Important information 3.19.08

Dear Parents,

Well, we’ve finally made it to the Gold Rush!  This is my favorite unit of the year because of all the unique teaching opportunities the subject provides.  Yesterday we began talking about how gold was discovered in California and what happened when word got out.  Among the many activities we will be doing over the next few days is the software simulation “Oregon Trail”.  This is a wonderful program that highlights the trials and tribulations of overland travel.  In addition, the students will be learning about the other ways to California and will be creating an advertising poster to show what they’ve learned.  These are just a few of the highlights for this week and early next week.

Speaking of the Gold Rush...  Tawonga forms are due!  If you have not yet turned in your medical forms and money, please do so either today or tomorrow.

In other news, we are planning a fieldtrip to Mission Dolores and Temple Sherith Israel on Tuesday, April 15, 2008.  Permission forms will be sent out shortly.  This is a wonderful trip that showcases the beginnings of San Francisco from two different perspectives.  It is definitely worth the time, so please consider driving on this trip.

Beginning next week the fourth grade girls will meet with our school counselor once a week.  In response to parent requests and the school's desire to develop more prevention programs/services for its students, we are proud to announce that Krysta Banazek, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist has agreed to lead a group for our 4th grade girls on campus.  The group will address issues related to self-esteem, communication, feelings, anger management, conflict resolution and more.  The Day School understands the importance of preventive education and your child's participation in this program will help us determine future services the school will offer its students.  For your child to participate in the program you must sign a permission form.  Those forms will be sent home later today or tomorrow.  

This group will occur during library time, thus the girls will meet with Krysta while the boy have library.  To make this happen our library time will move to Wednesday mornings beginning next week.

Don’t forget, Mishloach manot baskets are due TOMORROW!  Please bring your baskets to the classroom tomorrow morning.

Finally, the auction projects are almost done and will be sent home on Monday.  Thank you to everyone who has purchased artwork and note cards.  As a grade we have raised over $2,000 for our school! I think that’s a record!

Have a wonderful day,

Debbi