the week. We have a few end of the year assessments to get through, otherwise our focus will be the human body, geometry, and (as always) literacy.
Thanks for reading,
Mr. Shea
Monday, June 9, 2014
Ice Cream Social Cancelled Tonight
Hello,
There was an incident at school today that led to the cancelling of tonight's ice cream social. Please read the letter below that went home with your child and is also on the home page of the school website.
There was an incident at school today that led to the cancelling of tonight's ice cream social. Please read the letter below that went home with your child and is also on the home page of the school website.
To Harriet Beecher Stowe School Families:
I am writing to keep you fully and accurately informed about an incident that
occurred today, Monday, June 9, 2014 at our school. At the conclusion of third
grade recess this morning several students informed the duty teacher that a
suspicious light blue car had been parked by the fence on McKeen Street. The
students reported further that one of the individuals was holding what appeared
to be a weapon. After a brief period of time the car drove away. The individuals
did not have direct contact with the children at any time.
The Brunswick Police Department was contacted immediately and the
responding officers thoroughly investigated this incident. As precautionary
measures, students remained inside for the remainder of the school day and we
have cancelled this evening’s ice cream social.
There was increased police presence around the school this afternoon and there
will be again tomorrow. Please be assured, the safety of all our students and
staff continues to be our highest priority.
Sincerely,
Jean Skorapa, Principal
In educational news, we had another math class today. We are trying to learn about area and perimeter of shapes. There have been so many interruptions and cancelled math classes that it is hard for the learning to get cemented. We miss another math class tomorrow, due to DARE bowling. It has been a tough road on the teaching front these past couple of weeks. I think next year's academic schedule is going to have the biggest impact on fifth grade and the kids will benefit from the increased instructional time.
Our class split up by gender this afternoon and watched separate puberty videos. We had very little question and answer time afterwards, which was poor planning on our part. I'll make sure we get some more time to give kids the opportunity to ask questions.
Tonight's writing is supposed to be on whatever topic your child is choosing to focus on to end the school year. I have blank, hard covered books that they can receive if they have a topic or story that they would like to make into a book. I'm hoping that many will take me up on the offer. We have some strong writers in the class.
Have a good night.
Mr. Shea
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Sixth graders visit
Hello,
We had an informative visit from some sixth graders this morning. Two students came into our room and answered questions for over a half an hour. They were knowledgeable and I know the kids were happy about the visit.
Tomorrow is the Thomas Pt. Beach field trip. Students will be learning about horseshoe crabs. We will break into four groups and rotate every half hour. I will be working with Ms. Palopoli on the beach with the horseshoe crabs. Please remind your child to bring boots (or water shoes if no boots) and $1.50 if they haven't paid. Adult chaperones are $4.00 each (as are the teachers). Sunscreen may be needed if the sun comes out. Bug spray may also be something to think about bringing.
We got into the computer lab today to type our Dare Essays. I hope we can finish tomorrow afternoon. Bowling is on the horizon.
We worked with pattern blocks in math in learning about perimeter. We still have a way to go to nail that down.
Our Gettysburg trip is looking good. I don't think we will need a van. We currently have 13 kids and 10 adults planning to be there, including our old classmate who moved to Virginia. This trip is not a school trip.
I need to run to go to a teacher retirement gathering.
Good night.
Mr. Shea
We had an informative visit from some sixth graders this morning. Two students came into our room and answered questions for over a half an hour. They were knowledgeable and I know the kids were happy about the visit.
Tomorrow is the Thomas Pt. Beach field trip. Students will be learning about horseshoe crabs. We will break into four groups and rotate every half hour. I will be working with Ms. Palopoli on the beach with the horseshoe crabs. Please remind your child to bring boots (or water shoes if no boots) and $1.50 if they haven't paid. Adult chaperones are $4.00 each (as are the teachers). Sunscreen may be needed if the sun comes out. Bug spray may also be something to think about bringing.
We got into the computer lab today to type our Dare Essays. I hope we can finish tomorrow afternoon. Bowling is on the horizon.
We worked with pattern blocks in math in learning about perimeter. We still have a way to go to nail that down.
Our Gettysburg trip is looking good. I don't think we will need a van. We currently have 13 kids and 10 adults planning to be there, including our old classmate who moved to Virginia. This trip is not a school trip.
I need to run to go to a teacher retirement gathering.
Good night.
Mr. Shea
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
CMP visit
Hello,
A CMP employee visited us today with an impressive diorama that demonstrated the dangers of electricity. Students were surprised by how blunt the speaker was. He did a great job of explaining how you don't get a second chance when you make some mistakes. You should have a good talk with your child, if you ask about this.
Our Thomas Pt. Beach field trip is scheduled for Friday. We are hoping to collect $1.50 from each student to help pay for this trip.
We started our study of the human body today. We discussed the digestive system. I demonstrated the function of the intestines using a coffee filter and some oatmeal. It was pretty gross actually.
I've got to run. Thank you for your feedback on Gettysburg. We currently have 12 kids and 8 adults who are definitely going on the non-school sanctioned event.
Have a great night.
MR. Shea
A CMP employee visited us today with an impressive diorama that demonstrated the dangers of electricity. Students were surprised by how blunt the speaker was. He did a great job of explaining how you don't get a second chance when you make some mistakes. You should have a good talk with your child, if you ask about this.
Our Thomas Pt. Beach field trip is scheduled for Friday. We are hoping to collect $1.50 from each student to help pay for this trip.
We started our study of the human body today. We discussed the digestive system. I demonstrated the function of the intestines using a coffee filter and some oatmeal. It was pretty gross actually.
I've got to run. Thank you for your feedback on Gettysburg. We currently have 12 kids and 8 adults who are definitely going on the non-school sanctioned event.
Have a great night.
MR. Shea
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Second grade visitors
Hello,
We were visited by some of our second grade friends while first graders came over from Coffin for step up day. Mrs. Collins' class spent an hour and a half with us this morning. We partnered up and read with them, did some multi-speaker poetry, and then co-wrote our own partner poems. Our class did a nice job of keeping them engaged. We went out for the last ten minutes for some Tom Foolery.
A note went home regarding a Sea Dog / Unum award that I will receive in a few days. Here is the note with a link for cheap seats.
I hope some of you can make it. I promise to throw better than 50 cent did the other night at Chase Field.
Thank you to everyone who has responded regarding our Gettysburg trip. I need to remind you that this trip is not affiliated with the school. This is how many of you and myself are choosing to spend the first days of summer break. It is not a school trip.
Our field trip to Thomas Pt. Beach on Friday has a little wrinkle to it. We thought the cost of the trip was going to be covered by the parent group, but we didn't get the request in on time. If you could please send $1.50 in with your child any day this week, it would be appreciated.
Our step up day to the Jr. High seemed to go very well yesterday. I hope you talked to your child about it. It made me more comfortable as well. They will be in good, caring hands.
My mother found some old family letters written during the Civil War. She shared them with me last night and I shared some of them with the class today. They are heartbreakingly real.
We will have math tomorrow for the first time in quite a while. We need to regain some momentum before we close this year out. Geometry must be covered!
Have a good night,
Mr. Shea
We were visited by some of our second grade friends while first graders came over from Coffin for step up day. Mrs. Collins' class spent an hour and a half with us this morning. We partnered up and read with them, did some multi-speaker poetry, and then co-wrote our own partner poems. Our class did a nice job of keeping them engaged. We went out for the last ten minutes for some Tom Foolery.
A note went home regarding a Sea Dog / Unum award that I will receive in a few days. Here is the note with a link for cheap seats.
I will be receiving an award from the Portland Sea Dogs at
this Friday’s game. It is a teaching
award given to nine teachers around the state.
An HBS parent nominated me and I am pleased to get to be throwing out
the honorary first pitch (with eight other teachers) at Friday’s game. If you are interested in going, here is a
link for three dollar tickets. The game
starts at seven. My on-field appearance
will probably be around 6:45. Thanks for
your support this year.
Mr. Shea
Promo Code: GI
I hope some of you can make it. I promise to throw better than 50 cent did the other night at Chase Field.
Thank you to everyone who has responded regarding our Gettysburg trip. I need to remind you that this trip is not affiliated with the school. This is how many of you and myself are choosing to spend the first days of summer break. It is not a school trip.
Our field trip to Thomas Pt. Beach on Friday has a little wrinkle to it. We thought the cost of the trip was going to be covered by the parent group, but we didn't get the request in on time. If you could please send $1.50 in with your child any day this week, it would be appreciated.
Our step up day to the Jr. High seemed to go very well yesterday. I hope you talked to your child about it. It made me more comfortable as well. They will be in good, caring hands.
My mother found some old family letters written during the Civil War. She shared them with me last night and I shared some of them with the class today. They are heartbreakingly real.
We will have math tomorrow for the first time in quite a while. We need to regain some momentum before we close this year out. Geometry must be covered!
Have a good night,
Mr. Shea
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Gettysburg info
Hello,
Here is the note going home tomorrow. Can I get a quick count this week. Thanks.
Let me know if you, your child or your family will be going, if you need rides, if you have space, if costs are prohibitive. I'll do everything I can to see that no one opts out due to money considerations.
Thanks for reading,
Mr. Shea
Here is the note going home tomorrow. Can I get a quick count this week. Thanks.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
June 21-24, 2014
Saturday,
June 21 Rough Itinerary
6:00 am Depart from HBS. I
need to know who is going, who is driving, and any possible space available, so
I can find out if we need to rent a van.
4:30ish pm Arrive
at Artillery Ridge Campground in Gettysburg, PA. Actual driving time is about 8 hours. I’m figuring about 2 ½ hours for bathroom
breaks and lunch.
5:00 pm Set
up camp, get dinner started.
6:00 pm Eat
dinner.
6:30 pm Go for a swim. Take
a quick shower.
7:30 pm Campfire time.
Sunday, June
22 Rough itinerary
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Tour the battlefield
12:00 pm Lunch / Swim?
1:30 pm National Park Visitors Center (Museum, film, and
cyclorama)
4:30 pm Nap / Swim?
5:30 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Gettysburg National Cemetary
9:00 pm Ghost tour?
Monday,
June 23 Rough itinerary
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Battlefield walk (In the steps of Pickett)
11:00 am Battlefield walk (In the steps of Chamberlain)
12:00 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Downtown Gettysburg
4:30 pm Free choice: museums, battlefield, swimming, souvenir
hunting?
6:00 pm Authentic 1863 meal at Historic Farnsworth House Inn? (Goober peanut soup, turkey, duck, pheasant…)
“The house
sheltered Confederate sharpshooters during the three-day conflict, one of whom
it is believed to have accidentally shot 20 year-old Mary Virginia
"Jennie" Wade, the only civilian who died during the battle.
More than 100 bullet holes pock the walls.”
8:00 pm Final Campfire
Tuesday,
June 24
6:00 am Break
down camp. Shower. Breakfast.
Hit the road.
6:30ish pm Home again, home again, jiggety jig.
I am not
rich by any means, and while I am perfectly willing to pay more than my share to
give the kids the experience, I can’t
afford to cover all the multiple costs associated with this. Here is a general breakdown of the major
costs as I see them.
$8.50 a night per person
camping. (25.50 total)
Approximately $15.00 a
day for food, that includes the authentic meal above. If people would like to forgo that
experience, it would be about 12.00 a day for food. (60.00 total, or 48.00)
$8.00 National Park
Visitors Center and Museum Group Rate
That totals
up to 93.50 or 81.50 (depending on the meal choice.) This would be for anyone coming who wants me
to take care of costs. For the families
coming, if they want to eat or do things on their own, they could pay for the
things they take part in. If I need to
rent a van, I probably would just push it up to 100 each (or 88) to help defray
that cost a bit. All drivers, including
me, would pay for their own gas and tolls.
This will be substantial, so anyone not driving would surely be welcome
to chip in there too.
Overall, not
too shabby. A four day camping
experience for a hundred bucks is pretty much unheard of. I think it will be worth our time, money and
effort.
Let me know if you, your child or your family will be going, if you need rides, if you have space, if costs are prohibitive. I'll do everything I can to see that no one opts out due to money considerations.
Thanks for reading,
Mr. Shea
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