Spring Open House

Just a reminder that this Wednesday, May 31st, is Alameda's Spring Open House. Happenings will start at 6:30 in the cafeteria with a band concert, this is a great opportunity for those who are interested in previewing band for next year. Then from 7-8pm the classroom will be open to display student work. At 7:30 we will perform our Lewis & Clark Rap. If you come at the beginning it'd be great if you could stay for this, and if you can't make it till later it'd be great if you were able to be there by 7:30. It's a short 3 minute performance and worth seeing!

Hope to see you all Wednesday!
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Hip Hop Dance

Students: For those of you interested in practicing our hip hop dance at home, here is the video of Miss Kim performing what we've learned. Have fun! 

HIP HOP DANCE LINK
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Parents: We will be holding a 4th grade dance assembly to showcase the dances each class learned. This performance assembly will be on June 2nd at 2:30 in the cafeteria.

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Oregon Trail Overnight!

The Oregon Trail Overnight is Tuesday, and I couldn't be more excited!  This trip has always stood out as two of the most amazing days for our 4th graders.  I'm sure that this year will be no exception.  As you help your child prepare for the trip, please use the packing list that went home earlier this week as a guide for what to bring as well as what not to bring.  

A few things to keep in mind...

1. Eating a good breakfast on Tuesday morning:

They may not have a snack until lunch as we'll be traveling and getting situated at camp.  They will be busy, mentally and physically, for two days and must have enough fuel to keep going.

2.  Dress with layers:

Please make sure that your child wears layers.  The weather can change quickly, and we are outside for most of our time at camp.  There are only certain times that students can access their clothing items, so they should be able to add and subtract layers on the go.  For example, upon arrival they will be outside without access to their clothing for the first hour or so.  I hope that we'll be lucky this year with the weather, but it's always better to be prepared and comfortable!  Even if it doesn't raining, the ground will likely be muddy from past rain, so wear appropriate shoes.  Wet, muddy feet are the worst!

3. Medications:

Be sure to bring medications to Ms. Brown when you drop your child off Tuesday morning. MEDICATIONS MUST BE IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINER OR THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE TRIP AND WILL NOT BE GIVEN TO YOUR CHILD.

4.  Packing with large plastic bags:

The kids are instructed to pack their belongings in large plastic bags.  The main reason for this is that upon arriving our bags are unloaded and left outside until for awhile.   If it's raining (or if the ground is still muddy from past rains) the bags will protect our clothes and sleeping supplies from getting soaked.  Also, our bags will be stuffed in the back of the school bus and pack in better in soft bags rather than rigid suitcases.  The more we can squeeze the back, the more room we have in the front to sit.  Both bags should be labeled with masking or duct tape that states your child's name (first and last) and ALAMEDA.  Bags sometimes get ripped, so please pack an extra bag or two.  

5. Lunch for Thursday:

Please make sure your child pack a sack lunch for Tuesday, labeled with their first and last name. Do not pack this in their other belongings.  We'll transport our lunches in our lunch tubs to and from camp. If your child is getting a sack lunch from the cafeteria, please remind them to grab that before coming to class Tuesday morning.

6. Pick-Up on Wednesday:

We are scheduled to return to Alameda around 1:30pm. Once we unload the bus and bring all bags back to the classroom, we'll have a recess.  The kids normally need this time, especially after being crammed on a bus.  Also, it gives them time to socialize and talk about their fun experience.  If you'd like to pick your child up early, you are welcome to do so.  However, you must check your child out of school in the office before getting them from the classroom or playground.  Also, please make sure that you have checked in with me, as well, before taking your child home. If you're not planning on picking up early, school will let out at 3:00pm as normal. Students who normally ride the bus will need other arrangements as their bags will be too much to carry and fit on the buses.

This is all that I can think of right now.  If anything else pops in my head, I'll let you know.  Feel free to email for any last minute questions as you're packing.  

Julie Brown

OR Trail Packing List

Clothing: (Please remember to label all clothing and bedding with your child’s name AND school) Students will carry their own bags so pack accordingly. Students may dress “pioneer style” if they wish. This may mean jeans and boots, or girls may wear long skirts (please wear warm clothes under skirts). Keep in mind that layers work best: long underwear, shirt, sweatshirt, warm jacket, and a coat (think layers). 
Students should bring the following (Pack in a large plastic garbage bag. Use masking tape and a marking pen to write the student’s name and school on the garbage bag. You should use an extra-thick garbage bag – thin bags tear too easily):

• One full change of clothes besides what is worn on the first day
• Jeans or heavy pants
• Shirt or blouse
• Warm jacket
• Underwear
• Extra shoes or boots
• Raincoat or poncho (You can find emergency rain ponchos for $2-5 at some stores)
• Gloves
• Sweater or sweatshirt
• Socks (extra pairs are a good idea!)
• Pajamas – something warm
• Lunch – packed separately from other gear
• Sleeping Gear: Students will be carrying all of their own gear and clothing – so pack accordingly! They will also be responsible for unpacking and repacking. Frequently the thin garbage bags rip, and bedding items can get wet.  You may want to send an extra garbage bag, pre-labeled.
• A sleeping bag or blankets and sheets – the cabins are heated.
• Pillow with pillow case

Personal Gear (put in a plastic bag or zip lock bag and store with clothes):

• Wash cloth
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste / floss
• Brush or comb
• Hand towel
• Soap
• Large plastic bag for wet or dirty items

**Students are NOT to bring the following: money, cellular phones, radios/Ipods, electronic games, virtual pets, comic books, pocket knives, jewelry, card games, matches, curling irons, make-up or anything to eat (besides the lunch mentioned above), including candy or gum. (An afternoon snack on the first day and all meals will be provided.)

Cyber Bullying by Mrs. Tofel

Cyber Bullying- using electronic media to purposely harm another person. 

Do you remember when you were a kid it was super cool to have a phone in your bedroom?  I know that my friends and I were not always using our phones responsibly (three way calling, prank phone calls, etc.) and this sometimes caused problems for us socially.  Nowadays with computers, tablets, cell phones, and online video games, communication between children is much more complicated.  Kids are bombarded with opportunities to interact with others through texting, video games, apps, and websites and unfortunately sometimes can turn into cyber bullying.  As a counselor I am seeing that these bullying situations are carrying over from home to school and impacting students’ personal relationships as well as the overall learning environment here at Alameda.   As parents we can help our children navigate these situations by being aware of the electronic activities, educating ourselves about their cyber world, and creating rules around online behavior.  Here is a list of ways you can prevent your child from being the perpetrator, target, or bystander in a cyber bullying situation.  

1.    Teach your child how to be safe online.  Tell them not to share any personal information or pictures without parent permission.  Talk to your kids frequently about their electronic interactions and how they can be upstanders for themselves or others when they encounter bullying.  Teach them to report to adults.

2.    Monitor all devices and read the history of each one.  Know the sites and games that your children are using and make sure all are age appropriate. 

3.    Create family rules around time limits and internet usage.  Consider rules that only allow access to devices when an adult is in the room.  Put restrictions on sites or games that allow people to participate anonymously. 

4.    Stay informed. Social media is constantly changing so talk to other parents about the new games and sites that are popular with their children.  Visit and get to know the sites and games they are using. 

 Thanks for your time and support!

Sincerely,

Anna Tofel

School Counselor

Link to PPS cyber bullying policy and information:

http://www.pps.net/Page/2001

Wax Museum

Wax Museum this Wednesday, April 19th

Students should arrive to the classroom at 4:45 with their map or model and dressed
in costume. I will give instructions to the kids and we will set up. The wax museum
will be open from 5:00-5:45. Feel free to invite family and friends to this event.

Please also make sure your child looks over both the contract and the rubric sheet (both should be in their binders) to ensure their map or model meets the requirements. Every year students loose points for things that are easy to include.
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Wax Museum Project

We are starting out Wax Museum project this coming Monday. Before Friday, please sit down with your child to read over and sign the Wax Museum Contract. Have your child keep this signed contract in their homework binder at all times. This way, whether at home or school, they can refer back to it for requirements and due dates.

They have a bright pink copy of the contract but in case you need an extra please click below link:
Wax Museum Contract

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