Happy Fall! Homework Update and Volunteer Request

Dear Shingobee Families,

The leaves are turning, and fall is in full swing! Here in Shingobee, students are working on their Widji research, learning about prehistoric Minnesota, and conducting experiments to explore physical and chemical changes as our study of matter continues.

Homework Update:

We will be adding a mathematics component to our homework starting next week. Besides nightly fact practice, you and your child might want to check out the following sites for interactive math games:

• Interactive games for 4th-6th grade: http://pbskids.org/games/math/
• Interactive games for 4th-6th grade:http://www.mathplayground.com/
• Brain teasers: https://illuminations.nctm.org/Games-Puzzles.aspx
• Challenging open-ended problems; also try secondary level: https://nrich.maths.org/primary-upper

We are seeking volunteers to support student "Going Out" adventures.  This is a great option for adults with flexible schedules who would like to support student interest projects.  Students organize small field trips connected to their work and need a background-checked volunteer to accompany them on walking trips. If you would like to help out, please respond with your available times for the year.  

Check out our Blog! We will be posting our parent updates, as well as fun links and homework assignments, to our classroom blog. Students can check our blog if they've lost their homework or want to learn more about class topics. https://shingobeeriverclass.blogspot.com/

Historical Figures Day (October 31) is fast approaching.  Students can dress like anyone they feel contributed positively to history.  Costumes may not include props, make up, spray on hair coloring, masks, or be violent in nature.  Students should be prepared to give a short oral presentation about their historical figure for their classmates.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend!

Amanda and Alaina

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Here is an update on snack from our elementary coordinator, Jean Peters: 

Dear Elementary Families,

We have a historical practice at Great River to provide snack for lower and upper elementary students.The goal of classroom snack is to bind the community together through shared responsibility for practical life. Generosity of families has been essential to sustaining this practice over the years. This year, we have a grant that is supporting the elementary program expansion, and we have recently been informed that a classroom snack cannot be funded by our grant. 

Due to this adjustment in funding, we will have to adjust the scope of the snack we can fund in our classrooms. Budget for maximum reimbursement will be set at $30 per week. If you are able to donate your snack contribution, that is sincerely appreciated by the school.

• Examples of snack are simple items: sliced oranges, crackers, string cheese, etc. (This is an adjustment from earlier communicated examples.)