Update by Tanner W.

We watched the 5th grade show and the band concert today.

Kids taking over blog writing

From now on, the job of updating our class blog will be done by the student of the week who has computer privileges. Have fun and feel free to leave him/her comments!
Melissa

Upcoming Events

December 17 - instrumental concert - 1:30 pm
December 23 - field trip to the Hood Museum of Art

Hubbard Park

We had a terrific hike to Hubbard Park today with the fourth grade class from St Michael's School. We found squirrel, deer, lynx and lots of dog tracks!

Thank you for PLP conferences

Families,
It was nice to see so many of you yesterday at the parent- teacher- student conferences. Please get in contact if you have any lingering questions or concerns. Thanks!
Melissa

New Kitty in the Pierce household

We have adopted another pet! To celebrate my daughter's 3rd birthday, we headed to the animal shelter this weekend. As we opened the door to the cage of kittens, one of them literally propelled himself out of the cage onto my shoulder. I looked at the attendant over my shoulder, through the kitty's legs, and said "I guess this one is coming home with us!"
We've named him Bacchus and he is fitting in nicely with the rest of the menagerie.

Room 219 Wish List

ROOM 219 WISH LIST

Dear Families,
As we move into winter, some of our classroom supplies that I purchase over the summer are starting to dwindle. Below is a “Wish List” in case you are interested in helping to rebuild our stash of frequently used materials. Thank you very much!
Melissa

disinfectant wipes
spray cleaners / sponges
hand lotion
cough drops
gum (to chew during math)
construction paper
paper cups / plates
plastic spoons / forks
paper napkins
scotch tape
extra snacks (pretzels, goldfish, etc.)

Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences

Hi Families,

We have Monday, November 24 set aside for conferences. If you have not scheduled one, please do so. Kids should definitely attend!

Rock of Ages

We had a nice day at Rock of Ages granite quarries. The kids learned about the history of the quarries, saw the quarries in action, viewed the manufacturing plant, saw a video and chose a piece of granite to take home. On the way home, we were able to drive through Hope Cemetery to see some of the monuments that were made at Rock of Ages. 

Welcome to October!

As we roll into the fall, we are getting acclimated to the schedule and the academic blocks will lengthen. You will also start seeing more homework but please remember that 4th graders should not spend more than 40 minutes per night on homework. 

UES Spruce Up Day

Saturday, September 27, 2008

8:00-3:00

Tasks - Sand Box building, pea stone sweeping, gardening, bulletin board hanging, basement organizing

Come for one hour or come all day!

Help UES shine!

Successful Hike and Open House

We had a blast climbing Mount Elmore Thursday and six brave young souls dove into the lake even though it was barely 60 degrees and windy! Many thanks to Chris Bean and the Eldreds for chaperoning, and for the two moms who were "supposed" to chaperone but didn't quite make it (you know who you are!)....Next time I am insisting you ride the bus with us!

It was wonderful to see so many families at Open House this year, and I enjoyed meeting some of you for the first time. Please know that the classroom door is always open for you. 

Mrs P

Field Trips

Hi Families

We had a very good time at the Tunbridge Fair - what a perfect kick-off to a year long study of Vermont. This Thursday is our hike up Mount Elmore - remember boots or sneakers, bag lunch and swimming suits to cool off in Lake Elmore after the hike!

Mrs P

First Week DOWN!

What a great week we had. The kids were so excited to finally get books to put in their desks yesterday! We've had all of the Specials classes, met all of the teachers who will be in and out of the classroom, and gotten to know each other a bit...

Upcoming events  -  Tunbridge Fair on September 11 and Mount Elmore on September 18

Mrs P

Happy First- Day- of -School Eve!

I hope you all have a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast so we'll all be ready for tomorrow!

Mrs. P

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Hi Students,

The classroom is all set, books have been dispersed on your desks, and I am ready for Day One!

I hope you all have a terrific long weekend - I am going to a barbecue with Mrs. Owen, the instrumentals teacher who you will meet soon, and going kayaking with my family. See you Tuesday!

Mrs.P

First Day of School for Teachers!

Hello Kids and Families,

Today was the first day of school for me. The teachers from all three Montpelier schools convened at the high school for a day long workshop on teacher evaluations and assessments. It was good to see colleagues after a break. Tomorrow we will get to know all of our new staff members - Mr. Smith is our new Dean of Students, Mr. Francke is our new Principal, Ms. Baker is our new Guidance Counselor and we have numerous new classroom teachers and Instructional Assistants. Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday are work days at Union Elementary School. I will be busy getting ready for YOU! If you are in the neighborhood, stop in to say hello. See you soon!

New Hampshire Camping Trip

Hi Students,

I am in New Hampshire camping with my family and it's making me think about all of the fun nature activities we'll do this year. We've been hiking and berry picking and we went to a fish hatchery yesterday  -  I saw trout about 4 feet long! 

I also just got an email from the teacher of your pen pals in Orlando, Florida. Today is their first day of school! I will be matching each of you up with a pen pal for the year. It's a great way to practice writing AND make a new long distance friend. 

See you soon,

Mrs P

Getting the Classroom Ready!

Hello Students, I'm sure you have heard about the delay in our school opening. You will not be fourth graders until September 2! I am taking some extra time to get the classroom ready. I am unpacking all of the new notebooks, highlighters and chalk. I am putting hundreds of books on the shelves and cleaning the desks. I am also painting a shelf and setting up a new reading area. You will love it - it will be worth the wait!

Mrs. P

Technology Integration at Work!

Hello Families and Students,

It is the first week in August and I doubt you are already thinking about school. But I am. I am in the middle of a Technology class with other teachers from around the state. We are learning some very cool ways to integrate technology into the curriculum and I'm excited to start. This class blog is one example of what we'll be doing. It is my intent that keeping up the blog will be a classroom job each week, just like watering the plants!
I have had a terrific summer, lots of camping and swimming with my family. Somerset and I raised caterpillars into butterflies, baked bread and grew tomatoes. I can't wait to hear about your summer! See you soon!

Mrs. P

Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year!