Jeff the Nature Guy and Bitterroot School!!

Special Treatment for the Bitterroot Bobcats!

So we had an absolute blast and because we are Jeff's biggest fans we got some special treatment and behind the scene footage. Here we are all taking a turn going into Smiley the mule deers exhibit and petting his soft fur and fuzzy antlers. We later learned that a wild bear actually got into Smiley's pen and attacked his mate and killed her. So, now Smiley is being introduced to a new friend. Sad!

Ready or Not Jeff...Here We Come!

Tomorrow is Red Lodge...rain or shine

Please don't forget:

1. Apply sunscreen BEFORE school

2. Hat

3. Closed Shoes

4. Weather Appropriate Clothing...Layers are best

5. Electronics for bus

6. Bag or backpack

7. LUNCH

8. Money for gift shop if want

Mrs. Hankins called up and here are some items in the gift shop that might interest your child.

Shirts-$15

Postcards-15 cents

Keychains-?

Wooden Snakes-$2 or $4

Stuffed Animals-$4 to $10

Plastic Butterflies-50 cents

Jewelry- $4-$6

Again, gift shop is optional.

Cya tomorrow!

States and Caps Test Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is our Rootbeer float party. We earned it for having the most participation in the spirit days this year. Student Council is putting it on for us!! All those careers and crazy hair-dos paid off! Go Team Erickson!

Thursday is our trip to Red Lodge. We will go rain or shine. Remember to pack a lunch, sunscreen, a hat and wear your walking shoes. No flip-flps please. Kids may also bring money to shop in the gift shop if they want to. Thanks Mrs. Fiene, Mrs. Bell, Mr. and Mrs. Davis, and possibly Mrs. Jensen??? for agreeing to chaperone. Sweet!

Tomorrow is the states and capital test for the West region. Last week we made flash cards. Kids practiced them on the bus ride to Bridger and today we reviewed together. Those that participated seemed to have a good grip. Those that spaced out...well I hope they focus tomorrow.

Please continue to remind students that they need to finish up strong!! I need them focused and on top of their game for 7 more days!

Have a great sunny night!!

PS. Jacob I hope that you are having a great birthday!

Jeff the Nature Guy and Bitterroot School!!

Ok...how cool is this? We are famous!!! Here is the video we did with Jeff the Nature Guy from Red Lodge's Beartooth Nature Center! After you watch this you will understand why we had to change our field trip plans. He is going to be amazing as our tour guide around the zoo this Thursday! I can't wait to hear all the cool facts he has in store for us! We are AWESOME!!!

One Amazing Woman!

Today we had a very special guest, Ms. Diane. She was born with CP just like Petey in our read aloud book. Kids got to interact with her and ask questions of all kinds. She was amazing and one of the most positive people I have ever met, Just like Petey!! What a great connection for the kids. Thanks Mrs. Hankins for setting this up and allowing us to join in!

We Did It!

WOOHOO!!! WE made change happen! I am so, so, so proud of my class. The process was long and required a lot of research and patience, but we did it! We got the people that have the power to change procedures to understand that the current trays used in our cafeteria are horrible for the Earth and it's environment. Now, we are piloting a basket tray, and today it went great. We also discovered that instead of 1 and a half bags of garbage it only took up 3/4 of a small garbage can. Again...WOOHOO!! Anything is possible if you just BELIEVE!!

Stars of the Week: Maddie and Mikaela

Fossil Dig in Bridger, Montana

Crazy Hair Day!

We are Going...for now...

We are planning to go on the field trip. If it is cancelled we will know tomorrow morning. Please make sure kids do NOT leave the house without the following:

1. Pants

2. Tennis Shoes

3. Light Jacket or Sweatshirt

4. Packed Lunch (If you ordered one we have it!)

5. Water Bottle (They may use the one at school if they have one)

6. Electronic Devises (music or game systems) to keep them busy on the bus

7. Hat

8. Sunscreen

Thanks!! Mrs. Jensen and Mrs. Johnson...I will call you in the morning if we cancel. :0)

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY!!!

Going to Solutions...

AHHHHHH!!!! I don't know if it is just the end of the year or what but the tattling in this class has become explosive. We had a big talk on the carpet this afternoon about the difference between telling and tattling. I have taken a lot of time out of our day for morning meetings to teach a TON of strategies about how to deal with these situations. Students need to talk to the person, walk away from the person, ignore the person, or start a new game without the person that is bothering them. The only time an adult should have to get involved is when it is a repeated bully situation. So, now I am hoping that students can solve small issues on their own and leave the larger issues to me. Please continue this conversation at home as well. Thanks!

Permission slips for upcoming events came home tonight. They need to be returned tomorrow along with the $2 for Red Lodge. I discussed how to fill them out with the kids so ask them if you have questions. I also sent home an extra coy to hang on the fridge. Please make sure that kids come prepared on each special day with the items I listed.

Friday is our trip to Bridger for the fossil dig. If it is rainy on Thursday or Friday the trip will be cancelled. The company does not allow guests if they have mud. If that is the case then we will go to Pompey's Pillar on a later date instead. I am still in need of a parent volunteer for this trip. Please let me know if you are interested. If we go, there is a chance of snake sightings. I have told the kids that I will gladly take a bullet and save their lives but I will NOT go near a snake!! So, let's all hope they stay away. It has only been reported once thank goodness. :0)

Here is a video of our Commotion in the Ocean Play we put on today! Very cute and the kids did great!!

Play Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is our Commotion in the Ocean Play. We will be performing for our buddies and Mrs. Seward's class at 2:00. If you want to come feel free. It will last about 15 minutes total! :0) I will also film it and put it on the blog. Students need to wear a solid shirt though to go under their costume boards. If they don't have a solid shirt then as close as they can get will work just fine.

I talked to the students this morning about appropriate spring/summer attire at school. Shorts and skirts need to be longer than their fingertips when their arms are hanging down on their sides. Tank-tops need to be at least 2 fingers wide. Boys tank-tops need to be snug to their armpits or a shirt needs to be under. No makeup is allowed at school.

Permission slips for all of our upcoming events will go home tomorrow. I am sending home dual copies so you can keep one for your fridge. Please fill out and return to school on Wed. for a cash reward. REMEMBER: Just because a child can buy into an event does NOT mean that they automatically can go. If their behavior is not in tact in these next few weeks I will return their money and find an alternative placement for them.

Lastly, we talked about the phrase Finishing Up Strong today at our morning meeting. Kids came up with some strategies that could help them to ensure that they finish the last three weeks of 4th grade with a positive attitude and with 4th grade quality work. I was proud of their thinking and we made a HUGE poster to hang up to remind us.

Hope to see all of you at Pastries for Parents this Wednesday before school for some doughnuts and juice!

Gator Day Footage

LETS DO IT!

CRAZY HAIR DAY TOMORROW!!! WE NEED 100% PARTICIPATION TO WIN THE ROOTBEER FLOAT PARTY!!! GO TEAM!!

I am out tomorrow!

Hi. I am out tomorrow for my Technology Showcase. This is where I go show off all the stuff we have done this year while using Technology. WooHoo! Remember: True Character is how you live life when nobody is looking...or in this case, when Ms. Erickson isn't looking. Please remind kids to make good choices and use what I have taught them. We have way to many fun activities at stake!!

The Pompey Pillar trip has been cancelled. But, never fear we have another one ready to go. We will be venturing up to Red Lodge to see Jeff the Nature Guy and all his animals. We will also have a picnic lunch in the park. Be watching for permission slips for all our upcoming field trips soon.

On a final note, the sun is supposed to reappear by the end of this week. Until then, please make sure kids are wearing warm, weather appropriate clothing to school. Shorts are not appropriate for this kind of weather and jackets need to be at school just in case. MANY kids were complaining about being cold today at recess and in gym class. Responsibility.

Have a great night!

GATOR DAY TOMORROW!!! DON"T FORGET YOUR DRINK FOR LUNCH!

Happy Mother's Day!

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Gator Day Tomorrow!

Hello! Happy Mother's Day!! I hope your day was as enjoyable as mine.

Tomorrow is Gator Day! Students need to remember to bring their drink to have during our pizza party. We have a very, very special guest coming to spend the day with us tomorrow! Surprise!!!!

Have a wonderful evening and cya tomorrow!

Happy Mother's Day Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the Mother's Day Tea at 1:45. Students are free to leave with you at 3. Can't wait to see all of you.

Egg Day was a huge success. We had many that learned the lesson of how a parent feels when they turn around for just a second and then look back and their baby is gone!!! They also learned the pain of just how expensive having a child can be. I am excited to read their journals tomorrow.

Remember we have the day off on Friday. Back to school on Monday.

Cya tomorrow!

Upcoming Events.

Baby Egg Day Tomorrow!

I hope that all went well today while I was out. I learned a lot and Mrs. Brucker and I planned our upcoming Gator Day. We have some awesome hands-on learning coming up!!!

Tomorrow is Baby Egg Day. Students need to bring in their cribs tomorrow. Remember: cribs need to be about the size of their name-tags or smaller.

The Mother's Day Tea is all set for Thursday at 1:45. It will last until 3:00, at which time students may leave with their moms. Iced Tea and cookies will be served. Bring your tissues! :0)

Have a great night and pray for NO wind tomorrow. I am starting to think I live in Great Falls again!

Playing Outside Again!

What a beautiful day!! However, rumor has it wind and cold is on the way. Be careful wearing those shorts and t-shirts this week. You never know with Montana Spring weather.

I will be out tomorrow for TILT class (technology). Kids have a VERY busy day tomorrow.

Egg day was moved to Wednesday due to time constraints on Thursday with the Mother's Day Tea. But, no worries you will still meet those grand-babies at the Tea! :0)

Have a wonderful evening!

Field Trip Tomorrow

Happy Sunday Night! Don't forget we have the "surprise" field trip tomorrow. Kids need to remember to bring what they need to bring in order to make the trip a success. They know!!!

Absolute last day tomorrow to bring pictures for the slideshow. See older posts for picture details.

Cya tomorrow! Have a great night.