Please note that I am trying to get links fixed on this page.  Some of them are very outdated.  The ONLY current links at this time are  "Homework!" and "Web Favorites." 

Thanks! 

Oh the woes of email!  We have recently realized that many emails are not making it through the Portland Public Schools filter.  We recently switched to a new Microsoft email system district wide and there apparently quite a few bugs.  If you have not heard back from me after sending me an email, please try to send me a written note or call the school and leave me a message.  I think communication between families and teachers is so important and I thank you for your patience as we try to fix the problem. 

Hello all!

The end of the year is quickly upon us!  I can't believe that it is June already and we are in the last few days of the school year.  

If you haven't seen it already, please take a look at the new Forest Park website and the site for our classroom.  I have updated it with a link to pictures of our animal projects.

I know that many of us have the recent events over at Skyline Elementary on our minds.  Please be assured that we have the safety of our children at the forefront of our minds.  To help us all be more at ease, I remind you that school policy insists that you check in at the office ANY time you are on the Forest Park campus--even if you just need to drop something off quickly and will only be in the classroom for a moment.  Also, remember that the parking spots in the bus lane area next to the portables are not really parking spaces.

Please also spread the word that the field/track are there for the public, but not during school hours (7:30am -2:30pm)  If you are walking during that time, you may be asked by a staff member to leave. 

Thanks so much for a wonderful year and for helping to keep all of our kids safe!

We have started researching and writing about animals and their habitats!  The second graders are so excited.  Thank you for your trips to the library! (Many students have shared that they got to go get more information from the library!)

We will be writing our reports exclusively at school, so you won't see the product until it is finished.  It's so important for students to begin to learn the steps of writing a research paper.  The sense of ownership and pride they feel when they are finished is amazing!  They are doing a great job so far and I am so proud of their work!

We are also studying the biomes of the world!  We started with deserts and are now studying the different kinds of grasslands throughout our planet.  Check in with your favorite second grader for some interesting information!

Wow!  The year is just whizzing by!  Hard to believe we are already in April!  I just wanted to remind you of a few big events coming up:

April 14-16--Used Book Sale

                --Once again, the fifth graders are hosting a used book sale with the profits benefiting the fifth grade legacy project.  Last year, it was great!  Lots of great books to choose from and it supports a great cause.

April 16--Run for the Arts

April 20-- Family Write Night 6:30pm

              --A great and FREE night out with your family!  Come and meet a real live screenwriter AND learn how to start a family journal!  Your favorite second grader's poetry will also be on display!

May 13 -- 2/3 Artist in Residence Dance Performance 6:30pm

            --The second and third graders have been working with Rebecca Martinez, a wonderful dance instructor.  She has been teaching each class a different dance from Mexico or Cuba.  The students are looking fabulous and will be amazing at the performance!  Bring your video cameras!

  WORMS! WORMS! WORMS!

Today, we had a presentation from Metro about composting.  You may or may not have heard that Forest Park Elementary is now composting food waste.  We have small collector bins in our classroom and the main bin outside. The second graders loved the presentation and are becoming experts on what you can or cannot compost.  We got to check out some compost and look for the creatures that live in it!  We found sow bugs, white worms, millipedes, red worms cocoons,  and red worms. It was a great learning experience that I'm sure you will hear about tonight! 

If your family wants more info on composting, check out Metro's website.

Hello all!

Click on the the links below to check out our newsletter and various flyers that were sent home today!

Newsletter

Download Backpack Lunch Program

Download Field Trip Permission Slip

Have a great weekend!

Hello All!  I have attempted to update the volunteer schedule, so it is now 2010!  There are a couple of time changes to note on the schedules.  If you would like to sign up for a different time, please email me!

Thanks much!

Hello all!

Well, winter has descended upon Forest Park.  Please make sure your favorite second grader is adequately bundled!  We do have at least one recess per day and many times, students come to me and tell me that they are cold!  Coats or jackets are a necessity! 

Along with the cold weather, you may be starting to think about school closures due to weather conditions.  Please remember to check the local news stations or our Forest Park website for current school hours and/or closures.  If they say we're open, we're really here waiting for you!

Report cards are going home on Friday, December 11, so be sure to check those backpacks and homework folders!

The Food Drive is going along nicely.  We are collecting for families in the Portland area who need extra help this time of year.  We are looking for non-perishable food items and hygiene products!  Thank you so much for your generous donations!

For Homemade Hat Day on December 11th, students are encouraged to wear an original hat creation and donate $1.00 to "Heavenly Hats Foundation," a great organization that provides hats to cancer patients.  The donations from the kids will help with the shipping costs.

Thanks again for all of your time and effort during conferences!  It was great to get to meet with you all!

Looking ahead:
December 11:  Homemade Hat Day
December 16:  Late Opening for Professional Development--school begins at 9:55
December 19-January 3 :  Winter Break  NO SCHOOL!
January 4:  Back to School!