Please do not forget that we are going on a field trip tomorrow, 3/22/17!!!  There are a number of students I am waiting for permission slips for, so please bring them in the morning!  If you have lost the slip at home, please write a note giving permission for your son or daughter to go to the University of Maine Sugar Shack.

Dress very warmly, and wear boots because we will be in the woods and outdoors for a good part of this fun trip!  It is not supposed to be very warm tomorrow. 

                                Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Thank you so much to Christian's Mimi (the fabulous Mrs. Karin Randall), who sent in yet another special treat for this green-themed St. Patrick's Day holiday!  We really appreciate you thinking of us!   

 There are lots of important events coming up next week at OTES!  

Monday, March 20 is our class' turn to shop at the Book Fair!  Wishlists your student made out on our preview day went home in backpacks, so please look for them if you have not already done so.
     The Book Fair will be open 7-3 from Monday, March 20 to Wednesday March 22. There is a family night as well! On March 21 the Book Fair will have extended hours from 3-7pm. 
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Weather permitting, on March 22 we will be visiting the Sugar Shack at the University of Maine to learn more about Maple Syrup making. Please send your child with appropriate clothing for being outside in the cold, and they must be wearing boots to take part in this fun field trip, since we will be spending time in the woods in the deep snow.  If the weather does not cooperate we will reschedule it for the following week. Please sign and return the permission form that will be sent home today! 
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Report Cards come home March 17, please take a look and see all the successes your student has had during the second trimester!        Please sign and return the envelope!
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The weather is unpredictable at this time of year, so please keep sending winter gear in with your child, even if it looks like it may not be needed. If it warms up, we'll leave the gear inside. We go outside every single day that it is above 10 degrees and not raining, so it makes for an uncomfortable recess if you didn't bring something warm to wear.
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If you are looking to contribute to your children's school, our classroom can always use these supplies:  We are in need of tissues, pencils, snacks - such as bags of animal crackers or pretzels, inexpensive earbuds, and paper towels! 

There are LOTS of special days at OTES this week! 

It is Read Across America Day/Dr. Seuss Week

Tuesday: funny socks day in honor of Fox in Socks


Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday, wacky, mismatched or backwards clothes, crazy hair etc.


Thursday: Read Across America Day, wear red, black and white to in honor of Cat in the Hat


Friday: book character day 

I hope you all are enjoying the blizzard!  Assuming we do not have another snow day tomorrow, we are planning on having the Valentine's Day party as planned.  If we are cancelled, we will have the party on Wednesday, February 15.  Many thanks to the parents who volunteered to bring in something for the class!  Stay warm, and drive safely if you need to go out.

busy Valentine makers on the job

Valentine's Day is alarming to some people!

     Valentine's Day is next week, and we will be having a small celebration on Tuesday. Here is a list of names of classmates, so your child can make or bring in valentines if they choose to. Please be sure to include everyone, we have 20 students in our room. 

Isaac
Brookelin
Nevaeh
Donna
Griffen
Aiden
Ben
Emma
Lyndsay
Sophie
Aria
Christian
Athina
Gavin
Braden
Buddy
Brooks
Zach
Mallory
Lily

Even if you are not a Patriots fan, I am sure that you have heard about the Superbowl that took place last night!  Regardless of which team you were rooting for, it was a great example of the power of perseverance and grit.  Students in room 217 show perseverance and grit every day as they learn new concepts here at school! It is wonderful to see them succeed when they have tried hard to master something, and I know they feel it too!  Ask your child about a time they have persevered to learn something new!
 
Please don't forget to send in an empty cereal box with your child if you have not already.  We will be using them to make valentines boxes at the end of the week. Thank you to all the parents who have volunteered to bring something in for our party!

Some major reading and organizing going on!

These are some photos from our recent Lego STEM challenge. This challenge was to build the tallest free standing structure only using the materials and time provided.  Every structure was unique!

I can’t believe the second trimester is half over already!  This year is flying by. As always, if you have questions or concerns or would like a conference, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I can be reached at school at 827-1544, ext 211 or by email at sue.white@rsu34.org.

We have a new student starting in our class tomorrow! Welcome Emma, we are so looking forward to having you!  

     Don't forget about the talent show this Friday from 6-8pm! Come join us and see some of the very talented OTES students in action!  
      
Valentine's Day will be here before you know it!  If you would like to sign up to bring in something for our class Valentine party, please use the link below to get to my sign-up genius page! You can sign up for what you want to send in, and I will get notified as each item is spoken for.  All you need to do then is send the item in with your student on the day of the party.  

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054ca9a82baafe3-valentine

We are also collecting small cereal boxes to decorate and use as mailboxes for our valentines. If you have extra empty boxes around, we could really use them. Also, if your student chooses to bring Valentines in, please make sure they bring one for everyone. We have 20 students in our class, a class list will be coming home soon.