Almost Winter Break

Can you believe that it is almost winter break time? I am shocked by how quickly the time has gone by. I am also impressed with how much the children are learning and how they each have become so enthusiastic towards school. Just the other day, they were working on their personal narratives with incredible focus. I told them it was time for lunch and Nathaniel's response was, "No! I want to continue working!" In the morning, we have been working on our computation clinics to improve our basic math skill. In a very short period, many students have increased their multiplication skill immensely. Ask your child if their attitude towards math has changed.
It is such a great feeling watching the students take ownership of their learning and community. Speaking of community, we have been having very productive class council meetings. Every class has its set of issues, and we have been tackling them with kindness and compassion. Students who have been typically shy have been discovering their voice in the our community.
This Friday we are having a winter celebration. If anyone would like to contribute refreshments or snacks, please notify me via email or you can always call. Be expecting a conversation from your child about bringing something yummy to share with the class. During class council, we decided that it would be fun to have pizza too. If everyone brings $5.00 we can order pizza!
619-972-6032

Stolen DSi

Ashlin, one of our 5th graders, brought her DSi game system to school yesterday. At the end of the day while she was cleaning up, it disappeared. If anyone has seen a pink DSi, please return the item to the classroom. Everyone makes mistakes, but it is how we make amends that enable us to grow and move forward.

December!

Hello IA families! I hop that everyone had a wonderful time on their Thanksgiving breaks! Our school would like to continue the festive spirit by having a potluck on December 7th. Each student will be responsible for bringing a dish and having fun! In order to become a more sustainable school, each family is encouraged to bring their own reusable plates and utensils to limit the amount of trash we consume at school. To find out what type of dish to bring follow the schedule: If your last name ends in A-F please bring an entree, G-L a side dish, M-R a dessert, and S-Z please bring drinks. In addition to the potluck, student artwork and exhibitions will be presented.

In the class we have started a new History project called "The Domino Effect." Each student will be responsible for the following outcomes;

• Time-lines of early American History
• Choose one event in American History and create a skit to perform for the class.
• Each student will write a 2 page typed biography of a famous person from their specific event. This is going to be written from the point of view of someone who lived in that time.
• Each student will be responsible for contributing to a power point about their event
• After completing the Early History segment, students will find a current event that relates to the past. A compare and contrast 1 to 2 page typed essay will be required for this section.
• Finally a reflective presentation will be required to show how you can make history today!

Ø Your creativity will be your only limit. You can decide to volunteer to an organization, make a song, feed the homeless, impact your world however you decide that may be!