Week of December 10-14, 2007

Dear Parents,

We're having a Mexican Fiesta for our end of the year party on December 21, followed by a White Elephant Exchange. Our Room Moms are organizing the party, but I'm sure they would like a little help with the preparation and serving. And of course, it wouldn't be a celebration without you. Please come to the fiesta, and join us for lunch as we say good-by to 2007 and make a few resolutions.

I'm asking each child to bring in $5.00 to cover the cost of the party. The students are planning the menu this week, but there is always room for any holiday treat you'd like to make for the party.

As for the White Elephant, it's something you have, but don't want, it's old, but not worn out, it's funny or ugly, but charming, it has all its parts, and needs a new good home. The gift exchange is optional. Everyone who brings in a wrapped White Elephant will get a gift in the exchange.

This week I'm giving out a packet of science projects that go with our next unit of study, how atmospheric conditions are measured. Students are required to make any two projects and include a short write-up about the projects they make. They are due January 31, two weeks after we return from the winter vacation. If you are home and looking for something to do over the break, these projects can be easily completed in an afternoon. If you are away, the due date gives everyone enough time to complete both projects when school resumes in January.

Just a few more things:
* No News Teams this week.

* Congratulations to Lauren Reade and Dante Gomez. The class voted to have them represent our class on the Rio Leadership Team. Congratulations to all the students who wrote speeches. The voting results were very close and everyone was very qualified.

* Join us at the Poetry Cafe on Thursday at 10:20. You'll be in for a treat!

* Any one have a table lamp I can borrow for the Poetry Cafe??

* Remember to send back permission slip and $1.00 for the play at the Jr High.

Homework: Read nightly for 3o minutes.

Monday
Social studies - the remaining two pieces for the museum are due on Friday
Math - lesson 81, all
Spelling - Contract OR pages 180/181
Poetry - Be prepared with two poems to recite on Thursday

Tuesday
Math - lessons 82 and 83, even only
Spelling - Contract OR pages 182/183
Grammar - pages 40/43

Wednesday
Math - lesson 84, all
Grammar - pages 69/73
Practice poems!!!

Thursday
Math - lesson 85
DLP
Read Aloud - your choice

Stay warm, dry, and healthy during these busy days.

Best regards for a great week,

Melanie Jaynes