4th Graders Explore Torrey Pines, 5th Graders Fly Solo

Tomorrow's field trip to Torrey Pines supports the 4th grade geology curriculum.  We will be looking at methods of weathering 'in action.'  Please be sure to pack a lunch and wear shoes designed for hiking.  The weather forecast predicts a chilly morning, however a warmer afternoon.  Dress appropriately.

The 5th graders will be 'flying solo' under the supervision of Mr. Hayes' substitute with possible self-study designed lesson plans.  So far, only one 5th grader has posted his plan of action for tomorrow.  Don't miss this opportunity to make your learning catered to your interests/needs, and post your lessons on mybigcampus.com.

Nonfiction Research Project

Happy Holidays!  With only four days remaining until winter break, the students in B3 are finishing their research projects to be presented this Friday, December 20, 2013.  These reports were derived from self-selected topics and have been developed over the course of five weeks of instruction.  Here are the guidelines for evaluation:

     1.  Self-chosen topics
     2. Research that contains at least:  20 facts (4th graders)  or 40 facts (5th graders).
     3.  Length:  1 page to 10 pages.
     4.  A minimum of THREE SOURCES which can include websites, experts, books, or articles.
     5.  At least THREE facts must be cited as quotes in the running text.
     6.  A bibliography must be included that cites the various sources.
     7.  At least FIVE text features (photos, captions, graphs, bylines, subtitles, etc.) must be included.
     8.  The report must be structured to be support their audience's understanding.

December 2, 2013 Homework

Welcome back from the week-long break.  Hopefully everyone had a restful time off and enjoyed creating memories with loved ones.  Here is today's homework:

4th Grade Math:  6-1 (both sides)
5th Grade Math:  5-3 (Practice Side)
4/5 Writing:  Create a 'blueprint' for your nonfiction/informative text

Also, be sure to read to Monday's goal in your chapter book.

Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences

Happy Hump Day!  We are halfway finished with a hectic week of student-centered conferences.  Thank you to everyone that has carved time out of their busy schedules to meet and discuss student progress.

Tomorrow is Parent Involvement Day, so show your support by joining us in the library at 9:30.  Breakfast, childcare and a brief introduction will be offered free of cost (bring in some canned goods for our food drive instead).  Then you will be able to spend some time in your child's classroom(s).  Finally, you will return to the library for a Q and A session on the Common Core State Standards.
Since the Torrey Pines field trip has been postponed to January (date TBD), so I really hope to see you tomorrow.

Finally, Friday is a day of celebration.  The students in B3 have been reading a variety of texts about Thanksgiving, and we have recently finished The Island of the Blue Dolphins.  The culminating projects will be presented by individuals and groups beginning at 10:30am. After recess we will commence the group project presentations.  Then to wrap it up B3 rockstar-style, we will be feasting.  Please bring in a traditional family dish for the class to sample that is commonly served at your family's Thanksgiving.  I have found a bakery that is willing to donate cupcakes, and I plan to bring pumpkin pie, a Maggard family staple.

If you have any questions, please email me at:  dmaggard@sandi.net.

Scholastic Book Clubs

Scholastic Book Club ordering can be done online:  https://orders.scholastic.com/HRVNG

We should be receiving this month's order soon along with next month's catalog.

3D Printer

This 3D Printer will soon be one of B3's tech toys!  In only one day, the bundle (worth over $2600) was fully funded on donorschoose.org.

Looking Ahead...

           The upcoming week is conference week, students will be dismissed at 1:25pm daily. 
 If you have a conference after school and your child rides the bus, please be sure to notify 
the office staff that he/she will not be riding the bus home on that day.  I look forward to
 sitting down with you and your child to discuss their performance so far this year.  PLEASE 
remember to bring your student along, it IS all about them, so they are a key component of
 the meeting.
            Thursday 11/21/13 we will be going to Torrey Pines for our second field trip.  Parent
 volunteers are ALWAYS welcome, but if you can't join us, you can still help out.  This 
Thursday is also National Parent Involvement Day, and the PTA is hosting an event.  They 
are asking that parents come to school at 9:30 to learn more about the newly adopted Common 
Core Standards and visit classrooms.  They are supporting the school-wide canned food drive 
by asking parents to bring in some nonperishable food item that will be donated to The Salvation
 Army.  Students will be brining home a flier for further details or you may contact the PTA 
directly to RSVP for childcare/translation services at:  
  cbobryk-pta@san.rr.com.
        Friday is also another big day on our campus.  We will be concluding out unit on
 Thanksgiving, as well as celebrating it with a classroom feast.  The presentations of The 
Island of the Blue Dolphins project is scheduled to begin at 9:30, while the feast will take 
place during our normal modified day-lunch time at 12:00.  Please send a dish that is
 commonly served on your family's table to share with the class.  You are also invited to join us!  
With the variety of cultures represented in our classroom,
 I anticipate we will have quite a cornucopia of food.       

 Finally, Friday is also the final day of the Food Drive.  Please peruse your cabinets and
donate any canned goods to help feed less fortunate families in San Diego during the holiday season.  
We can also have pizza at our feast if we collect the most cans than the other classrooms.

 

Thanks in advance for your support!