Classroom Updates

First, let me apologize for the long time in between posts. It's been very busy at school and at home! Top that off with being sick all of last week and there was simply no time (or energy) to sit down at the computer. I also need to get caught up on phone calls this week; thanks to everyone for your patience and understanding.

The latest from the classroom:

We are hard at work on our Native American projects. Students were assessed last week on their research and note cards--the first part of the project. They are now working on the rough draft of the report; we will spend time in class this week on the revising process and toward the end of the week we will begin writing the final draft of the report. Next week will we also begin building our dioramas. This project has been fascinating!

Thank you to Theda Luna for coming in last week to help us make our Valentine card holders. They were amazing creations! Thanks also to Lori Hotary for donating party supplies and to Cheri Weisner and Jamie Budek for the yummy holiday treats. I would also like to thank Kim Bader, Lori Hotary, and Alice Ort for joining us last Friday.

Speaking of the Orts...

Congratulations to the Ort family on the birth of their daughter, Evelyn Skye! Welcome Evelyn and congratulations to Roy, Alice, Max, and Sophia.
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VOLUNTEERS

Throughout the year many parents have helped out in the classroom, donated items for the cupboards or pets, or volunteered at home by correcting papers or doing research. Thank you to everyone! I know that I have not expressed my appreciation enough, yet each gesture has been noticed and appreciated.
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LANGUAGE ARTS

LITERATURE GROUPS--Our literature groups are going smoothly. I can honestly say this cycle of book studies has been one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of participating in with students. I have witnessed students reading together, helping each other prepare for meetings, sharing funny anecdotes from the books or working to clarify key plot points in a story. Great to see!

DOL--this is our last week of homework DOL. We will begin doing more prompt or theme writing for homework to replace Daily Oral Language. (Students will continue to work on their editing skills in the classroom.)

WRITING--Many of the students have signed up at the publishing center to publish their fiction stories. Ask your son or daughter if he or she will soon be publishing at Waukazoo!

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More information should be coming this week, plus Cara and Jamesohn need to do another student council update. Stay tuned!