The new year is in full swing.

It was so great getting to meet so many new families (and to get reacquainted with familiar ones) last night at Back to School Night. I have a feeling this year is going to be great. My students are lively, enthusiastic, and excited about learning. That's great, since I am excited about teaching. We've already accomplished so much and it's only the 4th week of school.  Who wouldn't love a job where you get to spend your day with enthusiastic artists, performers, public speakers, mathematicians, historians, scientists, athletes, writers and readers. My students love of learning is inspiring. Here's to fantastic Class of 2020!

The Adventures of Terry & Almond

I am proud to share an animated film written, directed, and produced by the 5th graders in Room 212 (with collaboration of the SF Film Society). Here is the link to watch this wonderful film about kindness.

https://vimeo.com/304648250

Welcome back!

Welcome back to Jefferson for your child's last year. 5th grade is an exciting time with a lot of activities and events to celebrate and prepare students for middle school. I look forward to this year's graduating class of 2019. They are ready to learn and eager to participate in everything. I am expecting this to be a great year!

Welcome Back to School!

I am excited to start the new year with my Class of 2018! I've had a fantastic summer traveling with friends and visiting with family. I've attended several professional developments and am excited to practice what I've learned with my students. This includes a week long course with the Astronomical Society where I learned a lot about the solar eclipse and activities to engage learners. I have plenty of solar eclipse glasses and have been sharing them with everyone I know. I have no doubt this will be a great year in Room 212!

If you are a new family assigned to Room 212, please click on Family Survey, and complete the form. It'll only take a minute and will help me immensely with creating a group email list.

It's a new year!

Welcome to the 2016/17 school year. I am very excited to be back and getting things ready for my new 5th graders. We've been back for weeks cleaning, organizing, shopping, learning, and planning. I had a great time last week in the ExCel Science program with my colleagues and dedicated teachers. We went sailing on a research boat in the Bay, conducting science investigations and learning about the new NGSS standards.

Summer was fantastic, albeit short. I spent a lot of times outdoors hiking, camping, dining, laughing, and listening to music. I went to Colorado and did some hiking in Aspen with my wonderful college friends. It was a good balance this year of fun and practical/restful activities.

I'm extra excited about this year because I am fortunate to have been assigned a fabulous student teacher, Leigh Conley from SFSU. We've been working together all week and I know the kids and families will love her.

We've got several new faces at Jefferson this year. Though I am deeply saddened by Ms. Partika's decision to move to another school I am looking forward to collaborating with and learning from our new 5th grade teacher, Mr. Stanul.

If you are a new family assigned to Room 212, please click on Family Survey, and complete the form. It'll only take a minute and will help me immensely with creating a group email list.

Thank you, and happy new year!

Tomorrow is Promotion!

I can't believe this year is ending. Promotion is tomorrow at 10am. Don't forget to bring your tickets. There will be 2 lines. Line 1 is for ticket holders, Line 2 is for everyone else.  It has been a great year and I am sad to say goodbye to the Class of 2016. I hope everyone keeps in touch so I can track you down to invite you to the Reunion in 2023.

Your PSAs are posted. I will post the rest tomorrow.

Halloween Plans

Hello Room 212 Community!

Halloween is nearly here and it's time to make some plans.  Room 212 will be carving pumpkins on Thursday, 10/29 during our Garden time - 9:45 - 10:30. We will need 8 pumpkins for groups of 4 to carve. If you're out grocery shopping and wish to contribute a pumpkin to the class I would be most appreciative. I will go out on Wednesday and purchase pumpkins, but carrying 8 x 10-15 pound pumpkins can be back breaking. You can drop it off in the classroom any time before Wednesday evening.

If you would like to help with the carving please let me know. It's always nice to have additional adults around when the children are using carving instruments.

On Friday, 10/30, the parade begins at 1:30. We will be returning early from lunch to begin getting ready. If you would like to assist children with their costumes please come by between 1 and 1:20pm.

Thank you for your support!