Dear Parents,
     Happy Thursday!!!  I hope everyone is feeling well.  We are dealing with some illnesses here at school.  Please be sure to wash hands and keep your kid home if running a fever.  We would like to limit the amount of germs being spread.  I will be thankful when the sickness is all over!!  This is a short week!!! Lucky students, it is not for teachers.  We will be working hard from 8-4 Friday!  I hope everyone has a happy Valentine's Day!

Language Arts:  This week we read a biography called Harvesting Hope The Story of Cesar Chavez.  It is an interesting story about a time in U.S. History when a draught caused people to lose their farms because they were dried up and brought in no income.  The families who once were successful farmers were forced to move to California to become Migrant Farm workers.  They had to live in tents provided by the Government. Living and working conditions were bad.  Cesar Chavez started a march for better  treatment of the farm workers. Not sure the kids really understood the importance of this in our history, but they do understand what happened during this time period.  Our spelling list was covering suffixes. They find these lists not as hard as others.  In grammar we learned about Independent Clauses and Dependent Clauses.  They understand what they are, but finding them is challenging.  Next week is our last story in Unit 4.  Then we will be testing.

Math -  We finished up chapter 13 on Perimeter and Area today.  I really think they enjoyed this chapter.  We checked the review today and will be having a test over this chapter on Monday.  I think they will do fine.  We have done a lot of work on this chapter and most of it has been partner work using the formulas.  I am confident they have it done.  I would have them measure something at home and find perimeter and area of it.  We did that one day at school for fun.  They enjoyed measuring doors, tables, desks, the whiteboard, front of mailboxes and book shelves.  It is good practice.

Social Studies - We finished up chapter 6.  We will correct those tests on Monday and begin Chapter 7.  It will be the 2nd chapter of the Southeast Region.  I have been swamped this week, and was unable to get them there posters for their projects.  I will do that next week.  The students should be gathering their information and planning out their poster while waiting for the poster board.  If it is planned out it doesn't  take as long to put together.  We have talked about this in class.  Next chapter scratches the surface of some very big events in history that took place in the Southeast.  They are very interesting topics but have so much stuff about them to learn and again we only skim the surface.  On the next test the students will be expected to label a map and put the capitals with it.  I have given them maps to study!

Auction basket - Some parents gathered to discuss the basket.  We have decided on an "Iowa" basket.  They are looking at items from the Iowa store in Valley Junction to put in the basket.  The story contains everything that is made in Iowa.  It could be jellies, jams, bread, butters, t-shirts, artwork, ect.  They even have baskets all ready put together.  We have received a few donations so far.  Please send anything to us and if you are sending money that is great.  Checks can be made out to Kim Coen or Rachel Glynn.  For our silent auction item we make a scrapbook.  I would ask for a $2 donation for that for your child's page.  We will be completing the scrapbook On Wednesday, Feb. 25th.  If anyone is available to help let me know we would love to have you!

Happy Valentine's Day!! Have a great weekend!

God Bless, 
Mrs. Sickels