Happy New year!

In some ways, it feels like we just left school, bellies full of Christmas goodies and minds full of childhood excitement for the days to come. And in other ways, it feels like it has been forever since I have seen your smiling kids. I miss the banter in the morning, the whispers of hard work underway, and the squeak of the guinea pigs each time we move about the room. Concerning the latter, I am looking forward to Monday morning! Honestly, I wish we had snow to go with the season!

We have some fun things coming up as we embrace the new year. We will be starting a new novel, Because of Winn Dixie. I am so excited to have Dr. Keira Mellion come in to talk to all of our fourth graders about dog behavior, and that will be a great way to kick off the book! And for those children that stay with me for math, we will be starting fractions together in a fun way. (I can't give away that secret!)

We will wrap up fossils and our Animals Through Time unit in science. Then we can return to the American Revolution, the Antislavery Movement, and the Underground Railroad in Ohio. Please email me if anyone has any connections to those spellbinding historical times. We would love to see and hear from anyone that can make the past feel more true-to-life.

Finally, I want to thank you for spoiling me this holiday season. I am humbled that you spent time thinking of the perfect gifts and investing in me. It is too generous. I love the Ember mug, ornaments, gift cards, the "Design a Game" kit, and all of the unique hand-made gifts I brought home with me. I will cherish it all. 

Upcoming Dates to Know:
​January 3 - School resumes
January 6 - Girls' STEM Club 
January 13 - MAP Testing
January 14 - MAP Testing
January 17 - No School