latest news:

DECEMBER  2011
Yuba Classroom December, 2011 Newsletter

Here we are in December – almost at the halfway point in our school year. Our class has settled-in beautifully and the children are making great strides in their studies. Time-management skills, setting reasonable goals and prioritizing responsibilities are starting to become quite familiar with our level 4’s now, with each one embracing these expectations in his or her own stride. Our level 5’s and 6’s continue to be strong and supportive role models.
In just two weeks we will be presenting our “Colonial Happenings”, a combined effort from both Upper Elementary classes. Yuba students will be creating the likeness of a 17th Century colonial village. In addition to a large 5’ by 5’ authentic village map with miniature models (created by five of our students) there will be a variety of life-size shops, foundries, mills, blacksmith, schoolhouse, brick making, wheelwright and a gunsmith. The children will be dressed in keeping with the times and their “trade” and will welcome a visit from parents to view their efforts on December 14th at 1:15 pm. in the Multi-purpose room.

Speaking of visits, please come by our classroom and wonder at the book-report mobiles our Level 5 students have created. Each mobile depicts the parts of a classical novel chosen by the student to read (theme, plot, characters, conflict and solution). They are all quite different and represent the style and imagination of each student.

Just a few notes:

1. Please remind your student to review and LEARN each week’s spelling words. Many of the students are becoming quite lax in this endeavor. The new spelling words come home each Monday in their briefcases. The students are tested each Friday on these words. Also, the previous weeks spelling test results come home in their brief cases. Please ask to see them. It’s important that the students realize that there is a joint effort and support between home and school with your student’s spelling responsibilities.

2. “Age of Sail” (January 13/14, 2012) payment and paperwork for all students is due by December 16th. These are written on purple colored sheets. Permission, health information and payment need to come in together. If there is any difficulty with payment, please let me know. ALL children in our class will be attending. (No child will be left out of this very worthwhile experience due to lack of funds.)

3. On Friday, December 16th, the students are planning a “winter-break” gathering from 9:00 am to approximately 10:30ish . They have each signed up for a small plate of “what-ever” they wish to contribute. ( By small, not to serve 32 students, maybe 15-18 pieces at most). If your student has offered to bring drinks, please no sodas of any kind. Apple juice, cranberry juice, hot cocoa are all acceptable. All of this has been reviewed with your students in class, but I wanted to clarify any questions you might have.

Before closing, I wanted to invite you to come view the colorful finished products of the art project your children have been engaged in for the past several weeks. They have created “paper quilts” reflecting our colonial history studies. With the patience and guidance from Sylvia Gonzales (Lucy’s mom) and Stephanie McDaniel (Rori’s mom), the children have chosen designs for their own patterns and are using a combination of printed and plain paper to create their quilts. It’s been a fascinating project with lots of planning and imagination. These finished masterpieces are on display in the hallway outside of Yuba classroom. You will be amazed at the beautiful creations your children have produced.

On a final note, please always feel free to come see me or meet with me if you have any questions about your child. Also, come by and be part of our classroom. It gives you an opportunity to spend time with your child in their learning environment as well as offers you a glimpse of our classroom in operation.

Many thanks to all of you for your unending support,

Beth and Laurie