Plans for Camping in June

Brigitte, Jamie, and Diana are making plans for our annual camping trip that will take place the first week in June.  We take over Camp WeChaMe which is located near Galena for three days and two nights.  During this time, we explore nature while on hikes, learn about or world through small group lessons, and bond as a community by participating in singing, skits, and meals-time.  This culminating activity requires the help of everyone, so we are asking all parents to sign-up for chaperoning, teaching, cooking, and any other assistance that you can provide.  Please let me know what you can do to make this the best end-of-the-year experience!

Used Book Sale

Upper Elementary would like to have a used book fair during the Science Fair next week.  We are asking that you send your slightly used books to school by next Wednesday.  We will be set-up in Lissner Hall between 6:00-7:30, please stop by and help us raise funds for some new microscopes.

Communication

Thursday, students were sent home with a goldenod colored paper.  The paper asks you to fill out your contact information.  This information will be used by the Parent, Teacher Organization.  Please look over it, fill it out and return it as soon as possible.  We are trying to make sure that everyone has access to information about the school events and activities.

Yearbooks

Yearbooks are not just for middle school and high school anymore.  This is the second year that HDMS has offered students the opportunity to develop a school-wide yearbook.  The Middle School Yearbook Club has been working on creating a hard bound book which contains pictures of the special and daily events that take place at our school.  The book is reasonably priced and can be purchased through the office or Miss Kelley, our Yearbook committee leader.  I have a copy of last year's if you would like to see a sample of what is included.  It is a great graduation gift and a way to remember the exciting activities that happen each year at our school.  Don't be left out!

CRT TESTING

The first week in March is just around the corner.  This is the week when all 3rd-8th Graders are tested on their knowledge of the year's objectives.  We suggest that student get as much sleep as possible by limiting the evening events during this week. The tests will begin at 9:00 and students that are tardy will not be allowed into the testing environment.  They will need to be tested in the afternoon, so please don't schedule morning appointments for of this week.  A good breakfast high in protein will help them to preform well.  The scores will be part of our Academic Yearly Progress a component of No Child Left Behind.   We are working hard to make sure that everyone does their best, so please practice the ACE problems, discuss math, reading, writing and science when ever possible.  If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Supplies

We are looking for some supplies as we move into the last half of the year.  We are looking for plastic storage containers(shoe box size and smaller) to hold some of our smaller materials and to help us organize some clutter collecting in our closet.  We could use composition books, plastic folders, and newsprint that is three feet wide for our health unit.  We appreciate all that you provided at the beginning of the year and anything that you can provide at this time.  We are beginning to discuss plans for next year, so if you have any thoughts or suggestions, please click on the comment link or the e-mail me envelope at the bottom of the page.

Essay

Some students have worked very hard on their Black History essay, for those students, I would like to give them the opportunity to continue refinements on  their work for another week instead of moving to the narrative essay.  I have enjoyed learning with the students this week.  The room has a new atmosphere.  I hope we can continue to build up the culture that is beginning to develop.

Fight for Education

Please attend a rally, organized by the Nevada State Education Association, on Saturday, February 13 from 9 until 1 at City Hall in support of stopping the budget cuts for education.  The Governor is asking for schools to propose budgets with 10-20% cuts for the 2010-2011 school year.  Approximately, 650 teachers in Washoe County will lose their jobs.  We are at the bottom of the list for per pupil expenditures, but 18th from the top in the number of objectives covered by teachers.  Your attendance is not need for the entire time, but showing up will make an impression.  If you are unable to attend, please write your Governor about express your concern for the future.

Community Help

This information comes to us from the administrator at Mariposa. Once you get to the site click on immigration assistance.

Homework

Last week, I received a minimal amount of homework back on Friday and after talking to the other Upper Elementary teachers we had similar concerns.  Ms. Frost, our Love and Logic Trainer, told us about an up coming webimar on homework.We are thinking of broadcasting it at the school.  Please let me know if you are interested so that we can make the appropriate accommodations.

Sixth Grade Projects

All of our sixth graders received approval on their topics this week, but many of them struggled with finding the required number of books necessary for this big project. Lessons on accessing and reserving materials at the Washoe County Libraries were given to student who had their library cards, and will continue to be given until the end of next week. We are also planning a "going out" for next week on Tuesday or Wednesday to retrieve these materials at the Sparks Library. Sixth graders are required to have a book with them in class each day so that they may work on their note cards as they finish classwork and daily lessons. Five points for topic and 10 points for note cards have been given to those students that were checked this week. More points will be given and past expectations can still be met with a minimal amount of lost points. Help your students to get caught up and stay up-to-date with future deadlines.

Science Help

For science next week (Thursday afternoon 2/11), Linda has planned for the students to create their own earth model, highlighting the layers of the earth. I need five or six volunteers to make a different color of play-dough(e-mail me for your assignment) or send in the ingredients for students to make in class.