http://GaryBriggs.umesd.net/ RSS Feed http://GaryBriggs.umesd.net/journal.php?entry_id=8249 This year, no parents at conference time commented on using the classroom blog to keep updated on what is happening in fourth grade. If this feature is not being used, I will discontinue posting here. If you have been reading this blog, please get that feedback to me. I'll be happy to continue posting here if I know it is being used by parents.   Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:21:21 PST http://GaryBriggs.umesd.net/journal.php?entry_id=8248 Remember that there are Parent Teacher Conferences. You conference has been scheduled for either Monday evening, Tuesday evening, or during the day/evening of Thursday. No school for students on Thursday and Friday. Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:19:02 PST http://GaryBriggs.umesd.net/journal.php?entry_id=8206 If you and your child have been using the educational links on our classroom page, you will notice that the topic has changed from electricity to geology (volcanoes and erosion), to match our new topic of study in Science. Continue to enrich learning by exploring these sites at home. Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:05:23 PST http://GaryBriggs.umesd.net/journal.php?entry_id=8207 Conference request forms were sent home earlier this week, and are due tomorrow. There are limited slots available, so if you have a preference please return your request form by Thursday so it may be considered. Thanks - Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:07:47 PST http://GaryBriggs.umesd.net/journal.php?entry_id=8182 Today is our last session with "Dr. Jason," from University of Oregon. He has spent the last two weeks with us working on electricity and magnetism. Be sure to ask your child about some of the fun experiments they have been doing in class. Dr. Jason will be returning in the spring to do another (different) science unith with the 2nd and 3rd grade classes. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:17:09 PST http://GaryBriggs.umesd.net/journal.php?entry_id=8181 Health Day is Wednesday. Thank you to our Parents' Club for staffing the different weighing and measuring stations. T-Shirt orders come home tonight. Orders need to be returnd by Friday. This is not a fund raiser, just a chance for your child to show some school spirit. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:14:15 PST http://GaryBriggs.umesd.net/journal.php?entry_id=8120 We're lucky at McKay to be one of the first recipients of a science grant to the Pendleton School District. Two Grad Fellows from University of Oregon will begin a two week long science system unit. The session for our class will run in the afternoons. We look forward to having a real scientist share with us from his perspective. The fourth grade sessions will focus on the topic of magnetism and electricity. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:59:50 PST http://GaryBriggs.umesd.net/journal.php?entry_id=8119 Wow! Our third week of school - but the first one that's a full five days. Think the kids can survive? :-) Wednesday is Picture Day, please have your money and order ready by Wednesday morning. Thursday is Strings presentation (for fourth graders). Our Strings schedule has not yet been set. Hopefully that will occur by the first part of next week.   Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:55:31 PST http://GaryBriggs.umesd.net/journal.php?entry_id=8074 Parents and Students,   Welcome to our new school year. It was fun getting to meet you at Open House. The kids had a good first  day and are off to a great start.   This Thursday, September 4, both fourth grade classes will be taking a walking field trip to Community Park. We will be doing a nature scavenger hunt along the way, looking for specific items in the environment.   Students need to bring a sack lunch and drink, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress for the weather. We will leave school about 10:30 and plan to be back to McKay around 12:30 in the afternoon. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:52:43 PST http://GaryBriggs.umesd.net/journal.php?entry_id=7994 This week we are completing several units of study. In  math we will finish Chapter 21 on fractions, and take a test over that material. In Social Studies we will finish up our Hacker Trail simulation. However the review test on this material won't be until next week. Students in my reading class also finish up a unit and have a review test this week. Friday is our walk to the cemetery. We have been discussion local history, as a part of our bigger studies of Oregon history. We are also honoring Memorial Day observances. Prior to arriving at the cemetery we will stop by the Community Park for a sack lunch. On the return trip students will swing by McDonald's for a treat (suggested limit is $2.00 for this purpose). As always, remember to have students dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Thu, 22 May 2008 13:20:10 PST