Hello Parents, I am guessing you've heard the news about Kirk Levine. May he rest in peace. As I write this, we don't know the plans for the funeral. Things may change once we know more information. Our prayers continue to go out to the Levine family during this difficult time.

Math-- This week they were learning how to add and subtract decimals using Base 10 blocks. It was a different way, but they enjoyed drawing too. This did help them visualize what happens when we group numbers or have to borrow 10.  We will be learning the traditional strategy next. We are about half way through the chapter. They will testing over it at some point when we return from Christmas break.


Reading- We read a story this week about James Forten. It was a biography. He was a free black man during the Revolutionary War time period. He was raised to work on boats mending sails, etc., but he really wanted to join the military. He did just that. He was put on a ship called the Royal Louis.  His job was to go below deck and carry up gun powder or ammunition to the men who were manning the cannons. In a battle with the British, his ship surrendered. He was taken to another boat and held as a prisoner. His fear was that the commander would send him to Africa to be sold off as a slave, which was also happening at the time. He did not. He ended up getting married and having kids. He took over the boat business he had worked for as a child and was very successful. He  also worked to abolish slavery and fight for the right for women to vote. Personally, I liked the last two stories we read because these were great stories about the men and women who lived during that time and the things they had to get through.  They will test over this on Friday. In grammar we worked on commas and semi-colons with items in a  series.

Religion-- While we have been focusing on Advent, they have also been leaving little notes and cards around the building for our employees. The card says, "You've been Rack'd!" ( Random Acts of Kindness). We have given them to the 6-8 graders for their great door decorating. This week they delivered some to Mrs. Simmons, our librarian, cooks, PE, and music teachers. The notes are thanking them for their hard work or just wishing them a Merry Christmas!

Last Day Before Break-- Students will need a sack lunch, but no drink. Milk will be provided. We will be in the gym at 12:30 singing Christmas carols. You are welcome to join us!  After caroling, I am taking them back to our room for games! If your child has  a favorite card game or board game at home, they should bring it school! I have some games for our indoor recesses, but you might have other ones at home! No electronics! This is just board game or card games. 

1st Grade Mass- Your kids were such a huge help to me and Mrs. Beardon with the first grade mass!!! They did such a terrific job of helping their 1st grade buddy! I was so proud of them. It nearly brought me to tears a couple of times! You should be proud! They really stepped up!!! 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year! If you are traveling, please have a safe trip. It doesn't look like it will be a white Christmas, but we will have a full moon!!  I will be heading to Doon on the 23rd and will stay with Mom for my break. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! See you in January! 
God Bless, Miss Surma
.