Hi Parents and Students,
I hope you're enjoying this extra long weekend; I know I am.

First of all, I'm still working on providing support for the math homework in the clearest, most user-friendly format. Hopefully, the need will decrease as we all become accustomed to the math program. I've decided to decrease the math homework, so that students will be responsible for two lessons' worth of homework, rather than 4. I am also going to have students turn in all math on Friday with the other homework. This should allow for student follow-up with confusing questions, and flexibility about pace. It will be essential for the kids to work throughout the week, however, as it will be miserable and not very useful to try to complete all the work on Thursday night.  Along with the math homework, the kids have a spelling list to study, and sentences to write using their assigned words ( either challenge or the regular list, depending on their pre-test performance.) In addition, kids should read nightly. I've assigned one of the night's reading, and students will also be responding  to questions on the reading, and defining some vocabulary words from the text.  The other nights are up to the individual student, and kids may reread Reflections  over 2 nights if desired.

In class this week, we will  continue reading Island of the Blue Dolphins. In addition, the class will read a short biography of Lou Gehrig from our anthology, and do a first reading of the Social Studies lesson on the climate and vegetation of California's 4 regions. In math, we will be progressing from place value to rounding, using numerals as large as a million.

Finally, I've begun the class incentive system, using "Mayer Moola". I'd love contributions to the prize box. In the past, parents have recycled party favors, and sent on leftover prizes from birthday parties as well. Kids will be allowed to spend Mayer Moola on picks from the prize box, as well as lunch time parties, and homework passes.

I look forward to seeing you all at our Back-to-School Night, on Thursday, September 18th. In the mean time, please feel free to call or email your questions.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer