This week we are talking about the power of practicing and preparing in order to achieve our goals. That message is echoed in our reading story, as well as in our math lessons. Today we watched a video of an amazingly talented, acrobatic bicyclist. You can watch this video if you click on this link Danny Macaskill - Industrial Revolutions.

Detailed practice can have amazing results. Practicing skills like math facts may seem minor, until you realize the power that speed and accuracy give you. Preparing to do your work requires writing assignments in your planner and bringing assignments home in the HW folder. This week students will receive their first "missing assignments" report for math and reading. Ask your student to show you. Students are given at least 5 minutes every day to write their assignments in the planner. Please make the effort to check SIS daily if possible. We have a new homework policy that requires a diminishing grade every day that an assignment is late. Five days after I publish grades for an assignment I can no longer accept it for a grade. This is last week's assignment board. Your student's planner should have the same information.

We are working hard to establish routines, build a class community, and develop responsible citizens. Teambuilding activities, recycling, and rewards for good behavior have been a big part of the last two weeks. It is exciting to see your students develop new friendships, take leadership roles, and show their natural eagerness to learn. I enjoy getting to know them better, as we share our stories of who we are.