Happy New Year!

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful and restful break. I know I enjoyed catching up on some of my other interests and just generally unwinding.

However, now it is time to get back to business. The third nine weeks is when we get serious about preparing for STAAR. That is not to say that I will be teaching to the test. Rather, there will be a fair amount of practice on how to take the test. As you know, every test has its quirks and peculiarities, and STAAR is no different. As this is the first year that the students have taken this test, it is imperative that they have opportunities to practice and become familiar with the format. That is what we will be doing at least once each week. I will communicate your child's results to you periodically so that you can see how they are progressing.

I realized as I sat down yesterday to update the homework and spelling word schedules that, in my haste to leave for break, that I forgot to post the directions for the Winter Break Book Project. These went home with the students on Wednesday the 18th, but I had intended to post them as well. That has now been done. The project is not due until 13th, however, students who turn it in on Tuesday will get an ice cream treat. This in not extra credit like the Halloween book poster. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Near the end of February, we will be having our middle of the year GT Expo. I believe that it is scheduled for the 20th, but that may change. Details about the project will come along in a couple of weeks. This project will be a bit different than the first GT Expo. First, it will be individually produced and presented. Second, some of the work will need to be done at home. When we are ready to begin, I will send and post the directions and a timeline of dates by which various tasks will need to be completed.

The third term of the year is always by far the busiest. With so much going on there is very little time for reteaching and make up work. Please do all that you can to make sure your child is at school every day.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday morning. Have a great weekend!