Dear parents,

Next week I will be with the 6th graders on the Redwoods field trip. It is unlikely that I will be able to answer any email queries while I am there, so you if you have any questions that are not urgent, then please hold onto them until I return. The 4th and 5th graders are divided between the remaining upper el teachers and they have been left with work to do.

When we return, there will be the math SAGE test on Tuesday May 8th from 9-12 and that will wrap up the SAGE testing for the year. The following week, beginning May 14th, we will start our continent and country report presentations. Tuesday May 15th is our field trip to Crystal Hot Springs and if you haven’t sent back the permission slips yet, please hold onto them until I return.

Also, on Monday May 14th we are running a “Swap Meet,” a  kind of mini-market, with several other upper el classes. This will run in the morning from 9-11 am and students will have the chance to swap goods, or purchase goods using “Montessori money.” They earn this money during the weeks previous to the swap meet, through good works, being helpful, going above and beyond etc… No “normal” US dollars can be used and students are encouraged to be courteous and honest in their transactions. Typically, students can earn between $15-25 of Montessori money in school prior to the meet. Students can bring baked goods from home (cupcakes, cookies, brownies etc…) and other items they want to swap or sell. School policy still applies though, meaning no candy, soda, weapons, or potentially offensive material can be brought. Also, due to the new Junior High build, we will not be able to run electricity to the black top where it will be held. After the meet we will hold a meeting with the students to see who was the most successful, what goods sold the best, what were the best selling strategies etc… As usual, email me any other questions you may have.

The week beginning May 14th is also spirit week:

Thanks everyone and have a great weekend!

John

Dear parents,

Just an FYI that the SAGE science test is tomorrow afternoon from 12.15-2.45. As usual, students may bring a non-noisy snack, a drink and gum into the testing room.

With thanks – John

Dear 6th grade parents,

Your child should have brought back a paper highlighting some changes to the schedule for the field trip tomorrow to the Planetarium. The most important change that affects you is that pick up from the station is now at 2.30 pm. This is because the previously scheduled train is no longer running.

With thanks – John

Dear parents,

Tomorrow, Friday April 20th, is an early out. Pick up is at 1 pm.

The last field trip of the year is to Crystal Hot Springs on Tuesday May 15th. We will be leaving from North Shore at 9 am to arrive at Crystal Hot Springs at 10 am. We will leave Crystal Hot Springs at 1.45 in order to return for 3 pm pick up. Permission slips will be handed out next week, but here are some basic requirements:

• Swim suit. Girls should wear a one piece. No bikinis or tankinis please. Girls are welcome to wear shorts and/or tops over the one piece.
• Flip flops, towel, plastic bags for wet clothes, sunscreen lotion, and goggles if needed.
• Boys are encouraged to wear a rash guard, but this is not mandatory.
• There is a $1.50 fee for the use of a locker.
• Sack lunch (there are no concessions on site)

The cost, including the water slide, is $7 per student. Donations are gratefully received and can be paid by cash or check at the Front Office, or through this payment link: https://secureinstantpayments.com/sip/cart/event.php?EID=3164

If you wish to volunteer to drive and chaperone at Crystal, then please contact Ms. Alisha at eventhair@yahoo.com. Chaperones will be required to pay $5 for the pools, or $7 if you wish to use the slides.

Please email me if you have any questions.

Thanks – John

Dear parents,

Just an FYI, that tomorrow is the SAGE writing test from 12 midday till 3. Typically the students take 1-2 hours on the test. The same snack and drinks rules as for the previous SAGE test.

Thanks – John

Dear parents,

If you have any photos that you have taken with the children either on field trips or in school could you please email me them. This is the last week for yearbook photo submissions (as well as being the last week for purchasing a yearbook), so any photos that you may have would be great!

Also, the Math SAGE test will be on Tuesday May 8th from 9-12 am.

Many thanks – John

Dear parents,

There are still some open slots for snack till the end of the school year: April 23-27 and all of May is still open. If you can offer snack for any of those dates please follow the link and then remember to record the date on your phone.

Many thanks – John

https://www.wejoinin.com/sheets/atpix

Dear parents,

Ms. Megan, the computer lab teacher, has compiled some information for parents about testing. Here is a copy from her blog:

Please help your child succeed by getting them to bed on time, having them eat a healthy breakfast, and talking to them about how important it is to have a positive attitude/mindset. Also if your child has anxiety regarding testing please talk with them and provide them with skills to ease their anxiety during, before and after  testing.

Here are a few websites with ideas to help your child feel more confident while testing…

https://www.familyeducation.com/school/anxiety-disorders/9-anxiety-busters-kids-taking-standardized-tests

https://www.sadlier.com/school/core-literacy/3-test-taking-strategies-for-elementary-students

http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/Test-Prep-Review-Strategies-Grades-K-5.html

https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/test-taking-tips/

Have a great week!

Ms. Megan

Dear parents,

I hope you have had an enjoyable Spring Break. Here are some important dates leading up to the end of the year.

Thursday and Friday April 12th and 13th – 4th grade History Fair. 4th grade students will display their history projects on Thursday in the school hallways and give an in-class presentation on Friday afternoon.

Friday April 13th from 9-12 am – English Language Arts (ELA) SAGE testing. SAGE testing can be hard and is sometimes stressful for students. Having a good night’s sleep before the test and a good breakfast can be important for the children. Children can bring snacks (which are not noisy/crunchy) into the test room and water. They can also bring gum, but only for use during the test. This ELA test is typically based on reading comprehension.

Thursday April 19th from 12-3 pm – SAGE Writing test. Students will be given either an opinion, or an informational essay to write about. They are encouraged to plan their writing and take their time.

Friday April 20th – early release for teachers’ professional development. Students will finish school at 1 pm.

Tuesday April 24th – 6th grade field trip to the Planetarium. Permission slips and more details regarding Frontrunner transportation will be given in the near future.

Friday April 27th from 12-3 – Science SAGE test.

Monday April 30th through Friday May 4th – 6th grade field trip to the Redwoods.

To be determined, either Tuesday May 8th or Thursday May 10th – Math SAGE test.

Monday May 14th through Friday May 18th – Continent and Country report presentations.

Tuesday 22nd May through Thursday 24th May – Parent Teacher Conferences from 1.30 – 6.30 pm.

Tuesday 22nd May through Friday 25th May – last week of school. Early outs at 1 pm for all students.

Thanks everyone. As usual, any questions please email me.

John