Thursday Thoughts

Good afternoon,
Here are a collection of assorted details that you may find helpful in the next few days!

Friday Field Trip
Tomorrow is our field trip to Tryon Creek State Park. The current forecast says it could be wet, and most assuredly cold, as we will be outside most of the morning. Please make sure your child is ready for the elements with a hat, coat, and gloves. Students should be in regular school uniform or FT t-shirt and good walking shoes. They also need to bring a backpack with their snack, lunch, and water bottle for the day. 

Explorer Project Status
Tonight is the night to complete the last artifact! Once the box and artifacts are finished, your student should be practicing their presentation. Students #1-13 will present on Tuesday, and students #14-27 will present on Wednesday. Both days' presentations will be from 12:15-1:15 in the classroom, and parents are welcome to attend. Please see the last blog post for full project details and the scoring rubric. 

Students should also begin the Explorer unit review, found at the end of the Explorer Journal. The assessment is next Thursday. 

Math- Intermediate 4
Yesterday's math assessment was a challenge for many students. Today we went over similar questions, reviewed concepts, and looked for common errors. This weekend your child should complete their test corrections (preferably with the help of an adult) and the practice page 11B. Please keep in mind that these are "check-in" not final assessments, and it's ok if there are concepts that are still developing. Saxon will continue to present and review over and over again, and that exposure ensures that everyone eventually "gets it". We will continue practicing and reviewing in class as well!

Portfolios, Progress Reports, and Student-led Conferences
Thank you for returning the portfolios. The end of the semester is here, and I'll be using them to assess student growth as I work on Progress Reports (mid-year report card) over the next few weeks. Updated portfolios and the progress reports will be available for you to view and take home at the student-led conference on February 6th. I look forward to seeing you all then!

Battle of the Books
BOB is underway! The battles have been pushed back by 1 week since the books were not available right away. Books have arrived and been handed out, and every student should have one by now. Students may also check books out from the library, listen to audio books, or download on an eReader. I know many of you live in Clackamas, but the Multnomah County libraries have multiple copies of many titles still available. They also have eBook loans via the Overdrive app. 
Free audio books (for download) here: (or on a device, the librivox app is free and very good!)
Swiss Family Robinson 
Wizard of Oz
Last of the Mohicans
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Red Badge of Courage

Class Clean-up
There's been a long period of open slots on the Thursday cleaning schedule. If you'd like to help out, please check out the Sign-up genius. Thank you!