Happy New Year!!!!

Wowzers!!!! Can you believe that it is 2009 already. Only 5 months to go until school is out!!!! That is amazing. Boy, is there a lot going on here at school. A couple changes to mention first.

Beginning, January 19th, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders will be switching classes for Reading, Science and Math instead of English, Science and Math. Mrs. Chartier, Mrs. Weigum, and Mr. Gerke and I felt this change was necessary because students were not getting enough time for reading during the regular school day. This is going to be a great change for the students. I can't wait.

Science Fair: As this is my first year teaching science, and much discussion with Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Chartier, Mrs. Weigum and I, we have decided to make Science Fair optional for all classes 4th grade through 6th grade. Next year, I hope to make it mandatory for sixth grade at least. Your children will be allowed to work on Science Fair on Tuesday's and Wednesday's during LEAP. Students do not have to be members of LEAP to participate. I would strongly encourage all the students to participate; however it is optional. The Great Falls Science Fair will be held on Saturday, February 21st. I am sorry for the inconvenience that this may have caused.

4th Graders will be having a test on Friday, January 9th over weather and the water cycle. Please watch for the study guide on Tuesday, January 6th. We will be working on this in class on Wednesday. We will play a review game on Thursday and test on Friday.

5th Graders started a new chapter today over ecosystems. They will be having a test next Friday (January 16th)

6th Graders will continue to study Plate Tectonics. I will let you know when their test is. Tuesday, January 13th, 6th graders will need to bring a plain t-shirt of any color. We will be doing fish art on the shirts. All colors work great. If you plan on purchasing a new shirt, please wash before you bring it in. If you are unable to provide a shirt, please let me know by January 9th.

Accelerated Reading: 6th grade has their 4th book due on January 16th. Let's keep reading!!!!!

Hope you had a wonderful holiday. Please feel free to email me or stop by!

Mrs. Burton