It is time to give you the information that you need to know about the class trip. You should already know that we are leaving on the 13 of May (Monday) around 9am, and returning on the 14th around 3pm, in time for regular dismissal. Our destination is Camp Lutherhaven on beautiful Coeur d’Alene Lake. This trip is different than our trip last year. The purpose of the trip is to get the kids to stretch themselves in a safe environment with people who are qualified outdoor education instructors. The program at Lutherhaven is a great place to do this. Mark has worked with the staff at Lutherhaven on several occasions and has had a positive experience every time. They have a good mix of high expectation and compassion in how they approach kids.

Since this is a growth opportunity for your children, we haven’t extended an invitation for parents to come along. We know that staying away from home can be scary but this is part of the growth experience. We also know that their behavior often changes when they have the safety net of a parent to fall back on. Our experience has been that kids are far more quick to opt out of an activity if their parent is with them.

Remember that they aren’t being left to their own devices on this trip. Mark and Nicole will be with them (probably struggling through whatever challenging activity the class is doing) the whole time. We hit the ground running as soon as we get unpacked at camp. The kids will cover a lot of ground during our trip and we feel they will be worn out by the time it is lights out. We are sleeping in a cabin with electricity, heat, running water, and most importantly beds with mattresses. We aren’t exactly roughing it.

We have already had people ask about coming to pick up their kids at bedtime and come back in the morning or many other variations on this theme. At first we were open to it, but after much thought and discussion we have come to the conclusion that they are all capable of making it through the night. We feel that it is important to commit to the whole experience not just the fun parts. It would look silly if Mark, Nicole, and one student stayed the night.

The 13th and 14th are school days. Our class is having their school experience at Camp Lutherhaven, if your student chooses not to be part of this experience then you will be responsible to make arrangements for their care on those days. It is unreasonable to expect Gayle to accommodate the kids who stay behind and give her class the attention that they need.

Now that we have gotten through the tedious part of our letter, let’s get to what is important to your kids: the gear list! (Remember that activities take place rain or shine)

We will need:

-A sack lunch for Monday (all other meals are covered)

-A sleeping bag and pillow

- sturdy tennis shoes and sandals that can get wet

-3 pair of socks

-3 pair of underwear

- jacket

-2 pair of shorts

-2 tshirts

-1 pair of pants

- sweatshirt

-deodorant (your kids are smellier than you think and we have to drive home with them) and soap

-toothbrush/toothpaste

-water bottle

-towel

We suggest that you do not buy new gear for this trip. It is mucky and muddy this time of year; new stuff can get ruined in a hurry. That should about cover it. If you have questions, contact us and we will answer them as best we can.

Mark and Nicole

River Day School Mission Statement: River Day School provides an inclusive educational environment that helps students become lifelong learners. Our students are inquisitive and confident builders of their future.
Together, we strive to be a community of learners where all members care about one another in an environment of cooperation, with respect for diversity and individual differences.
.
OUR CLASSROOM
Review: We are also preparing for a Dinner Theater on May 9th. The kids from all grades help serve the families a spaghetti dinner and then perform a musical as the dessert. The dinner is delicious and the play is amusing. Our class will be singing and playing the mice and some Lords and Ladies in the musical.

Kathy will be subbing in my classroom this week and possibly Monday. My father passed away today and I am with family. I told the kids where I would be and they were quite funny when one child said, “It looks like you’re crying.” And another said indignantly, “Of course she is; her dad just died.” Then I got to hear about the animals that died. It was sooo cute and made me laugh. Anyway that is where I am.

ADVENTURE FRIDAY
This week our lunch is shrimp, rice and broccoli. Since student chose the lunch our class will provide the ingredients.
Student – 1 lb of Shrimp
Student – 1 lb of Shrimp
Student – 1 lb of Shrimp
Student – 1 lb of Shrimp
Student – Broccoli
Student – Broccoli
School – Rice

This week we have Terrific Trees presentation by the Spokane Conservation District coming in for our Adventure Friday.

These are the dates for upcoming Turnbull days May 10, and May 24th. To make a tick check easier to spot those little buggers please have your child wear light colored clothing and socks to wear over their pants along with a long sleeved shirt and baseball cap (or hat). We try to do tick checks before we get in the cars but please do them at home again.

IMPORTANT NEWS
Date undetermined:
At this time we do not have a date to move into the new facility. We will keep you posted of any updates. We are STILL working on the permitting process.

CANCELLED -May 4th – Saturday. We will not be working on the yard at our new location. The fence is being installed and around mid May we will install sod.

May 9th – Thursday. Dinner Theater – Begins at 6:00. Our play is Cinders.

Last Friday’s visit from Alex was amazing! The kids were excellent ambassadors for River Day; they made Alex feel welcome and asked him great questions! A big thank you to Margot Petersen for putting this opportunity together for the school!

This week we have two main focuses: our biome projects and fine tuning the play for dinner theater. We are working on making the transition from having our lines memorized to being actors and actresses. Please continue to run lines with your little thespians. Just a reminder that Dinner Theater is on May 9 at 6 p.m., if you haven’t R.S.V.P.’d please do so soon. This way we are able to begin the shopping for the dinner component of dinner theater and so we have enough seating for all of our lovely families and friends. The proceeds from dinner theater will be used to fund class trips.

Speaking of which, our trip this year will take place on May 13th through the 14th. We are going to Lutherhaven in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The class will be doing some outdoor education and team building activities there. We will be spending the night at camp the kids, Nicole and Mark (and the wonderful Lutherhaven staff). You will get a night without your child! We will be back at school by 3 p.m. on the 14th

We are progressing on our biome projects. Most of the class is on their second biome. We will have to send home some students work to ensure that they are able to make the final deadline for completing their reports. We will make sure to let you know if your child is going to be bringing anything home to work on.

We have had a mini shift in math we have been implementing some critical thinking word problems having to do with logic and relationships. Here’s an example of one we tackled today: Liza has gone to the pond with a large bucket and two jars, none of which have any markings. One jar holds exactly 5 cups, and the other one holds exactly 3 cups. Liza needs to bring home exactly 1 quart of water (1quart=4 cups) How can she do it?

Our adventure Friday activity is Terrific Trees brought to us by the Washington Water Conservation District. It is Gayle’s classes’ lunch this week and she has chosen a shrimp stir fry. We don’t have to bring anything but our appetites.

We want to end with a compliment. Thank you for making sure that your child is here by 8:30 a.m. We have very much enjoyed starting the day with reading and discussing The Sea Of Monsters.

Until the next time,

Mark and Nicole

River Day School Mission Statement: River Day School provides an inclusive educational environment that helps students become lifelong learners. Our students are inquisitive and confident builders of their future.
Together, we strive to be a community of learners where all members care about one another in an environment of cooperation, with respect for diversity and individual differences.
.
OUR CLASSROOM
Today the kids and I went down to City Hall and got the fence permit for the new building. Actually that permit process was easy. When we parked there was an event for city workers to bring their kids to work – so of course we crashed it. The kids sat on a police motorcycles, sat behind the wheel of a police car AND in the backseat of the cruiser. They also explored the SWAT team vehicle. And most exciting was one of our student’s seeing her grandpa – he is a police officer. We then went into city hall and went through the permitting process. Look for our pictures on their facebook page.

Review: At the end of the school year the students celebrate with a trip or activity that helps culminate the year and shows the growth they have made for the year. I do not have this planned yet but I want it to be fun yet stretch the kids. If you have any thoughts or ideas let me know.

Review: We are also preparing for a Dinner Theater on May 9th. The kids from all grades help serve the families a spaghetti dinner and then perform a musical as the dessert. The dinner is delicious and the play is amusing. Our class will be singing and playing the mice and some Lords and Ladies in the musical.

ADVENTURE FRIDAY
This week our lunch is pizza.

We have a special guest coming to observe our school. His name is Alex Kalukangu, and he is visiting the U.S. for the first time, from Zambia. He is a private school teacher back in Zambia, but is here on a much bigger mission. Here is how this story started: A friend of Margot Petersen’s, Joe, is a senior at Gonzaga University. He is spearheading a fundraiser called Hope for Zambezi. Here is their mission taken straight from their website: “Hunger prevents many people in Zambezi, Zambia with HIV/AIDS from taking their medicine that can save their lives. We are raising money to construct a large chicken coop that will provide a sustainable food source and eggs that can be sold for income, and establish a food bank with ongoing access to necessities such as maize, beans and rice.” So, this Friday he is coming to see our school and share with us, what school is like in Zambezi. He will also observe our school, cook with us and accompany us to Turnbull, while we check in on our Bluebirds. We decided to make personal pizzas on Friday; it may be his first time having pizza!
Here is the website, I urge you to take a look. http://hopeforzambezi.org/index.html

TURNBULL THIS WEEK – It is nice and warm so please dress kids to help spot those ticks.
These are the dates for upcoming Turnbull days April 26, May 10, and May 24th our last visit. To make a tick check easier to spot those little buggers please have your child wear light colored clothing and socks to wear over their pants along with a long sleeved shirt and baseball cap (or hat). We try to do tick checks before we get in the cars but please do them at home again.

IMPORTANT NEWS

April 26th – Friday. I will not be at school. I am flying down to Sacramento to participate in the MDA walk in Sacramento.

At this time we do not have a date to move into the new facility. We will keep you posted of any updates. We are working on the permitting process.

May 4th – Saturday. I will be working on the yard at our new location. I am thinking sod should be laid, sand should be raked. It will be from 9 to noon if not longer.

May 9th – Thursday. Dinner Theater – I have only heard from two families about who is attending.

This Friday we have a special guest coming to observe our school. His name is Alex Kalukangu, and he is visiting the U.S. for the first time, from Zambia. He is a private school teacher back in Zambia, but is here on a much bigger mission. Here is how this story started: A friend of Margot Petersen’s, Joe, is a senior at Gonzaga University. He is spearheading a fundraiser called Hope for Zambezi. Here is their mission taken straight from their website: “Hunger prevents many people in Zambezi, Zambia with HIV/AIDS from taking their medicine that can save their lives. We are raising money to construct a large chicken coop that will provide a sustainable food source and eggs that can be sold for income, and establish a food bank with ongoing access to necessities such as maize, beans and rice.” So, this Friday he is coming to see our school and share with us, what school is like in Zambezi. He will also observe our school, cook with us and accompany us to Turnbull, while we check in on our Bluebirds. We decided to make personal pizzas on Friday; it may be his first time having pizza!

Here is the website, I urge you to take a look.

http://hopeforzambezi.org/index.html

That being said, I again apologize for asking for ingredients on the Wednesday before we need them. Please bring the following ingredients to contribute to Friday’s pizza.

pizza sauce
mozzarella cheese
pepperoni
mild sausage
2 cans pineapple tidbits
2 cans sliced olives
2 packages of Canadian bacon

*We will be making pizza dough the day before on Thursday in order to save time.

We do not have spelling this week because we have so much else going on, I know the kids are bummed.

Continue firming up the lines in the play. They should now be focusing on “how” they say the words, using inflection.

Reminder: Turnbull is Friday and the ticks are out! Please dress in long pants and shirts; wear a hat and long socks. It is supposed to be nice weather, so there is a good chance of seeing bluebirds.

Dinner Theatre is Thursday, May 9th. We only have a handful of reservations; please let us know how many people will be attending this grand event.

Thanks,

Nicole and Mark

This is it!

The last 8 weeks of school are here and we are gearing up for a busy time.

We have begun research on 4 more biomes: desert, tundra, arctic and fresh water.

The students will be researching these biomes and putting together an informational book that will be shared on Tuesday morning, June 4th at 9am. We designed the rubric together and came up with reasonable goals and deadlines. This is going to require your child to make best use of their time. We have allotted a minimum of 6 hours a week for this project. If your child is absent, they may need to take their work home. Attached to the hard copy of our news letter you will find the rubric and deadlines.

Dinner Theatre:

Speaking of taking work home…your child should be practicing their lines and entrance/exits from Scenes 1, 2 and 4, by tomorrow…and continue practicing for:

Scenes: 1, 2, 3 and 4 for Thursday, April 18th

Scenes: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 for Tuesday, April 23rd

Scenes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 for Thursday, April 26th

Your child was given ONE script that can come back and forth between home and school, OR you can make a copy for home. It is VERY important that your script be at school for the days we practice.

Spelling has resumed, look for their list on the hard copy sent home.

This week it is students’s turn to pick out a lunch and he has chosen Beef Stroganoff. We are waiting on his Grandmother’s recipe, keep a look out for what your child needs to bring.

This Friday we are going to Deaconess Medical Center to see the NEW Davinci Surgical Robot . We will leave here shortly after 12:30 and leave Deaconess around 2pm. As always let us know if you can drive.

Thanks for a wonderful time at the auction; I think fun was had by all.

Nicole and Mark

Tomorrow the people from Washington Green Schools will be visiting us to present our Green School award and banner. With them, may be a producer gathering some footage about a WA Green School getting accredited. Please have your student wear their green River Day t shirts or sweatshirts tomorrow.

GREEK FAIR is on Friday, March 22, at 9 a.m. We are both excited and scared for this event! It is the first project that we have sent home this school year and it is stressing the inner control freaks in us. Hopefully, everything is coming together smoothly. Remember, they should know their information that they have brought home so that it is more presentation and less just reading their facts! If you could send your child’s outfit and objects to us by Thursday, we would sleep better Thursday night! We hope that you are free on Friday to come in and check out our little Greek gods and goddesses as they share what they’ve learned with you.

Part of our community service here at River Day is our partnership with Turnbull Wildlife Refuge. During the spring, we volunteer at Turnbull tracking and maintaining the bluebird houses. We go out and check bird boxes every two to three weeks. This Friday will be our first visit to Turnbull. Please make sure that your child is dressed to be outside and ready for whatever March’s crazy weather will bring us. We plan on leaving after lunch and returning before dismissal.

This week is student’s lunch. She has chosen waffles and sausage links for her lunch menu. Here’s what your child is responsible for. Student- waffle mix; Student-waffle maker; Student- powdered sugar; Student -1 lb sausage links; Student- strawberries; Student- sausage links 1 lb; Student- whipped cream; Student- blueberries; Student-butter; Student-syrup.

That’s about all for now,

Mark and Nicole

River Day School Mission Statement: River Day School provides an inclusive educational environment that helps students become lifelong learners. Our students are inquisitive and confident builders of their future.
Together, we strive to be a community of learners where all members care about one another in an environment of cooperation, with respect for diversity and individual differences.
.
OUR CLASSROOM
The cold, fever, yucky virus is spreading through our classroom. We are talking about germs and how we can try to stop the spread of germs by washing our hands and by using our hand sanitizer.

The kids are busy creating and performing plays. They have created a seating area with drinks and popcorn provided at a cost of $5 to $10 for the class to enjoy the performances. All of our refreshments and money are props of course; otherwise I would be broke!!

We continue to work on building toward understanding the concept of number. If you would like to reinforce concept of number at home, a good way is to play card games. We have played where everyone gets 2 cards whoever has the highest wins. Also adapt it to be the least wins. Of course Black Jack is good for up to 21.

MATERIAL NEEDED: This Thursday and Friday we will be making some leprechaun traps –of our design of course! We need materials like shoe boxes, string – anything really, use your imagination. We will create the best contraptions you have ever seen. The materials you send will be used by all!!

CONFERENCES: It is that time again. I have talked to a few of you about setting up a time to meet with you so we can see the growth your child has made this year. We are offering conferences before and after school so we can include both parents. Your child will lead the conference but we can also discuss concerns you may have. I am trying to catch each of you to set a time but if I miss you will you please call me.

ADVENTURE FRIDAY
This week our Friday lunch will be Green Eggs and Ham with French Toast!!!! YUM
Last week our Adventure to Jump Sky High was great!!! This week our adventure takes up to Lincoln Park.

IMPORTANT NEWS
Green School: Kelly and Nicole have been working for over a year toward the school becoming a “Certified Green School.” They have succeeded in this endeavor. On March 20th between 9-9:30 a representative
from Washington Green Schools will be here to present us with our flag, award, and certification. We are the second school in Spokane to earn this certification.

Turnbull Wildlife Refuge: March 28th an Amicore person from Turnbull will be coming to the school to teach us about Owl’s and their adaptations.
On March 22nd the school will begin checking bluebird boxes at Turnbull

New Facility: This Saturday, March 16th, beginning at 10 there will be a cleanup party at the new schools future play area. Location: 1627 E Trent

Wow! You missed a great field trip last Friday! Even Gayle had a ball. It was pretty awesome to watch your rubbery offspring flip and flop all over Jump Sky High! This Friday we are planning to go tromping around at Lincoln Park and see what signs of spring are abound. As always, if you are free on Friday please come join us on our Friday adventure.

Monday, March 18, we are going on a tour of the SMART Recycling program at 10 a.m. We can always use drivers. Let us know if you are interested in coming along.

On March 20th we will be receiving official recognition by the Washington Green School people between 9 and 9:30 a.m. here at the school.

March 22nd is quickly approaching. Please help your child get ready for their Greek god/goddess information faire. You will be responsible for helping your child dress like their God/Goddess and bring objects that represent their divine powers or attributes. We said to “help” your child, don’t make the costume for them. They just need the means and transportation and that is where you come in. Not all Gods/Goddesses wore white sheets, so you may want to research with your child, what the costume should entail.

Lastly but not leastly, on Saturday March 16, there will be a work party at 10 a.m. at the new school. The goal is to get the playground area all cleaned up.

Have a great week,

Mark and Nicole

River Day School Mission Statement: River Day School provides an inclusive educational environment that helps students become lifelong learners. Our students are inquisitive and confident builders of their future.
Together, we strive to be a community of learners where all members care about one another in an environment of cooperation, with respect for diversity and individual differences.
.
OUR CLASSROOM
Last week I had said that I will be sending home books from A-Z. I would like for your child to read it at home and then return it to school to read with me. They will then get another book to practice at home. This Thursday they will have their first books come home. I hope they enjoy this process. Just take it easy and have fun. They are reading pictures and a few words like “the”.

First graders are excited to be taking spelling test. Each child has their own list as they are in different spaces in their spelling. They practice here at school using the different methods like etch-o-sketch, salt, stamps, white boards, etc.

ADVENTURE FRIDAY
This week our Friday lunch will be manicotti.
Our Adventure is Sky High Jumps. We will need waivers signed before your child can participate. If you have any concerns or do not wish your child to participate let me know.
Next week we are looking at going to Lincoln Park.

IMPORTANT NEWS
Conferences: The last week of the month we will be holding conferences before and after school on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Let me know what times will work for you and your significant other. I can also accommodate other times if needed. The kids again will be presenting their work and you will see the growth and progress they have made.

Green School : Kelly and Nicole have been working for over a year toward the school becoming a “Certified Green School.” They have succeeded in this endeavor. On March 20th between 9-9:30 a representative
from Washington Green Schools will be here to present us with our flag, award, and certification. We are the second school in Spokane to earn this certification.

Turnbull Wildlife Refuge: March 28th an Amicore person from Turnbull will be coming to the school to teach us about Owl’s and their adaptations.
On March 22nd the school will begin checking bluebird boxes at Turnbull

Lunch: Our lunch menu has changed. Please see attached sheet.

New Facility: Plans are coming along for the new facility. OF course there is always red tape to go through to make this happen. We will keep you posted.

March 19th is an Open House from 9 – 6:30. Let your friends know so they can tour the school.