We are beginning to settle into our routines in class. I have, however, already changed one classroom policy. We will no longer be using bathroom passes. Instead of giving me a bathroom pass when a student needs to use the restroom, he/she will simply sign out on the list by the door. I think it was just too fun for some students to use them (2-4 times a day--clearly not working as they were only given 12 for the entire trimester). On a related note, some students seem to be having a very hard time remembering to get drinks and to use the restroom during recesses. My expectation is that no one should need to use the restroom within the first 20-30 minutes after a recess (several students have been going within 5-10 minutes). Please help your child understand that the best time to use the restroom is during recess. Students who leave during the first 20-30 minutes back after recess are typically missing key instructional time.

As I mentioned last week, the class will be participating in the Coastal Cleanup effort on Friday, Sept. 18, after lunch (1:30-2:30). If you can help by joining us that day (I'd love to have 5-7 parents), please let me know, either by sending me an email (sspry@nusd.org) or sending in a note. Thanks!

I have sent home the DVD-ROM of the math book to everyone who requested one. If you change your mind some time later in the year and decide that you would like one, just let me know. And, if you received one and find that you aren't using it, feel free to return it to me at any time.

Students took their first Accelerated Reader tests this week. The District is still in the process of setting a few things up, however, so students cannot yet take the leveling test. As soon as we can take it we will, and I will send home the results. At this point I am not asking students to focus their efforts on any particular kind of book or any specific reading level, but each student should be taking AR tests regularly on the books they are reading independently. (Remember, at least 120 minutes each week at home!)

Students will take the chapter 2 math test next week. They took their first "official" math quiz (the first one that counts for a grade) today, as well as the first language quiz. We finished Stone Fox, and they did a wonderful job of writing their own next chapter. We read the first story in the reading textbook and worked on writing a summary. We have also been using quick writes in their writing journals to focus on descriptive writing. We are continuing to work on latitude (the lines run east to west but measure distance north or south of the equator) and longitude (the lines run north to south but measure distance east or west of the prime meridian). We'll continue to work on general geography concepts and then turn our focus to California. As part of our science unit, students will begin setting up classroom terrariums next week.

Parents with table saws: I'm hoping to find a parent willing to cut up thin plywood into smaller pieces that students can use to create maps of California. I will pay for the plywood with my classroom funds, and give you the dimensions I need. If you are willing to help, please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. Have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!