Friday, May 7, 2010

Thank you for all the wonderful Teacher Appreciation Day flowers, notes, and poems. The room still has that wonderful fragrance of fresh flowers!

STAR testing has been completed for another year. Students appeared to be working diligently and carefully, so what more can we ask? Our class will be doing MAP testing (reading, language, and math) on Wed., May 19; Friday, May 21; and Thursday, May 27. These are the tests they take using the computers in the computer lab.

We are just about done with our Solid Earth unit and students will be taking the science test for this unit on Friday, May 14. We'll finish up with our last investigation on Monday and do some review before we start the unit on electricity.

The Play! By now I hope you have heard about the play--Gold Dust or Bust. Most students have already memorized the first song. The play is part of our study of the California Gold Rush. The play, when performed, will take about 30-45 minutes. I still don't have a firm date for the performance, but it will most likely be a Monday or Thursday in June. We will perform for our kindergarten buddy class and for parents (and anyone else who is interested). I will let you know as soon as I can. I will also send home specific information about costumes--basically everyone needs to look like a pioneer. No one should have to buy anything. We should be just fine with what folks already have in their closets or perhaps can borrow. Sometimes all you need to feel the part is the right hat! Ways you can help:
  • Create a program--I can copy it here at school.
  • Sew some bonnets--I will provide the pattern.
  • Collect some pioneer-type hats--felt hats, "beaver" hats, cowboy hats, bowlers, ...
  • Help students create the scenery (paint on butcher paper) during school hours
  • Help students practice (songs or lines) during school hours
  • Help students create dances for some of the songs, during school hours
  • Agree to be our "behind-the-scenes" music person (push the button at the right time)
  • Help your child practice their dance, lines, and or songs at home
  • Bake some treats for the after-party!
As the students have been introduced to the play this week, there has been a lot of impromptu dancing and enthusiastic singing. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all comes together! Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to help.

Happy Mother's Day to everyone! Have a wonderful weekend.