Hi All,

This is a big week!

First of all, everyone has now brought home their research and writing on the "Famous Americans." As I said in the cover letter attached to the work, most students have completed their research and the first draft of their writing. All students will need to dedicate some, or a lot, of homework time to taking their work to a final draft stage, and practicing delivery of their speech. They will also need to put together an appropriate "dress up" style costume. Please don't spend money on special clothing or props. Regular homework will be much lighter than usual for the couple of weeks, so there should be plenty of time to focus on the speech.

As for regular homework, the weekly packets will now contain a Reading Log and multiplication practice sheet only -- No spelling! In addition, this week's Lit. Circle will be due in 2 weeks, not one, because of state testing. Students will have math homework on Monday and Tuesday of this week only; after that we will begin state testing.

Students are also bringing home a permission slip for our final museum field trip-- the Agricultural History Museum. This is a fun, hands-on activity. Please return the permission slip quickly, so I don't have to nag the kids.

Finally, as you have probably inferred, state testing will begin in Room 24 on Wednesday, April 25. Please make sure your child arrives on time, well rested and fed. The tests will continue into the week beginning April 30th. Students may bring sugarless gum to chew in class, but school rules about gum elsewhere will be enforced. Thanks for your support this year in all matters, including these assessments.

Take care, and have a great week,

Carroll Mayer