Review for Week of Jan.3!

As we settle into our second week of the New Year, students are gradually adapting to "full time school" again! During these first weeks of January, when the daytime light is so short, you may find that your children are not so eager to "rise and shine" early in the morning! Please help them re-adjust to their "school schedule" by enforcing earlier bed times to ensure they get plenty of sleep and are ready to arrive at school no later than 8:25 AM!

Some highlights from last week:

Geography Bee news: About half of our class decided to participate in our classroom "Bee" last Wednesday - I was so impressed by their knowledge of geography! After completing seven "rounds" of questions, and a "tie-breaker", our two finalists for the School Geography Bee emerged: Shaunak B. and Mahima S. They will both participate in the Final Bee on Weds., Jan. 12 with the finalists from the other upper grade classes. Good luck to both of them!

Books and Beyond: Our annual "Books and Beyond" program began this week, and I have encouraged all students to "go for their goals" to reach the 3500 page goal of the program by April 15. They should have their "log sheets" in their backpacks so that they can record everything they read at home and in school. You should sign each log sheet once they are full. They may also record books that are read TO THEM! So, take a trip with your child to the local library once a week and help to promote a lifelong love of reading!

Science : Last week, we had a long discussion about "energy-saving" light bulbs! Students learned the difference between the old "incandescent" bulbs, and our newer energy-efficient "fluorescent" bulbs. Did you know that in 2011 our state will no longer manufacture or sell any of the "old" bulbs? California continues to lead the country with respect to "energy saving" legislation. Challenge your child to think of ways that YOUR home can become more energy-efficient! View web site "Energy Quest" posted on the right side with "Science Links".

Reading Response Logs: I am very impressed by the gradual improvement that most students have made in responding in their logs each weekday evening. Remember - encourage them to make more connections with the text and not just "summarize" what they have read. I review each student's log on a bi-weekly schedule. Next Friday, I will collect all reading logs for students whose class numbers are #1-16.