Back on Track

Hello,

I hope you all had a nice mini break.  It was great getting to touch base with all of you during conference times.  The more we talk, the better I'm able to do my job.  So please, make your questions and comments known to me.  We've got a solid four weeks before our next break and I was anxious to regain traction today. 

The majority of our class switched for math for the first time today.  We have a large number of students going to Mrs. Viola or Mrs. Smith.  I hope you will ask them how it went.  I think switching for math is a good stepping stone for all the switches that they will be doing in Jr. high.  These first few days are going to be a bit of a get to know you period.  We've never grouped this late in the year, where different classes are on somewhat different pages. 

We finished The Cay by Theodore Taylor this afternoon.  What a great book.  I kept it together in the end and didn't choke up.  I'm getting tougher in my old age.  Please ask your child why they think I chose that book to read to the class.  I asked and heard some good and varied answers.

Anyone interested in ordering the Andre the Seal picture book by visiting author Fran Hodgkins should look to see if your child brought home an order form.  Fran is offering to sign all of the books that we order, and she'll write whatever you want.  It could make for a good gift.  I'm going to have mine signed, "To the best teacher I ever met..."  I figure if I'm shelling out fifteen bucks I may as well go for it.  I'm going to place the order on Friday for anyone interested. 

Speaking of book orders, the Scholastic Book Club order is in.  I haven't given them out, because most parents had mentioned that part of the order may be a gift.  Come on in or let me know if I can trust your child not to peek if I wrap them in a bag and send them home in their backpack.

Our latest sing along in class was the Continent Song.  I am offering up as optional homework to all my musically talented kids to come up with a better one.  They also could try to write a new rock song or even an oceans song.  I still have some bad ones stuck in my head from years past.  They may be able to sing a little of the current continent or rock songs to you, although we haven't spent too much time with either. 

I have a lot to write about tonight, but we had another late meeting.  I've got to put together a note for the parents of my new math students and a note for the introduction of Lego Club.  I'll write more tomorrow after Homework Club.

Have a great night,

Mr. Shea