Our first overnight!

I am so excited that next week we are having our first overnight trip to the Star of India!  Please make sure that you pack what's on the packing list.  The weather on the bay can be extreme, hot one moment then bitter cold the next.  Please be sure to read all directions carefully.  All items need to be placed into plastic trash bags and labeled with your child's name. If you have misplaced your packing list, you may click on the following link packing instructions.  For all of the parents who are driving, please remember that we are going to be leaving right after lunch at 1:15. Don't forget to write your child a "time period" letter as stated in the instructions given.  An excuse will be made for the students who do not receive a letter but it will be disappointing if the students are not able to participate in the activity.  It is supposed to be a surprise so please secretly deliver the letter to me. So far I have only received two letters for the entire class!

This week we finished studying the American Revolutionary War.  Students got into groups and wrote outlines of the major events during that time.  Next week we are going to be choosing scenes to act out a particular event from that time period.  Also this week we finished our rough drafts of our formal letters to our heroes. Both final letters are due next Friday, April 19th.  Here is an example of one of the letters written by Alden Peterson.


Innovations Academy

Spring Canyon Road

San Diego, CA. 92127

April 8, 2013

Dear Frederick Douglass,

I was amazed by your work about civil rights and fighting against slavery. I can’t believe you actually jumped on a train while it was moving! The way you learned to read was amazing! You learned to read just like Mohatma Ghandi and Cesar Chavez, who also taught themselves how to read.

I have some questions I would like to ask you, how did you deal with the pain and suffering that you went through? It must have been very painful to see your Grandmother get whipped as a slave, how did you deal with your feeling after that?

What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment when you escaped slavery? What you like to be remembered for?

I think you were an amazing person to accomplish all of your goals in your lifetime and to escape slavery. You are truly a hero!

Sincerely,

Your admirer and student,

Alden Peterson

Grade 5, Innovations Academy