Wednesday

The crayfish have returned. Fourth graders learn to care for and identify body structures of crayfish this year. We will not eat the classroom crayfish no matter how appetizing they appear! Instead, students make sure their habitat is kept clean, sufficient cat food is supplied for their sustenance, and that crayfish behavior is observed.

On Friday we will walk to the Vern Burton Center for the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts Children's program. We leave from school at 8:05 AM sharp and we'll return in time for lunch, although all lunches will be sack lunches on that day to accomodate those classes attending the second show. Good walking shoes are highly recommended.

Friday

The MSP continues Monday with the Reading section of the state assessment. Our students have worked hard and made lots of progress this year.

More Science investigations take place next week as we learn more about plants and seed growth. By the way, what is the name for the onset of seed growth? And, what are the three things plants need to grow? By the end of next week our students will know the answers to those questions and more. The Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts is coming up at the end of this month, and that means the possibility of a field trip, a walking field trip. So a little extra exercise each day is advised--not only to get in shape for the walk to Vern Burton Gym, but also as a means to improve personal health. Keep walking!

Friday

Can you name the parts of a seed? Our fourth graders can after dissecting swollen lima beans, separating the seed coat from the cotyledons and examining the embryo with hand lenses. Next we will continue the study of the life structures of plants.

Yes, today is 'pajama day.' Somehow, the fourth graders don't believe male teachers sleep in their jeans and sweaters.
Next Tuesday we will begin the MSP (measurement of student progress) which is the big standardized test for Washington's students. Earlier bed times and good breakfasts are recommended.

Friday

Sure, we learned how to brew tea in fourth grade this year, but tea alone isn't much good when it's time to make dinner. So, this week the fourth-graders are writing an essay about a situation in which they are given the responsibility to make dinner when they get home from school one day. To make it somewhat easier, one part of the meal must come from a can. We'll see what they come up with in terms of food groups and inventiveness.

We repeat-long division. Now that the fourth-graders are quite good at double digit multiplication, long division and changing fractions into decimals come next. Divide, multiply, subtract, bring down.....repeat. One is reminded of hair-washing and shampoo instructions.

Friday

While we still want students reading outside of school, it just isn't quite warm for the kind of recreational reading pictured at left. Apparently, Spring has not yet sprung. Nevertheless, we've been talking about the other evidence that the season really does exist, from lawns getting mowed to the chirping frog sounds heard all over.

Halibut is not the answer to the latest bonus question: What deep water fish is used to make the famous 'filet of fish' sandwich?

Our class is considering entering a Room 17 team for the Relay for Life fundraiser in June at the Clallam County Fairgrounds. Stay tuned for more information about this event.

Thursday

Along with the first rainstorm of Spring we are still reminded daily of the new season by the noisy frogs chirping away all over the Peninsula, even heard near the downtown streets of Port Angeles. The more obvious signs of Spring are just less obvious this year after a long, dark, and wet Winter that lingers on in our region.

What other signs, events, or rituals come with the start of Spring? Make a list or write a short essay about your favorite part of Spring and bring it to Room 17.

Tonight is the General Music concert starting at 6:30 PM here at Franklin. Students should arrive closer to 6 PM.

Tea and cupcakes for everyone yesterday....thanks to one of our sets of twins for having a birthday celebration with us!

Wednesday

Sometimes a fourth grader finds creative ways to keep warm and dry during the fierce winters of the North Olympic Peninsula. Next year we might add ponchos, scarves, and gloves to the list of requested school materials, along with paper, pencils, and erasers. No snow is forecast for the near future, but the rains have come to stay, apparently.

We've started a new unit in Science: Magnetism and Electricity. For a challenging bonus question, let's see if anyone can draw a simple circuit before we do the Science Activity in a day or two.

Divide. Multiply. Subtract. Bring Down. Then repeat the steps in your mind a few times before falling asleep at night.