Run away from toxic people. Instead, surround yourself with others who are positive, who support you and want you to succeed. - Anonymous

Happy Rainy Sunday. Our plans of a horseback ride and lazy Sunday seem to be on hold. One thing we did get done is move our chickens outside. It was time. They were flying all around our basement and they have gotten their adult feathers. Amazing how fast chickens grow! So, out to the coop they go. Hopefully they are laying an egg or two by the time we come visit the ranch before school lets out.

I had the pleasure of spending some time on Saturday watching some very talented kids play in a basketball tournament. All three teams won their game. That matters, but not as much as what I witnessed on the court. All three teams played as a TEAM, encouraged others on the court and I did not see one bit of ball hogging! I also noticed the coaches. I tend to always be drawn to them. They were amazing as well and should be commended. They talked with encouraging and kind words. They pointed out the positive. They laughed WITH the kids when things went a little weird, and they didn't allow bad sportsmanship on the court. With leaders like these, how can a child be expected to do anything but their very best? Great job Taryn, Taylor, McLean, Max, and Caden!!! I am so proud of all of you! You were all positive leaders out there. :0)



I know baseball, softball, lacrosse, and other spring sports are starting soon as well. Please share schedules with me as my kids and I love to come and watch. Sunflower seeds are one of the best parts of Spring and Summer in my opinion. I would also love to come to any other event. Rumor has it some piano recitals, dance recitals, and cheer competitions are coming up as well. If I can make it, I will be there.

This week is one of my favorite weeks of the entire year! It is NWEA Map testing week! This is the week where if I was up flying in Coewyn's plane again, I would see a bright beam of light coming out of Ms. Erickson's classroom at Arrowhead. These kids are going to shine so bright it may be blinding. Three quarters ago, these kids walked into my life. Together, we have learned so much in all areas of academics and character. Through creative lessons and a lot of fun and laughter, their brains have expanded in great diameter. Now, it is time to prove it. I couldn't believe in a group of kids more than I do these ones. I can't wait to see their growth!!!

Testing will be Wednesday-Reading, Thursday-Math, and Friday-Language. We will test right after lunch each day. Please do everything you can to ensure perfect attendance on these days. Makeups take kids out of the learning classroom for an hour and a half, and they don't get to test in their natural environment with me. I am selfish. I want them all testing with me. :0) Thanks in advance!

I know all the children will be very sad abut this next statement. I hope they will recover nicely. Due to testing this week there will be NO spelling or homework. We will also have an afternoon recess on testing days. Horrible I  know! :0) Maybe it is the parents that will be very sad. :0)

With all the testing, don't worry, we will also continue learning. Montana History will come in full force. It is interactive and fun and will be a nice break from rigorous tests. We will be jumping into our Lewis and Clark studies. We will be reading a novel and following the expedition's routes with a lot of hands on learning. This will prepare us for our Pompey's Pillar field trip in June. We will be looking into this topic from two perspectives: westward expansion (white point of view) and eastern invasion (Native American point of view). I believe having both sides helps kids understand the topics taught at a deeper level.

Report Cards come home on Tuesday. My grades were finalized and submitted on Friday. So, if you go online, the grade you see is the grade that will be on the report card. I am proud of all my students!

Tuesday is also class picture day. Kids always like to become a united front for this. The kids will come up with a few colors to wear for it in CC meeting tomorrow. Of course this is optional as it is also individual picture day as well. An order form came home in last Tuesday's folder. There was also a slip that asked if you wanted your child to get an individual picture or not. It was blue. If you don't want them to, please send back that slip. Otherwise, students will get their picture taken.

Well, I think that about sums up our upcoming week. Enjoy your Sunday!
Ms. Erickson

PS-Haylee, I hope that your Cheer Competition went Awesome this weekend in Helena. I bet you were beautiful and shined!