Hi All,
I'm sorry to be tardy with this post. Weekends are just too short!

The trimester ends this Wednesday. I know many kids have been "thinking" about their AR goals, but the deadline is almost here. All AR tests taken after Wednesday will go toward the final trimester's goal. If your child is struggling with meeting their target, please remind them that making mistakes (like not completing work on time) is an opportunity to grow. A missed deadline is a great time to talk about pacing yourself, and making plans. Some kids haven't taken tests on all the books they've read. Others haven't read enough. (They should be reading every night, and also read independently about 25 minutes a day in class.) Finally, please remember that AR is not an end in itself-- it's supposed to be an opportunity for kids to have structured, yet independent reading at their level. If your child is reading a lot, but not taking tests, that's a different challenge.

Aside from that, we continue with fractions this week, and will be for quite a while. Fractions are one of the hardest concepts, and I encourage you to use the YouTube videos as a resource. As with other units, kids will represent and work with fractions in a variety of ways, some of which are new to most adults. Please encourage your child to be open to all the ways.

We have also shifted back to Social Studies, and will be reading about the period leading up to the Gold Rush. Soon, we will be starting a simulation activity called Golden Gulch. Finally, children are wrapping up their persuasive letters to Congressman Sam Farr regarding ocean health, and they will be mailed next week. Please contact me if you do not wish your child to use their home address in their letter.

Have a great week. Report cards will be sent home next Friday, March 11th.

Carroll