Here it is, folks…. The last newsletter for the 4M Smarties 2016-17. What an amazing year it has been. It has been a true privilege and joy to spend each day with your children. We have learned a lot (me included!) and had a fun time in the process. The 4M Smarties are certainly a special bunch and they will always hold a place in my heart and put a smile on my face when I think of them.
The past few weeks have also been very busy and exciting and I am including a quick run-down of our recent accomplishments…. I have posted photos of these events on the “Gallery” page of this website.
The Invention Convention: I am attaching a link to the HCAM youtube Channel with a video about the Invention Convention. Many of the 4M Smarties are highlighted in the video!
The Battle of the Books 2017: We had our classroom battles and Team S.S. represented us in the grade level battles against the other 4th grade winning teams. Once again, Team S.S. prevailed and went on to face the winning 5th grade team. It was a nail-biter, but in the end… Team S.S. won the entire competition! Congratulations to Tala, Luke, Brooklyn, James and Abby! This is the first time a team from 4M has won the entire competition, so I was very proud, to say the least.
Nikki Hu and Guy visited the 4th grade on June 2nd and led the students in the telling of a Chinese folktale through movement and dance. It’s incredible to see how Nikki can orchestrate 75 students to put together a wonderful performance in a few short hours. I also love how students push themselves to try something new that might not be in their comfort zone. They take risks and dive right in. It was a great day!
Music Demonstration: The band, orchestra and chorus instructors for 5th grade music presented the different instruments and songs that they will be teaching next year. In 5th grade, students choose from one of these three options instead of their traditional music class. A form went home last week with the web address where you can sign up your child for their choice.
Physics Olympics: Thank you to all the parents who volunteered and made our day so fantastic. We truly couldn’t do it without parent support and I appreciate all the help. Students enjoyed rotating around nine stations where they faced challenges that required cooperation, brainstorming, creativity and teamwork. As a final activity, we took the Puff Mobiles to the gym on Thursday and raced them across the floor.
Hero Artist visit: On Wednesday, Foster School wrapped up Spirit Week with a visit from Rob Surette. He painted 4 portraits in front of our eyes of inspirational people, such as Abraham Lincoln and Mother Theresa. The students were mesmerized during the hour he painted and spoke in the gym. When we returned to the classroom, I asked the students to share messages that stuck with them from his presentation and I couldn’t write fast enough for all the themes that they heard. “Be Unique. Each day, climb up the ladder, not down. Follow your dreams. Do what you love. Choose love over fear.” He was a powerful presenter. Thanks to the PTO for sponsoring his visit. If you would like to see more about Rob, his website is www.amazingheroart.com
Tomorrow, Monday June 19th we will have a beach-themed DEAR Day. Students are invited to bring in a beach towel and some good “beach reads.”
The last day of school is this Wednesday. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 and no lunch will be served.
Thank you again for all of your support this year and for sharing your wonderful children with me. I’ll miss each one of them.
The past few weeks have also been very busy and exciting and I am including a quick run-down of our recent accomplishments…. I have posted photos of these events on the “Gallery” page of this website.
The Invention Convention: I am attaching a link to the HCAM youtube Channel with a video about the Invention Convention. Many of the 4M Smarties are highlighted in the video!
The Battle of the Books 2017: We had our classroom battles and Team S.S. represented us in the grade level battles against the other 4th grade winning teams. Once again, Team S.S. prevailed and went on to face the winning 5th grade team. It was a nail-biter, but in the end… Team S.S. won the entire competition! Congratulations to Tala, Luke, Brooklyn, James and Abby! This is the first time a team from 4M has won the entire competition, so I was very proud, to say the least.
Nikki Hu and Guy visited the 4th grade on June 2nd and led the students in the telling of a Chinese folktale through movement and dance. It’s incredible to see how Nikki can orchestrate 75 students to put together a wonderful performance in a few short hours. I also love how students push themselves to try something new that might not be in their comfort zone. They take risks and dive right in. It was a great day!
Music Demonstration: The band, orchestra and chorus instructors for 5th grade music presented the different instruments and songs that they will be teaching next year. In 5th grade, students choose from one of these three options instead of their traditional music class. A form went home last week with the web address where you can sign up your child for their choice.
Physics Olympics: Thank you to all the parents who volunteered and made our day so fantastic. We truly couldn’t do it without parent support and I appreciate all the help. Students enjoyed rotating around nine stations where they faced challenges that required cooperation, brainstorming, creativity and teamwork. As a final activity, we took the Puff Mobiles to the gym on Thursday and raced them across the floor.
Hero Artist visit: On Wednesday, Foster School wrapped up Spirit Week with a visit from Rob Surette. He painted 4 portraits in front of our eyes of inspirational people, such as Abraham Lincoln and Mother Theresa. The students were mesmerized during the hour he painted and spoke in the gym. When we returned to the classroom, I asked the students to share messages that stuck with them from his presentation and I couldn’t write fast enough for all the themes that they heard. “Be Unique. Each day, climb up the ladder, not down. Follow your dreams. Do what you love. Choose love over fear.” He was a powerful presenter. Thanks to the PTO for sponsoring his visit. If you would like to see more about Rob, his website is www.amazingheroart.com
Tomorrow, Monday June 19th we will have a beach-themed DEAR Day. Students are invited to bring in a beach towel and some good “beach reads.”
The last day of school is this Wednesday. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 and no lunch will be served.
Thank you again for all of your support this year and for sharing your wonderful children with me. I’ll miss each one of them.