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Room 213 Newsletter: Mon., Dec. 14, 2009

Dear Room 213 Families,
 
Writing Celebration This Friday
We will wrap up the calendar year at school with our second writing celebration this Friday, December 18, from 1:00 to 2:00. Students are working hard this week to revise and edit an entry from their Making History journals. Parents and relatives are invited and encouraged to come! It would be great if you could send in some snacks or beverages from the special events list (see the bottom of this page: http://salmonbayschool.org/about/allergies/snack_list). Don’t forget that students are dismissed an hour early this Friday, at 2:25.
 
Also This Friday: Reading Celebration!
Students are encouraged to bring stacks of books, blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, and favorite stuffed animals for Friday morning’s celebration of reading! Although students are welcome to wear comfortable clothing (like pajamas) they will have P.E. in the morning and recess throughout the day, too.
 
Upcoming Dates for Your Calendar
Thursday, December 17                             Geography Bee
Thurs., Dec. 17, at 11:00 & 7:00                Lantern Festival
Friday, December 18, at 1:00                     Writing Celebration
Thursday, January 14, at 7:00                   FOSB Parent Meeting
Monday, January 18                                   No School: MLK Jr Day
Friday, January 29                                       No School: Day between Semesters
Wednesday, February 3                             Two-hour Early Dismissal
Wednesday, February 10, at 7:00             Comedy of Errors
Thurs., Feb. 11, at 9:30 & 7:00                   Comedy of Errors
Friday, February 12, at 9:30                       Comedy of Errors, Cast Party
 
Happy holidays to all,
Brian
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Submitted by Brian Williamson on Wed, 12/16/2009 - 3:09pm

Room 213 Newsletter: Mon., Dec. 7, 2009

Dear Room 213 Families,
 
Carkeek Park Field Trip Tomorrow!
Our field trip to view the salmon returning to Pipers Creek is tomorrow morning. We’ll travel by school bus, leaving at about 9:30 and returning at about 12:30 (students can still buy lunch in the cafeteria). Students will need weather-appropriate clothing: we’ll be out in the cold for two hours, so hats, gloves, and multiple layers are necessary. Parent chaperones may wish to drive themselves to avoid being crammed on a single bus with two classes of students. Jane, Jen, Teresa, Lisa Ann, Lynn, Justin, Andrea, Jean, and Aundi  have all volunteered to come along. This is a greater number of chaperones than we really need so if some of you would prefer to sit this one out, please let me know.
 
Making History: Hands-On Projects Meeting
Please join us this coming Friday afternoon at 3:30 in Room 213 to discuss and plan hands-on activities to enrich our Making History project. This past summer, many of you indicated that you could teach our students such diverse topics as plant identification, basketry, jewelry, spinning and weaving, medicine, or gardening. We’d love to get these activities on the calendar.
 
Literature Groups
We’ll be starting new books in our literature groups after the holiday vacation. I’d like to chat with parents who are interested in leading one of these weekly lit groups. So far, Britt, Aundi, Elisabeth, Trilby, and Jen have indicated that they could be enticed into participating. Any others? Please let me know.
 
Making History at Home: Online Resources
Many enthusiastic students have been taking their notebooks home to research and write in the evening and over the weekend. You should know that the school district offers some useful online resources available at:
 
 
Username: studentsps
Password: access
 
I have also posted many links to Making History topics at:
 
delicious.com/bjwilliamson
 
Upcoming Dates for Your Calendar
Tuesday, December 8                                 Field Trip to Carkeek Park
Thursday, December 17                             Geography Bee
Thursday, December 17, at 7:00               Lantern Festival
Friday, December 18, at 1:00                     Writing Celebration
 
Thanks,
Brian
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Submitted by Brian Williamson on Mon, 12/07/2009 - 5:14pm

Room 213 Newsletter: Mon., Nov. 30, 2009

Dear Room 213 Families,
 
Message from Jan: All Kinds of Help Needed for The Comedy of Errors!
My biggest need is for parents who can attend and help out at rehearsals. Rehearsals are pretty boring when you’re not on stage, and children are given to entertaining themselves in loud and distracting ways. Since my attention is devoted to what IS happening on stage, it is helpful - essential really - to have another adult assist students in finding a quiet ways to fill their off-stage time. These parents also set-up and manage snack.
 
Second, I am looking for a costume angel, a task Lisa Colman filled so capably last year. You will be happy to learn that this does not involve sewing. It does require someone who can be available between 3:00 and 4:00ish on Mondays/Wednesdays of rehearsal days. This person will assist students in trying on costumes, noting repairs and alterations that need to be made, and organizing the costumes on hangers identified by character.
 
There will be some sewing that needs to be done, but not necessarily by the costume angel. If you are a parent who sews and are willing to help out with this, please let Jan know.
 
Third, We need set people. Students will be doing the actual work supervised by parents and Brian. You can contact Brian directly about times.
 
Contact Jan by e-mail jmcintoshwilson@comcast.net or phone 206 526 9044 to volunteer for rehearsal, sewing and organizing costumes.
 
Carkeek Park Field Trip Permission Slips
I am sending home permission slips this afternoon for our field trip to Carkeek Park on Tuesday, December 8, to watch the returning salmon. We’ll travel by school bus, leaving school at about 9:30 and returning at about 12:30. We will need several parents to accompany us so please let me know if you'll be able to come. Parent chaperones may wish to drive themselves to the park to avoid being crammed on a single bus with two classes of students. Students will need appropriate footwear and clothing for a wet and muddy morning as well as a lunch from home to eat in class once we return.
 
Making History at Home: Online Resources
Many enthusiastic students have been taking their notebooks home to research and write in the evening and over the weekend. You should know that the school district offers some useful online resources available at:
 
 
Username: studentsps
Password: access
 
I have also posted many links to Making History topics at:
 
delicious.com/bjwilliamson
 
Writing Celebration
We will wrap up the calendar year at school with our second writing celebration on Friday, December 18, from 1:00 to 2:00. Parents and relatives are invited and encouraged to come!
 
Homework
Students have a math assignment due Friday and are asked to read for at least 20 minutes each evening.
 
Thanks,
Brian
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Submitted by Brian Williamson on Fri, 12/04/2009 - 4:40pm

Room 213 Newsletter: Mon., Nov. 16, 2009

Dear Room 213 Families,
 
The Comedy of Errors
Jan will return for our next rehearsals, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, from 1:00 to 2:00, and Friday afternoon, from 2:20 to 3:20. Thank you for helping your student to learn his or her lines.
 
Conferences
Please see the attached schedule. You might think about these questions before your conference:
 
·         What do you see as your child’s strengths this year?
·         What do you see your child being interested in this year?
·         What do you hope that your child will work on this year?
 
Computers
We have three old iMac computers in the classroom that are not functional currently. Would you be willing spend some time trying to get them up and running? Please let me know.
 
Homework
Students have a packet of logic problems to do at home this week. They are asked to read for at least 20 minutes each evening. Many students are also working hard to learn their lines for the play.
 
Upcoming Dates for Your Calendar
Saturday, November 21                  Fair Trade Fair and Pancake Breakfast
Mon., Nov. 23-Fri., Nov. 25             No School for Conferences and Thanksgiving
Tuesday, December 8                     Field Trip to Carkeek Park
Thursday, December 17                 Geography Bee
Thursday, December 17, at 7:00   Lantern Festival                  
 
 
Thanks,
Brian
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Submitted by Brian Williamson on Tue, 11/17/2009 - 5:04pm

Room 213 Newsletter: Mon., Nov. 2, 2009

Dear Room 213 Families,

 

Seattle Art Museum Field Trip Permission Slip

Permission slips will be coming home tomorrow for our visit to the art museum next Friday, November 13, to take in the Alexander Calder and Michaelangelo exhibits. We’ll leave school at about 10:15, and travel by Metro bus to the museum. Once we arrive, we’ll eat lunch and then enter the galleries at 11:30. We should arrive back at school at about 3:00. Several of you have let me know that you’d like to chaperone, but I’d appreciate it if you’d indicate on the permission slip if you’re still willing and able to attend. Students will need a sack lunch that day.

 

Making History

Our cultures on now on their second turns at the map. Please ask your child about his or her culture, which skills they’ve acquired, and how he or she is working to develop these skills. All of you are welcome and encouraged to come see Making History in action, from 1:00 to 2:00 daily.

 

Upcoming Dates for Your Calendar

Tuesday, November 3                     Photo Retakes

Thursday, November 5, at 7:00     Parent Information Exchange Event

Wednesday, November 11            No School

Thursday, November 12, at 7:00   FOSB Meeting

Friday, November 13                       Field Trip to Seattle Art Museum

Mon., Nov. 23-Fri., Nov. 25             No School for Conferences and Thanksgiving

Tuesday, December 8                     Field Trip to Carkeek Park

 

Thanks,

Brian

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Submitted by Brian Williamson on Tue, 11/17/2009 - 5:00pm

Room 213 Newsletter: Mon., Oct. 26, 2009

Dear Room 213 Families,
 
Halloween
We’ll be celebrating Halloween this Friday afternoon. The usual rules for costumes are in effect: no weapons, no masks. Students will change into their costumes in the afternoon beginning at 1:45 and parade around the upper field at 2:15. Then, we’ll watch a movie and enjoy some snacks. If you are able to provide a treat (including beverages, but please, no soda pop) for this event from one of the approved snack lists, please send it to school on Halloween:
 
 
I would really appreciate some assistance with the treats. Can you come to school by 1:30 to set up plates and pour drinks? Please let me know.
 
The Comedy of Errors
Jan and Judy will be holding auditions beginning tomorrow afternoon. Further auditions will be held on Thursday and, if needed, next week. The cast list will be announced on Friday, November 6.
 
Conferences
Please see the attached calendar if you have not yet scheduled a November conference with me. Let me know which date and time work best for you.
 
Making History
All but one of the culture groups have had their first turn at the map. Please ask your child about his or her culture, which skills they’ve acquired, and how he or she is working to develop these skills. All of you are welcome and encouraged to come see Making History in action, from 1:00 to 2:00 daily.
 
Upcoming Dates for Your Calendar
Wednesday, October 28     Early Dismissal at 1:25
Friday, October 30     Halloween Celebration
Tuesday, November 3     Photo Retakes
Thursday, November 5, at 7:00     Parent Information Exchange Event
Wednesday, November 11     No School
Friday, November 13     Field Trip to Seattle Art Museum
Mon., Nov. 23-Fri., Nov. 25     No School for Conferences and Thanksgiving
Tuesday, December 8     Field Trip to Carkeek Park
 
Thanks,
Brian
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Submitted by Brian Williamson on Mon, 10/26/2009 - 4:15pm

Room 213 Newsletter: Tues., Oct. 20, 2009

Dear Room 213 Families,

 

Writing Celebration

We had a wonderful writing and map celebration last Friday! Thanks for coming! I will display our  writing and maps for a few weeks before collecting the pieces of writing in student portfolios. You are welcome to stop in our hall and look at all of the projects.

 

The Comedy of Errors

Jan and Judy have announced that this year’s Shakespeare play will be The Comedy of Errors in a Beatles circus theme! Students should try to turn in their audition forms by Wednesday if possible. Students wishing for a speaking part will then audition using a small section of the script beginning the afternoon of October 27.

 

Here is a letter from Judy with details for volunteers:

 

Hello! As you may have heard, we’re in the midst of launching this year’s Shakespeare experience for 4th/5th graders (performances in February, just before mid-winter break)..  We are asking students to think about how they would like to participate (acting?  designing/building sets?  playing in the marimba band?  playing another instrument? working on the stage crew?), and…  we’d like to ask for YOUR help as well.  This year we will be producing a musical rendition of The Comedy of Errors, with songs from the Beatles (rewritten) and original “interlude” music performed on marimba.  I’m in search of a few intrepid (adult) musical souls who would consider being a part of our BAND, as well as parents interested in taking a lead or assistant role in the creation of SETS for the play.   Though the bulk of music and set work will happen after January 1st, I would like to have a good sense of who is available for what as soon as possible (we will  design music and sets accordingly). 

 

Our intention each year is to make this production a real and a positive learning experience for all 55 students in Brian’s and Nicolette’s classes.   We try to pay attention to the needs and style of individuals and group, to be as flexible as we can and to keep the integrity of the play as both a Shakespeare drama and a musical.  We would love to have your help!

 

If you are interested in joining the production team (or if you have questions), please let me know.  I am looking forward to it.

 

Take care,

Judy Bierman

judybierman@hotmail.com

206-898-5250

360-579-1289

 

Upcoming Dates for Your Calendar

Wednesday, October 28     Early Dismissal at 1:25

Friday, October 30     Halloween Celebration

Tuesday, November 3      Photo Retakes

Thursday, November 5, at 7:00     Parent Information Exchange Event

Wednesday, November 11     No School

Friday, November 13     Field Trip to Seattle Art Museum

Mon., Nov. 23-Fri., Nov. 25     No School for Conferences and Thanksgiving

Tuesday, December 8     Field Trip to Carkeek Park

 

Thanks,

Brian

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Submitted by Brian Williamson on Thu, 10/22/2009 - 1:39pm

Room 213 Newsletter: Mon., Oct. 12, 2009

Dear Room 213 Families,
 
Writing & Maps Celebration This Friday
We are wrapping up our study of maps and our personal narrative writing unit this Friday, October 16, from 1:00 to 2:00, with a celebration of our work at school so far this year. Parents and relatives are invited and encouraged to come! It would be great if you could send in some snacks or beverages from the special events list (see the bottom of this page: http://salmonbayschool.org/about/allergies/snack_list).
 
Conferences
Please see the attached calendar if you have not yet scheduled a November conference with me. Let me know which date and time work best for you.
 
Homework
Students are asked to read for at least 20 minutes each evening. Your student may need to bring his or her writing or map projects home this week. There will be some math homework on Tuesday night.
 
Upcoming Dates for Your Calendar
Saturday, October 17, at 8 pm     Rock fer FOSB, at the Salmon Bay Eagles
Wednesday, October 28     Early Dismissal at 1:25
Friday, October 30     Halloween Celebration
Wednesday, November 11     No School
Friday, November 13     Field Trip to Seattle Art Museum
Tuesday, December 8     Field Trip to Carkeek Park
 
Thanks very much,
Brian
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Submitted by Brian Williamson on Tue, 10/13/2009 - 12:23pm
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