Dear Parents, I hope you have been having a great week! Only a couple more days before break!

Reading- They will take a test on Thursday over their story. This week they read a story about James Forten. He was a free African American during the Revolutionary War. He worked on ships until he joined the military for the American side. His job was to bring up the gun powder that was stored below deck on the ship. It was used in the cannons. It was a dangerous job. When their ship surrendered, he was taken prisoner aboard the Jersey. Luckily for him, he was not sent back to the West Indies and sold back into slavery. In his later life he bought the sail making business his dad had worked for and became quite successful. He also worked as an abolitionist and fought for the rights for women to get the right to vote.We discussed how he isn't considered a hero because he didn't do any one thing that stood out, but all the things combined still make him someone who is heroic. 

We have one more story to read in this unit. I am going to wait to do that until our first full week back from Christmas break. When they return for those 3 days we will do some other things.

Math- This week was about estimating by rounding and using benchmark numbers. They learned to round to the nearest 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1. When we get back we will begin adding and subtracting decimals. 

Food Pantry- On Monday the 4th and 5th graders walked to the Food Pantry to deliver our school's donations. Each student had at least one bag,but some had more to carry. I would say the families of STM did very well with their donations! I know Mark and Mary really appreciate it! Thank you so much for helping them out! 

They need a sack lunch on Thursday. Milk will be provided. They can also wear their favorite Christmas shirt, sweater, etc. They can wear pajamas as long as they deal with Christmas.  If they have necklaces, antlers, etc... wear those tomorrow! I can't wait to see how they look! We will be singing after we eat. You are welcome to join us for the caroling in the gym. It will be from 12:30-1:00. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas with your families. This is the first time  I won't be in Doon for the holiday. That seems very weird. I am flying to my sister Eva's in Butler, PA on Saturday. It's an hour from Pittsburgh.  I will be there for the week with her and her kids! I am excited to see them! I know they have snow already. Safe travels to everyone! I will see you in the new year!  Merry Christmas! 
God Bless, 
Miss Surma