HI All,

Welcome back! I trust you all had a fun, stimulating vacation!

Hopefully, most of you received the email regarding our field trip on Wednesday, January 20.  We will be going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  We will leave first thing in the morning, about 8AM. We will not return to school until approximately 1PM. Unfortunately, it's a Restructured Day, so students will be missing the bus. Please make arrangements for your child's transportation, and send a note if they will be riding home, or to an after school program, with another parent. Currently, I have these volunteers: Skyla (5), Michelle (3), Julie (5), Heidi (3), Dawn (5), and Lori (5). As you can see, that's enough seats for 26 kids and we have 34 students, so we need a few more drivers.

This week we are beginning some interesting and fun material!  First of all, the class will be reading By the Great Horn Spoon, which is a terrific historic novel set during the Gold Rush. The audiobook is linked on Mr. McMillan's website, and many kids enjoy rereading (or relistening) to the chapters after school.  In addition, we are beginning a short math unit on Geometry.  While we will review the plane figures and terminology, the big focus of the unit is angles.  We will be using a protractor in class, as well as a ruler, and it will benefit your child to have their own tools for homework. I will make copies of a protractor for kids to take home, but a real one is much better!

In Social Studies, we will be advancing through California history, and learning about the rancho era, and other events leading to the Gold Rush and California statehood. We will not be doing a big report on a California mission, although any students interested in the topic may work on a model or presentation for the class. We will be going on a field trip to Mission San Juan Bautista in the middle of February.

Finally, this week's Homework Packet will be for the next 2 weeks.  The spelling words and homework questions will not be due until Friday, January 22.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer

Hello Room 9 Families,

This week we will be working hard on wrapping up several units before the winter break. The math test for Module 3 (multiplication and division) will be on Thursday. The Native American reports (written in class) are due Wednesday. We will also have an open book Social Studies test on Thursday. There will be no spelling homework or spelling tests this week, but there will be math review homework. Kids may work on typing their reports at home, but we will have computer time on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Anyone who wishes to take their report drafts home must check in with me so I can make a back-up copy. Whew -- lots happening!

On Friday, we will enjoy a school Sing-along, as well as our classroom party.

Have a happy and joyful break!
Carroll Mayer

Hi All,
Two more weeks until break!  The kids are working hard right now, wrapping up projects and units so there's nothing hanging over our heads until January. There will be a Social Studies test during the final week before break, and a math test on Module 3 of math (multiplication and division). We are also finishing up the California Indians reports. Remember to get plenty of rest, and off to school on time. Please reserve Santa hats for the last week as well. The kids just get too excited seeing the hats every day.
Regards,
Carroll

Hello All,

 Welcome back!  I hope you had a joyful Thanksgiving.

This week we are back to a regular schedule. In math we'll be continuing with both division and multiplication. Our RTI classes will be focusing on poetry for one more week, in particular "Casey at the Bat". We continue with reports on California Indians (in class) and will begin a Social Studies chapter on "Early California". As you can see, we have lots going on and will be pushing hard academically during these next 3 weeks. I know these times can get busy as various holiday activities are added to your schedules, but please work with your kids to include enough time for homework -- and plenty of rest as well.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer

Hello Friends,

I enjoyed meeting and speaking with you about your beautiful children.
Have a joyous and peaceful Thanksgiving break. There will be no homework this week.

Yours,
Carroll Mayer

Hi All,
I'm looking forward to meeting with Parents/Guardians this week for conferences. Your child should have brought home a reminder note with your date and time, but if it's been misplaced feel free to email me. School is scheduled from 7:55-12:20 each day, and there is no Afterschool program. The library will be selling books at the book fair each day until 3:30.  I will be handing out report cards at your child's conference.

This week the kids will continue working hard on their research reports on California Indians. In RTI, we are studying poetry. We are working on division in math, and will be practicing the standard algorithm for much of this week. The kids will have a packet and 2 math homework pages as usual, but will not have either during the Thanksgiving week since it's so short.

Have a great Conference Week. I know my kids and I always enjoyed the extra free time!

Carroll Mayer

Hi All,
First of all, thank you to the many parents who contributed to our class Halloween party; the kids had a terrific time!  A special thanks to our Room Parents, Mary, Michelle, and Lori: your plans kept 34 kids busy, happy, and safe!

This week we will be continuing with the content we began over the last couple of weeks. In social studies and ELA, we'll be focusing on California Indians. In math, we will be working on story problems that are most easily solved by multiplying. On last week's Math Exit Ticket I noticed that many kids are understanding how to multiply large numbers using several strategies, but are having trouble with their basic facts. We will be using "100 Second Multiplication" to practice at school,  but if your child is struggling with basic multiplication, I encourage you to support them at home with other resources. Some kids like Multiplication Rap, digital flashcards, digital games, etc. It also works well to make practicing multiplication facts a "driving to..." activity.

Finally, I'm looking for some Parent Volunteers for a few special projects. First, I'd like some shelves built into the entry of the classroom where hooks are currently. Many other rooms have replaced these with shelves, so I'd be able to show pictures for ideas. I can make the classroom available into the evening, or on the weekend if someone is willing to take on this project. Secondly, I'm working on leveling my classroom library so that students can easily find books at their ZPD (just right level). I can send books and directions home for this project. All you need to help is time and a computer or tablet to access the site with the levels. Feel free to contact me at school with any questions about either of these projects.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer