Good Evening!  I hope this post finds you all well and rested.  It's hard to believe but we are already entering our 8th week of school. Here is a review of the week gone by.

We wrapped up our science unit on erosion this week.  We used Wednesday to review the different concepts and learning we covered during the unit. Then the students completed a unit vocabulary task and also created their own map with illustrations and writing of how to protect the river and houses and businesses on it. A copy of the maps will be hung in our room. The assessment results will be shared during conferences. I want to thank Lucas, of Friends of the Mad River, for all his work with our class during the last two months. It was so great to get the kids to the river for our first science unit.

A few weeks back, I wrote about a Kindness book that the class had written. They each identified a way that they are kind and then illustrated a picture of the specific kind "action." Their original book is now in our classroom library for kids to enjoy. Eric Mongeon, our world famous (or at least Waitsfield famous) librarian, helped us create a digital version of the book. Please click below and listen and see the amazing illustrations. A big thanks to Libby for designing the cover. 

Now that we have had a few weeks of writing instruction, I used a few days last week to look at each students work and then design two writing goals for each student to focus on. These goals will be reinforced and individual instruction will be given as students work with me and the parent volunteers. Again, I will share these goals during our parent conferences. 

Halloween:  Our school takes the approach that we don;t celebrate Halloween at school. This in terms of wearing costumes all day and having huge sugar filled parties. With this in mind, we will read a Halloween book during read a loud that day, students can share what they will dress up as (during morning meeting) and I will give them a Halloween and little treat during  the day.  However, our days focus will be academic and the day will be treated as a normal school day. The kids will also write about Halloween and their teacher that day. Thank you in advance for leaving all the costume stuff at home.

NOTES:

*I think the book orders will be delivered this week.  I will send them home when they arrive.

*School photos will be sent home tomorrow.  Please look for them in your child's homework bag.

*Please make sure your child has a coat and/or sweatshirt for recess time.  Putting a sweatshirt in your child's bag is a good idea.  With all of the sicknesses, I will be leaving the windows opened as much as I can. 

*I will be offering conferences on 11/7. 11/8/ and 11/9.  The times and days listed are the only times available. Please find a time and day that works for you.  The sign up link will be shared with you via Kaiya or Susan. If you don;t plan on scheduling a conference, please email me this week.

That is all for now. I hope you all have a great week.

Peace,

Mr. Young