Service Learning and Snowballs

We had a great first day back!  As a class, we have decided to take on a project to improve the playground for all.  Currently, there is a section of the hill designated for throwing snowballs, but some problems have emerged as it is not engaging for some to throw snow at a hill.

The class is applying the engineering design process to come up with a solution.  Today we worked on ASK:  What is the problem?  What are the constraints? and also IMAGINE: brainstorm ideas.  Tomorrow we will choose the most practical ideas out of the many that came up, and PLAN.  Later this week and next week we will CREATE and IMPROVE when needed.

Our imaginative group of engineers is eagerly working on finding a solution to benefit the whole school!

ECO REMINDER for Friday, January 4

This Friday, due to the projected cold temperatures, we will head outside after lunch and spend the afternoon at Harrison Field.  A hot drink in a thermos is great to pack throughout the winter, and remember to also send your child with a water bottle.

Please send your child in clothing that will keep him/her comfortable outside on a cold day. This includes: comfortable winter boots with (preferably wool) socks, snow pants, a warm jacket, a hat, waterproof gloves or mittens. Hand warmers and long underwear are also helpful in keeping warm. We are in for a very cold outing so let's be over-prepared! Your child can always leave extra layers in his/her bag when not needed.

-Wendy McGuiggan-

225-8238

WendyM@mpsvt.org

5th Grade Craft and Bake Sale

Tomorrow (Wednesday, December 19) we will attend the 5th grade fundraiser for their annual Boston trip.  They will sell items such as snacks, bracelets, books, wood carvings, origami, and more.

Items range between $.50 and $5.  Please send your child with a small amount of money to support the 5th graders if you are able.  Please let me know if you need assistance, as I would like for every child to be able buy something small.

Thank you.

1500 HOOT Reward Friday

Our class has earned over 1500 Hoots for using CARES!  The reward for using cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control was chosen by the class.

In the afternoon on Friday, December 21, the class will have a "sleepover" party with pjs, stuffed animals, snacks, games, and a movie.  The class has decided to watch the cartoon My Neighbor Totoro (rated G).

Kids are welcome to bring in snacks to share with the class, but please refrain from sending candy or soda.  Popcorn will be provided. 

If you have any questions, please call (225-8238) or email me (wendym@mpsvt.org).

ECO DECEMBER 14

Dress your child warmly tomorrow (December 14) for out ECO day.  We will head out to Harrison Field after lunch at 12:00. Your child will need:

• snowpants for waterproof insulation
• a winter coat
• a hat
• gloves or mittens
• boots
• thick (preferable wool) socks
  

I also recommend hand warmers and long underwear.  Let's be over-prepared in order to enjoy a comfortable day outdoors.

ENGINEERING WALLS

We have started a new science unit!  We are learning about materials engineering, the engineering design process, and will apply it (ask, imagine, plan, create, improve) to build walls in our classroom.  Students will experiment with various mortar mixtures and create walls that we will test for strength.  We will complete this unit before Winter Break.

READING

Last week we learned how to be member of a literature circle, or a group of people who come together to discuss books.  Students learned how to perform different roles within a literature circle, and we applied those strategies to our read-aloud There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom by Louis Sachar.

This week the students will try out the various literature circle roles in groups that are reading the same independent reading level books.  Student roles are Discussion Director, Literary Luminary, Vocabulary Enricher, and Checker.  Ask your child to tell you more.