Room 4- Emily

Peacemaker Projects 

Our peacemaker projects are in full swing!  Students have identified the positive character strengths of their subjects and collected facts about their childhoods.  We are working on many skills in this project: finding information from multiple sources, identifying which details are most important, and note taking.  Students at every level are using planners to write complete paragraphs, and students in higher grades are splitting broad topics like childhood into multiple paragraphs.  

The students are working diligently on this project and seem to be very deeply connected to the amazing peacemakers they’ve chosen.  Ask your child what they’ve learned!

Hungry and Thirsty Kiddos

  Please check in with your growing child to see if they need more food in their lunch.  We’ve had many students finishing their lunches and needing extra from our donated pantry items.  Water bottles are also especially important to remember as the weather warms up.

 Thank you!

Many, many thanks for all the sweet Teacher Appreciation gifts, cards, and flowers! Carmen and I feel very blessed to be part of such a supportive community. 

Specialist Lessons:

• P.E.: students have been practicing hitting balls with noodles and really working up a sweat! 

• Art: students learned how to make cute, Japanese-inspired “kawaii” drawings.  They decorated portfolios to prepare for an art show that will be displayed at the June 1 all school picnic.

• SEL: students worked with Jenine to review problem solving skills.

Bottles Needed:

Please begin saving 1.5 to 2 liter bottles with lids - glass or plastic is fine.  Keep them at home for now - we will use them in the last week of May.

Important Dates:

June 1st: End of year picnic

June 6th: Peacemakers Gallery, 8:45-9:45

June 13th: Class Picnic, Concert and Play, 5:45 - 7:00

Field Trip Recap and Photo Request

We had a wonderful field trip to Nearby Nature on Thursday.  Students found and identified a wide range of aquatic creatures in their pond dipping activity, from mayfly nymphs to fisher spiders to diving beetles.  Ask your child to act out the life cycle of a dragonfly for you!

We had so much fun that the kids spontaneously burst into song on the bus ride home!  The kids sang Hal an Tow, Fireflies, A Place in the Choir, and One Day, all from memory.  It was magical!

I’d like to give a special thank you to all the volunteer chaperones who joined us.  Class parent Jenny Noyce has volunteered to compile photos from the field trip so that they can be shared with the group.  Please send any photos to jennynoyce@gmail.com.

Peacemaker Projects 

We are gearing up for our annual peacemaker biography projects.  In mid-May, students will choose to research a person who has brought peace to our world and complete a biography.  

We define peacemakers broadly so that children can study heroes that they find deeply significant.  Peacemakers could be people who stood up for justice or civil rights, who protected the environment, made scientific discoveries, or who were pioneers for underrepresented groups.

The first step is to learn about a variety of noteworthy men and women.  We’ve already been introduced to Diego Rivera and Sitting Bull, and this week we will meet Stephen Hawking and civil rights worker Ella Baker.  Students will be able to explore many more biographies during reading practice each day. 

I teach the students to look for the positive attributes that these peacemakers possessed.  A goal of this project is to get our students to notice character strengths in others and in themselves.  

On June 6 students will present their biographies and the beautiful bottle doll model they’ve created to guests at our Peacemaker Gallery in the Ridgeline library, from 8:45 to 9:45. Families are welcome to join us! 

I hope that our peacemaker project sparks some great conversations at home.  I hope you'll introduce them to some of the people you look up to and the values that they represent.  

Specialist Lessons:

• P.E.: students worked on their tossing and catching skills as well as their teamwork in a group bean bag game.

• Art: students did plein air drawing to take advantage of the beautiful weather and also made carp flags in honor of AAPI Heritage Month and Japan's Children's Day.

• SEL: students played games which worked on their listening and problem solving skills and used Conversation Cards to discuss feelings and problems solving.

Bottles Needed:

Next month we will be making peacemaker dolls out of 1.5 to 2 liter bottles with lids.  Please begin saving/donating these if you use them and asking around if you don't. Keep them at home for now - we will use them in the last week of May. 

Important Dates:

May 8th-12th: Staff Appreciation Week

May 29th: No school

June 1st: End of year picnic

June 6th: Peacemakers Gallery, 8:45-9:45

June 13th: Class Picnic, Concert and Play, 5:45 - 7:00

Emily Burton

Moss Terrarium Project - Moss and Jar Donations Needed

We will be making terrariums next week to celebrate the beautiful bryophytes - mosses!  As some of the earliest land plants, mosses have had a big part to play in our planet’s history.

We need a bounty of mosses to populate our terrariums.  If you are blessed with much moss, please bag some and send it in.  Extra points for finding a liverwort!

As part of our terrarium project, we are also looking for jar donations.  Pickles, peanut butter, salsa - rinse out those jars, remove the lid, and send them our way.  Please send extras if you have them so that every child can participate.

Field Trip to Nearby Nature, 5/4/23 - Chaperone Opportunity

Students will use dip nets to capture aquatic critters during a field trip to Alton Baker Park, led by Nearby Nature.  We will go on Thursday, May 4, leaving at 9:00 and returning in time for lunch at 11:45.  We will travel on a yellow school bus and we will have a great time, rain or shine!  To prepare for our investigation of aquatic insects, we’ll be learning about insects’ body parts, classification and life cycles.

We have limited spaces for chaperones to accompany our trip.  If you are available between 8:50 and 11:45 on 5/4/23 and would like to join us, please let me know.  Chaperones must have  a current background check (within the last 5 years) on file with the office.  Contact becky.fay@ridgeline.org if you have questions about your status or would like to start the background check process.

A permission slip for the trip will be sent home next week.

March Mammal Madness Champion Revealed!

And the winner is… the wolverine!  In the final match, the wolverine used its climbing skills to escape from a bog while its opponent, the Okapi, stayed stuck in the mud.  Let’s hear it for the wolverine, the 2023 Mammal Champion!

Standardized Testing

Third graders have begun standardized testing.  So far, kids seem to be enjoying the challenge. Test sessions last about an hour and will continue a couple of times a week through the beginning of May.

Thank you for sharing your children with us!

Emily

Aztec Day Approaches

We will be celebrating Aztec culture on Tuesday, March 21.  As a class, we’ll build a scale model of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, play the Mesoamerican ball game, and give ourselves Aztec names based on the Aztec calendar.  We’ll also do some math using the Aztec number system and celebrate the ways that Aztec culture and food still influence modern cultures. 

Based on the amazing costuming I saw on Greek Day, I expect many students to want to dress up, Aztec style!  Aztec clothing was based on simple tunics and wrap skirts.  Commoners wore plain white or neutral colors and nobles wore brighter stripes and patterns.  Capes were a sign of status.  Flowers and feathers were common accessories, as were gold and jade.  

We have a stash of costuming fabric here and we are happy to work our magic with safety pins and rope belts to help your child perfect an Aztec look, or you can have fun planning an outfit at home.  As with all our costumed activities, dressing up is 100% optional.  

Third Grade OSAS testing coming in April

Beginning in the second week of April, third graders will do state tests iin mathematics and English language arts.  This month, we are building skills and practicing the writing and problem solving skills that will come up on the test.  After spring break, we’ll spend a few sessions previewing and practicing to help students feel at ease with the computerized testing format.  Ridgeline keeps testing low stress and many kids actually report enjoying the challenge.  

Direct Donation Drive

Keep a look out for a DDD (Direct Donation Drive) flyer.  We sent it home with your student on Friday. 

Spelling is Back

Tuesday, March 17 we resume our usual spelling schedule.  Look out for a new spelling list on that day!

Spirit Week Returns!  March 20-24 

- Monday Crazy Hair day

- Tuesday Dress Like an Aztec Day (the rest of the school will do Dress Like a Ridgeline Staff Member Day)

- Wednesday Twin Day

- Thursday Scrabble Day

- Friday Fancy Day

Emily Burton

Studying Aztec Civilization 

Over the next few weeks we’ll be studying the history of the Aztecs, from the height of their civilization to their influence on modern Mexican culture.   Coming up are some special art projects inspired by the Aztecs, including the creation of a scale model of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan.  We will have an Aztec Day in the last week before spring break - stay tuned for more details! 

No Spelling this Week

We are taking a spelling break while Bethany, our spelling volunteer, is on vacation.  Spelling will start up again on Tuesday, March 14. 

Problem Solving Skills

In our Social Emotional Learning classes students have been learning some ways to solve problems.  The very first thing to do is to stop, name your feeling, and calm down.  Kids have practiced taking belly breaths, taking a break, using the peace corner, and other ways to calm themselves.  

Last week we worked on how to name a problem.  Kids learned to leave out blaming words (like always and never) and focus on what they want or need in the moment. 

Kids are using the Kelso’s Choice framework to choose problem solving strategies.  When they have a problem with another student, they choose two strategies to try to solve the problem.  If those don’t work, they come to an adult.  Ask your child what strategies they like to try!

New Songs

We have been adding to our song collection lately.  Learning Fireflies (by Owl City) has been an especially fun project.  We were inspired by some videos showing how to sign along in American Sign Language.  There are many versions which use, interestingly, different signs and interpretations.  Our class has drawn on these to choose some signs to accompany our singing.  It’s also led to some fascinating conversations about meaning and translation! 

Sesame Street: I Don't Want to Live on the Moon with Ernie (Lennon and Maisy)

Follow the Drinking Gourd | A Song for Black History Month

Owl City - Fireflies - ASL Song

Valentine’s Day

We will be hosting a Valentine exchange in class next Tuesday.  Bringing Valentines is optional.  If your child chooses to bring cards, here are the guidelines: 

• Bring enough for every student (28)

• Write your name on each one (they do not need to be addressed to individual students)

• No candy allowed

• Non-edible favors (stickers, tattoos, erasers, etc.) are fine

We are looking for donations of paper grocery bags for our Valentine “mailboxes.”  Send them in if you have a stack!

Black History Month Activities

This month, we’ll be learning about Black History through literature, music and art.  We learned about the Underground Railroad through the song Follow the Drinking Gourd.  We’ll experience the Harlem Renaissance through a jazz playlist form facilities coordinator and jazz musician Jesse Cloninger.  In art, Meredith will lead activities inspired by the books and artwork of Faith Ringgold. 

Greek Day Recap

Last Wednesday was a busy day for us, as we traveled back in time to ancient Greece.  Kids dressed up in Greek costumes and wore their laurel leaf crowns.  In the morning, groups of children became architéktōns - architects - in charge of building a city temple.  They worked together to choose a god to honor and then to engineer a temple that was beautiful, strong and economical.  Then the groups wrote about their work and presented it to the class.  

In P.E., we enjoyed the Greek Olympics.  Students threw javelins, did a standing broad jump, raced in armor, and participated in chariot races (taking turns as the driver and the horse).  

Finally, we carried on the tradition of Greek theater.  The class gave a performance of King Midas, complete with a Greek chorus, to an audience of transfixed kindergarteners.  

All of the day’s activities were very fun, but they also asked a bit more of the students.  I’m so proud of the way that our class worked together, listened to directions, participated, and gave their best efforts all day long.  I’m hoping that we can do another history day again in the spring.  Enjoy the photos and video attached to this message.  The video has poor sound - maybe your child can narrate the action for you!

Spelling

New spelling lists went home in backpacks today.  Check in with your child to see which words are challenging this week and to come up with plans to practice.  A huge thank you to volunteer Bethany Steiner for making the spelling program possible!

Report Cards On the Way 

You will be receiving your child's report in their backpack at the end of the week.

Below you will find a brief explanation of how to best interpret the report card’s performance scale as it relates to Common Core standards and a Montessori classroom experience.  The main takeaway is that we are aiming for a 3 (meets grade level expectations) by the end of the year.  It is common for children who are making progress to receive a 2 (not yet meeting expectations) as we are only halfway through the year. 

4 - This is a rare designation reserved for students who have pursued extra challenges and are working far beyond the expectation/objective.

3 -The student is meeting the expectation. This is where we would expect to see a student by the end of the year if they have made adequate progress.

2 -The student is working towards a fundamental understanding but has not yet achieved mastery.

1 -The student has been introduced to the concept at least once and has begun to practice the concept. The student continues to need significant support, and this may also indicate that the student has not demonstrated enough growth yet, through observation or presenting artifacts, in this area.

0 -The topic has not been introduced yet this year either because it is something that will be introduced later in the year, the student is not ready for the concept, or the student has missed the opportunity due to absence.

Good morning and welcome to another Room 3 classroom update!  I hope you are all well and navigating the new year.  Each morning meeting our class begins with a student updating the calendar.  It always amazes me (and the children) how quickly a month can go by.  Believe it or not we are at the tail end of January already!

A Fly on the Wall

Room 3 just completed an in depth exploration of the Amazon Rainforest, taking time to learn about each of the layers of the rainforest itself and what plant and animal life looks like within the strata.  Now we are learning about the Andes Mountains and how people have adapted to live at such high elevation.  Ask your child how people born and living in the Andes Mountains have adapted physically.  It really is fascinating!  We are preparing to learn about the ancient civilizations of the Olmec, Inca, Maya, and Aztec.  More on that to come.

ECCO (Eugene Concert Choir Outreach)

Our class is once again participating in the ECCO Outreach program.  This past week you should have received a flyer with a QR code to sign up to receive your vouchers to attend the program on February 18th, 2023 at 2:30 pm.  If you didn't receive a voucher please reach out to me.  If you plan to attend, please don't forget to register for the event so you receive your ticket vouchers.  The flyer is not an actual voucher.  This is an optional event.

**I have attached a recording of the song so that families can practice at home.

Stay up to date!

Here is a link to the latest school eNews.  You can find up-to-date information on what is happening at Ridgeline.

Talent Show

The Talent Show date changed to Friday, February 10, 2023 @ 6 PM. This year, the talent show will be a hybrid model. We are still asking students to submit a video clip of their talent to wobblykate@hotmail.com, but we are thankful to have the opportunity to come together on February 10rd in the school Gym to watch the video together on a big screen! Talent Show Acts must be 3 minutes or less. Kids are welcome to provide a solo act and/or a group act. If your child is interested in being a classroom MC and introducing their peers, please email wobblykate@hotmail.com. We will accept the first 2 applicants from each class on a first-come-first-picked basis. MCs may also submit a talent act, but do not have to submit an act for the talent show. Submission date is February 6, 2023

Thank you for all of your help and support in your child's education, academically and emotionally.  It is our pleasure and privilege to be able to work with your children.  A big thank you to all the parent volunteers who enrich our classroom each week and to our classroom parent, Heather, who helps make it happen!

Until next time,

Rachel Quinn

Exploring Ancient Greece

We’ve turned our questioning minds towards ancient Greece!  Every day we learn a little more about ancient Greek ideas and traditions.  It’s fun to see Greek influences in the modern day.  The kids were surprised to realize that they already know lots of Greek words, like gymnasium, comedy, trident, polygon and democracy.  

We’ve traced the story of our alphabet back to the Romans, Greeks, Phoenicians and even more ancient cultures.  Finally, we’ve used our art time to explore patterns and symbolism in Greek art.  The children designed Greek vases and made personalized shields. 

Ridgeline Library Checkouts

Thanks to the work of many committed volunteers, our Ridgeline library is able to begin checking out books.  Students can check out two books at a time, for two weeks at a time.  Our checkout days will be Thursdays.  There will be no overdue fines or charges for books but we do ask for your help in maintaining our collection by returning borrowed books.  

Muddy Puddle Clothes Needed

Ridgeline students spend time outdoors, rain or shine, and that means we sometimes need to lend them clean clothes when theirs get soiled! 

We are in need of:

• rain pants in all sizes, youth size 5 through adult small/medium

• versatile pants (especially leggings and athletic pants in gender neutral colors) in all sizes, youth size 5 through adult small/medium. 

Your clean clothing donations, brought to the office, are appreciated!

It is important to us that students are comfortable in clean, dry clothing while they are learning, and we are happy to loan clothing to students whenever necessary. Please return laundered borrowed school clothes as soon as possible.

Singing with Eugene Concert Choir - February 18

This year, our class will be participating in the Eugene Concert Choir Outreach (ECCO) Music Education Program.  This is a free program that involves three 30 to 45-minute classroom presentations for children grades K-5 from Kami Hendrix, who is the concert choir’s educational assistant and the choral teacher at Cascade Middle School.  Students will explore music fundamentals such as melody, vocal sound, movement and rhythm while learning the songs For the Beauty and The Promise of a Fisherman.  

As a bonus, ECCO participants receive a free pass for themselves and an accompanying adult to attend the Earth Mass for Kids concert on Saturday, February 18 at 2:30 pm at the Hult Center.  Students have the option of performing on the Silva Concert Hall stage. If your child is planning to join the performance on stage, plan on arriving by 1:30.  

This is an optional concert and lots of fun.  Room 4 has a long history of participation with ECCO and I’m looking forward to this year.  We’ll share more concert information in the next update. 

Ancient Life

We are deep in our studies of ancient life.  So far, we’ve tracked the history of life up to the Paleozoic era.  Life went from the water to land, surviving many mass extinctions and dodging predatory sea scorpions and gigantic armored fish.  Students have built trilobite models, assembled timelines and pieced together Pangaea.  We’ll continue our studies after winter break as we venture into the Mesozoic, the age of dinosaurs!

Winter Traditions

Next week we’ll be looking at winter traditions and holidays from many religions and cultures, from Lunar New Year to Solstice to Christmas, Hanukkah, and more.  We will have books and artifacts on display that represent these varied traditions.  This is a great time to discuss your own family’s traditions with your child.  We also welcome any items that your child might like to loan to our display. 

Emily Out Next Week

I will be out on a planned leave next week.  Carmen will be running the class and providing instruction while I’m gone, assisted by our super substitute Jes Feather, who knows our students well.  

Thank Yous

Carmen celebrated her birthday today and got many wonderful birthday notes and gifts.  She sends her gratitude out to our wonderful classroom community. 

Book Fair Performance Tomorrow at 5:50 

This year's Book Fair will take place on Friday, November 18, from 5:00-7:00 at Whirled Pies in downtown Eugene.  Room 4 will be performing two songs starting at 5:50.  Please plan on arriving a little early to find parking and get ready for the performance. 

Ridgeline is partnering with local bookstore Books With Pictures Eugene to create a fresh, fun event where we will purchase books for our classrooms, home libraries, and as gifts for friends.

Enjoy student performances, buy some pizza from Whirled Pies, and connect with other Ridgeline families!

Stone Soup

Next week is our annual Stone Soup celebration.  Students will donate and cut veggies to create delicious soups to share.  This event helps us recognize the ways that we all contribute to and benefit from our community.  Here’s how to participate:

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, send in ONE soup vegetable (carrot, potato, celery, kale, etcetera).  We will wash, peel, and cut veggies at school.

On Wednesday, Nov. 22, send in a labeled spoon and bowl, AND your child’s regular lunch.  

We will eat lunch at our regular time, then celebrate with soup and bread in the afternoon.  Please let me know if your child needs a gluten free option.

Family Conferences Next Week 

Please sign up for a family conference on Wednesday or Thursday of next week.  Family conferences are a conversation between a student, their family and the teaching team.  Students are invited!  If you would like to reserve some time for a private conversation without your child present, let me know.  The link to sign up is here: Ridgeline Family Conferences.

Conferences are being held in person and over Zoom.  

Topic: Emily Burton's Personal Meeting Room

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9719635507?pwd=UFZqc0lYMENHNGY5YnhQeHRDK3VLdz09

We are Stardust

We’ve been stretching our imaginations lately by thinking about the biggest and the smallest things in the universe.  Did you know that the story of the universe is also the story of how atoms and elements came to be?  The first hydrogen atoms formed out of pure energy, billions of years ago.  Since then, other elements have been forged in enormous stars or created in supernovas.  We’re learning about the elements and atoms, and realizing that we really are stardust!

Book Fair 

This year’s Book Fair will take place on Friday, November 18 from 5:00 - 7:00.  We are partnering with local bookstore Books With Pictures and with downtown performance space Whirled Pies to create a fresh, fun event.  

Our class will be performing two songs at the Book Fair.  Hope to see you there!

Fun Run 

The fun run was a blast!  Our class counted up bracelets and realized that we collected 187 of them, all while cheering each other on.  Thanks to everyone who has been getting pledges and cheering their young runners on.  

Photos

Enjoy these photos of our Fun Run cheers as we spelled out Ridgeline with our bodies.  We also have a photo of our beautifully counted and organized run bracelets.  Finally, enjoy seeing the process of planning and then making banners that show the history of the universe. 

 class photos october 2022

Curriculum Sharing

Curriculum Sharing is a very special, student led event.  Your child is looking forward to showing off their favorite works for you.  You can sit by their side as they demonstrate some of the lessons they’ve been practicing so far.  I’ll be on hand to facilitate, but your focus will be on your child as they take the role of instructor and guide.  

Families with multiple children at Ridgeline often split their time between classrooms.  Siblings are welcome.  Montessori classrooms are meant to be inviting, and many of our materials are fascinating to young children.  Please keep a close eye on very young children while they are in our space.

Curriculum Sharing is open from 3:15 - 4:15 or 6:00 - 7:00 on Thursday.  I’m looking forward to seeing you there!

FUN RUN!!!!

I am SO EXCITED about the Fun Run!  On October 28, kids will be walking or running around a loop of the Rexius trail across from the school to earn money for Ridgeline.  Kids get a bracelet for every segment of the trail they run.  Everyone cheers each other on and kids are so proud of all the bracelets that they collect.  It’s my favorite day of the school year!  Stay tuned to the eNews for more updates.  In the meantime, plan to send your child to school on the 28th with closed-toed shoes, layered clothing and a water bottle.

The Beginnings of the Universe

Soon we'll kick off a new focus to our studies - the universe!  I begin with the amazing story of how the universe began, from the big bang to the formation of stars, the elements, planets and finally our own special planet.

Scholastics Book Order Update

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Scholastic order!  The credits we earned got our class 12 free books and a beautiful wooden book display shelf.  I’m expecting books to be delivered to you next week.

Spirit Week Next Week 

Your child can choose to dress up each day next week for Spirit Week.

Native Nations Wraps Up

We will be finishing our Native Nations reports next week.  On Thursday we’ll celebrate with a special art project and learn to play children’s games from different tribal peoples.  

Often, indigenous cultures are presented with a focus on traditional, pre-1900s lifeways.  While that is a part of our research, I’ve also been sharing “today” stories - current news stories about issues and events that affect tribal people.  We’ve talked about modern stickball leagues in Texas and a museum honoring Navajo code talkers that’s being planned in New Mexico.  In coming days, many of our news stories will center around the different water issues facing tribes.

Finally, happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 10!

Curriculum Sharing

          Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 20.  You are invited to join your child in the classroom for curriculum sharing either from 3:15 - 4:15 or 6:00 - 7:00 pm.  Your child will be your tour guide to the classroom and show you some of the work that they've been practicing.  Please make plans to join us!

Let’s Talk About Thinking

Rich, academic talk is part of our daily experience here.  I want students to be able to explain their strategies, justify their opinions, give examples, and build on other students’ thinking.  We practice this all the time - in morning meeting, in math lessons, in our engineering projects, and in our writing.  Kids who develop the habit of elaborating, explaining and connecting their ideas orally are ready to use those same skills when they write.  Here are the phrases I hear that let me know rich talk is happening: 

Adding on to what they said, I think…

I know that the answer is 12 because…

The strategy we used was to…

I disagree with that example because…

Engineering

We learned lots about how Oregon’s first peoples engineered tools and technology when we got a visit from educators from the Museum of Natural and Cultural History.  Today we spent the afternoon getting some hands-on practice as partner teams engineered shelters using only paper clips and index cards.  Kids got to experience the engineering process and found that many, many tries were necessary before they created shelters that met our criteria.  I loved seeing them persevere and encourage each other through many, many attempts before coming up with a sturdy structure.  

Reading Partners

Reading fluently includes a lot of skills.  Early readers might struggle to decode words and then go back and read the whole sentence more fluently from the beginning.  Later readers can practice “reading the punctuation,” making their voice show the pauses and inflections of commas, periods or question marks.  As students gain proficiency, they still benefit from practicing reading expressively out loud. 

We’ve introduced partner work into our daily reading practice time.  Students take turns being a reader and a listener, and often are able to help each other with fluency skills.  Kids who aren’t partnered up now can look forward to getting paired up later on.

Placemats Please!

          Help us teach courtesy and keep our tables clean by sending in a cloth placemat/napkin/clean dish towel with your child's lunch.  Thank you!

Reminder - No School October 14

Photos!

Enjoy these photos of our MNCH visit.  I will send more photos - of our own engineering projects and of reading practice - tomorrow. 

BONUS!

Room 4 Gathering Sunday

Jenny Noyce, our class parent, is organizing a get-together on Sunday, from 1:00-3:00 at Tugman Park.  Come play, rain or shine.  Bring the whole family if you’d like.  Jenny’s email is jennynoyce@gmail.com.

THANK YOU!

I had the happiest birthday this week!  Thank you for all the thoughtful cards and gifts.  It really made my day.

Photos

As promised, here is another batch of photos.  Carmen took pictures of our engineering project, singing at morning meeting, and reading partners.  Enjoy!

Studying Culture

As we prepare to study the cultures of tribal people, I posed a question to students: Do you have a culture?  For young people who are surrounded by people with shared backgrounds, culture can be invisible and abstract.  So, we started by thinking about our own family cultures - the foods, holidays, languages and traditions that are special to each family. Our framework is the fundamental needs of humans: food, shelter, clothing, transportation, protection, and spiritual needs.  

Native Nations Research

Students have selected different North American tribal peoples to study.  We’ve practiced ways to collect details from the text and pictures of our reference books.  The next steps will be to turn our details into sentences and, for more advanced writers, paragraphs.  

Oregon’s First Engineers

Next Thursday we will learn about the tools and technology invented by Oregon’s tribal people.  A guest educator from the Museum of Natural and Cultural History will join us, bringing artifacts and activities to share.  

Absences

Any planned absences that you report to attendance@ridgeline.org are not shared with the classroom.  I love to know when kids will be out, so please consider copying me in your email as well. 

First Grade Scholastic Magazines

Our youngest students got their first Scholastic magazines today and will be taking them home sometime over the next few days.  We are encouraging kids to share the magazines with their families and read together.  No need to return them or turn anything in!  Later this year, kids will begin keeping the magazines at school and using them to answer questions about the text.

Photos!

Enjoy the pictures from our fabulous Biome Fashion Show, recent art projects and our current research.  The art projects are a parfleche (a hide envelope used by Plains Indians) and winter counts (tribal histories from the Lakota, with an image or symbol to represent each year).

Photos Folder