Well, the last week of 4th grade is upon us. Heavy sigh! Many may be excited, and don't get me wrong I am excited for summer activities, but I am also sad. This class has been so amazing and so fun to teach. I will see many over the summer in activities and study sessions, but it doesn't match the every day hellos and smiles. Every student is so unique and I will miss those exact character traits the most.
We will finish up the week strong. In between all the activities, we will finish up Montana History. Grades will be finalized by Tuesday and submitted to Mrs. Meier for a final review. Report Cards will be distributed on the last day, but you can always get a sneak peak online. All students did great!
This week, we will partake in the 4th and 5th grade Character Building Wiffle Ball Tournament. This is NOT a competitive event. It is designed to have kids see how all 6 character traits relate to sports. Not one of the traits encourages competitiveness. We will focus on cheering all players on, even on the opposing team. We will work on being respectful by not moving in or out when a particular batter comes up. We will also work on playing in our position only. Sometimes we know that we may be able to catch a ball or throw a ball better than someone else so we are tempted to step in and take over. In this tournament, we will stand firm and watch that person try their best to do it themselves. Not only that, but we will also work on encouraging them with kind words no matter what the outcome is. We all know that some kids are more blessed athletically than others, but here we give everyone their fair chance to at least try in these games. It is all about having fun and building character. Daily, kids will reflect on their character on the field by using a character rubric and set a goal on what they can do better tomorrow during the next game. We will play all week, including a game against our friends at Montana Conservation Corps, like Tauzha, Squatch, and Kevin. Please feel free to drop by and watch any game you want. Just remember to check in at the office and then meet us on the actual baseball fields. You can't miss us. :0)
Then on Friday, each teacher will select two kids that have had amazing character in all games without a lot of direction or guidance. Those two kids will then play the Arrowhead Staff in the all star game. Everyone will get to have fun watching the game too. :0) It will be a difficult decision for me, as I know all my students have awesome character on and off the field! I loved this event at Bitterroot every year, and I am excited to now bring it to Arrowhead! It was inspired after I watched this video. It didn't have a share/embed code, so you will have to just click the link and go there. Enjoy and be inspired as well!http://liftbump.ijreview.com/2014/05/11248-hit-homerun-career-got-injured-thats-team-really-hit-outta-park/
Monday, we have the 5th grade black light presentation. I LOVED this show at Bitterroot when Mrs. Waddell taught music there. I am excited to see it once again!
Tuesday, we have our field trip to Pompey's Pillar. The kids are soooooo ready for this field trip. They are going to learn even more while we are there. It is time for it all to come to life now. Please remember that they need a sack lunch this day. Bug spray and sunscreen BEFORE leaving home is also a good idea along with a hat. Ticks are always found on the bus ride home. I recommend girls wear their hair tied up. We often go on a nature walk around the pillar in tall grass, so I always wear long pants and layered tops. It is up to the kids though.
Wednesday day is our last money buy in. We will have a classroom auction. Kids get to have a paddle to raise when they want to bid on an item. Items will include treats, small toys, and other fun things for summer. Kids will be encouraged to spend all of their money. Extra money will be donated back to the bank. This is my treat to them.
Thursday is our bike trip to Spinners for their yogurt treat. Kids have already picked their flavors and they have been ordered. I will send in Liam and Tyler's on Monday if they are back at school. We will make sure everyone has one, including the volunteers! We have lots of volunteers, but please feel free to still join in on the riding fun. We will leave at 12:45 and be back around 2. Coewyn's dad will follow in the truck just in case someone ends up needing a ride due to a breakdown that we can't fix. Mr. Pertuit will be in the lead. He rides to school often and knows a safe path. He also knows where we need to get off and walk our bikes across roads or rough gravel. Safety first all the way! All kids and adults need to have helmets. Kids need to also remember their $5. I am not collecting the money, so they need to bring it that day to give to the cashier after receiving their treat. Fun, fun, fun!
Friday is a half day. We will be outside at 11:45 to line the building and high five the 5th graders on their way to Will James Middle School. After that, kids are free to go one last time.
On Friday, we will also have our Jimmy John Lunch at 11. Chase's mom along with others are providing party platters to make sandwiches. Kids just need to bring their own drink. If you are wanting to help provide this, please call Chase's mom. Her number is in the directory. A HUGE thank you for helping make our last day special.
Well, that about does it for the week. Have a wonderful Sunday!
