Room 21 Newsletter, November 18, 2005

CLASS NEWS

Our first round of Literature Circles is almost over. The students are finishing their books and I’m hearing some excellent discussions about the characters and stories. Each group will end by making a presentation of their book to the class.

We just finished our unit on concepts of volume in math. Our next math unit Picturing Polygons looks at two-dimensional shapes.

Our salmon eggs are all hatched now and are officially alevins. Students take turns monitoring the conditions in the tank and keeping watch on them. Come on in and check out the alevins in their tank.

We will release them into the Willamette River on December 9th (this will be a field trip).

NOVEMBER I-SEARCH PROJECTS

I had a chance to read many of the student’s rough drafts this week and I was impressed with the detail and the breadth of information they gathered.

Though much of the I-Search project should be done at home I will present lessons on note taking, putting notes into written report form, report structure, bibliographies and ways to present their information.

The final reports are due Dec. 5th.

AUCTION

The CSS auction is set for March 11, 2006 and it’s never too soon to start thinking about or gathering items for bid. If you have ideas or questions jot them down and I can pass them along to the auction committee.

WATER GARDEN

This Saturday 11/19 there is a work party in the garden from 1 to 4 pm. We’ve got a plan of action and could use your help. Come if you can, bring gloves and tools if you have any.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Nov. 21,  ½ day, Parent/Teacher Conferences
Nov. 22, 23 No School, Parent/Teacher    Conferences
Nov. 23 – 25 No School, Thanksgiving
Dec. 5th I-Search final  reports due
Dec. 9th Field trip to Sellwood Park & Oaks Bottom

If you want to talk to me, you can contact me by phone or email
David Lifton 503-916-6336 or dlifton@pps.k12.or.us