Happy summer!

Hello,

I want to thank everyone, parents and students, for a good first year of our two year adventure. I've seen growth in many areas, socially and academically. I appreciate all of the support from home. It takes teamwork to get the most out of our children. Thank you for trusting me with your little ones. Communication between us will remain vital to their ongoing success in school this upcoming year. Please continue to call, text or email me anytime that you have a question or concern. My number is 841-2599.

As far as summer homework, I am asking that everyone continue reading, although I didn't give out a formal checklist or log this year. I'll put up a list of suggested books at the end of this entry. I am offering a new book from our September class book order to every student finishing three books or more over the summer. As far as math, I'm asking for an hour a week on IXL. I'm also currently setting up a Khan Academy Class site, details to follow soon.

We are planning on getting together a few times this summer.  Our first outing is planned for Wed, July 15 at Morse Mountain. This is a hiking/beach outing. We will meet at HBS at 8:00. It isn't necessary for all parents to attend, but it is not school sanctioned so we will need at least some parents to help drive/chaperone. I understand busy summer schedules, and based on past experience, I'm expecting between eight to twelve kids to show, which we probably can do with 3-4 cars, including mine.  We'll have another get together in August, probably the second or third Wednesday. (Send me your preference, and I'll choose the one with the most votes.)

I forgot to put out a "Best way to reach me during the summer" questionnaire. If the email I've used in the past will work fine, no worries. But if you'd rather I text, or use a different email to contact you, let me know. Otherwise, just check the blog.

This is the time of year that I tend to kick myself for all the things that we didn't accomplish. It is so nice to have another year to make up for my mistakes and prove to the kids that I work hard to improve as well. Feel free to chime in with what you would like to see more or less of. It won't hurt my feelings. I'm very open with the class about when I fall short of what I would like to have done. I emphasize that most people don't get too upset, because they can see my overall effort. Mistakes and shortcomings are much easier to excuse when the effort is there. I hope they take that lesson to heart. 

Thanks again for our first chapter together. Chapter two will be harder, and therefore more rewarding.

Have a great summer. See you soon. (Maybe at the library book sale.)

Mr. Shea