It’s been great meeting again with so many of you over the last couple of days. I’m sure you’ve been as proud as I am over the maturity your child has displayed as they’ve shown some of their work to you.

This week in math we began our new unit, unit 10, on Using Data, Algebra Concept and Skills and this morning I had Mr. Hossack come in to do a mini-lesson on pan balance skills; he has strengths in this area and I use his expertise this time each year, which the kids find fun.

I’ve found this site he led me to, to be interactive and helpful, http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=33 click on ‘instructions’ or ‘exploration’ and check it out with your child if you have the time, or if they have trouble with the concepts during the course of the unit.

We had 30 minutes of DEAR (drop everything and read) time Friday morning which the kids LOVED, as did I, and I hope a few more of them can bring in a donation on Monday for students who don’t have the same great facilities we have for reading. Our high schoolers are coming to collect money from our class for their GIFTS program which supports The Library Project so it is a school wide initiative.

Next Monday and Tuesday we’ll have our final practice session for the ERB test which happens next Wednesday and Thursday. Your child is well prepared, there is nothing for them to worry about; they should remember all they have been working on in class during the last three months when we focused on essay writing, pay attention to the rubric on the whiteboard and stay focused on putting in their best effort; the skills required are not new to them, they are ready to succeed.

ASA’s begin this week for the next 5 weeks. Scholastic Magazines went home Friday and are due back Tuesday, as are the course catalog pink sheets.

I hope you had a terrific weekend and well done again students on your great job with SLC’s.