Students continued to work in groups on their continent research projects.  Everyone’s project is looking great and coming along really nicely.  Next week some of the students will even be preparing food at school from their continent and serving it at the Early Bird Elementary Event.  We are excited for next Friday morning when both upper and lower elementary students will be presenting their projects from 9-10am. 
 
The Early Bird Elementary Event is the community event formerly known as Continental Breakfast. We've simply added a formal curriculum component this year. It's a great opportunity to bring the parent community together, so please make sure you can make it, it is going to be blast!  If you have any questions, please let me know.

While students were doing their research, the staff was also busy completing assessments for their progress reports.  Some of the other highlights from last week were Ms. Mary teaching about different parts of a river and Mr. Ben having students practice telling time.  Students also got to draw self-portraits using mirrors with Ms. Michelle.  Lastly, a quick reminder that we have a Library Trip on Wednesday, January 27th.  So please check and make sure your student brings their library card on that day and that all dues are paid on the account. 

The children exploded into activity after selecting a continent to study: Morado has that classic lower elementary look, with piles of books everywhere. The continent study is part of a larger exploration we are beginning of how people satisfy their needs.

The children reminded themselves of what they are working on in math. One child commented, "It feels as though we are starting over!" They've got their groove back though. This week for our literature circles, everyone read fairytales and then we discussed the common features. Next week we'll begin a new three-week stretch reading self-chosen books.

· Please attend our celebration of the continents at 9 am Friday, January 22.

· Please sign up on Bloomz for observing in the classroom this month and for attending a conference February 5.

· Our Art specialist will help the children create self-portraits Wednesday, January 13.

Ben, Mary, and Khavitha