Welcome May.

Chloe, Ari and Sean playing a song on iPads.

Our ERB testing began without a hitch this morning. The students were troopers and worked diligently all morning. We will continue this routine all week, testing first thing each morning. Because of our testing schedule, we will not have homework all week. Of course, I imagine students will still read each night, but they are not required to complete their reading logs. Until the weekend, of course!

As we enter the month of May, things get pretty busy in fourth grade. Once we finish ERBs, there is no stopping us!

• On Friday, May 11, fourth graders will spend some time visiting the Middle Division. We will deliver the students to Mr. Davis around 9:30 that morning, and then leave them in their good hands! It is a great first, official step toward next year, and the students always enjoy themselves tremendously.

• During the week of May 14th, students will be inviting you to hear and see their Colonial America projects. Because of the number and time involved in sharing, we will likely spread these shares over two or three sessions. Once the projects are complete next week, I will have a better idea of how much time we will need, and let you know. I will work to accommodate your busy schedules and have  students present when family members are available to watch.

• Friday, May 18th is Splash Day. Students who choose to participate should wear their swimsuits under their uniforms that day and can bring clothes to change into after the p.e. period. Don't forget towels, sunscreen and hats! Please see the previous blog post for more information about Splash Day.

• On Monday, May 21, we take our annual trip to the Lowry Park Zoo. We begin our study of animal classification this week, and tie this trip into this study. We leave right at 8:15 that morning. I already have a chaperone to join us, but anyone is welcome to meet us at the zoo.

• Friday, May 25 is the big day--our Moving Up ceremony! That event is scheduled to begin at 8:45 in the Janet Root Theater. The ceremony will not last longer than an hour and is a wonderful Lower Division tradition.  After the ceremony we will invite families back to the classrooms for photos, and then we are off to bowl!

• At 2:00 p.m. that day, we will have our ice cream (now Italian ice) party in the lunch area. You are invited! This is a fantastic end to a fabulous day for the fourth graders--and their teachers.

• Tuesday, May 29 we will have our portfolio share. During this period, students will share with you the digital portfolios on which they have been working throughout the entire year, chronicling work and growth through all of their years at Shorecrest. This session will either be first thing in the morning or at the end of the day. As soon as I have that time confirmed, I will post it. Morning or afternoon, what is certain is that you will need tissue. Let the waterworks begin!

• Wednesday, May 30 is a half day of school. We spend that time celebrating, tying up loose ends, gathering materials, and sharing our fourth grade memories. I do hope everyone will be in attendance on that last day!

Thanks to everyone who was able to attend our author celebration on Friday. Fictional narratives are always longer than are personal narratives at the beginning of the year, and we truly appreciate the good chunk of time you spent with us Friday morning. The students worked very hard on their pieces and were thrilled to share them with a new and eager audience.

Until next week!