With so much fun ahead of us, here is what you need to know for our upcoming week:
PEP CONFERENCES:
Thanks to all who have signed up for a PEP conference and completed the survey by last Friday's due date! I will accept sign ups for PEP conferences on 9/17 until this Tuesday afternoon. Additional conferences will be held Oct. 1, 2:10 - 5:25 PM and Oct. 2, 3:25 - 5:25. Click here to sign up for a slot: Fall PEP Conference Sign Up If the times on the spreadsheet do not work for your family, please just let me know. We can make other arrangements to meet.
Please complete and return your survey one week prior to your conference: Parent Survey for PEP - Print and Scan If you prefer to complete your survey online, here is a link to a Google Forms version: Parent Survey - Online
RALSTON CREEK:
Our Water Wednesday trip to Ralston Creek will be a bit different this week. We've made observations about the environmental features in many parts of the creek. Now it is time to begin gathering data to answer some of our other questions. This Wednesday, the Wolves will visit Ralston Creek to collect samples and make specific, targeted observations from the banks. We will not be getting into the water other than to collect limited samples of water and mud. Your child may wish to bring shoes that can get wet, but that is all he or she will need.
SAVE THE DATE! FALL CAMPING TRIP:
As we work in the adventure curriculum toward our four-day trip to an environmental learning center in the spring, we're going to enjoy our first overnight camping adventure as a class. Save the date for Wednesday, October 7 - Thursday, October 8 for our trip to a local camping and wilderness area. Please watch your e-mail inbox for trip specifics within the next week.
IPADS!:
We began working with our iPads as classroom learning tools on Thursday and Friday of last week. We had so much fun and the Wolves developed a fantastic list of guidelines for using the tablets. Here are some happy learners working away on their first project and exploring the apps available for growing their brains.
WORD STUDY:
The Wolves begin their Vocabulary and Word Study this week. As students begin their shift from learning to read to reading to learn, the focus of weekly spelling also evolves. In Grade 5, students will begin curricular word study, which is designed to build vocabulary and spelling skills concurrently. Each week on Monday, students will be assigned 10 words that relate directly to our classroom studies (e.g., terms from our science or social studies work or unknown vocabulary from oral literacy texts). Throughout the week, they will define the words and write sentences using their new vocabulary. On Friday, students will be assessed on the spelling and definition of each term. Students have the option to either complete all work digitally on their iPads using Google Drive or to use old fashioned paper. :) Digital homework is available at home on any tablet or computer with an internet connection. Information on how to log in to student accounts from home will be e-mailed directly to parents this week.
NUTRITION POLICY:
As many of you are likely aware, the ICCSD has recently released a snack/celebration policy for foods shared at school. Willowwind has its own nutritional policy for shared snacks. Please take a look at our policy and be in touch with any questions. Please note that there are many food allergies in the Wolves classroom. As a result, I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss options for food treats prior to any celebrations. Non-food treats are always a fun option, too. Thanks so much for helping us ensure all in our class can participate in celebrations!
READING BUDDIES
On Friday, the Wolves enjoyed our first Reading Buddies visit with our friends in the Cottontail Rabbit classroom. Check out these adorable reading pals!
Rachel