Prokop’s Press          April 18, 2008

Dear Parents and Students,

Happy Spring! We have been very busy as you know.

    First off, I would like to thank the parents and students for their kind words and understanding as my family went through a very trying and traumatic time the weeks before Open House. I felt the many prayers that were given my way. Thank you again.

Open House: Thank you to all who came to see our room and all of the students hard work. A huge thank you to parents who helped out on a daily basis, getting things put together, Mrs. Linarelli. Also, thank you to Mr. Serna for his donation of wood for our canopic jars. The 3-D projects were fantastic, and students had fun sharing and listening to the presentations on how their items were made.

Math: We have just finished a very tough chapter on percentages, sales tax, and interest rate. This is something that is going to need to be constantly reviewed for next summer. A great way, is to have your child involved in paying bills at restaurants, or looking at cash register receipts from purchases at stores.

Social Studies: Reports are all in, and my first look at them is very impressive. I try to correct a few a night, so I told the students to be patient in getting them back. We are now on the the continuing of studying of the ancient civilization of Egypt. We should conclude this unit in the next two weeks.

Science: We have begun our preparation for camp. We will be studying unit 5 of our book, dealing with ecosystems. At one point, students will be assigned a biome to research. In groups, they will be creating a mural of the information they have learned. Then upon our return from camp, they will be able to add additional information they learned, as they have visited the actual biome. As a reminder, completed camp paperwork is due May 2nd. Also, in the folder you will see the paper telling of your child's balance due for camp. This money is due May 5th. 

Little Buddies: This week we interviewed our little buddies in preparation for a book we are going to write for them, and present at the end of the year.

Late Work: As you may have heard, we have started to implement a few policies in the classroom, in preparation for what students will face next year. With that being said, we are no longer accepting any late work, or work forgotten at home, even if it is delivered by a parent after the start of the day.You will be notified that day by a note that has to be signed and brought back the next day. Absent work is accepted. Students are given one day to turn the work in for every day they are absent. It is their responsibility to ask what they missed, and make sure they have what they need.

Another policy is that homework will be put in a basket to be collected as they come into the classroom in the morning. This is what many of the junior high teachers do. This forces the students to be responsible for turning their work in instead of the teacher having to ask for it. It if is not in the basket, they get no credit. This may seem harsh, but that is the world of junior high that we need to get them ready for.

State Testing: CST testing will be the week of May 5th. We will review and practice test on Monday, and actual testing will begin Tuesday May 6th through Thurs. May 8th. It is imperative that your student have a good nights rest and a healthy, protein enriched breakfast. Also, please be sure your child is at school on time, as we start testing first thing in the morning.

Have a wonderful weekend!

                                                            Sincerely,

                                                                        Mrs. Prokop