A Fly on the Wall

2010-06-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

Citizenship Award: Abby and Seth
Donating School Supplies to Iraq
Donating School Supplies
Student Council Award: Arielle, Jordan, and Marley
Perfect Attendance Award for Honor Choir: Abby and Jordan
Girls Honor Choir Award: Abby, Arielle, and Jordan
Art Show Awards: Jewel, Paige, Skyler, Arielle
Bug Club: The ENTIRE Class

Two Down...One and a Half to Go!

2010-06-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day! We have the awards assembly (remember your secret shirts!), the Miracle movie (bring your drink and snack), a wiffle ball game, and then the All Star Game agains the staff. Because of the busy day, I had the kids bring home most of their supplies today. We will clean out the rest tomorrow. Art supplies may be donated to kids in Iraq. I ship them over to the troops every summer. Then they distribute them to schools and kids in need. If kids want to keep their supplies they sure can, otherwise I will take care of them for them.

Remember, Friday is a half day. Kids are dismissed at 11:45 that day.

Also, remember that Friday is our bike field trip to the park. Please make sure that bikes are in working order and helmets are ready to go. Do I have any parent volunteers wanting to ride along??? We will leave at 8:45ish and return by 11:30. It is adult choice to wear a helmet. THANKS!

Have a great night!

One down...two and a half to go!

2010-06-01T18:10:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness! Today was a super fun day. I actually got to just hang and enjoy your kid, not as their teacher, but as a human being. We spent most of the day playing wiffle ball working on our character skills. I have to tell you I was so, so impressed with my class. They really demonstrated so high level character traits. It is going to be VERY hard to pick 3 or 4 to play in the All Star Game against the staff this Thursday. I am very proud of all of them, and it is obvious that they have really taken and applied all that they have learned at Morning Meeting all year long. Super cool to watch in action!

Tomorrow morning we will be doing our last oovoo session with Rusty. He wants to know what they have learned from his show all year. I am excited to hear as well.

Today we also took about a half hour and did a walk down blog memory lane. I had the kids go back to blog post number one and look through all we have done. They did not finish, and it was absolutely hilarious listening to their, "oh remember this," or in some cases singing old songs aloud with the computer. Brought tears to my eyes actually. I am really going to miss this group.

Wiffle ball continues tomorrow and we will have our last auction for the year as well. Students will be bringing home their stuff on Thursday so be expecting heavy backpacks. Our bike trip is coming up on Friday. Make sure bikes and helmets are ready to go. Kids need to let me know if they need anything by tomorrow.

Have a great night!

REMINDER

2010-06-01T05:22:00.000-07:00

Wiffle Ball Tournament Starts TODAY!!!! Don't forget your hat and tennis shoes!

Jeff the Nature Guy and Bitterroot School!!

2010-05-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Special Treatment for the Bitterroot Bobcats!

2010-05-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-26T14:42:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-05-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

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!!

2010-05-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-24T14:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-22T14:07:00.002-07:00

Fossil Dig in Bridger, Montana

2010-05-22T14:07:00.001-07:00

Crazy Hair Day!

2010-05-22T13:58:00.001-07:00

We are Going...for now...

2010-05-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

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)

2010-05-19T14:55:00.001-07:00

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY!!!

Going to Solutions...

2010-05-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

LETS DO IT!

2010-05-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

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

I am out tomorrow!

2010-05-11T14:50:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-05-09T19:24:00.001-07:00

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

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T19:23:00.000-07:00

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Meet the Kids!!!

2010-05-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

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Gator Day Tomorrow!

2010-05-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-05-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

Baby Egg Day Tomorrow!

2010-05-04T17:20:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-05-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Dress Warm Tomorrow Please! No Shorts!!

2010-04-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

Greetings Future 5th grade parents! I hope to see you at the Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner tonight at Burlington on Lewis Ave at 5:30ish. Thank you to all of those that sent in a donation! I am so proud of this class and their parents. Amazing support ALWAYS!!! Tonight is also Chuckie Cheese Night until 9. Kids came home with a free token sticker on their shirts. Fun!

Pictures are due tomorrow for the Mother's Day Slideshow. Students need their baby picture, a current picture, and a picture of mom. Any picture will do the trick. I will be making the slide show this weekend so last day is tomorrow!!

Mom's don't forget to mark your calendars for May 6th at 1:45 for the Mother's Day Tea. Permission slips and RSVPs are also due tomorrow.

Students are scheduled to run the 800 meter dash tomorrow in PE. They may bring their I-pods or other musical devises for that event only. Tennis shoes and loose clothing are a must! WARM!!

Thanks! Have a super fun night in the rain!!!

Reminders

2010-04-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder for the Spaghetti Dinner tomorrow at Burlington Elementary starting at 5:30. Your attendance earns your child $1000.00. Donations also accepted and will be rewarded.

Also, try to remember to find those pictures. Students need a baby and modern picture of themselves and then one of their mom. Permission slips and attendance RSVP invitations came home tonight for the Mother's Day Tea. Please return them by Friday.

Midterms come home this Friday. Attached to them will also be their NWEA test scores. You will see their score at the beginning of 4th grade and their score now. Many students scored in the Advanced level which is above grade level. WOW!!! We did AWESOME as a class, and I am so proud of each and everyone of my students.

Have a great night!

Thanks Everyone! We Made a Difference!!

2010-04-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

What do you want to be when you grow up?

2010-04-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

Save the Date and Find the Pics!

2010-04-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

Ok...what a day! First off, students will be relieved to know that I found my truck keys in my bread drawer at home!!! I am loosing my marbles I tell ya! Second, my internet was touch and go last night so the slideshow will be up HOPEFULLY tonight. Lastly, please mark your calendars on May 6th for our Mother's Day Tea. It will be at 1:45 in our room. Students need to bring in a baby picture of themselves, a current picture of themselves, and a picture of their moms for a slideshow. To be in the slideshow, I will need all pictures by this Friday. Students that bring them in tomorrow will receive a $500 reward. I did not announce this to the class so lucky to you that read the blog!!! Have a great evening!!

Save Your Money!! Spend your money!! All for Fun!

2010-04-26T13:43:00.001-07:00

As the year is coming closer to ending, here are a few things I told the students they need to keep in mind.

Gator Party with Burlington Buddies: $1000.00

Pompey's Pillar Field Trip: $1000.00

Fossil Dig Field Trip: $1000.00

Field Day: $500.00

End of the Year Picnic in the Park: $500.00

Wiffle Ball Tournament: $300.00

Miracle Movie, Popcorn and Drink: $300.00

In order for students to participate in these events they will need to buy into it with their fake money. Students that do not have enough money saved by the time of the event will not attend. Almost all students have more money than they need. Is your child one of them?

Need more money? Students are invited to a spaghetti dinner at Burlington Elementary this Thursday at 5:30. It is a fundraiser ($5.00 each or $25.00 per family) for a family that attends their school and the public is invited. My family is attending as is our Burlington Buddy teacher, Mrs. Brucker. Some of her classmates will be there as well. Students that attend will be rewarded with $1000.00. If you are unable to attend students agreed today that they could just make a donation as if they were there and I will still reward them the $1000.00. It is good to help others.

Pictures of Career Day and our Volunteer Opportunity last weekend will be posted later tonight! Both events were awesome! Thanks for all of your support!

Thank you to all of you that have given me your sport's schedules. I LOVE going to games and watching students play. I will let you know though, I DO NOT go to games that are in the rain or in cold weather. I am a weather wimp! So even if I say I am going to come if that weather is happening know that I will NOT show up! :0) Thanks for including me in your life outside school!!

Earth Day-Dressing the Part: Green and Blue

2010-04-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

Said From the Mouths of 4th Graders...

2010-04-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

We Are Done!

2010-04-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

Great day today! Sub tomorrow as I am out at technology class. We finished up our NWEA testing today and the kids did AWESOME!! Math is our lowest field at Bitterroot and I am so so proud of them ALL!! Everyone did their very best and our scores as a whole will rock. Good Job!

Going Green and Volunteering!

2010-04-19T14:25:00.001-07:00

Wow!! The Earth Day Assembly today was awesome! MCC joined us and performed yet another rap. Ms. Kelly was recognized for her energy conservation efforts by the district. We are now an energy star school!! We have saved over $15,000 dollars in our energy bills just this year! Skits and songs were performed teaching us new ways to recycle at school. We are focussing on using only one paper towel to dry our hands and only using one pump of soap or hand sanitizer. Our class is still working hard to come up with a new plan for the styrofoam plates used in the lunchroom and we want to get plastic milk containers as well. We really want to be a model school for going green. Go team Bitterroot!!

This Saturday is the Volunteer Opportunity for April. We will be pairing up with MCC once again at Lake Elmo. We have done this for three years now and it is always one of my favorite functions. We help in all sorts of ways to get the park ready for the new season. Information and permission forms will come home tomorrow. The function will be form 9-12. Lunch will be served at the end!!! Come one, come all!

Our last NWEA test is tomorrow. We will be testing our Math skills. Testing begins at 10:15 and goes up till lunch time. Then we are DONE!! Please make sure students are here and on time tomorrow. Make up testing requires kids to leave their regular classes and miss important lessons for over an hour. Thanks!

Have a super night!

Bug Club Winners and Star of the Week: Arielle!

2010-04-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Fun Times connecting to the Everglades and Gumbo Limbo Book! Thanks Matt!!!

2010-04-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Free digital slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Persuasive Writing for Mr. Senitte

2010-04-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

Students were assigned to write a persuasive journal entry in their journal last week. They were to write a letter to Mr. Senitte and try to persuade him to change from styrofoam plates to washable plastic ones in order to help our school turn more "green." Today, a select few got the chance to read those letters to Mr. Senitte. He sat and listened to the students and even took notes on his laptop as they read. Then he asked the entire class, ok what is the next step. They agreed to have him call the correct people and set up a meeting that he will attend with three select students to start making a change. This is AMAZING!! I am so proud of all the students. All of them had excellent letters and it was hard to select the few to read to him. I was very impressed with the amount of google research that the students obviously did on their own. Wow!!

Testing went well today. Students did their best and I encourage them to shine again tomorrow on their language test. Taking their time and reading every question carefully is an excellent reminder for you to talk about tonight. I am proud of every student! Don't forget your protein snack for tomorrow.

Lastly, make sure you jump in that puddle today instead of going around it. It is super fun to be a kid or a kid again!! :0)

Time to Shine Little Diamonds!

2010-04-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hi there! What a great day! I spent the morning teaching other teachers how to oovoo. You know I loved that. Then this afternoon, I attended a workshop all about bringing character into the classes. Do you think I liked that? As our friend Petey would say, Oh Boyee! It is so nice to know that our schools really are starting to show progress with bringing this kind of education and studies back into the classroom. It was a perfect way to start my week. Yes! So, in honor of Dr. Brook's workshop today I would like to challenge you. Write your child's biggest strength in their planner for me to see tomorrow and help them earn a $100 reward. Just one though! :0)

This week we start our NWEA testing. I know what you are thinking...again...more testing. Nope this is not a test. It is a time to shine. This is by far my favorite time of the year. This assessment allows me to see what I have taught them. This is the same test they took at the beginning of the year. Now, they get to take it again and show me all they have learned. Or should I say, show themselves just how very smart each and every one of them are. This assessment is on the computer and it is corrected as soon as they complete it and I get a score seconds later. Students are expected to make a 5-9 point jump from where they started in the Fall. I am always amazed to see how well they do on this one. The subjects are reading, math, and language. Too bad character skills aren't also tested or these kids would be off the charts!!! But, we will have to settle for AMAZING gains in these three subjects. We start TOMORROW with our reading test. Language is on Wednesday, and math is next Tuesday. It is imperative that students are in class for these tests. We had PERFECT attendance for MONTCAS so I know we can do it again. All tests will start at 10:15 and go till lunch. Protein snacks are encouraged like hard boiled eggs or peanut butter and apples. Again, I don't look at this as a test. It is a time to SHINE, and SHINE they will! I couldn't BELIEVE in anything more!

Have a restful night and I will see you in the morning!

No You Are Not Seeing Double

2010-04-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Late Birthday to You!

2010-04-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Belated March Birthdays to Maddie, Dalton, Robert, Garret, and Preston! Man you guys look old! :0)
Mall of America Team Projects:

Midwest Mallness!

2010-04-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

In Social Studies, we have been taking an in-depth look at the MW states. One of them was Minnesota. We learned about the tourist spot, the Mall of America. Students then had to get into design teams, work together to create a blueprint, and meet digging deadlines to avoid fines. Today, the students got to walk around the malls and see what all the other teams had come up with as well. Projects are hanging in the hall for your viewing as well. Pretty creative! Remember, the MW states and capital test is tomorrow afternoon. Study, study!

Recycling for $

2010-04-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

Connection in Class

2010-04-07T16:18:00.000-07:00

Below you will see a youtube that I showed my reading class today. We have been reading a novel called Petey. It is a touching story about a man that was placed in the Warm Springs Insane Asylum in the 1920's. It was later discovered by medical professional that he was misdiagnosed. He has cerebral palsy. The book tells his story and shares his experiences with other people that discovered long before the doctors that he was not an idiot. I wanted to find a way to help the students see the amazing connection between a person with cerebral palsy and an amazingly caring person. Beware, if you watch this you may want to have a tissue near. Enjoy.

Thanks to everyone for bringing in the bake sale treats. We made more than what we needed and are planning yet another field trip! We will have a busy May and June. A special thanks to Stephanie and Adam Davis for helping out today by selling all the leftover treats. You all rock!!

Petey Connection

2010-04-07T16:16:00.000-07:00

Going Green in Room 3

2010-04-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is coming up this month. We will be teaming up with our 1st grade buddies to clean up the campus each week for fifteen minutes. We will also have MCC back in the house with some fun recycle activities and more raps. Then we will have the ultimate dodge ball game: MCC vs. Erickson. This is a huge thing for both the students and MCC members. Hilarious fun! We will also have a volunteer opportunity this month on April 24 at Lake Elmo. We will pair up with MCC and get the park ready for the season. It will be from 9-11. This is always a good time.

Can you tell that I am really trying to get these kids to think "green"! Have an awesome evening!

States and Capitals...We know them!

2010-04-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

We Are Back!!

2010-04-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

What a Fantastic Spring Break! I hope you are all rested and had a lot of fun. Rusty from School Tools was in town to work on the book that he and I are writing so that was super exciting! If I could, I would like to encourage you to read Rusty's Facebook page. There is a link on his site. There are many very powerful quotes and youtubes that all deal with character and the six traits that I spend a great deal of classtime reinforcing.

This week we will be back to business. We are in the last quarter of 4th grade. It is time to get ready for the responsibilities and accountability pieces needed to be successful in the 5h grade. We will continue to write nightly in our journals. However, they will now be exchanged and read by another classmate. The reader will give a specific compliment and a positive suggestion of something to work on the next time. We will exchange journals daily. I will continue to look at the journals as well, but will no longer be commenting. I am so amazed at the growth I have seen over the past two quarters when it comes to writing. Wow!!!

The Midwest Region states and capitals test will be taken this Friday. The format will be the same as the ones in the past. Please continue/begin to study these.

Cya tomorrow!

Must Have Permission to Watch!

2010-03-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned yesterday, we will be viewing the movie HOOT tomorrow in class. It is rated PG. Therefore, I will need to obtain your permission in order for your child to view it. Please sign their planner with a yes or a no and your initials. Without this they will NOT be allowed to watch the film.

Hoot is about three kids that team up against a construction company that is going to bulldoze a forest full of owls. These owls are endangered. They pull pranks and stand up for what is right. It has a lot of humor and is AWESOME!! Kids can make a difference too!

PLEASE BRING IN YOUR BAKE SALE TREATS TOMORROW MORNING BEFORE SCHOOL! EARN $100 FOR EACH BATCH! THANKS!

WooHoo Toot Toot!

2010-03-24T14:23:00.001-07:00

Hello. What an amazing concert today! Trust me and my ears...they came a LONG way in a short time. Amazing talent from both them and Mr. Goodheart! If you missed the concert you can see the recorded version at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-you-better-believe-network. So cool! Mr. Goodheart's cousin (?) is also a music teacher in another state so they tuned in and watched his concert live. LOVE IT!!

On Friday, we will be watching the movie HOOT. It ties into our environmental/endangered animal studies in science. Students may bring a drink of their choice. I will provide the popcorn. I owe them for all their AWESOME sub behavior last month!!! If anyone has the DVD of this movie could you please lend it to me tomorrow. Otherwise, I will go rent it. Thanks!!

In Social Studies we have been touring different states found in the MW region. Today we stopped off in Detroit, Michigan and read about Henry Ford. Last week we oovooed in with Patrick from Michigan and he told us that Detroit is famous for the car industry. So, we made our own Model T cars with I must say some major improvements: flames, peace signs, spiky wheels, and all. Come check out the hall display. Yesterday, we stopped off in Kansas. We learned about cowboys and prairies. We sang the song, Home Home on the Range. Then we got into groups and created new verses for the song. As you can hear below, they are quite funny and since when is my class shy????

Pennies for the planet is rocking!!! We have collected over 40 dollars in pennies!! We are making a huge difference in the Everglades Pather's life!! WE could save the species!! Keep looking under those couch cushions! :0)

Have a wonderful evening!

Our Own Home on the Range Songs

2010-03-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

Home, Home on the Range...Erickson version

2010-03-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

Grocery Bags

2010-03-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

Important!

2010-03-23T14:48:00.001-07:00

Please check take home folders. There should be four important things in there.

1. April Lunch Menu

2. Bake Sale Request

3. Recorder Concert Live

4. Report Card-Return Cover Only Tomorrow Please

Thanks! Cya tomorrow!

Bully Talk with Mr. Senitte

2010-03-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today Mr. Senitte and Mr. Ashcraft were in our room. The purpose of their visit was to discuss some bully issues happening at Bitterroot Elementary. Now, these are not severe issues but we are doing everything in our power to nip this behavior in the bud before it gets there. Bitterroot is known for its strong respect for rules and safety. We will do everything to keep it that way. Some of the issues we are seeing are swearing, name calling and rumor spreading. Mr. Senitte addressed the swearing issue with giving alternatives to swear words. At school, the word sucks is considered a swear word. I have heard this in our classroom recently. It will not be tolerated beyond this point. Mr. Senitte was right today when he said we are a school of respect and we need to demonstrate that with our words when we communicate. Name calling was also discussed in length. What we are seeing a lot of is words being used that are probably not really understood by 9 and 10 year olds. Words like gay, lesbian, and hooker. Students most likely have heard these words on TV or at home and have brought them to school. These words have been used by some 4th graders and it will no longer be tolerated. Mr. Senitte did not go into the meaning of these words, but did encourage students to have at home conversations about them. He also addressed the phrase, think before you speak. This is a phrase that I use as well in class. Students need to make sure they are saying things that make others feel good about themselves or nothing at all. We all know the saying, if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all. Lastly, we talked a lot about rumor spreading. This has been a huge problem in our class. We have been talking about this for over two weeks now. The strategy I have taught the kids, and they are finally starting to understand and use, is when they hear a rumor stop passing it. Go directly to the source and get the real story. Ask them directly if they said this or that. Most of the time, by the time one hears a rumor it is so far from the original truth that it is even more hurtful. So, I encourage you to tell your child the same thing when they come home with a story about so and so said this or so and so said that. I encourage you to say to them, did you go to the source and ask them if this is true? It is also important to say to them, have you told this to anyone else or did you stop the rumor in its tracks? Students need modeled behavior. There is no better model than you their parents and us their teachers. Together, we can solve all three of these bully type behaviors quickly. I appreciate all that you do already, and please feel free to talk to me openly about any of these issues.

Monday!

2010-03-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

Great start to the last week before spring break. Petey is getting really good, and our journey through the Everglades is getting a little wet, then dry, then cold, then wet, then dry...ask your kids what that is all about!

Pennies for planets is going great! We have collected over 30 dollars. We are ahead of Mrs. Hankin's class but we are NOT getting cocky! Keep checking under those couch cushions!!

The recorder concert is this Wednesday at 1:00 in the gym. If you are unable to attend...no worries! I will be broadcasting it LIVE on the interned on our classroom ustream channel. WOOHOO!! Live is best, but if you really can't make it try to get near a computer at that time. It will also be recorded and can be viewed later. Watch for the address on tomorrow's blog or on the information sheet coming home in the take home folders tomorrow. Yes!!

Have a super night.

THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING!!! WE ROCKED!!

2010-03-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

WOOHOO!

2010-03-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

A Day FULL of Testing...but we are DONE!!!!!!

Recycling At School

2010-03-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

What a Packed Day!

2010-03-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

It all started with our visit from MCC (Montana Conservation Corps). Crew Member Chris talked to us about Michigan and Alisa talked to us about Minnesota. The whole crew shared about themselves and life in MCC by sharing a very entertaining rap. The kids really got into it as well, as you can see. Then we had our second guest speaker: A real live Irish man named Allister, accent and all! He started off his talk by clearing up some misconceptions that Americans have about Ireland and the Irish. It was very, very interesting. If you would like to view the Ireland talk you can go to my ustream channel at http:www.ustream.tv/channel/the-you-better-believe-network. Finally, we ended the day with the green contest and our candy auction.

Tomorrow we test our very last two math sessions. Students may bring a morning and afternoon snack. Then we will say goodbye to our MONTCAS testing for the year! I am so proud of the students. Wow!

Have a wonderful evening!

Happy Irish Day!!

2010-03-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

Top o' the mornin to ya! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Students may wear green today as long as it is not body paint or hairspray or anything else that might wipe off or smear on our MontCas tests. Hats are great!

Thank you to everyone for bringing back your pictures. Go Team Erickson!

We will be testing today. What better day than when you can have the Luck of the Irish on your side??? Perfect! Protein snacks are encouraged.

We will have two guest speakers in the house today. MCC is coming to talk about two of our ME region states :Minnesota and Michigan. And my dear friend Allistar from Ireland will also be here this afternoon. He is actually from Ireland! SWEEEEET!!!

We will also have a small candy/St. Patrick's day/Easter auction today. Your kids have WAY to much money and the bank is going broke! I will remind them to save at least 3000 dollars for upcoming field trips before they start to spend. Fun!

Student's should have shown you their take home folders last night. Inside there were two important articles. One was on Pennies for the Planet. As you know, we are studying the Everglades in Florida. I happened to stumble upon this article asking for kids to collect pennies/coins in order to help save the Florida Panther. Perfect! I just love when I find opportunities to allow a child to learn what it feels like to give back, and Mother Earth is the perfect one to give back to. So, we have challenged Mrs. Hankin's class to see who can raise the most change over the next two months. Now, we do have a slight advantage because in our classroom we are pumped up and huge BELIEVERS! :0)

The other important article was on the Census. The census came up in Social Studies awhile ago. We have discussed it in class. You should have or will be getting your census in the mail. I received mine the other day. It is so easy to fill out and all that is wanted is the number and names of the people living in your house presently. Then simply mail it back, no stamp needed. If you do this civic duty, please write a note in your child's planner and I will reward them $100. This census is SO important to the educational system and we, in Montana, can't afford to lose anymore of our federal funding. Thanks in advance!

Lastly, the March Volunteer sheets came home yesterday. We will be joining up with MCC again to do a clean up on their adopted road, which is Rheberg and Shiloh. Please have your child at Albertsons on Grand and 32nd at 9 am this Saturday. Pick up time is at 11 am. The weather may change on us again, so dress prepared. We will go, rain or shine or snow! Well, it is Montana! :0) Parents are welcome to stay too!!!

Have a LUCKY day! Hope you are wearing green!

Rumors...

2010-03-15T19:55:00.001-07:00

I am wondering if I could ask a favor. There has been some recent rumor activity in our room and on the playground. A lot of class time is being taken by trying to sort these rumors out. In class, we have been talking about the fact that when one hears a rumor, they need to not believe it until they go directly to the source and ask that person. So many times, rumors are not the true story and end up twisting the truth. I would love it if you could have a discussion abut this at home around the dinner table as well.

Thank You.

Spring Forward!

2010-03-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

This week we will be taking the last of our MontCas tests: Math. We will be taking these on Wednesday and Thursday. Please do everything in your power to make sure you child is at school on these days. So far, we have had 100% attendance and have had to do NO makeup tests! This is awesome and it really does make a difference! Yay team!

Thanks to all of you that have sent back your picture money or packets. If you have yet to return them, please do so by Monday. Students will be fined $100 per day that they are not returned at this point. A HUGE thank you to Mrs. Jensen for taking car of this for our class!!

See everyone tomorrow...and hopefully we all remembered to turn our clocks one hour ahead.

Rock on Garret!

2010-03-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks Garret for teaching us about Kentucky being the Blue Grass State. I am so proud of you going above and beyond the call of duty! Hope you get to learn to play that one day!

Testing is done for the week. The kids did GREAT! Thanks for all of your support. We will take the Math sections next week on Wednesday and Thursday. Math...my favorite! They are ready! Bring it!!!

The SE gameboards are AWESOME! I am so impressed with the "strange, crazy, funny facts they found." The creativity of the gameboards themselves was impressive as well. We will be playing and learning tomorrow!

The writing prompt tonight requires a parent's help s be ready to do some homework too!

Have a great night!

Due Dates

2010-03-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

Testing went very well today. Please continue to encourage your child to stay focussed, read carefully, answer the entire question, show proof when writing the essay questions, and to SHINE! They are doing great. Tomorrow we have the last two reading sessions. We will take one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Snacks may be brought in for both. (Protein Packed!) Thanks for all the great breakfast choices. I heard about them today at morning meeting. Nice!!

Library is tomorrow. Please remember to remind them to bring their books.

Gameboards for SE states are due tomorrow at 8:30 AM. Remember each board needs to have...

1. 25 squares total (no more, no less)

2. 10 squares need fascinating facts about your state

3. 3 places or landmarks drawn on your board and labeled.

4. 3 symbols or words drawn on your board and labeled.

5. Start and an End

6. State Name

7. Creativity and Cooperation are needed

We will be playing these games tomorrow in class and Friday with Mrs. Hankin's class. I have already learned a ton just by grading them. Some funny stuff!!!

Have a wonderful and restful evening!

Reminders.

2010-03-09T14:22:00.000-08:00

We have MontCas testing tomorrow for the Reading section. This test is the most challenging due to kids getting tired while reading 4-5 passages. It will really help if they have that full 8 hours of sleep tonight and a good breakfast packed with protein. PLEASE avoid sugar cereals tomorrow. Eggs and peanutbutter toast is a great start! Kids can bring a protein snack as well. Hard boiled eggs are always good, just shell before class please. Peanutbutter on a spoon is also a great treat!

We have been studying animals in science. As an introduction, we have been studying some rare and strange animals from all over the world using Jeff the Zoo guy youtubes. Very cool. Next week we will start an indepth project and study into different environments and the animals that are found there. There will be many components to this group project. Students will need to stay on top of it and contribute to their group. We will also start our journey into the Everglades of Florida with a fun story read by our dear friend, Mrs. Caskey.

There will be a volunteer opportunity this month finally!!! We will once again partner up with MCC and do a road cleanup by Shiloh on the west end. MCC has adopted these miles of road. It will be on March 20th in the morning. Watch for permission and information forms this week.

Spring pictures came home today. You will need to view them and then decide what to do with them. You can purchase all of them, part of them, or none of them. Please send in checks and/or unpurchased pictures by this Friday. $100 reward to those that meet that deadline.

Thanks!

Scraminals Website

2010-03-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

Hi. The scraminal website is http://www.switcheroozoo.com/zoo.htm. Click on make a new animal and then choose your first animal. Then you can mix and match it all up! Have fun if you dare! :0) Remember this is optional for your writing journal tonight.

Stars of the Week: Philip and Camo the Frog and Groovy 70's Day Outfits

2010-03-05T14:19:00.000-08:00

Skate One...Skate All

2010-03-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

Hope to see you all tonight at Skate Night, 5:30-8:30, behind Famous Daves on King Ave.

On another note, we have been asked by Mr. Senitte to remind you to make after-school arrangements before kids come to school in the morning. Kids need to know where they are going or who they are going with before they leave the house and will not be allowed to call home at the end of the day. Thanks.

TOMORROW IS 70'S DAY! DISCO, HIPPIES, FLOWER POWER,...SCHOOL APPROPRIATE.

One Test Down...8 More to Go!! Shine, Shine, Shine!

2010-03-03T14:25:00.000-08:00

Well, we have session one of nine done for the MontCas Testing. Tomorrow we will complete the last two sessions in Science. Again, it is imperative that your child is at school on time. We start testing at 8:45 tomorrow morning. Students will not be admitted into the room after the testing starts. They will have to wait until the session is over and will be held in the office until then. Good night's rest and a healthy breakfast are recommended as well. Kids may bring an egg or peanut butter snack to eat in between sessions tomorrow. Please have students de-shell their hard boiled eggs BEFORE bringing them to class. Thanks. The test went AWESOME today and EVERYONE took their time and did their best. I am very proud of all of them.

Don't forget tomorrow is skate night! :0)

It's Test Time!

2010-03-02T14:46:00.000-08:00

SCIENCE MONTCAS TESTING STARTS TOMORROW MORNING!!! PLEASE make sure your child is AT school and on time tomorrow and Thursday. A good nights sleep and a protein breakfast are HIGHLY recommended. AVOID sugar cereals. If possible, bring a hard boiled egg for snack! It is time to SHOW THEM WHAT YOU KNOW!!! Yay!!!!!

It's TEST time! Time to Show Off!!!!!

2010-03-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

As you might have seen tonight our rock candy experiments came home today. We waited FOREVER for them to evaporate, but with the cold weather the sugar water just kept freezing. However, today we discovered that they were working the entire time. So, kids got to taste their rock candy treats. Ask them about the video above and the process we went through with the different states of matter. Yum!

Speaking of science, we will be taking our MontCas Science tests this Wednesday and Thursday. It is imperative that your child is here at school on time for these tests. When absent, they have to make them up in a private room instead of their natural environment and studies show that test scores often drop for this reason. It is also helpful that your child get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast full of protein. I also suggest sending a hard boiled egg as a snack this week that they can eat before the test. Again, studies say this really helps. Avoid sugar cereals at all costs. They tend to give them a rush and then they crash!

I LOVED seeing all of you at the carnival last Friday! What an awesome turnout. Over half of the class attended! The fourth grade made over $500 between the cake walk and our Candy basket! Wow!! We could not have done it without you . The amount of cakes was amazing. What awesome parents we have. We are truly lucky here at Bitterroot! Thanks!

Tomorrow is Dr. Seuss' birthday. We will be doing a school wide drop everything and read. If kids wan to bring a Seuss book that would be great. We will also be oovooing in with the Alabama class we met with last week and doing some Seuss activites with them. Should be fun!

March calendars came home tonight. Make sure to note your own calendar with upcoming events. The 4th grade recorder concert is soon and you wont want to miss that. I will most likely be recording it and broadcasting it live so you can tune in from work or home as well. Watch for permission slips soon. Very cool feature!!

Have a wonderful evening! And Happy Birthday to Robert and Jewel! Preston...it is almost your turn!! :0)

Recycling

2010-02-28T20:40:00.000-08:00

Star of the Week-Seth Allard

2010-02-28T15:39:00.000-08:00

Cakes...Money...Cakes...Money! Thanks!

2010-02-25T16:17:00.000-08:00

Oh my what a day! We had a great oovoo session with our Burlington buddies, Mrs. Brucker's class, and three classes from Alabama. We are really getting some great first hand information about our SE states. There isn't a textbook that could do what we have been doing! Technology rocks!! It was great to see Mrs. Davis, Preston's mom, drop in the other day and share the North Carolina skype session as well.

Speaking of SE states. Students have their SE states and Capitals test tomorrow. Most of them know the states and capitals, but need to work on the location of the states. Test will be the same matching format as last time. Study, Study!

Tomorrow is a half day. Kids are dismissed at noon. Don't forget to come back from 6-8 though for our school winter carnival. Stop by the cake walk and say hello. And have you seen the baskets in the hallway? Oh my goodness...I want to win them ALL! Very cool stuff. And, it could be all yours when they draw a lucky ticket that you purchase for $1. It only takes one ticket to win! Could be you...or me!!! :0) Our basket is CANDYPALOOZA! Got a sweet tooth...you are going to love that one!

Don't forget to bring in your donated cakes tomorrow. Students receive $500 for each cake or batch of goodies they bring in. Thanks to those that already brought theirs in! YUMMY!! 4th grade parents ROCK!

Have a wonderful evening!

Wow!

2010-02-24T14:59:00.001-08:00

Awesome Honor Choir Concert today Arielle, Jordan, and Abby! Wow!!! Loved the boat song the best...pretty! See you tomorrow!!

Skype with North Carolina.

2010-02-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we had the privilege of using a new "oovoo" type Web 2.0 tool called Skype with our Pen Pals in North Carolina. They are currently studying weather and had fun asking us about our snow and snow activities. We, on the other hand are currently studying the SE states so, we asked them questions about life in North Carolina. Fun and awesome learning for both sides!! Wow!

Valentiene's Day Party 2010!

2010-02-23T09:50:00.001-08:00

Alabama Study-Segregation Protests.

2010-02-22T19:54:00.000-08:00

NE Region Reports

2010-02-21T17:21:00.000-08:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Who is this??

2010-02-18T17:12:00.000-08:00

Ask your child who and what this photo is about. If they can tell you, write the word Florida in your child's planner for a $50 bonus tomorrow at check in. Yay!! The SE states and capitals test will be next Friday. It will be the same format as last time so students need to know the state, its capital, and where it is located. We have been doing the fun song daily. OMG!!! They are getting good. So good, that they are ready to perform it for Mr. Senitte tomorrow without the word sheet! Practice, practice, practice!! Have a great evening. Tomorrow is Friday all ready!

Midterms!

2010-02-17T14:19:00.001-08:00

Good day! Glad to be back in the swing of things! Midterms came home today. The only grade that is not up to date is the Writing journals as I am still grading some of them. As you know, I try to send home grade reports every Friday. So, this Friday will be totally up to date. Students have half of the quarter left to raise those grades. It is never too late to make a change! Science will have more grades to average in soon. We will be starting a new unit on animals next Monday, so lots of opportunities to bring up that grade. If your child's math grade has gone down, I would be willing to bet that it has to do with basic multiplication facts. We have now moved onto long division and will be entering into geometry and fractions soon. All of these skills will build on the basic facts. So, students have a choice. They can memorize them like I have been begging them to, or they can continue to struggle for the rest of the year. I will not be spending any more time on these basic facts in class. Please make this a home-school connection! Thanks.

Have a great night!

Fun Times!!

2010-02-11T14:42:00.001-08:00

Oh my! Today was a fun day! I taught the kids how to jitterbug today. Let me just tell you there are some good dancers in here! Naturals!! I can't wait to see it tomorrow. Some kids were saying they are too embarrassed to dance with a boy or dance in front of others. Boy, do we remember those days from high school or what?? And then, we all look back as say, "man I should have just done that!" So, share those stories tonight and how we are all friends in here. We laugh together not at! It's fun and different and it is ok to take risks!

Our party will be from 12:30-1:30. All the committees have worked hard at planning to make it the best party yet! I applaud them for their cooperation skills and for learning to let things go!

Kids need to remember their Valentine bag or box to collect all their goodies in. They also need to remember their cards to pass out and their committee supplies. I have already told them that there will be NO calling home for forgotten items. It is a RESPONSIBILITY thing!

Lastly, we won the Golden Garbage Award this week! We were the cleanest classroom on our wing! Yay! Be proud!

Cya tomorrow...Calm, cool, and collected!

Reminders

2010-02-10T14:27:00.000-08:00

Hello there. We have ventured into the SE region of the United States. Practice maps came home yesterday for the upcoming states and capitals quiz in a couple of weeks. Last time, many kids knew the states and capitals but had trouble getting them in the right place. Hopefully this map will help. I suggested to them that they print/trace a blank map and practice writing the names and capitals in the correct spot.

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. Has your child made their bag or box? They need to bring this to school this Friday, not before. Students also need to bring in their completed valentine for each student and any supplies they agreed to for their committee. All committees met again today to make sure everyone was on the same page. Thanks again Mrs. Jensen and Mrs. Davis!!

My sister and nephew will be arriving from California on Friday so I will be out Monday and Tuesday of next week. Class will go on without me as usual. No worries there.

We will be oovooing with our pen-pals in North Carolina and a friend from Florida in the upcoming weeks to discover how life over in the SE differs from Montana! We will also have a visitor from MCC doing a live presentation.

Lastly, in March, we will be filming/producing our first School News live broadcast. We will be using an internet tool called ustream to broadcast live. This is going to be a weekly production and a great experience for all. I will send home the link address and you too can tune in from work or home and watch us live!!! Wow!!

I have added the new book order to the online site if your child would want to order this month. You can also send in the order with a check. Please no cash. Thanks.

Have a great night!

Wow! A Real Live NFL Player from the Steelers Team Came to Talk to US!!!

2010-02-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

Tuff Harris, from the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL team came to visit us today. He offered words of encouragement to the students about listening to important adults such as parents and teachers. He also shared his story of having a dream at their age and the steps he took to achieve it. Tuff made it clear that reaching a goal is tough and it takes a lot of effort. What he stressed the most however, was the fact that he knew he had to make good choices at their age to help him in his future. Tuff grew up in the Hardin/Lodgegrass area and faced challenges. He then went to Griz country for college where his dreams started to become a reality. This was an amazing opportunity for so many of your kids, as their dreams too are to play a professional sport. Wow!! Very, very cool! As he said at the end, it is never too late to start and it is never too late to change! Just get dreaming!!! Thanks to Mrs. Hankins for setting this up and inviting us to listen to a man that obviously knows what kids are going through. AWESOME!!

The Decisions are In...

2010-02-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

Well the Valentine Committees met today (Thanks Mrs. Jensen and Davis!) and they have come up with some pretty fun ideas. I am looking forward to the Country Music Dance Off. I will be competing myself!!!! Watch out I cut really cut a rug and jitterbug like nobody's business! :0) There will also be a judging of the most creative Valentine Bag or Box. Kids will need to bring one of these anyway to collect their valentines so why not be creative about it. I know that Payless Shoes above Walmart is pretty good about donating shoe boxes. I have plenty of lunch bags too if someone needs one. Kids may take home construction paper from here if need too as well. Let the best, creative person win. The possibilities are endless! Lastly, I will be collecting the $500 buy in for this celebration tomorrow. Kids that do not have the money can try to earn it by next Friday, but you may want to hold off on purchasing items they are responsible for bringing. If they can't buy in they also loose their spot on their committee. Choices...consequences!

We have PE tomorrow. Remind those kiddos to pack their tennis shoes.

Have a great night!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow...you're only a day away!

2010-02-03T14:31:00.000-08:00

LIBRARY BOOKS!!!!!!

Slip came home tonight for HIV/AIDS permission. Mr. Ness will be talking to all 4th graders regarding this subject. Please sign and return. All information is grade appropriate. Any questions...email Mr. Ness at nessa@billings.k12.mt.us. Thanks.

A Good Day!

2010-02-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

Extra January History papers came home tonight. Use them, do them together, play school with them...whatever. They are extras that we never got to, but they are pretty interesting to read. If your child needs help looking back for answers in the text, these are great for that!

Valentine Committee Permissions came home tonight. Please discuss the choice your child made today. Sign and return tomorrow. If you were absent today you were placed on the food committee. Each committee will meet with Mrs. Jensen (thanks!) sometime this week to iron out the details and split up the tasks.

Have a great night!

Valentines Day Class List

2010-02-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

We will be having a class Valentine's Day Party next Friday, the 12th. Students may bring in Valentine cards for their classmates on that day. My only rule is they MUST have a card for every student and their amazing teacher as well! :0) Here is the list of our students:

Paige

Seth

Robert

Jasa

Philip

Natalie

Skyler

Preston

Jacob

Jordan

Lailyn

Hanna

Maddie

Mikaela

Logan

Garret

Jewel

Dalton

Jon

Kaleb

Marley

Abby

Matthew

Arielle

Ms. Erickson

Students may also bring in cards for other friends in different classes and other teachers they may have. Mr. Senitte and Mrs. Campbell are always nice to include as well. Students will select a committee to serve on tomorrow and bring home a permission slip as well. If you would like to help out with a committee or that day please contact me soon.

Bug Club was today. Congratulations to the students that Brought Up Grades or maintained their grades from quarter one to two. Those that did not now have an incentive to work towards. Always, always BELIEVE and do your very best! I am proud of ALL my students!!

Picture of Bug Club winners will be posted on tomorrow's blog.

Don't forget the Blood Drive is tomorrow in the gym. If you signed up to donate blood come on in. It is not to late to sign up or just show up!!! Thanks!

Ask your child what this is all about??

2010-01-31T14:39:00.000-08:00

Don't Forget!

2010-01-28T15:30:00.000-08:00

Hats for Haiti tomorrow. Wear your favorite hat and bring 25 cents or more!

Is that the Sun out there??

2010-01-27T14:22:00.000-08:00

Yes!!! Four more kids have mastered their 6's multiplication basic facts! Only 8 more to go!!! Keep those flashcards a flashing! The ones left are very close, many missing only 12 x 6! Not sure how the 7s went today. No new test tomorrow due to the early dismissal at noon.

States and Capital test is tomorrow. Kids will need to locate each state and match each of the 11 states with the appropriate capital. They will have a word bank to select from. Study, study!

In Reading, we have started a new read aloud book. It is called, There is a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom. It is about a bully that lies A LOT! Just ask your kids how much he lies. There is a TON of character and friendship issues embedded in this book! YES!!! Love it!! We will be taking an in house field trip to the opposite gender's bathroom when that chapter of the book comes up. Man this excites the kiddos! Of course chaperones will be present and bathrooms will be empty at the time. All school appropriate and fun. Crazy times!

May I please encourage you to keep your kids home until it is time to come to school. I have noticed some of my kids coming to school way too early. In extreme temperatures, it is way too cold to have them stand outside for 20-30 minutes. Thanks.

Have a super evening!

Big Smiles All Around!

2010-01-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a difference today!

We started the day off with a pretty serious talk at morning meeting. I wanted to clear the air about yesterday, and then we just let it go together. An hour later, we were back laughing and learning together. I appreciate all the calls and emails of support and conversation. We tested our 6's today. It was obvious who took me serious and either passed (100%) or missed one or two. Those that did not pass will study during first recess and then retest tomorrow. Tomorrow we will be testing on our 7's. They just need to learn them. I had 4 students fail their math quiz again today. Not because they didn't know how to do them, but because they didn't know their basic facts. Urg! Please, Please, Please take the 5-10 minutes at the dinner table!

Students have music class tomorrow. Mr. Goodheart mentioned that some of the students in here are forgetting their recorder at home. Each time this happens their participation grade lowers, which effects their overall grade. Midterms might be scary for some! Put it in the bag tonight! Book too!

Blood drive sheets came home tonight. The Bitterroot Blood Drive will be happening next Tuesday from 2-7 in the gym. There is a $500 reward for each adult students sign up. Hey, why not head to Mackenzie River after for some pizza! It is Bitterroot night there too! Don't forget your pink slip to give the waitress. Another $500 dollar reward. Wow!!!

Bitterroot is all about helping out. So, we will be participating in the Hats for Haiti day this Friday. Kids can wear their favorite hat to school for 25 cents. Seems little, but not when you consider we have over 300 students. So, did through the couch and find those lost quarters. Of course you can donate more if you want. The following Friday will be Heros for Haiti day. Students may dress up like their favorite Hero for a quarter. School appropriate costumes of course. Go Team Bitterroot!!!

Lastly, can I ask that you keep Arielle's family in your thoughts and prayers this week, especially on Thursday. No details, but just send them positive thoughts! BELIEVE!!!

Thanks for Being You So I Can Be the Best Me!!

Ms. Erickson

Tomorrow is Always a Better Day!

2010-01-25T14:48:00.001-08:00

Hello. Today was not a very good day in this classroom for many reasons. It started off this morning with A LOT of side conversations and giggling during lessons. Then we went to the gym for a multiplication math game and kids were missing a ton of their basic multiplication facts, as skill I have devoted a ton of time and energy into and begged you to do as well at home. Then we did a practice oral States and Capitals test and many, many were missed or not known. The study list has been on the blog for a week now. The test is this Thursday. Finally, the students were given their 10 question test for Social Studies Chapter 4. It was open book, and we discussed as a group that when a test is open book it will REQUIRE them to use their book. I alloted a half hour period for this and I started noticing many students done within ten minutes. So, I began grading. This is when the day became pretty bad. Kids were making up off the wall answers that made NO sense at all to the question. They obviously did NOT use their books. So, I started calling them up one by one after grading their tests to have them prove to me where they had found these answers in their books. Of course they could not. I was VERY, VERY frank with them and sent them back to redo their assignment again USING THEIR BOOKS this time. Some of them tried to turn in guesses again, and they were sent back for a third time. At any rate, these kids saw a different side of me today. They saw the no, no, no side. The one that is a teacher of fourth grade students in their 3rd quarter before they are fifth graders. Today, they tried to go backwards and pull first quarter work. No! My expectations are high, but not unrealistic for where they are right now. I will not allow students to just 'skate" by with the minimum anymore. I asked quite a few of them if they had read the comments I wrote on their report cards. It is time to get serious. Third quarter is by far the hardest work for these kids. The review is over and so is the easing in. It is go time. Students need to get their stuff done, and do it in a 4th grade quality manner. When they slip, it is my job to get them back to where they need to be. Today, I had to be a little bit stern and frank with them. Tomorrow, kids will be tested on their 6 flashcards and will need to re-turn in their social studies test if they were asked to redo it. They may not have help, as it is a test. ALL the answers are in their books. I also told kids to share their Ch. 5 Math test with you. This is their first grade for quarter three. It should be in their take home folder. I hope that this helps clarify that I take my job very seriously, and that I absolutely love your kids as if they were my own. There is not one minute in here that I am not thinking, "What is best for this kid" and each kid in here is completely different and is pushed and challenged in their own way! Please, please sit down at the kitchen table tonight and practice their multiplication facts and their states and capitals with them. These are both life long skills that we all use every day. I appreciate your support, and so do they. Have a nice evening.

Shoot for the STARS!!!

2010-01-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

Today we were blessed by the talent of some of our very own classmates. These kids did a super job! How fun. Thanks PTA for bringing this activity to our school! Obviously, it was a huge hit by all. I think we have some true potential for future actors and actresses. Shine On!!

Tod