Sunday, May 31, 2015

Dear Families,

Thank you for a terrific year!  Fourth Grade has been a great academic adventure for me; I've had an exciting time learning about tape diagrams and California history right along with the kids.  This week, there is no homework.

Our grade level party is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, as it's not a Restructured Day.  The  Room Parents, Brandi and Julie,  are requesting a $5.00 donation by Tuesday to pay for the activities and treats.

Once  again, thanks to all of you for the tremendous support you've given your children and me. The transition from primary to intermediate grades is not an easy one, and recent changes in education created even more challenge. It's been wonderful to see the way the kids have risen to the increased rigor of the new standards.

Have a spectacular summer, and drop by and say "hi" when we're back in school,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Hi All,
Happy Mother's Day!  

This week we're returning to our homework routine. There will be a "packet" on Monday, and math homework most nights. 

We are also getting back to our RTI schedule, reading Esperanza Rising and Riding Freedom. Kids will present their Science Projects to the class Monday - Wednesday. We are also beginning a new writing project, and finishing up a Social Studies unit on railroads and communication in California during the period following the gold rush. 

A giant thank you to Jennifer  and Christa, for volunteering to trek around Cabrillo College with some very excited kids; and to Michael Pebworth for being our guide. The kids got a positive picture of the school, and some of the opportunities available on the campus. 

Finally, the Open House is this Thursday, May 14 at 6:30. I look forward to seeing you then!

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Hi All,

I hope you've had a great weekend!

While many members of the class have finished testing, we will still spend 1 or 2 more blocks of time dedicated to this activity. Students have been reading as they complete testing, and on Friday worked on an assignment in our Google Classroom (a network exclusively for students and teachers). Kids will also have more time on the Chrome Books for this assignment during the day.  The assignment is due for all on Wednesday, so if your child says that he/she is still actively testing, please allow some screen time at home to complete this assignment. During these remaining weeks of school I will be assigning various work to complete and submit digitally, through our Google Classroom.

The other big focus for homework is completion of the Science Fair project. This homework is due on Friday, May 8th. Students should have their full written project, as outlined in the handout sent home 2 weeks ago. I'm looking forward to seeing their experiments, and hearing their presentations during the week of May 11th.

On Friday, we'll be visiting Cabrillo College for our field trip. I need  a second form ( from Cabrillo) as well as the signed permission slips ASAP. I'll send home Cabrillo's form Monday. I'd also like one more chaperon. Try to get these forms in Tuesday.

This week our class is also beginning a 4 week Geology class, presented by Learn to Discover.  We'll begin on Monday, but the class is normally scheduled for Friday.

Thanks, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer