News this week in Room17

Hello Parents of Room 17!

Thank you for attending the Update Parent Meeting on Monday.  I think it was a great opportunity to hear concerns, clarify classroom learning strategies, and answer questions about how things are going in Room 17.  As always, please feel free to email me at anytime if you have further questions. I usually respond within a few hours during the school week.

This week, we had another wonderful and engaging "Council."  Our topic was bullying and I believe our students were quite courageous as many took the risk of sharing their thoughts and feelings on this sensitive subject.  All students were very respectful of each other and acknowledged one another's feelings about experiences that were shared.

We also had some changes in our room.  The cardboard boxes were cleared off the tops of desks as some were being filled with used tissues, candy wrappers, and pencil shavings which buried the broken pencils below!  Now we have clean canvas pencil pouches that can be easily carried to the library or computer lab.  Any personal items in the old boxes belonging to students were returned today and more will be returned tomorrow.

In math, all 5th graders are shining stars in the understanding of their math topic of division.  Some of our 6th graders were struggling with the challenges of the conversion process between decimals, percents, and fractions.  Today, Ms. Arika, Ms. Enriquez, Ms Porter, and myself tackled a rigorous review.  Many of our students received individual assistance as well as small group instruction.

Lastly, I am thrilled to report that our student-composed songs are complete.  Today, all students went home with their CDs and music sheets in hand.  Be sure to ask them to play their music for you!

I am very much looking forward to an exciting science camp coming up soon!  Please see the information letter that we sent home regarding the science curriculum, lodging, and payment due dates.

Sincerely,

Ms,. Madrigal