Dear Parents,

     Happy Friday!   I am so sorry this is a day late! I pray none of you get the stomach flu.  It is definitely no fun and pretty miserable.  I have not been around anyone who has had it either.  The weather has been great!  I hope everyone is getting out and enjoying it!   I have not yet but hope to today and tomorrow for sure.  I hope Spring is here to stay.  

Language Arts -  This week we are reading a story about Cesar Chavez who fought for the Migrant Farm Workers in California in the 1960"s. The story is called Harvesting Hope. This was very interesting because in our read a loud book Three Keys which is focusing on immigrants. One of the character's jobs was working as a migrant farmer.  We could make a connection from this story to the character in the book.  This is an interesting story.  They were definitely learning something new.  We worked on Clauses in grammar which are very difficult.  The way they have me teach it is different from the way the test them so they will only being completing the first 5 grammar questions today on their end of week test.  The Vocab strategy was over Resource books.  The dictionary is what they practiced.  We will read the story again and go over discussion questions today then end with out test.

Math - This week we have been busy learning to work with checks, deposit slips, and check registers.  One day they shopped at DQ, one at Wal-Mart and they have paid me money for school supplies.  I have given them money to count out and deposit into their accounts.  Every student has a different balance in their check register based on what I have given them and what they have chosen to spend.  It is fun to see what they choose to spend money on.  It is a wide range of things in here.  Some I expect others I do not.  Next Wednesday is our day to play it out. Again they will write a check to the school for lunch account.  They will buy a bag of popcorn and then they will go to a store and purchase things.  It will all depend on the money they have.  All of them will have the same amount that day.  They have worked 2 jobs here at school to earn a paycheck and then they will receive a birthday gift.  They are looking forward to this day because they will all walk around the building to do these things.  They will go to the office to pay lunch bill, kitchen to buy popcorn and then 7th grade room or art room to shop in the store. It will be fun.

Social Studies - Today we are taking a map test.  I was not here yesterday so I was not here to remind them but they knew it was happening.  We will see how they do.  We will have another one so they have another opportunity to improve.  They will also be given a map skills page today for homework.   

Today was a Spirit day!  Several of the remembered!  I am sorry I did not get to remind them.  Mrs. Clark had knee replacement surgery on Tuesday so some of the money we have earned is going to her to help with meals.

Conferences -  Next week is conferences and the first part of Spring Break!  Everyone is signed up for a time! I am anxious to talk to all of you about your child's progress.  See you next week!

Book Fair -  We will have a book fair next week during conferences.  The kids will have the opportunity to visit the fair and make a wish list. They can bring money to purchase books on Thursday.  We have someone who want to purchase a book for each child in my classroom.  They will be able to pick out one book that will be bought for them.  I made them aware of this today.  The kids were very gracious about it.  I will have them give me the book they want so that I can keep a total.  I did not get Book Fair papers sent home yesterday. I will send them home on Monday with the kids.  It is just a sampling of what they will see at the book fair.

I hope all of you have a great weekend and get out to enjoy the fabulous weather.  I will be with family as we gather to buy my Great-Uncle who passed away in California.  He is originally from Ellston and will be laid to rest there.  I will be seeing family I have not seen in years.  My uncle was my Grandmother's brother and has not lived in the area for years. He was 90 and the last living of my grandmother's siblings.  So a family reunited.

God Bless,

Mrs. Sickels