In our classroom we have created our "shoe boxes of Science" to be used for a variety of light experiments.  Next week we are going to be using them to test the properties of different items to see if they are transparent, translucent or opaque.

Please help your child to find at least 3 items that they can bring by Monday to test.  Some examples might be: plastic wrap, tinfoil, fabric but they might also be almost anything! A small container, a toy...  The testing holes that we have made are about 5 cm around so the item needs to be big enough to cover the hole (it also needs to fit in the shoe box so nothing too big please).

Thank you for your help!

I hope you've all enjoyed the family time over the passed week and that everyone is feeling recharged :)

Important items for this week:

• Shoe boxes - we will be using shoe boxes for a few different light and reflection labs.  Students can certainly work with a partner, but it's more fun if as many as possible have their own "Shoe Box of Science". I was hoping to get these set up tomorrow (Tuesday), so please send them as soon as possible.

Monday:  2 very important items were handed out today and should be coming home in agendas

-1- Novel Review pages (due Friday, March 1)  Students should have been working to complete their novel for this since January when we initially talked about it.  Now it's time to use all of those notes they took along the way to complete the finished assignment.  Details and specific examples are important for students to show a strong understanding of the novel they chose.

-2- Practice Math test (Test is Monday, March 4th)  The practice test I gave to students is a starting point for studying.  It looks exactly like the test will in terms of number and types of questions.  It is a way for students to see where they are confident, but to also be aware of areas that they need to study more.  Please some time each day to help support your child's studying and practice so that they are confident and prepared to do their best :)

Tuesday:

 - Famous Albertan project - students should have their person chosen.  Please check in with them about who they picked and why.

Thursday:

 - LGMS Pink shirt day!  Please help us to show unity against bullying.  On Thursday we do this visually by wearing a pink shirt.

Friday:

- Math Weekly #9 dues

- Novel Review Due

Take a look at all the fun we had today during our LGMS winter carnival by clicking on the link to pictures and videos :)

Things for over the February break:

1. Students need to complete the novel that they have been reading for their novel review.  The assignment will be handed out Monday the 25th.
2. There will be a math review test (add, subtract, multiply and divide) after the break.  A practice test will be handed out Monday but maybe check in with your child about their skills over the break.
3. Shoe boxes.  We'll be doing a number of experiments for our light unit using shoe boxes so please send one into the school with your child Monday.

Thank you and may you all get in some quality outdoor time, and quality family time during this week!

Celebrating the fun things we've been doing lately - here are some of the newest links to pictures:

Whyte Museum

Swim to Survive  - Today I was able to get a picture of everyone trying to run across the "ice flow".  Look closely!  Because of the splashes you may need to use swim suits to help with identification :)


Don't forget that tomorrow is also Carnaval D'hiver!  There is a musical presentation after first recess and then (mostly) outdoor activities for the whole afternoon.  Please make sure your child has a reusable mug for hot chocolate, and that they have winter boots (the snow is pretty deep in the field) as well as mittens and clothes to be constantly outside for about 2 hours.

Feel free to drop by to say hi or join an activity even if you only have a few minutes.

I feel like I say this a lot, but what a busy week we have ahead of us again!  Please read closely, there are a few things that students need this week that will be outside of the normal.

Monday:  We've been experiencing a rash of unkind verbal and non-verbal behaviours in our classroom lately.  It seems that many people get a little extra grumpy during cold weather and inside recess times, and though we all feel this, if you have a chance maybe touch base with your child about how they are doing at school.  Mr.D also came into the class to introduce the idea of Kindness Ninjas as a way to fight back against negativity and bring smiles! The idea is to do as many small, free, acts of kindness for the person who's name you drew, and also to others, over the course of this week. 

Tuesday; this is the final "normal" day this week, so take a minute to breathe :) 
Reusable mugs/cups needed by Thursday for hot chocolate during our winter carnival

Wednesday:
Whyte museum field trip after announcements and attendance in the morning.  If you are volunteering and plan to drive with your child, please confirm with me so that I don't mark them absent.  Volunteers riding the bus with us, please be in the classroom by 8:45.

Swim to Survive in the afternoon.  Students need a full set of spare clothes (that they can wear in the water).  Part of Wednesday's lesson will involve wearing their clothes over their bathing suit and removing the clothes in the pool.  So along with towels and swimwear, please send a full (pants, shirt and socks) set of clothes that will get wet in your child's swim bag.

Thursday:
Valentines period 4 - please see the note from last week (or maybe hidden in the pocket of your child's agenda)

Final Swim to Survive in the afternoon

Friday:
There is no weekly homework this week - but students are reminded that they need to be finished their novel review book before Feb.25th and that their division for marks will be this Thursday.  After working on this since returning from Christmas, please check in with your child about their skills.

LGMS Carnival D'Hiver! (Winter Carnival).  We have a musical presentation in the morning and then we will be moving through winter activities.  All but one activity is outside, so please make sure your child is well dressed.

Rube Goldberg machines were completed in class Thursday.  Each group made a video explaining their science knowledge, and when possible, the working device as well.  So - during your chilly weekend, take some time to celebrate your child's learning and enjoy all of these video by following the link to our Rube Goldberg final tests!

Valentine's Day is next Thursday!

Our class will be celebrating Valentine's just before lunch (since we will be at the pool in the afternoon).  If you would like to send any treats, please send individual sized goodies.  For example, cupcakes instead of cake.  This makes it much easier in the classroom :)

Students are welcome to bring Valentine cards for their classmates if they would like to, but please practice respect and caring towards everyone by making sure that no one is left out.  There are 21 students in our class this year.  Please see the list below for correct spelling.

Hayden	Gracelyn	Remi	Marlo	Keith	Gabriela
Niamh	Lyra	Noah	Easton	Leah
Jordan	Tobin	Charlie	Cody	Shea
Aiden	Makyra	Marina	Addisen	Mataya

What a chilly start to the week but it looks like it should be a little better by Wednesday when we are walking to the pool again.  Please be sure that your child has a toque to protect their wet hair and heads for those walking field trips.

* Please return Whyte Museum field trips as early as possible (Friday at the absolute latest).  We still desperately need 2 more volunteers to join us on this day (Feb 13th in the morning) *

Wednesday:

•  Swim to Survive

Thursday:

• Swim to Survive.  Final day to complete and how Rube Goldberg devices.

Friday:

• Spelling list #9.  The assignment to be completed this week is the student choice  (but remember that all of the assignments have writing the words spelled correctly as the first step) 
• All Rube Goldberg devices and materials to go home

Today we had our first successfully completed Rube Goldberg device too!  Please follow the link to see the balloon popping machine in slow motion.  Congratulations to Keith and Easton!