ITBS Testing

This week we begin the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Students in fourth grade will be taking the short form of the test, and will be testing from 10:15 until 11:00 a.m. To help students do their very best, students should get plenty of rest this week. They may bring a snack from home, but it should be a healthy one. No candy please.

Art Mom

Our Art Mom this year will be Linda Barrett. Linda began this program, with the help of several others, several years ago. We are pleased to have her this year. She always has fun projects for the students.

Reading Conference

On October 30 and 31st, I attended a reading conference in Boise. The conference included guest speakers from several of the nations leading colleges. Many of the workshops focused on reading fluency (accuracy plus reading rate) and comprehension. I hope to use some of the ideas I gained from the conference in the classroom.

Mr. Stefani and Dawn Holmes also attended.

Helping Hands

Many of you responded to the "call" for Helping Hands in the classroom. I appreciate your help! The classroom parties have now been planned. If you still would like to help with a party, you most certainly would not be excluded.

If any of you would like to come at 10:15 -11:00 a.m. and listen to a student read, you would be most welcome. Students are making progress with the help they receive from someone who listens. We just could use a few more listeners. Please feel free to call me if you would like to help.