Book Exchange in Room C-1

On Friday, December 19th, (our last day of school before vacation), we will be having a little party at school!

The day will consist of creating a Christmas project, the all school "Sing-a-Long," a book exchange and a movie (with treats).

I am asking your child to buy a book for the book exchange, keeping the expenses at no more that $5-$10 total. I want to emphasize the joy of giving to others, no expense. Please do not spend over $10. I would like each book to be "student" wrapped. :0) Please do no send the gifts (books) before Thursday, Dec. 18th.

I love teaching your children and look forward to having a wonderful time celebrating with each other!

Happy Holidays from Mrs. Koenig

~32nd Student~

Tuesday our class got a new student! He will be another great asset to our class!!!

2nd Floopy Friday Pictures

Homework for the Week of 12/2-12/12

Assigned on Tuesday (Due 12/12/08):
USA Weekly #9 Crossword, Chart Activity, & Think and Review (questions 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16)

Assigned Wednesday (Due 12/17/08):
Explorer Project

2nd Floppy Friday

The class has earned their second Floppy Friday! Students may bring a sleeping bag, a blanket, a small stuffed animal, and a small tent. Students are also welcome to wear pajamas or comfortable clothes. The class also earned some free time minutes. During free time, students can listen to appropriate music or play appropriate games on handheld electronics.

Explorer Project

Each student recieved information about the "Explorer Project" that went home today. Below is a copy of what students recieved (I also provided a world map for each student):

5th GRADE EXPLORER PROJECT

Research Report (Technology Class Assignment)

Using Microsoft Word, your book, and the internet create a report on your explorer. Requirements are found in your file on the server at school (Explorer Power Point).

Speech- See guidelines attached.

To earn a 5 or higher, you must successfully complete the report, speech, and then choose 1 of the following projects:

1. Interview - Write and answer 5 interesting questions for your explorer. This could be done in the style of Falcon News Person of the Week.

2. Journal - Write a journal for 5 days as if you are traveling with your explorer.

3. Poster - Full color illustration with caption explaining importance of a scene in your explorer’s life.

4. Comic strip - A 4-frame adventure for your explorer, must be carefully done and in color.

5. Want ad - This is a “recruiting poster” to get sailors to join you on your voyage.

6. Diorama - 3-D representation of an important scene in your explorer’s life.

7. FREE CHOICE J Make something amazing!

Explorer “Persuasive” Speech

Each of you will give a persuasive speech on Wednesday, December 17th or Thursday, December 18th. You should be ready to present Wednesday. I’m hoping that this will be a fun assignment for everyone!
The purpose of this speech is to persuade the queen to grant you money to finance your voyage/expedition. You will pretend to be the explorer you’re studying when you are giving your speech.
You need to make sure to cover these areas:

1. Tell the queen your “plan” of your voyage (what the explorer really did). Make sure to include where you’re going. Make sure to give the queen reasons why you want to go on this trip and what you’re planning to find.
2. Tell the queen how many ships you’re going to take and the name(s) of the ships.
3. Tell the queen the date you plan to leave (the departure date when your explorer really left) and the date you’re planning to return.
4. Make sure to include a map of what you’ll find and a route you’ll take. Use the blank world map that your teacher will give you. Your map will be on the projector when you give your speech.
5. Make sure to tell the queen all the riches you’ll bring her. J

When you’re giving your speech it would be helpful to use visuals, jewels (fake), etc. You could also dress up as your explorer if you’d like. IF you chose to do the extra project, display it during your speech.

Note to Families

Here is a note that I sent home yesterday:

12/2/08

C-1 Families,

I won’t be sending home newsletters anymore this year. Instead I will be communicating through our classroom website (blog) and through email.
If you haven’t read the website, please make a point to read it once a week. Here is the address:

http://forestridgec1.blogspot.com/

I will be updating the blog at least once a week (homework will also be on the blog). Please make a point to check the blog to see what’s happening in our class!

~Holiday Projects~

Students will be working on a few projects next week and the week after. It would be helpful if each child could bring in $2 or $3, that would be really helpful!

Have a great night!

Mrs. Sara Koenig
koenig_sara@salkeiz.12.or.us
503-399-5548

The Can Food Drive

Our class (and C-5) will be having a can food drive until December 19th. Fifth graders gave presentations to other classes yesterday and today informing other’s about the can food drive and to get them excited! The food will go to the Marion County Fire District #1, who will then distribute the food to the families in need. Classrooms will be counting cans each week. There is a “mini competition” between our class and C-5. The classroom that is the most organized will win a prize party. Donations can be boxed food, can food, and or hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)

Written by: Food Drive Coordinator

~December Events~

Dec. 2nd Keizer Tree Lighting 6pm Cider, cookies, and caroling

Dec. 4th Lancaster Mall "Kids Club" 6-7pm Kids will decorate their own canvas pillowcase with a slot for a 4x6 photo

SATURDAY,DECEMBER 6th
Willamette Queen Sternwheeler Toy Drive
Free one hour excursion 1:30-2:30 with 2 cans of food or new toy. Sip cocoa while floating down the river....

Volcanoes Stadium Santa arrives by Helicopter at 11:00am Free E-photos and candy canes 11-3

Elsinore Theatre Holiday Party for the Kids 10am Free

Watch 'Kung-Fu Panda' meet Santa, sing songs and receive a bag of holiday goodies 375-3574

Riverfront Park Tree Lighting 5 pm Cocoa, cookies and music.

Michaels Kids Club 10-2 $5 Santa's Workshop

All children will make gifts and wrap them as well!

Home Depot Kids Workshop Free 9-12 Art Easel

Ongoing....

Als Garden Center
Mrs.Clause and elves read holiday stories to the kids 10:30 am Dec. 6th, 13th, and 20th

Salem Public Library Winter Break Programs must be registered 588-6088 *Gift Making 12/23

*For the Birds Story&Craft 12/30

* Lego Building Contest 12/31

West Salem Branch *Holiday Book Bingo w/prizes 12/29

Riverfront Carousel
Breakfast with Santa 8-9:30am Dec. 13, 20, 22, 24
$20 per person Includes ride, visit from Santa, breakfast, photo, and a special gift from Santa
Free Rides Christmas and New Years Day 12-4 with can food donation

YMCA Family Night Dec. 10th 5:30-7:30 'Winter Wonderland' dinner, crafts and door prizes $3 adult $2 kid 399-2796

Bullwinkle's Family Night Friday, Dec. 12th 5-9 pm Includes unlimited go karts, lazer tag, mini golf, bumper boats batting cages and playland.
(Also happens on Dec. 31st) $20 per person

Northern Lights Theatre Double Play Saturday Dec. 13th doors open 11:45am $10 per person includes movie, play, pizza, drink and snack. Play: Busy Christmas Eve with Santa visiting Movie: TBA

Lowes Sat. Dec. 13th 10am Build your own Gingerbread House Free

Mission Mill Dec. 13th Family Fun Saturday Free 11-1 Holiday Stories

Winterfest at Oregon Garden Dec 13th 11-1 $5 wreath making, cookie decorating, and other crafts 874-8100

Silver Falls Christmas Festival Dec. 13th,14th11-4 $3 per vehicle wreath making, stories, gingerbread houses, ornaments and cards. JR Beaver and Santa visiting South Falls Lodge

Festival of Lights Holiday Parade Downtown Salem Dec. 13th 6:30 pm

If you go to the 'Miracle of Christmas' light display in the Gubser neighborhood, Pack 12 scouts will be out taking your donations on Dec. 14th...make sure to stop by!

Homework over the Break

Scholastic news (back page and both sides on worksheet)

USA Weekly #8 (quiz only)

Explorer book and notes

Each assignment is due on Tuesday, December 2nd.

See you at conferences!

USA Weekly is Canceled

Our afternoon was very busy, so I canceled the USA Weekly homework. Students will receive USA Weekly homework tomorrow, but it will not be due until Tuesday, December 2nd.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is BACK!

IT'S THE HOLIDAY SEASON AGAIN!!!

If you missed it last year....or want to continue this fun family tradition.....

Please consider buying tickets to see a children's favorite Christmas Classic play: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

Mrs. Bernau will be playing the evil old hag, Mrs. Armstrong, again this year out at the Pentacle Theatre. There are 12 performances of this hilarious but touching play offered this season! Get together with Forest Ridge friends and families and make an afternoon or evening of it!

But get your tickets NOW! The general public will be offered them soon and seats will fill up fast!
This year you may buy your tickets ON LINE at the web-site below.
Come join the fun!!!

http://www.pentacletheatre.org/

Homework for the Week of 11/17-11/21

Assigned Yesterday:
Math: SS#4 & grid paper (due today)

Assigned Today:
USA Weekly #8 - Quiz only (due Friday the 21st)

Will be assigned Thursday:
Health Magazine (due Friday the 21st)

Will be assigned Friday:
Scholastic News (will be due Tuesday the 2nd of December)

Over the Break:
Students will need to read their explorer book and take notes. The books will not be assigned until this Thursday.

New Student

A few weeks ago we had a new student join our classroom. He has been a lot of fun to work with and he's already made many friends. He'll be a great asset to our class!

Homework Update Each Week

I decided that it would be helpful to post homework weekly on the blog. I still expect students to write in their planners as well as show them to their parents. Hopefully our classroom blog and student planners will be a good form of communication.

Homework for this week:

Assigned today:
USA Weekly #7
Writing letter to parents
Math: SS #2

Will be assigned tomorrow:
Scholastic News

*Each one of these assignments are due on Friday.

~November Events~

Lowes
Saturday, Nov. 22nd Football Goal
Free.....10-11

Michaels
Sat. Nov. 15th Yarn Cake Slice
Sat. Nov.22 Kids Choice Day
Ages 3-12 $5 per class

Northern Lights Theatre
Sat. Nov. 15th Double Play Saturday doors open 11:45
Movie is Igor and play is Jack and the Bean stock
$10 per person includes movie, play, pizza, drink and popcorn.

YMCA
Drop in Dodge Ball every Wednesday night in November
Ages 8-12 Cost $2 Main Gym

Library
Friday, Nov. 21st 'Curtis Carlyle' Juggler/comedian
Free Loucks Lecture Hall Doors open 6:45
Woodburn Co.Stores
Nov. 22nd Tree lighting @5pm See real reindeer 12-4
Carousel
Friday, Nov. 28th 12pm Santa arrives by Express Train in front of Carousel ~ free hot cocoa
Creative Display Inc. (1609 Steiwer Rd. NE Jefferson)
Indoor Elf Village Train Ride thru an animated Christmas Village
$1 Open Mon,Weds, Fri, Sat 11-4 until Dec. 13th

USA Weeklies

About each week, I assign homework out of the "USA Weekly" newspapers. Today we worked together on answering some questions in class. The focus today was writing answers in complete sentences. Please make sure to spend some time with your child on this assignment (if can be pretty difficult at times). Typically, I allow three nights to work on this assignment, but due to the short week, students will have two nights to work on this at home. If you haven't seen a USA Weekly, see example.

Conferences

I will be sending home conference slip reminders tomorrow (11/13/08). Please make sure to read the time/date that I have chosen and send them back. The slips are due as soon as possible. During conferences, I would like each child to attend with their parent. Please let me know on the conference slip if your child CAN NOT join us at their conference.

Home Volunteers

At the beginning of the year, I had a few parents tell me that they were willing to grade papers at home. If you are one of those parents and are still interested, please let me know through email. I'm ready for the help! :0)

What a Great Class!

Falcon News

Every Monday morning our school watches Falcon News. Linked to our website a link to the Falcon News website. When you have time, please click on "Falcon News" and watch some video segments. There is a great video from the "Jog-a-Thon" and there are some fun skits created by students in our class. The Falcon News website is updated frequently, so from time to time, check it out!

Mrs. Slay

A few weeks ago, Mrs Slay joined our classroom. Due to the number of students in our class, we were able to get a few extra hours of help in the afternoon. Mrs. Slay will help with grading papers, working on projects, helping students, and much more!

A Few Reminders

Ocean Test: Yesterday I showed the students what to study for the ocean test on Thursday. Each child should be taking home their science notebook and their estuary worksheet.

Speech: Next Wednesday & Thursday each student will be giving a speech on their estuary project. A speech packet went home today. If you would like me to send you a copy, please send me an email.

Planners/Homework: Please make a point to check your child's planner at least TWICE a week. Every Tuesday I check planners to see if parents initial them. If students highlight a date, that is an indication of when an assignment is due. The only homework students will have this week is studying for the ocean test and preparing and practicing for their Estuary speech.

Family Talents

Last Friday our class learned about drawing comics! We had a parent volunteer come in and show his talent and his love for drawing. Each child was given a homework assignment (due Friday, Nov. 7th) on drawing their own character or a character that's in a book or in a newspaper.

Some students have already brought their homework to class!























Teaching a lesson on something you specialize in or just simply enjoy is so much fun! It's great for families to work with students. If you would like to teach a lesson on a particular subject, please let me know and we will set up a time.

Check Out Our Fun Day at the Beach!

2 More Days!

The field trip is just around the corner! The bus is NOW scheduled to leave at 7:30 and arrive between 4:00-4:30. Please make sure that your child is at the school at 7:15 (doors won't open until 7:15). Mrs. Kerr and myself will be waiting in the front lobby. Students will not be able to walk back to their classrooms that morning, because the bus will be leaving at 7:30. Thursday each child with receive a "check-list" reminding them of what to pack.

Floppy Friday

The class earned their first Floppy Friday (actually Thursday)! They had a great day. The room was in a bit of a disarray, but it was worth it!

Oregon Coast Trip

Our beach trip is just one week away! Make sure your child has turned in their permission form and their money. Below is a copy of the letter that I sent home and through email:

5th Grade Beach Trip

The fifth grade students will be taking a field trip on Friday, October 17th to visit the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. The bus will depart at 8:00 A.M. Students will need to be here at 7:45 A.M. We plan on returning by 4:00 pm.

To help pay for the cost of this trip, students need to bring $10.00. Students will also need to bring a sack lunch and appropriate clothing for the weather. Students may also bring a book, a game boy, headphones, etc. If these items are lost, Forest Ridge is not responsible.

We will need 10 to 15 chaperones total. School district policy requires all chaperones to have a criminal history background check completed and approved (takes 3-4 weeks) before attending. If you are interested and have completed the form, please indicate below. If you have not completed a form and would like to go on a future trip please ask at the office for a form and turn it in soon so you will be able to attend our next trip. Because of limited space on the bus, all chaperones will need to provide their own transportation, carpooling together.

We are looking forward to this exciting adventure!

Mrs. Kerr
Mrs. Koenig