New Pictures and End of School Details

Dear Parents, we're in the final push to the year end finish line.  Yesterday, we expended a bit of excess energy in climbing Mt. Cardigan.  That's 1,155 vertical feet of climbing in about 1.5 miles.  The students did an outstanding job of reaching the summit as a group.

Today, students worked to finish a second draft revision of a Greek history report.  We will not see this report through a final draft.  I'm happy with the work that has been completed and the degree of ownership the students have demonstrated.

By tomorrow, I should be able to send you a link to a website called Dropbox.  Following the link will take you to a video of the second and fifth grade production of Romeo and Juliet.  Soon, I hope to burn DVD's of the video and I'll make them available to you.

Tomorrow, please send your child to school with an empty bag.  We'll be cleaning out cubbies.  If you find yourself at school, please stop by the room.  There are some delicate pieces of art and a few science projects that would like to be carefully driven home.  I'll be preparing work to send home on the last day of school.

Tonight's show was fantastic.  The students should be tremendously proud of their work and their high level of achievement.  I'm very proud of all they have accomplished in this project.  

Below are a few pictures from back stage at yesterday's and tonight's performance.  More pics will be coming.  I apologize if a I missed photographing anyone.  Some of the kids were moving around quickly.

I've attached a link to a YouTube clip of the finale.  I'll work on burning DVDs or putting the entire show on-line.

Thank you, parents, for all you did to support the students and to make this performance experience a resounding success.

On Monday, I hope to take the 5th grade on a class hike.  We'll travel to Mt. Cardigan in Canaan, NH.  We'll leave TGS by bus and return in time for the PM bus run.  If parents would like to come along, please let me know as soon as possible.  It would be easier to travel in parent cars.  

The hike is modest but the view is extraordinary.  Students should pack (in a backpack) a lunch, snack and plenty to drink.  The weather looks good.  However, students should pack a light jacket.  It is also essential that students wear appropriate shoes or sneakers.  On Sunday, if the weather looks to be cool, I'll send out additional packing suggestions.

Thank you,

Charlie

Pics and Video from Boston

We had a great day at the MFA and The Science Museum.  Thank you Wendy, Eve and Christy for all your help and good shepherding.  The day went off without a real hitch.  It was a pleasure to usher the students through the exhibit halls.

Tomorrow, we have a busy day of play rehearsal scheduled.  Please make every effort to see that your child arrives at school by 8:20 and that he or she has had a good breakfast. We're going to get straight to work.

Thank you,

Charlie

Zombi Students Under Black Light at IMAX

Depth Perception

Heart and Lungs

Touching the Heart and Lungs

Off the Charts

Spinning

Looking at Odysseus

Greek Art

Illustrations of Greek Athletes

Treasure Hunt

A Zen Moment 

Boston and R & J Sneak Preview Video

Dear Parents,

We're off to Boston tomorrow.  Our convoy of school bus and Wendy Brennan's car will LEAVE the school parking lot at 7:00am on the dot.  Students may use the school bathroom before leaving TGS but should not expect to arrive at 7:00 and need time in the building.  We can not wait for late arrivals as the first event on our itinerary is an IMAX film at the Museum of Science.

Students should pack a snack to eat on route and a lunch to eat at the museum.  I also recommend packing something for your child to eat on the trip home.

Students can bring a few dollars for incidentals but should not anticipate visiting the museum gift shops.  There is an ice cream cart outside the MFA.

All admission and travel expenses are covered by the student activity budget.

We'll return to TGS at approximately 7:00pm.

I'll fire off an e-mail when we are leaving Boston to give you a more accurate sense of our return time.

Charlie

Rafting Plans and a Reminder

Dear Parents,

Tomorrow is the K-6 spring concert.  Students should arrive at TGS by 6:10 and meet in the 5th grade room for a warm-up with Jared.  It may be a hot evening.  I suggest students wear comfortable and ventilated (albeit neat) outfits.

The students are very excited about our rafting trip.  I understand that a number of parents will be joining in the fun.  I'll improvise with car assignments when we prepare to head out.  Please be sure your car is gassed up as we need to arrive at the rafting company as a group.

Below is the Zoar Outdoor link.  Make a reservation if you would like to join us.

http://www.zoaroutdoor.com/zoargap.htm

Here is a summary of essential items.

• comfortable swim wear.  I recommend shorts for boys and girls.  We spend a lot of time sitting on a rubber raft.  Shorts are more comfortable than a swim suit.
• a dry change of clothes for the trip home.
• shoes you don't mind getting wet.  Flip-flops don't cut it.  You and your child need shoes with closed toes
• sun screen
• cheap sunglasses with or without a lanyard
• prescription eyewear with a lanyard
• towel
• quarters for a hot shower if you think you'll need one
• a filling snack
• a few dollars for an ice cream stop on the way home

The weather should cooperate.  I don't think anyone will need extra warm water clothes.  Wet suits will be provided if it looks to be rainy or cold.

Greek Temple Construction