Happy Mother's Day moms!  We have finished all standardized testing and do not expect any results until the end of the month.  The children worked hard and are relieved to be studying about Greek Mythology!  I am amazed at what they already know and their enthusiasm for the gods and goddesses is contagious.

Thank you to those who have volunteered to help out in some way at our end of year Toga party.  Paula Zurcher (Francisco's mom in Mrs. Heemer's class) has kindly volunteered to coordinate the event and more information will be coming soon.  Also, thanks to those who have responded to the Portfolio Picnic next week; please send the response form back to school when you have decided so your child will be prepared.  It is a good time and gives the students opportunity to share their work and thoughts with you.  And finally, a BIG thank you for the many cards, treats, gifts, and beautiful words given to me during Teacher Appreciation Week; I certainly do feel appreciated.  I am appreciative for your support and for the students' efforts in this year of so many new things implemented by the District and State.

This week we will catch up on some Weekly Readers, introduce positive and negative integers (as requested by 5th grade), explore more Greek Mythology, learn about The Rise of the Lone Star State, and introduce cells-tissues-organs-organ systems in science. 

One final suggestion:  please continue to stress the multiplication facts (as well as the basic addition and subtraction facts).  These must be firm and automatic in 5th grade; they will "hit the ground running" with positive and negative numbers, greatest common factor, and least common multiple.  This knowledge will make math so much easier!

Have a good week; the end is near!