Bill's Blog

Science Projects

I am so impressed with the quality of our students’ science projects. We presented them in class and during Open House. Students explored Solar Power, Wind Power, Growing Mold, Rocketry, Dissolving Eggshells, Mento Power, Pulleys, Solar Cooking. They showed ingenuity and enthusiasm as well as knowledge of the scientific investigative process. We all learned about each investigation during their classroom presentations. This week was a great achievement for all part6icipating students.

Berkeley Rep Helps us Create Macbeth Characters

During the past five weeks we have been studying Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Our class was divided into two halves so give all students a chance to participate. Students read their roles on stage for three weeks. Since then Gendell from the Berkeley Reparatory Theater Company has been training them to “become the characters.” We hope to perform parts of the play for the whole school as well as parents during our last week at Olinda.

Our School Garden

During the past 4 weeks, beginning with Earth Day, we have begun our school garden. Our garden plot is being irrigated automatically, so that the plants will be watered over the summer. At this point, we have planted sunflowers, pumpkins, peppers, potatoes, and beans. One group of students waters the new trees that have been planted in front of school and on the north side of the playground. Each science table group is responsible for monitoring their plantings twice a week by measuring, observing, and journaling. You can view the garden anytime, especially during open House.

PBWORKS

Our Graduation Yearbook is gradually coming together. We are publishing the yearbook in class using PBWORKS. We hope to finish the rough drafts this week. Mrs. Williamson and a committee of students is organizing the yearbook. Each student will have a page with his or her picture and the thoughts about past, present, and future. Look for other pages about memorable activities we shared during the year.

Parents’ Signature Required

Please remember to sign your children’s tests, Plan books, and letters. This will assure me that you have had a chance to review your child’s work with him or her. If you have any questions about schoolwork, please contact me using the Homework Help feature on this website. Please remember to summarize your concerns and write your return e-mail address in the space provided. I usually read my e-mail before I come to school in the morning.

Specifically, many students are finding it difficult to answer the critical thinking questions on the Friday Reading Test, because they are not reading thye weekly selection twice and taking notes. Also many students have not bothered to complete all spelling pages before the Friday test. Finally, help on the Problem of the Week is available between 2:40 and 3:00 most days except when I have other commitments. Please review the scoring rubric which is usually published on the back of the POW. The essay is invaluable in assessing your child’s mathematical understanding.

Supply Donations Needed

• 3-inch Three-ring Binder
• No mechanical pencils
• A Box of Kleenex
• Number 2 Pencils
• Three dry-erase pens for whiteboard practice
• No electronic devices, including cell-phones are allowed in Olinda School
• Any other toys are a distraction and will be confiscated. Parents may pick these items up from me.