Isabelle, Volume 6: September 22, 2014

Another fantastic week, it has been! We are coming to the end of our first unit of inquiry on food. Students have really taken ownership and responsibility of their learning by challenging themselves to think deeply about our central idea Food is complicated and presents many challenges. I am sure you are equally impressed by some of the thoughts, questions, and ideas students shared this Wednesday evening as you read over their experiences on our farm field trip! Some students saw cows for the first time, while others tackled ideas of how to improve irrigation systems. Even further, many students experienced how farming life is difficult because of its physical demands, low-pay, and other 3rd world farming challenges. Many connections were made to this game, which we used as a learning tool to understand the world of farming.

What's that smell? Cow Manure, nature's alternative to chemically-enhanced fertilizers. "One person's waste is another person's treasure."

Hassaan exploring the grapevine fields.

Cotton fields ahead!

Plastic trash and irrigation don't mix. 

Picking cucumbers at the base of corn crops. The corn is not for human consumption, but for the farm livestock. So cool!

Christopher harvesting a cucumber!

Anymore?

Math review centers just before our end of unit assessment! We rocked them! Students enjoyed moving around the room and sharing all their ideas through mathematical arguing!

We took our first NWEA-MAP English Language Arts (ELA) test Thursday. After which, we stretched and did an activity to get our bodies moving again. Enjoy the laughter!

Owl of the Week
My name is Isabelle. I live with my mom, dad, and my little sister in Uzbekistan. Meeting new friends is certainly the most exciting thing about school. Some of my favorite things to do outside of school are read, swim, ice skate, and play outside. If I could change anything about the world, it would be to make the law say "No more littering" or "No more Oil Spills!" A person I admire is my mom because she helps me and I love her. My favorite dinner is potato dumplings and my least favorite dinner is sandwiches.

"Green" Potluck at TIS 
Hard work should always be rewarded with food, right? This Friday, 9/26/14 we will have Green potluck. This means please have your child bring reusable plates, cups, knives, forks, and spoons, along with his/her dish to share, Friday. All are welcome to attend. Any questions, please email me.

Monthly Book Presentations

Please check the blog post that includes the book sharing schedule.

NWEA Testing
ELA is done and we have Math on Monday. Be sure to get a good evenings rest on Saturday and Sunday!

*Homework: Book presentations are coming up!

Monday:  1. Math multiplication activity 2. Fill out form:  What will I bring to the International Potluck?  Have your parent sign it.

Tuesday:  Math multiplication activity

Wednesday (1/2 Day dismissal at 11:30 a.m.):  Write down the recipe for making your special dish that you will bring to the potluck.  Include all ingredients and processes.  Write it neatly, as we will be scanning these and making a digital 4^th grade International Cookbook!

Thursday:  Get ready for the International “Green” Potluck.  Gather ingredients, and make food!  Your parent may bring it to school at 12:35 or you can bring it in the morning. 

What to bring to the potluck:

1.        Your food to share

2.        Serving Utensil:  a knife, a large spoon, a fork, as needed.

3.        Reusable plates, cups, and knives, forks, and spoons.  A sturdy bag to pack for transporting all of this STUFF!

*It is expected that every child read 20 minutes nightly to improve their fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and overall reading skills. Plus, reading is fun!

*Please note: Everyday a Take-Home folder must go to and from school.

Up-coming Events:

9/20 20th Anniversary of TIS Celebration

9/22 NWEA Math Testing
9/24 Teacher Professional Development - 1/2 Day for students!
9/26 12:35-1:35 "Green" Potluck at TIS (Culminating Food Inquiry Celebration)
10/1 No School- Teacher's Day
10/6-1/13 No School- Fall break
10/23 Elementary Math Night
10/15 UN Day
10/29 Teacher Professional Development - 1/2 Day for students!

Ways to Contact Me/School:
E-mail: michaelr@tashschool.org
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