Dear Parents,
I can't believe March is gone! I think having some of that summer-like weather helped this long month seem shorter. Grades are closing for the third quarter this Friday.  The year is flying by!  Report cards will be sent home next Friday. Please let me know if you have any questions after you receive the report card. Otherwise, just sign the back of the envelope and return the envelope, but keep the report card.

We spent most of March learning about weather.  We did several experiments to explain and show  precipitation, evaporation and condensation. We also experimented with states of matter:  liquid, solid, gas. The children were very excited about recording the experiments, making predictions; and actually seeing these things happen.   The last week and a half we have spent on a Force and Motion Unit. This is a very introductory unit that focuses on force, motion, friction and work.  Our next science unit is the Tropical Rain Forest/Earth Day.  This is our last part of the world that we visit; and because so many of our products, animals and medicines can be found there, it goes along nicely with Earth Day's message of recycling, reusing and reducing.  We will be putting on a play called the Great Kapok Tree April 17th, which takes place in the Tropical Rain Forest.  More information will be sent home next week about this.

The children took their benchmark tests for Unit 4 in reading; and we are now on the third story in Unit 5. I have only received one-third of the Book It Calendars this month; so please send them in by Friday. A new calendar for April is attached to this newsletter.

We have just completed Unit 13 in math. Math has been very hands-on with our last three units:  geometry, fractions and measurement. It has kept them moving and very engaged.  Please keep practicing addition and subtraction to 20; as we are spending less time adding and subtracting during these last three units. Subtraction to 20 usually needs the most practice. There will be one more assessment in May on addition and subtraction to 20.

I hope everyone has a wonderful April vacation; and thank you for all your continued support!