Happy Earth Week!
     I am so proud of my class!  Every single student participated in the Litterless Lunch Challenge and one of our students, Howie, even won the second grade drawing!  I hope your children will continue to think of ways they can reduce the amount of trash we use.
     In honor of Earth Day, Katy Brennan from the Bethlehem Public Library came to Slingerlands and worked with each class to combine and make a reused town.  It has approximately 900 pieces and will be on display until May 9th.
     On Tuesday, our class will sing a song for Bus Driver Appreciation Day.  We will also present them with cards.
      I will be sending the FINAL book order for the year on Monday.  There are some very good prices.  You may want to take advantage of them. 
I will not be sending home any more volunteer schedules.  We will be conducting independent research throughout May.  There are also many activities which cause our schedule to change so I will need flexibility.  However, as usual, all parents are ALWAYS welcome to stop and join in.  We love to have you.

Reading:  We have been reading informational passages and writing text based questions about them.  This is one of the new Common Core Standards.  Your children have been doing very well.
Math:  We completed out unit on patterning and place value in the higher numbers.  When we took out test yesterday, I gave each student a piece of sugarless peppermint gum.  Studies have shown that it heightens focus.  EVERY student scored at 81 (mastery) or better for the first time this year.  I hope it wasn't a fluke!
Science:  We will complete our soils unit this week by testing local soil.  We also experimented to find out which soils drain best in a rain storm and which is the best for planting.
Writing:  We are continuing to work on our persuasive letters.  This week the students finished and mailed their letters to the characters in Disney.  We are hoping for a response from them.

   Have a wonderful, Springy weekend!  As always, please call or email with any questions or concerns.