Sorry-- Long Time, no Postings-- Lots to catch up on!

Welcome Home, Paul!

I apologize for not writing earlier, Time to catch up!

Since the last time I wrote, kids have been working very hard on the WASL. They are coming to school focused and ready to do their very best on the tests. Some are surprised that the science tests are taking them less time to complete then they thought. They are doing a great job at going back and looking over their work. Good job fifth graders!!!

What else is new in F3? Well, in the afternoons, students have been learning all about what life was like in Colonial Boston. Students have taken on new names in the afternoons, been assigned jobs of their own, and family members to work with. Please ask your child about what they have learned about Colonial Boston over dinner each night-- you'll learn that they are learning more and more everyday. Students will be learning about the years 1765 all the way to the American Revolution in social studies.

Next week, students will be starting our Microworlds unit. As part of our service learning project, we will be having a Blood Drive here at the school on May 30th. We are hoping that you can be convinced by your child to come and donate blood on that day here at Maple! More details to come.

The best news of all is saved here for last: Paul is now stateside! He's back in the states, right now at Camp Lejune in North Carolina. He'll be back in Seattle in a couple of weeks and we will have a welcome back celebration for him here in F3. The kids are really looking forward to seeing him, especially after getting their very own letters from him in the mail last week!

Update! We were in the American Legion Newsletter!

Welcome Back from Spring Break!

Bring your slippers for the WASL!!

Hope everyone had a fantastic break. I enjoyed a relaxing week right here on Beacon Hill, and I'm jazzed to see all my kids this week.

Coming up this week we will be working hard to prepare the classroom and ourselves for the WASL.Testing will take place Tuesday through Friday for two weeks beginning next week on April 15. The schedule for the testing can be found on the class calendar.

Please make sure that you come to school rested and ready for taking the WASL. It will involve a lot of patience and endurance. That means that I want you to make sure that after school you are playing outside and getting lots of exercise, at night you are having a good hearty dinner, and in the morning you are eating breakfast. There will be snacks and a break everyday, but you need to make sure that you are taking care of your body the rest of the day so that you do not get overwhelmed.

Thanks to all the kids who raised money for the walk a thon. Our class raised over $200 for next year's fifth graders to go to camp! Good job!!

Starting this week in the afternoons, Mr. McClelland will be beginning a unit on Colonial America. This unit will last for several weeks and involve all subject areas.

Cheers!!