With the cold weather finally here, students should bring a jacket to school. Yes, some of them will refuse to wear anything but shorts and a t-shirt because they are made out of fire or something like that, but they should still wear a t-shirt in case their fire burns out.
Students will be taking a test on Story Mountain on Tuesday. They started to review this on Friday, and will do a practice one on Monday using the book Wonder.
On Monday I will be introducing students to the Holiday Bear Project, which is a charity that sponsors children who need a little holiday boost. We will be sponsoring an 10-year-old girl and a 510-year-old boy boy (who I don’t think are brother/sister) whose families are having a difficult time and would be hard pressed to provide gifts for their kids during the holidays.
What most classes do who are involved in projects like this is to have students bring in wrapped gifts. While this is very effective, I do this a little differently. Along with altruism and empathy, I want students to utilize this opportunity to learn some other lessons, too.
On a future date (which I will send via e-mail), whoever is interested/available will be meeting me at Walmart in Avon. Using the money we collect, we will purchase gifts (also wrapping paper and tape) for these two kids, and then the entire class will wrap them up the next morning (after a lesson on present wrapping). This week, I will discuss with students about asking family (either you or maybe family that lives nearby) if they can do some jobs around the house (or for other extended family members) to earn money. Students usually have many great ideas themselves. Anything is helpful. Another thing we will be doing is using the Chromebooks to look up the names and phone numbers of local businesses. We will work on scripts that students will be using to call businesses to ask for their support in this charitable cause. (I will not have any student make a phone call if he/she is uncomfortable.) We made phone calls for the past few years and this really helps students work on their speaking skills and confidence. I monitor each phone call and we do it right from the classroom. Many businesses will say no thank you (or use some very clever evasive tactics!), but a few will say yes and that is just another reality that students will experience. For the businesses that do say yes, I will ask students if any of them, driven by you, can swing by and pick up the cash, check, or gift card. If you’d be willing to do this just let your child know so if they volunteer they already have an ok from you.
I understand that not every student will be able to make it to Walmart and that is absolutely fine. You’ll hear more from the room parents later about carpooling opportunities. Either way, all students will be involved in the process both before and after. Let me know if you have any questions about this worthy cause.
Upcoming Events
Parent Teacher Conferences – Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 8 (although I will offer times each morning all week as well)
