Week of October 29th

Good evening!! We have so much to talk about. First let me thank everyone for being so understanding and patient when my dad passed. I am still trying to get back to normalcy. Mrs. Jackson did buy a nice vase of flowers which I absolutely loved and I received cards from some of you. Thank you so much!!

Secondly, thank you to Mrs. Barker, Mrs. Anthony, and Mrs. Bell for going on the field trip with us. I know it was hard due to the rescheduling of the trip but we appreciate it and for those who were not able to make it, we definitely understand. We had an awesome time and the kids were able to make connections to what we had been learning about adaptations in science. They were able to practice eating as a bird using its adaptations with different tools and they made bird beaks with adaptations. It was an awesome field trip!!

Field Trip Photos

Third, we are now during our annual school fundraiser through Boosterthon. If we can get some pledges from our classroom that would be great! Students will receive incentive prizes for donations they get. We had our Pep Rally on the 24th and our Fun Run will take place on Friday, November 2nd at   9:45. You are welcome to come and cheer our runners on!!! The MindSpark kids are helping our students solve mysteries while developing the leadership characteristics which we have been working on this year.  Funds raised will be used to help with field studies, classroom supplies, and other school improvements.

Next, our first quarter officially came to an end on Friday and report cards will go home on this coming Friday, November 2nd. I know this has been a transition time for the kids and I appreciate you all for the support, conferences, and work that you have been vested in to make this year successful for your child. I am definitely old school and my belief is that "It Takes a Village!" I hope you can see the growth your child has made and is making through our teamwork! Please, if you have any questions or concerns, send me an email or note and I will get back to you with an answer.

Lastly, we have had many bell ringers since my last post!! We have those who completed their 2's on the first try, those who have completed addition on Xtra math, and those who have completed personal goals!! Please enjoy the pictures!!

Once again, thank you for this awesome first quarter! One down and three to go!!  Sharpen the saw this weekend!!

Week of October 8

This week has been another awesome week at the Lake!! We have been working hard this work and trying to be more accountable about doing their best work at all times. We also worked on our 7 Habits and focused on circle of control and circle of influence. Engage in a conversation with your child about these circles. The more they hear us talk about them, the greater the influence........ learning that some things we just can't control at this age is awesome and will build lifelong habits with less stress and worry.

We ended the week with our Sensitivity Training. Students participated in activities that were a simulation to what someone who has a disability may encounter. There was a wheelchair simulation, muffled sounds, and blindfolded activities among others. The kids had to respond to their experiences. Just listening to our class discussion afterwards, I would say it was eye opening and they learned some things. After our discussion, they had to go back to their journals and respond to a few questions in reference to the activities. I must say, there was a lot of writing going on. I was able to catch some of the students engages in the activities (scroll below).

Another big event we have coming up is our field trip this Thursday to Camp Discovery in Blythewood. The field trip will coincide with our science. The students will have the opportunity to observe several habitats while learning how animals obtain their food. I think the activity on how they survive in their habitat will help them better understand adaptations.

So, rest up this weekend because we are on full speed ahead next week!!! Same gator channel, same gator station!!

Technology Tip of the Week

Google Classroom

Everyone in class is registered in my Google Classrooms (there's one for each subject). This is where I post assignments, videos, notes, and other resources that pertain to what we are learning in class. Once again, you can have your student to log into their Richland 2 email and connect to it from there. They can give you a tour of some of the things posted and play with the system so they can become familiar with it.

Free Gamecock Event

We wanted to make you aware of a free event that is open to the public Friday, October 5^th at the Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecock men’s and women’s basketball team will be hosting the Gamecock Tipoff. The event kicks off at 5:30pm and will feature team autographs and activities on the court. For more information on this event, please visit: https://gamecocksonline.com/news/2018/9/25/mens-basketball-details-announced-for-oct-5-gamecock-basketball-tipoff.aspx.