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!