Today we ran a STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) activity to save Fred, the gummy worm, from certain death due to negligence while boating. We needed to get his life jacket out from under the capsized boat and put it around Fred without him falling into the water below, as Fred is unable to swim. This of course had to be done without touching the boat, life preserver or Fred with our hands - instead using only the 4 paper clips provided. Knowing that we couldn't impale Fred or damage the life preserver, the class then came up with many creative uses for their paper clip tools and all groups were ultimately successful. I've posted a few pictures here, but there are MANY more in the Pictures section of this website (just remember the bonus word from today's spelling test for the password).

The Terry Fox Run on Friday was a huge success. Division 7 did an excellent job collecting the donations and participating on the intermediate course for the first time. I was very proud of their effort. As a school, we raised just over $500, with many of those donations coming from our class. Thanks everyone!

What a great first week! I am really happy with how the class is shaping up and am excited for all the fun things we will get to do this year! I can't wait to meet all of the families in the near future and imagine our first and best opportunity will be at the Meet the Staff night, which will be happening on the evening of Thursday, September 19th. I will be there and hope to see many of you there too!

The new year has begun with a new class! I look forward to busy, fun and rewarding year! 

WOO! Sorry it took a few weeks to finally post something. It has been busy times here and I was kind of embracing not needing to use a computer for a while. I have had two little trips so far this summer. First, we went with friends to camp at Cultus Lake and visited the water slides and the amusement park there. It was the perfect mix of cloudy, but still warm, so it wasn't busy at all. I went on every single slide - most more than once! The amusement park is no Playland, but it still had some fun rides. The kids really liked it, so I guess that is what counts. The second trip was to South Beach on the Oregon Coast. We went camping there for a few days with friends. Most of the days were sunny, hot and windy. A really great combination for the beach and flying kites. We just got home from there and I am already back out the door tomorrow. In the morning, I am going to San Francisco with my dad and a friend to celebrate his 70th birthday. We plan to watch a few baseball games and explore the city. I am really looking forward to it! Hopefully you are all staying busy and out of trouble. 45 more days until back to school!!!!