Rain Forests

Hope everyone is enjoying a break from school. I wanted to let everyone know that we begin a unit on the rain forests of our world when we return back to Trillium. Beth's class will be studying the Asian rain forest, Brian will be studying the South American rain forest, and we will be studying the African rain forest. Anyone excited about Gorillas?

One of the projects we will be doing is having each child build, care for, and collect data on their very own terrarium. To do so, we need 2 liter plastic bottles. 19 of them. So if you have any around the house, please bring them back as early as possible in the week that we return. We have a project fair in late January, so the quicker we can get to building our terrariums, the better. Ok, thanks for your time and enjoy the holidays.

Enjoy Your Break

Hi all. I just wanted to wish you all a great break and to say thanks for all you have done. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your wonderful and truly amazing children. Day in and day out I am blown away by their abilities, compassion, respect, love, and eagerness to explore our world. Having a class like ours has been an outstanding inspiration and blessing. Thanks.

Friday

Good Morning!!
Today is Friday December 18, 2009.
We will finish our ornaments.
We will have our class meeting.
We will clean, clean, clean and take home our work.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have sharing.
We will say our good byes.
We will have a special treat.
We will have fun!!
Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
RALFELEW

Thursday

Good Morning!!

Today is Thursday December 17, 2009.
We will have our final day of Intensives.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will work on our class story.
We will do some fun holiday art.
We will be kind to each other.
We will have fun!!!

Love,
Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
COVNATAI

**Tomorrow is the last day of school before the break!!! We are off all of the next two weeks!**

When you come in early (before 8:30), and Whitney is not in the classroom (which will happen tomorrow, because he has morning duty), you need to go to whichever room is open (Beth's or Brian's). There will be a big sign on one of the rooms that says "OPEN".

No All School Meeting tomorrow.

Whitney read a poem called "It's A Wonderful World, But They Made A Few Mistakes".

Morning Mystery Word Answer:
VACATION

Sharing For Friday

Hi all! Just wanted to let you all know that we decided that the theme for Friday's sharing will be "something you made." Thanks!

Wednesday

Good Morning!!
Today is Wednesday December 16th 2009.
We will have our third day of Intensives.
We have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have dance with Brian.
We will have writing workshop.
We will have ILP Time.
We will be courageous.
We will have fun!!

Love Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
R A F R S E M
F A R M E R S
Yesterday we read a book about Cesar Chavez and his fight for the rights of California farmers.

We will be having sharing of Friday. The theme will be decided by the students by the day's end. I will post the theme tonight.

Homework

Just a shout out that there is new optional homework in the take home folders. I think that many missed it since I placed it in there during the school day (Monday (sorry)). The due date is this upcoming Friday, but don't feel obligated to have it in by then if it doesn't fit your schedule. I will also have another assignment in the folders on Friday for those who want some work over the break. Once again, please give me feedback about how the assignments work for you all. Thanks!

Monday

Good Morning!!
Today is Tuesday December 14, 2009.
We will have our first Intensive Day.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have a class meeting.
We will be kind to each other.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
NARIDOSU

Mystery Word:
DINOSAUR (a puzzle from this morning)

Activity Fee

Dear Families;

Our bookkeepers have informed us that the number of people who have paid the activity/supply fee of $150 is relatively small. This makes it difficult for us to move forward with field trips and project plans as well as purchasing snacks. If you have paid the fee this year, please confirm with your child’s teacher. If you qualify for free and reduced lunch there may still be a scholarship available from TFT.

We made plans for the year based on the activity fee being collected from all the families in our classes. If you haven’t been able to pay, please check with your child’s teacher for creative payment plans to meet our goals.

Thank you,

Beth, Brian and Whitney

The Show Must Go On!

Hi everyone-

There's rumor of possible snow or freezing rain tomorrow afternoon/evening and I wanted to let everyone know how that would effect our Performance Night. We've decided that regardless of weather, we will continue with our plans of a Performance Night. This means that if the weather does in fact get icky, we may be performing with less students than we planned for. It will make things interesting, but we will no doubt pull through it. I just wanted to inform you all of this so that if the weather turns you do not need to worry about contacting Trillium with questions. Of course we would love to have everyone there but if you feel unsafe traveling to school, please stay home. I really doubt we will have weather problems but either way, tomorrow evening will be a ton of fun! Can't wait to see you there.

Thursday

Good Morning!!

*TOMORROW IS PERFORMANCE NIGHT* please have children here at 5:45 for the 6:00 performance.

If you'd like to bring in lights so that we can light up our room, please bring them in by tomorrow.

Today is Thursday December 10, 2009.
We will have Performance Groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have a presentation from the Upper School.
We will work on our animal diaries.
We will attend a Vaudeville show!
We will have ILP time.
We will be kind to each other.
We will have fun!!

Love,
Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
CFIPIAC

All school meeting tomorrow. Proposals: Upper School wants to play music in the multi-purpose room during lunch; a winter solstice dance is coming up for the upper school and there is an amendment that the students want to bring guests from outside the school to the dance.

The special presentation today is about human rights. The class talked about Martin Luther King as an example of someone who was a human rights advocate.

Moses shared that his little sister had to have surgery. She is back home now, and we are all hoping she will be better very soon!

15 more days until Christmas; 1 day until the start of Hanukkah.

Wednesday

Good Morning!!
Today is Wednesday December 9, 2009.
We will have Performance Groups.
We will have a special snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will have elective blocks.
We will be courageous.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
NEBLUD

Tuesday

Good Morning!!
Today is Tuesday December 8, 2009.
We will have writing workshop.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have Performance Groups.
We will have music with Heidi.
We will have read aloud.
We will work on our class story.
We will have ILP time.
We will talk about intensive choices.
We will respect each other.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
RZEZANE

Mystery Word:
NEREZZA

A Few Announcements/Reminders

Hi all! Just wanted to throw a few things out there:

1). Our performance night is this Friday (Dec. 11th) at 6:00pm here at Trillium. Students should arrive by 5:45 in order to get ready. For the most part, students are responsible for their own costumes. Please check in with them or me on what may be needed. We're not looking for anything too elaborate.

2). We are still in need of cereal boxes for Reading Workshop. If you have any extras, please send them with your child.

3). Luna passed a proposal last Class Meeting that gum is no longer allowed in our class. We found a few wads under tables and on the ground. Ewww! Please help us enforce this new class rule by not sending your child to school with gum.

4). As I am sure you know, it is really, really cold outside. Its supposed to be like this for a while. Although we will have indoor options available during recess, many kids need that time to get outside and really move their bodies. Please send your child to school with plenty of layers and other accessories (mittens, scarves, hats, gloves etc.) if possible. I will do my best to make sure they don't get lost.

5). For those who are choosing to partake in the homework, any feedback would be great. I want to make this an engaging activity that will get the family involved and reinforce what we are learning here. I also hope it shares some of the learning we are doing with you all. I want to make this a worthwhile endeavor and your feedback would greatly help. Also, I realized that I put the answer to The Mystery Word right on the paper. Way to go Whitney.

6). It appears that we have not collected a rather sizable amount of our activity fee. We will have a letter going out soon addressing this in greater detail. But if you know for sure that you have not paid the fee and are able to do so now, please speak to Ramona at the front desk.

7). Thanks to everyone who has helped out with snack this year. I cannot tell you how much this helps.

8). Lastly, I am so proud of all the work our kids are doing in creating a diary for their "Mystery Animal." This is a project we started last week and they are still in the midst of working on their sloppy copies but they are doing just great. It is so exciting to see them really progress as writers. We can't wait to share our final drafts with you all.

Good Morning!!
Today is Monday December 7, 2009.
We will have Performance Groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have GARDEN with Amanda.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will have ELECTIVE BLOCKS.
We will be curious.
We will have fun!!
Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
IROEMVON
starts with an O...


Proposals passed from Fridays class meeting: No more gum in class. No more saving seats on the red risers.

Bring gloves, hats, coats, scarves to stay warm. We will be going out for recess even on these cold days.

Performance night: Friday Dec. 11. Be here at 5:45. Performance starts at 6.

Intensives start on 12/14, next Monday - Thursday.

Friday

Good Morning!!
Today is Wednesday December 4, 2009.
We will have an All School Meeting.
We will work on our animal diaries.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have Game Day.
We will work on our class story.
We will respect each other.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
LDISAN



Performance Night is 12/11! Please arrive at 5:45, to meet with group and get costumes on.

Next week, bring in an electrical light to light up the room. Don’t bring something that you would not want to get damaged or lost. And, of course, don’t bring anything flammable.


Mystery Word:
ISLAND

A Message From Beth For Those With Students In Her Performance Group

I'm sure that you have all heard about the performance night that we have coming up on December 11th. It starts at 6:00 and will include the kindergarten, first and second grades. I am really excited to share the work that we've been busy with and to let you see the delightful performances that your children are involved in. They are working on a theme of light this year and it should be grand with dances, plays and song.

There are some things we are in need of for costumes. We need 4 long white dresses (they will be returned), a small christmas tree that can be carried by kids, a children's unbreakable menorah, a few other fancy dresses or boy's pants and nice shirts. Also we need clean white t-shirts that will get painted and not returned. We also need small christmas lights of many varieties. Please label those if you bring them in so that we can return them to you. Your help is so greatly appreciated. Hopefully, when you see the performances you will be glad you had something to help make it marvelous!

Thanks, Beth

Scrip

Hi everyone. I think you all have probably heard by now that there is a Scrip contest this month. The advisor for the class that buys the most Scrip will get a Powell's gift card. Tomorrow morning Scrip for New Seasons and Fred-Meyer will be available on-demand at the free TFT coffee klatch in the multi-purpose room (starting at 8:30 a.m.). Come get a cup of coffee and a doughnut and buy some Scrip! The next large order needs to be in by Monday December 14 (but you can turn it in tomorrow!).

If anyone doesn't know what Scrip is: Scrip is a program where you can buy gift cards at face value (i.e., you pay $25 for a $25 card) but the stores give a percentage of what you pay back to the school. It is an easy way for the school to earn some money, without costing you anything other than a little extra time to put in your orders, or buy the New Seasons or Fred-Meyer cards on-demand.

Hope to see you all at coffee tomorrow, buying Scrip!

Thursday

Good Morning!!

Today is Thursday December 3, 2009.

It is Grace’s Birthday!!! Happy Birthday, Grace!

We will have Performance Groups.
We will have Snack and Recess.
We will have Reading Workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will work on our Animal Diaries.
We will work on our Class Story (This time I mean it).
We will have ILP time.
We will have a special treat.
We will be thinkers.
We will have fun!!

Love,
Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
NERTIW

Performance night is next week on Friday at 6:00 p.m. at school. We are going to light up the room for this. Please see Whitney's post below about bringing in lights next week.

*Intensives are the week after next (December 14-17) * Please talk to Whitney or e-mail Polly(our kindergarten and service learning teacher) (polly (at) trilliumcharterschool.org) if you would like to help.

Tomorrow there will be optional homework in the take-home folders.

There are three proposals for the all school meeting tomorrow. One of the proposals is to have student lawyers at the judicial committee. The lawyer would be someone who advocates for the person who is before the judicial committee. Another proposal is for the kitchen committee to have a chair. This would be a student in charge of the kitchen. The third proposal (from Rob) is for $50 from the all school meeting budget to build murals to hang out on the green fence going into the playground.

Tomorrow (because it’s the 4th) is Game Day! If you would like to bring in a game, you can bring it in.

Tomorrow (because it’s Friday) is Pokemon Day. You may bring in Pokemon cards if you want to play Pokemon during recess.

Morning Mystery Word:
WINTER

*Correction*

Hi all again. Just wanted to tell you that I made the bonehead mistake of announcing that Intensives are beginning next week. In fact they are the week of the 14th. I apologize for the miscommunication. But this does mean that if any family members are interested in leading and Intensive class, we have more time to plan. Once again, sorry about the mistake.

Bringing In The Light

As many know, we will be having our first Performance Night on December 11th at 6:00pm at Trillium. We will be featuring 4 varied acts and it will be a blast. More details will come soon as to when students should arrive for preparations the night of.

Our theme this year is A Celebration of The Winter Solstice. One focus will be on bringing in light on these dark, cold days of winter. Brian came up with a spectacular idea of allowing each child if they choose to bring in their own light to share with our community. What this means is students may bring in some type of light (non-flame) next week and as part of our celebration we will light them at once to brighten our school (and hopefully not short out the whole building). Anything from electric tea candle lights to Christmas lights are welcome. We are asking that no one brings any lights with sentimental value as they may end up going missing or broken. Can't wait to see you all there!

Wednesday

Good Morning!!
Today is Wednesday December 2.2009.
We will have Performance Groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will work on our class story.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud. (Peter and the Starcatchers)
We will work on our ANIMAL DIARIES.
We will have ELECTIVE BLOCKS.
We will work to keep our room clean.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:

HSEORT

Next week are INTENSIVES. These classes are like elective blocks. There will be a list of selections on Friday – in the past we have had: hiking, building fairy houses, making puppets, computer games and more. You will choose three and you’ll get one of these three.

Parents can teach the intensives, so contact Whitney, Polly (kindergarten teacher) or Mary Drinkhouse, if you are interested in teaching something.

We will have intensives at the end of the school year as well.

Tuesday - It is December!

Good Morning!
Today is Tuesday December 1, 2009.
We will have our Performance Groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have music with Heidi.
We will have garden with Amanda.
We will be adventurous.
We will have fun!!
Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
RIYDSA

Monday

Good Morning!!
Welcome Back.
Today is Monday November 30, 2009.
We will have Performance Groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will begin a new read aloud book.
We will start a special writing project.
We will have elective blocks.
We will respect each other.
We will have fun!!
Love, Whitney


Mystery Word:
LOEWECM

Cereal Boxes

Hi everyone! I wanted to let you know that the week after our break we will be constructing "Reading Caves" in class. Basically we will be cutting up cereal boxes to make private reading areas in hopes of cutting down on the chatting that often goes on during reading time. So, if you have any extra cereal boxes around the house, please send them with your student the week after next. Thanks so much and have wonderful break!

Friday

Good Morning!!
Today is Friday November 20, 2009.
We will have an All School Meeting.
We will practice our Continent Song.
We will read two animal books.
We will have sharing.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have a class meeting.
We will finish Peter and the Starcatchers!!
We will respect each other.
We will have fun!!
Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
LIRCUFAI

New addition to the story:
Now, running the hamburger stand was hard work but Calcifur made a good living. But one day that all changed when…

School is out at noon today.

The Continent Song lyrics:
North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Africa, Antarctica, these are the continents. Indian, Arctic and the Atlantic and the Pacific are the oceans. Indian, Arctic, and the Atlantic and the Pacific are oceans.

Thursday

Good Morning!!

Today is Thursday November 19, 2009.

NO SCHOOL ALL OF NEXT WEEK!

We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud. We are almost done with Peter and the Starcatchers!
We will have writing workshop.
We will work on our class story.
We will have ILP time.
We will be curious.
We will have fun!!
Love,
Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
LKOMSLSU

NO SCHOOL ALL NEXT WEEK!!

Tomorrow's sharing is a special picture.

If you have empty cereal boxes at home, please bring them in.

Pokemon Club tomorrow – feel free to bring pokemon cards for playing at recess. We will not have any trading of cards.

The class sang two beautiful renditions of the continents song.

Morning Mystery Word Answer:
MOLLUSKS

Wednesday

Good Morning!!

Today is Wednesday Noverber 18, 2009.
We will have Performance groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We wil have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will have elective blocks.
We will work to keep our room clean.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
RNADOG


Class is writing a story. So far…

Once upon a time there was a blue and green striped dragon. The dragon’s name was Calcifur and he lived in a volcano in Australia. Inside his volcano, Calicifur cooked hamburgers and sold them of the volcano top with a choice of the French fries or tater tots.

Tuesday

Good Morning!!

Today is Tuesday November 17, 2009.
We will have our firs day of PERFORMANCE GROUPS. (Brian, Beth and Whitney are each directing a play. The kids find out today which group they will be in.)
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
W will have writing workshop.
We will CREATE A STORY together.
We will have ILP time.
We will respect each other.
We will have fun!!
Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
NSAKL


Conference Week!

Next week there is no school.

Pokemon cards on Friday. If you are level 3 or above you can stay in and play with the cards during recess. No trading cards.



Morning Mystery Word:
SLANK (character in Peter and the Starcatchers which we will probably finish this week)

Monday

Today is Monday November 16, 2009
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have GARDEN with Amanda.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will have ELECTIVE BLOCKS.
We will be adventurous.
We will have fun!!
Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
SAPLTE



This is conference week. Sign up for a conference time!

A proposal was passed on Friday by Moses that every Tuesday for the rest of the year is pajama day. If you do wear pajamas, you should bring extra clothes because we will be going outside and it has been rainy.

Pokemon club will happen on Fridays. You can bring your cards but there will not be any trading.


Mystery Word:

PASTEL
And
PLATE
STAPLE

Just A Few Things

Hi all!

Just wanted to thank everyone who could make it to our potluck. And for those who were not able to, I can't wait to see you at the next. It was an absolutely great time. An enormous thank you to Leigh Ann, Dave, Joshua, Beth, and Zach.

We passed a few class proposals on Friday and some are pertinent to this week:

#1 From here on out (unless changed via class meetings) we will have "Pajama Day" every Tuesday. This means that students are allowed to wear their pajamas on Tuesdays. As discussed, this is completely optional for each student. Kids choosing to wear their pajamas should consider the weather of that day and think about what extra garments might be necessary for recess, etc.

#2 Friday is "Pokemon Club Day". Students are welcome to bring their Pokemon cards in on Fridays and play Pokemon at recess. The rule that only Level 3 or above students are allowed to stay in during recess applies. If it is not raining and Whitney approves, a table can be taken out to the playground area for students to play Pokemon regardless of their Responsibility Level. There is absolutely no trading of Pokemon cards allowed during Pokemon Club Day.

Also, I would like to congratulate Marley and Julian for being elected as our delegates to the Judicial committee. This was a class wide vote and I was so proud as to how our kids handled it.

Can't wait to sit down and talk to you all during conferences this week!

Best,

Whitney

PS Conferences should be attended by both guardians and students if possible.

Potluck Today!!

Don't forget the potluck today, 4:30 - 7:00 at Joshua's house: 4585 NE 35th Avenue. Even if you didn't sign up, please come if you can. Contact Whitney if you need to arrange a carpool. See you there! Leigh Ann

Friday

Good Morning !!

Today is Friday November 13, 2009.
We will have an All School Meeting.
We will continue to research our animals.
We will have a class meeting.
We will have snack and recess.
We will do an art project with our animals.
We will be curious.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
DRYFIA


Potluck Dinner is tomorrow.

Pot Luck And Carpooling

Hi everyone! Just one last reminder about the potluck tomorrow. Not going to repost the info because its already up here and outside the classroom. I did really want to let all families know that if you have prior engagements that we can coordinate some carpooling. For the most part, we live in a similar part of PDX and I've spoken with parents who are willing to pick up a child on their way to Joshua's house. Obviously we would love to have everyone's family there so we can all spend some time together, but we all know schedules can be hectic. So please, please let me know if you would like some help figuring out possibilities for carpooling/kid pick ups.

Thursday

Good Morning!!

Today is Thursday November 12, 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will reveal our mystery animals' true identities.
We will respect each other.
We will have fun!!

Love,
Whitney

(Luna's) Morning Mystery Word
CBAKL HETCSA

Sign up for conferences outside the classroom. They start next Monday!!

Sign up for the class potluck outside the classroom, too. It will be Saturday at 4:30 at Joshua's house, 4585 NE 35th Avenue. **If someone from the class would like to come to the potluck but has conflicts due to work or family schedules, please talk to or e-mail Whitney and we can work out some carpools.**

If you would like to submit something for the Trillium Art Magazine, let Whitney know and he will help you submit it to the front desk.

All School Meeting tomorrow. Students in Lindsey's class have a proposal that it would be okay to bring gaming devices to school and use them when your teacher says it's okay. Right now, those games may not be turned on at school at all. High School students are making a proposal about the spinning thing at the park. They would like to have one student on it at a time, and have other students stand six feet away from it when someone is on it. This would affect younger students greatly, so if they feel strongly about it they might want to attend the meeting. Whitney showed the students a ruler, so they'd all know how long a foot is.

We will have a class meeting tomorrow. If anyone wants to move up to level four they should check the sign to see what they need to do to move up.

Morning Mystery Word Answer:
BLACK STASCH

Tuesday November 10th

Good Morning!!
Today is Tuesday November 10th 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have music with Heidi.
We will have writing workshop.
We will work on our ILPs.
We will work to keep our room clean.
We will have fun!!
Love,
Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
T A V S E N R E
V E T E R A N S

Announcements:
Sign up sheets for next week's conferences are up outside our class room.
We are having a pot luck on Saturday. All info is available outside of the class room as well as sign up sheet for different types of food.
Remember, no school tomorrow.

Our Kid's Capacity For Innovation And Creativity

Hi all! Just wanted to share something that has been bouncing around my brain since last week. Last Thursday we read a book entitled "Willow." (http://www.librarything.com/work/5407321) Its a wonderful book about a child's capacity to be creative and about how that creativity often inhabits a realm that us grown ups might not view as "traditional art." It concluded with a great quote by Picasso: "Every Child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."

This quote reminded me of something that our outstanding Trillium teacher Rob shared with us via a video during our staff retreat last year. The video is from The Ted series (if you are unfamiliar with this organization, get ready to for hours and hours of intellectual excitement). In this particular segment, Ken Robinson talks about his belief that modern day education strangles creativity out of our children. He uses the same Picasso quote in his presentation. I would really love for all parents to watch this video and even comment on it. Now, I cannot say that I whole heartedly agree with everything Robinson says, but I still think the point he puts forward is very valid.

I am so delighted with how successful our class blog has been this year, but I think the one thing that might be missing is more feedback/comments from you, Trillium parents. Do not, by any means feel required to respond in the comment section about this video. But if you do, I cannot wait to read what you have to offer. Thanks! (PS I am new to this blogging stuff and really hope that the video works!)

SCRIP - you can do it!

Greetings Trillium Families-

There have been many communications via email about the SCRIP program at our school. I'd like to take a moment to explain to you why it so important for families to get involved. SCRIP is a national fund raising program. SCRIP is an easy and painless way to give money to Trillium. When you order SCRIP, you order gift cards from various local merchants who have discounted these cards to TFT. You pay face value for the cards, nothing more. TFT, then, gets to keep the profits. Percentages given back to the school aren't huge, but the more we order, they add up fast. More information can be found at ttp://www.trilliumcharterschool.org/tft-scrip

Our biggest sellers are New Seasons and Fred Meyer. At the moment we have New Seasons on hand every Monday and Friday morning. I am working on making that happen with Fred Meyer as well. I know it is difficult to budget and to have a check book available at the right times to get SCRIP that is why we also have a SILVER drop box in the front lobby on the glass case to the right. There are order forms there as well. You can drop your order anytime. If your order includes New Seasons or Fred Meyer, please include your contact info so I can get it to you sooner than the regular monthly order dates. All other gift cards are ordered and picked up from the SCRIP office once per month.

Sometimes budgeting is the hardest part. So, I am available via email or phone to make special arrangements like, take your SCRIP order or deliver your order to you. For example, if you know you spend $100 per week at Fred Meyer and $100 at New Seasons but don't necessarily have $800 to fork out once a month, I can make sure to have that $200 order available to you every Monday or Friday. Make sense?

For the upcoming holidays there will be additional SCRIP orders. The next one is due next MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18 for pick up before the Thanksgiving break. Get your SCRIP to buy holiday groceries, going out to eat or holiday gifts. You can also order SPIELWERKS gift certificates by writing them on the bottom of your SCRIP order form.


Please pass the word on about the importance of using SCRIP even if it is only for groceries. If you don't see a retailer on there that you frequent, get a prepaid VISA card to be used wherever VISA credit cards are accepted.

Order forms can be printed from
http://www.ttsd.k12.or.us/get-involved/scrip/11-01-09%20Personal%20Order%20Form.pdf

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions at mausjuli@gmail.com or call me at
503 735 3040

Thank you so much-
--
Juli Maus
Mama to Eleni in Beth's advising and Danica in Preschool

Monday

Today is Monday November 9, 2009.
We will have menu groups. (math games)
We will have snack and recess.
We will have GARDEN with Amanda.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud. (peter and the starcatchers)
We will have a class meeting. (proposals presented and voted on, moderated by one of the students)
We wil have writing workshop.
We will have elective blocks.
We will be kind to each other.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Mytery Word:
RIDMAEM

Question of the day:
How did the continents get their names? (everyone will need to be detectives to find the answer today.)

We will not have school on Wednesday.

Sign up for conferences. The sign up sheets are outside the classroom.

Be sure to remember to put on indoor shoes as soon as you come into class.

Mystery Word:
MERMAID (from Peter and the Starcatchers)

A Few Announcements

Hi all! Hope you're enjoying the day off. Just wanted to throw out a few announcements:

1). As many of you know, we are working on redesigning our parking lot area into a common/meeting/community space. Rob is leading this movement and has posted a survey on the Trillium website for all of our community take. It is right under The Trillium Mission Statement at http://www.trilliumcharterschool.org/ He is really hoping that all students and parents take this short survey.

2). We have two new computers in our classroom! This is outstanding as our old computers would freeze up from any programs/websites that ran sound. This made it impossible to do any reading work on the computers. The new units are a result of a grant that Nick Fenger (Upper School math teacher and Tech Administrator) got from Free Geek for 60 refurbished computers for Trillium. That is awesome!

3). There is no school next Wednesday in observance of Veteran's Day. Also we do not have school the entire week of Thanksgiving.

4). We will be having conferences the week of November 16th. I will put up sign up sheets soon. These conferences should be attended by students as well. I can't wait to talk about all the exciting things that gone on so far!

5). There is a TFT meeting this Monday, November 9th at 6:30. Its at the school and childcare will be available.

6). And finally, we are having a class potluck at Joshua's house (4585 NE 35th Ave) on Saturday November 14th from 4:30 to 7:00. There is a sign up sheet for dishes outside our classroom. Hope everyone can make it. This si going to be a blast!

OK, have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday

Today is Thursday November 5, 2009.
We will have menu groups. (math games)
We will have snack and recess.
We will have a VIRGINIAN SCHOLAR ANSWER OUR QUESTION! (Why did West Virginia break from Virginia?)
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud. (peter and the starcatchers)
We wil have writing workshop.
We will have OUR SPECIAL DAY!!
We will not have school tomorrow.
We will be respect each other.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
NISCRTAGOGOU
(begins with C and ends with S)

Wednesday

Today is Wednesday November 4, 2009.
We will have menu groups. (math games)
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud. (peter and the starcatchers)
We will have GAME DAY!!
We wil have writing workshop.
We will have ELECTIVE BLOCKS.
We will answer our question from yesterday. (Why is the ocean blue?)
We will be kind to each other.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
ACONE


Class potluck 11/14 at the home of Joshua Poe (mom Leigh Ann Kennedy). note: we'll have paper plates and cups, so please b.y.o plates, cups and silverware if you don't want to use disposable.

Does everyone know that the 1-2 kids are welcome to come in to play from 8:15 to 8:30? Just make your way through the big kids in the lobby for playtime.

NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY

The class filled up the responsibility jar with marbles! So as a treat they are going watch a show about the ocean on Thursday.


Mystery Word:
OCEAN

Class Potluck

We will have a potluck for all of the families in Whitney's class on Saturday November 14, from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. It will be at Joshua's house: 4585 NE 35th Ave. Please sign up outside the classroom to bring a dish to share.

Question Of The Day

Hi all! We are going to start asking a question about our world each day with the goal of answering it by the end of the school day. I will try and post the question here each day for those who would like to play along. Our kids ask some absolutely amazing questions. Today's question: Why is the ocean blue? The kids are searching for an answer throughout the day. Thanks!

Tuesday

Today is Tuesday November 3, 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will finish our Mystery Animals.
We will talk about I.L.P.s *
We will be curious.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word: (Ezra's)
LALHNOEWE


* I.L.P. is Individual Learning Plan. This is an opportunity for kids to design a project that they are passionate about that somehow connects to the theme of the 7 continents. Today Whitney will introduce this idea and brainstorm what such a project could be.


NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY. It is a teacher planning day.


Morning Mystery Word: Halloween

No School Friday

Just a reminder that there is no school this Friday, November 6th. It is a teacher planning day. Thanks!

Monday

Good Morning!!

Today is Monday November 2, 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have GARDEN with Amanda.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud. (still reading Peter and the Starcatchers)
We will have writing workshop.
We will have elective blocks.
We will respect each other.
We will have fun!!
Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
VMONREEB

TFT October Meeting Minutes

TFT Meeting

October 12, 2009



In Attendance: Dawn Weaver, Kerri Creager, Catherine Murphy, Nikos Tzetos, Terry Graham, Linda Horsfall, Jeff Cavener, Jim Frost, Dana Smith, Chenoa Philabaum, Mary Drinkhouse, Megan Klepp, Mel Retallack, Renee Devereux, Marian Rice Galford, Christine Mooney.

Minutes by Catherine Murphy



Introductions



Trilliium Charter School Sweatshirts and T-shirts

Dean B. is willing to print new (hoodie) sweatshirts with TCS logos for resale and wants to know if he may go ahead and purchase shirts and print up a batch. TFT members are concerned that sweatshirts be cotton. Dawn W, Jim F. and Renee D. all have connections and will check into finding cotton T-shirts and sweatshirts at a good price. Would like to sell T-shirts for around $ 10 and sweatshirts for a little less than $ 20. Group motioned to invest $ 500 for shirts to be printed on and resold.



Senior Project Grants

TFT approved timeline proposed by Ken G re: Senior Project Grants, giving seniors 3 chances to receive grants:

· Nov 2: First TFT application due/ Nov 9: Students present grant application to TFT Committee

· January 4: Second (opportunity) application due/ January 11: students present grant application to TFT Committee.

· February 1: TFT application due (last chance)/ February 8: Students present



TFT also suggests setting deadlines for students submitting receipts and submitting extensions to complete paperwork.



Catherine M is coordinating this process with Ken. Nikos T, Terry G and Christine M also interested in helping with Senior Grant Process. Some concern that students will not have sufficient time to prepare applications before November deadline. Catherine will be in touch with Ken.



Election of TFT Officers

The following individuals will continue with current positions:

TFT President – Kerri Creager

Communication Specialist – Catherine Murphy

Treasurer – Dawn Weaver

Classroom Liaison Coordinator – Mary Drinkhouse

Volunteer Coordinator(s) – Ajna Ral. Andrea Frost (not present at meeting) would like to team up with Ajna for this position

New officers and Open Positions:

Assistants to the TFT President – Jim Frost and Terry Graham

Staff Rep. – Open

Board Rep. – Open (Terry G interested and will go to next Board meeting)

Student Rep. – Open



The above was voted on and approved



TFT Grant Update and TCS Donations

· Last month, grants were approved. Money was delivered for 1) Nina – robot and 2) Intermediate advisors – projector

· Parents were sent plea for donations in back-to-school packet. Many, however, didn’t notice and/or did not respond for various reasons. Will urge Board to send out second letter with explicit instructions in hopes of getting more responses.

· TCS has cut budget drastically and has asked each advising to come up with a case of paper to donate to school monthly. Liaisons are trying to coordinate this throughout the year. Used ink cartridges can be exchanged for a ream of paper at Avery. Caveat: they limit the number of exchanges per visit.

· Renee D mentioned that PPS print service is available to teachers and is far cheaper than printing on-site. However, staff would need to submit materials several days ahead of time. Should TFT encourage staff to use this service?



Saturday, October 24 – Dessert Potluck at school, 6:30pm. Costumes optional. There will be a lower-school movie and an upper-school movie for kids to pick from





Next TFT Meeting: Monday, November 3 6:30pm at school

Friday

Good Morning!!
Today is Friday October 30, 2009.
Its almost Halloween!!
We will do some fun Halloween games.
We will make skeletons.
We will eat worms!!
We will have snack and recess.
We will put on our costumes.
We will have a parade!!
We will be scary.
We will have fun!!
Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:

RSYAC



SCARY

Halloween Reminder

Just a reminder that we will be having a costume parade tomorrow beginning around 11:40. Students should bring their costumes to school but not wear them in the morning. We will begin changing into our costumes at 11:20. If its dry enough, we will do the parade through the park. If not, we'll do it in the school. Also, we are not allowing any types of weapons with costumes. Thanks!

Thursday

Good Morning!!

Today is Thursday October 29, 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have recess/dance and snack.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will write our spooky stories.
We will have our Wheel Day.
We will work on our mystery animals.
We will be curious.
We will have fun!!

Love,
Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
OYSKOP

Reminder: Tomorrow is the Halloween celebration. Please *bring* your costume to put on before the parade. Please do not bring any weapons, even if they are just toys. If you have questions about what is or is not a weapon, please talk to Whitney.

Tomorrow is another all school meeting. They will be discussing Morgan's proposal for wearing helmets when riding pogo sticks at school. Django has a proposal that the bricks by the IFCC shoud be only for walking or sitting on, and not for running on. They will also discuss a 3-4-5 dance proposal.

The space was really kept clean during lunch and snack yesterday, so we will try that again today.

The marble jar is almost full, so we will have a special day soon!

The class read a chapter from Peter and the Starcatchers.

Morning Mystery Word:
SPOOKY

Esis Forms

Hi all! We have 10 students who do not have an ESIS sheet filled out for them. This is the basic information that PPS needs on every student. If you you're not sure if you have filled one out for your child, please check at the front desk with Ramona and she can help you. Thanks so much!

Wednesday!

Good Morning!!

Today is Wednesday October 28, 2009.
It is Julian's 7th Birthday! Happy Birthday Julian!!!!!!!!

We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will have elective blocks.
We will work to keep our room clean.
We will have fun!!
Love,
Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
NASIDL

Writing workshop will be special today, because we will take a break from the stories we've been writing, and we will write ghost stories. The students can share their ghost story on Friday, if they want to.

There is an art magazine starting up here at Trillium. If you want to submit something to see if it gets published, you can take it to Ramona at the front desk with your name and Whitney's name.

If anyone wants to be on the social committee, it is meeting in Lindsey's room today during lunch.

Tomorrow is Wheel Day!! You can bring a bike (please lock it up outside), or a scooter, roller skates, skateboard, roller blades, etc. (which can be left in the classroom). Everyone must wear a helmet during wheel time.

Friday is the Halloween Party. Please *bring* your costume to change into later in the day. We don't want the costumes to get messed up during our other activities that day. There is a NO WEAPONS policy for the costumes. Please do not bring weapons, even if they are just toys.

If you would like to come watch the costume parade, please come around 11:30, or slightly earlier to help with costumes, if you can!!

Morning Mystery Word Answer:
ISLAND

Wheel Day!

A proposal was passed last Friday that we will have a "Wheel Day" this Thursday, the 29th. Each student is welcome to bring some type of (non-motorized) wheeled vehicle. We're thinking bikes, skateboards, scooters, roller skates, etc. We will then take twenty minutes in our afternoon to ride together at the park. This is of course optional but any student who participates must bring and wear a helmet. Scooters, skateboards, etc. can be kept in the class but I am asking that all bikes be locked up outside. Here's to hoping we're not in for a wet, wet ride!

Tuesday October 27th

Good Morning!!
Today is Tuesday October 27th 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will lunch and recess.
We will have music with Heidi.
We will have read aloud.
We will work on our mystery animals.
We will work more with maps.
We will respect each other.
We will have fun!!
Go Blazers.
Love,
Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
T E C U S O S M
C O S T U M E S

Monday

Good Morning!!
Today is Monday October 26th 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have garden with Amanda.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will have elective blocks.
We will be curious.
We will have fun!!
Love,
Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
B E M L S A R
M A R B L E S

Announcements:
We will have a "Wheel Day" on Thursday (More to come on that soon).
We will be doing Halloween activities on Friday followed by a costume parade. Please do not wear costumes to school in the morning. Instead, bring them and we change into them before the parade.

Friday

Good Morning!!

Today is Friday October 23, 2009.
We will have an ALL SCHOOL MEETING.
We will talk about our trip tot he World Forestry Center.
We will WORKSHOP OUR BOOKS WITH A PARTNER.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have a CLASS MEETING.
We will have read aloud.
We will work to keep our room clean.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
RUFSFRTAT


Movie night tomorrow night starting at 6:30 Its the Great Pumpkin and at 8ish Coraline or Little Shop of Horrors. Details outside the classroom.

Class meeting: we have a few proposals and some options to move up a level of responsibility.

Next Friday we will be doing something for Halloween. Whitney will announce on Monday what the plan is for the day's festivities and whether we will be wearing costumes on that day.



Morning Mystery Word:
Star Stuff (from Peter and the Starcatchers)

Possible Donations

Hi all! Wow, we had an absolutely wonderful field trip today. Thanks so much to all the chaperones who could make it and thanks so much to the kids for being so responsible and respectful during our trip. It was an amazing day. As we all know, our budget is a bit slim this year and I was thinking that I might throw out some ideas for some possible donations that our class could use:

1). A CD player would be great for our class. Our old one stopped working. Text-To-Tape Books are really helpful for our developing readers and also I am trying to incorporate more music and singing into our daily activities. If anyone has an old mini stereo that they can part with, we could surely use it.

2). A shoe rack would be helpful. Having our kids wear indoor shoes vs. outdoor shoes in our classroom has been great but its also been a bit messy. There is space underneath the risers and some space by the coat rack but unfortunately we currently have a spill over of slippers/shoes. I would also be excited to build something if we could get an initiative going on that.

3). Any help with snacks is very appreciated. Most kids have their mid-morning snack from their lunch each day but end up very hungry during the afternoons. Around 2:00 I often give many students another snack. School snacks come out of our budget for field trips and school supplies. If you are able to drop off a bag of pretzels or anything else every few weeks, it would really help.

4). Lastly, I've been planning on purchasing this book for a while but have been caught up in getting our read aloud/teacher practices books as of late. Its called "An Awesome Book." Its written/illustrated by Dallas Clayton. Check out his website (You can view the whole book) at www.veryawesomeworld.com/awesomebook/inside.html He has a deal where each book purchased is matched by a donation to schools, children's hospitals, etc. Perhaps we could have one donated to Trillium and you could keep a copy. This book is inspiring and captures the ideals, dreams, and aspirations of our amazing group of wonderful kids.

I hope that this doesn't feel like too much. We have such an amazing community right now that even without these things we will achieve so, so much. Thanks!

Thursday October 22

Good Morning!!

Today is Thursday October 22, 2009. (Audrey updated the calendar)
We will go to the World Forestry Center.
We will have read aloud.
We will work on our Mystery Animals.
We will be on our Field Trip behavior.
We will have fun!!

Love,
Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
LEFDI IPRT

The class talked about good field trip behavior: Using a normal voice on the train; No running around on the train; Keeping control of our bodies; Stay together with our class, even though the other classes are also going on the field trip.

Julian lost a tooth during the meeting!!! Congratulations, Julian!! Everyone was very excited for him. Whitney gave him a plastic bag for his tooth.

There is a very important all school meeting tomorrow. There will be some proposals made, and the kids can vote on them. There are proposals for helmets when riding pogo sticks, an upper school Halloween party (upper school only). They will also be voting on chairs for some committees.

There is a spooky movie night on Saturday. There is a sign outside the classroom with details, and there was also an e-mail that went out on the parent list that gave details.



Morning Mystery Word Answer:
FIELD TRIP

Wednesday

Good Morning!!
Today is Wednesday October 21, 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will have ELECTIVE BLOCKS.
We will be curious.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
BASORDTRA
?

!! Field Trip On Thursday !!

This Thursday we will be taking a field trip to The World Forestry Center. We will be taking the MAX so we don't need drivers but chaperones are a great help. A few things to remember:

*If you have not filled out all of the paperwork from The Home Visit Packet, please do so before Thursday. We need to have a Field Trip Permission Form filled out for each student.

*If possible, please send your child's lunch in a brown paper bag. This will be an active day and I would hate for any of our students to lose a favorite lunch box.

*If you are chaperoning, please try and bring a backpack in order to carry a few lunches.

*We will be doing a short hike after lunch. Please have students dress accordingly.

*Please try and have your child at school by 8:45 Thursday morning. We will be leaving to catch The MAX at 9:00 sharp.

Thanks everyone, this trip will be a blast!

Tuesday

Today is Tuesday October 20, 2009. (Ivan reads and updates calendar.)
We will have menu groups. (Math games - many kids switch classrooms.)
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop. (Time when everyone works on building reading skills. Some have reading time on their own and a few kids have one on one with parent volunteers)
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have MUSIC with Heidi.
We will have read aloud. (Peter and the Starcatchers)
We will work on our MYSTERY ANIMALS.
We will work to keep our room clean.
We will have fun!!
Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
NKASL
SLANK (character in Peter and the Starcatchers)

Thursday: FIELD TRIP!! To the World Forestry Center - right next to the zoo. We're taking the MAX, bringing lunch and taking a little hike around the arboretum. Sign up outside class to come along! More the merrier. Might be a good idea to bring lunch in a paper bag, so that favorite lunch boxes and bottles don't get lost during the many adventures of the day.

Lots of questions about the bringing of little brother and sisters and attempted stories about favorite lunch boxes and bottles.

Maybe we'll have a vote if we will read the next Peter book in the series after we finish Peter and the Starcatchers.

Monday 10/19/09

Good Morning!!
Today is Monday October 19th 2009.
We will have Menu Groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have garden with Amanda.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have Writing Workshop.
We will have Elective Blocks.
We will be kind to each other.
We will have fun!!
Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
N Y O A M D
M O N D A Y

Announcements:
Whitney is so, so glad to be back.
We will be going on a field trip this Thursday to The Forestry Center. We will be taking The Max and leaving at 9:00. We will eat lunch there. If anyone would like to come, please sign up outside the classroom.

Friday

I'm sorry that blogging has been so spotty this week.
We have had some sickies at home and so I have not been able to stay in class every morning.

Hope to be back in action on Monday.

Susan

Silent Auction

Be sure to check out the silent auction items in the lobby. These are art items that are still available following the Trillium In Bloom art sale. Sign up for a number in the binder which is on a table near the multipurpose room, and then write down your number and your bid on the sheet next to the item(s) you'd like to buy. The auction will end on Friday at 12:15. These items were donated, so all of the money will go directly to the school!

Thursday

Good Morning!!

Today is Thursday October 15, 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
W will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will dream up an adventure.
We will sing and dance.
We will be kind to each other.
Whitney misses you.
We will have fun!

Love,
Yvonne

Morning Mystery Word:
HADRUTYS

All School Meeting committee jobs are available. Yvonne will talk to those interested to help them decide if it's something they want to do. All School Meeting is tomorrow.

Sharing for tomorrow is a picture. It can be any kind of picture. It does not have to be a photograph, it can be a drawing also.

The class meeting will be on Tuesday.

The kids were reminded to wash their hands alot, and cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough.

Children are to stay home if they do not feel well. If they have a fever, they should wait an entire 24 hours before coming back to school.

The kids were also reminded not to share combs, hats, coats, etc. There has been some lice in the school.

Julian's birthday is on the calendar for October 28.

Morning Mystery Word: THURSDAY

Wednesday

Good Morning!!

Today is Wednesday October 14, 2009
We will have menu groups.
We will have snacks and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud. (Peter and the Starcatchers)
We will have writing workshop.
We will have ELECTIVE BLOCKS.
We will be curious.
We will ave fun!!
Whitney misses you.
Love, Yvonne

Morning Mystery Word:
TRONH
NORTH

October 22 is our field trip to the Forestry Center.
We'll be taking the MAX. We need grown ups to come along, so sign up outside the class.

Tuesday

Good Morning!!

Today is Tuesday October 13, 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have MUSIC with Heidi.
We wil have read aloud (Peter and The Starcatchers).
We will have writing workshop.
We will PLAY A GAME together.
We will have fun!!
Whitney misses you all so much.
Love, Yvonne

Morning Mystery Word:
MICARAE
AMERICA

Monday - Week 5!

Good Morning!!

Today is Monday October 12, 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snacks and recess.
We will have GARDEN with Amanda.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will have ELECTIVE BLOCKS.
We will respect each other.
We will have fun! Love, Yvonne

Morning Mystery Word:
MUATUN
AUTUMN

Whitney wants you to know that he misses you already! And, he is encouraging you to earn a responsibility marbles this week.

We are reading all of David Shannon books (No, David!, David Goes to School, Alice The Fairy)

Can You Volunteer for Trillium in Bloom?

Can you help with Saturday's Trillium in Bloom event? We still need volunteers for the 10-3 daytime and 7-10 evening events. If so, you can email Mel at
Mdydesign@yahoo.com

Chinook Book Sales

Hi everyone. Don't forget that Chinook Book sales are going on until the end of October. You should all have gotten sales envelopes in your take home folders outside the classroom. There are extra envelopes available in the lobby. The books are $20 and the school receives $10 for each book sold. Chinook books have over 300 great coupons for many local businesses including New Seasons, Fred Meyer, OMSI, and Burgerville. If every family sells just one book, we can help support Trillium in a significant way. Books will be available in the lobby Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings. Please help support the school with this great fundraiser!

Thursday Morning

Good Morning!!

Today is Thursday October 8, 2009

***NO SCHOOL TOMORROW!!***

We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have Reading Workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have our class meeting.
We will have writing workshop.
We will play a game together.
We will be kind to each other.
We will have fun!!
Love,
Whitney

Morning Mystery Word
RHONT LEPO

Yesterday was the first day that everyone was stumped by the morning mystery word. It was PIRATE.

Whitney will be gone next week, and Luna's mother Yvonne will be here.

Take a look at the school website (http://www.trilliumcharterschool.org/) to learn more about Trillium In Bloom which starts tomorrow night and runs through Saturday.

You need to have four documented deeds you've done for the community in order to move up to the next responsibility level during the class meeting today.

No sharing this week, because there's no school tomorrow. Whitney wasn't sure yet what next week's sharing will be, but we will do sharing next week.

The class read David Goes To School by David Shannon. Some of the students knew other books that were also by David Shannon. They took some time to compare the covers of the different books by David Shannon. He has a unique style, and the class is going to explore having your own style of writing.

There is a sign up sheet outside the classroom for chaperones for our class field trip to the World Forestry Center on Thursday October 22. We will be riding the max, leaving at 9 a.m. and returning after lunch. Please sign up if you'd like to help.

Today's word is NORTH POLE

Wednesday

Good Morning!!

Today is Wednesday October 7, 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will have ELECTIVE BLOCKS.
We will respect each other.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney!!

Morning Mystery Word:
REPASTI
?

Important announcements: No school on Friday.

Trillium in Bloom is happening Friday and Saturday. Check out trilliumcharterschool.org

Class meeting is Thursday. If you are interested is becoming a level 2, then document four good deeds that you did for the community (drawing pictures is fine).

They named all 7 continents and all 4 oceans. What is the largest ocean? Pacific

A Few Reminders

Hi all! Just a few quick reminders I wanted to throw out,

1). There is no school this Friday. It is a district wide teacher planning day. We will have our class meeting on Thursday.

2). If you have not yet filled out a criminal background check, please do. They are available at the front desk. We need one filled out for anyone who volunteers in the classroom or chaperons on a field trip. If you have filled one out in the past, there is no need to do it again.

3). If possible, please have your child bring a pair of slippers to class. Many already have them and its been great. Not only does it keep the room a lot more clean, but kids have been very excited about their comfy, cozy feet.

4). I will be out all of next week. Unfortunately my father was recently diagnosed with cancer and I will be home next week with him as he undergoes surgery. Yvonne (Luna's mother) will be our sub. She is an absolutely wonderful teacher but it probably wouldn't hurt to remind the kids that being on their best behaviour will help everything run smoothly. I will still be checking my email all week long and will be available by phone as well.

And 5). You all have amazing children. I am so excited by how strong our class is this year. They are so eager to learn, play, lead and create. This is going to be a great, great year. Thanks!

menu groups description

Menu Groups:
Math time - activities, games. Your teacher (some kids will work with Brian, some with Beth, some with Whitney) for menu time will have a big list of different activities on a menu - maybe 8 activities to choose from. We will have appetizers - to warm us up for thinking about math. We will have entree - your main course - your big activities. Then when there is about 10 minutes left, there might be a time to wind down, wrap things up with something light and fun and that would be our desert. Menu groups are going to be different from last year when menu groups meant going to garden, music, art. We are still going to have those classes, but this year the term 'menu groups' will mean playing math games.

Tuesday

Good Morning!!

Today is Tuesday October 6, 2009.

We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have MUSIC with Heidi.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will be curious.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
TASAURLAI
AUSTRAILIA


Do you have an extra boom box/ cd player at home? The one in our classroom is broken.

No School on Friday! No sharing this week. We will have our weekly class meeting on Thursday. This is a time when we hear proposals for the class and we also talk about levels.

Yvonne (Luna's mom) is going to be our substitute teacher for all of next week. Whitney will be going home (to Coos Bay) to be with his father who will be in the hospital.

Slippers!

Hi all! Wanted to let you know that we are going to try having a slipper policy in our classroom for this year. I wrote a proposal saying that while in our class we would wear slippers or indoor shoes and then change into outdoor shoes when we go out to recess. The proposal passed unanimously. I think this will be beneficial for two reasons. 1). It will keep our room much, much cleaner. 2). I think it will help the kids transition from recess and other activities into learning. Like putting on your thinking shoes.

I'm hoping we can all have slippers by the end of this week and I'm encouraging the kids to bring in ones they are excited about. Of course, they don't have to be slippers. Crocs, a different pair of shoes, whatever will work just fine. They don't need to be new either. I would encourage not bringing in just socks as the occasional tack or staple can end up on the ground by accident. If you have any questions, please let me know. Beth has implemented this in her classroom already and has said its worked great. Thanks!

Monday - Week 4!

Good Morning!!

Today is Monday October 5, 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have GARDEN with Amanda. (We will have garden every Monday in our new garden room!)
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud. (Peter Pan)
We will have writing workshop.
We will have ELECTIVE BLOCKS. (There are special classes happening with different teachers on Monday and Wednesdays from 1:45-3:15.)
We will work to keep our room clean.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney!!


Morning Mystery Word:
TAQEROU
EQUATOR


Announcements:

Bring slippers to wear in the class by the end of the week. Socks are OK but something with soles would be better in case there is a tack on the floor.

No school this Friday - teacher planning day.

To make a proposal during the Friday class meetings, just write a proposal on a regular sheet of paper.

Reading Workshop Helper Training

There will be a short training session this Wednesday after school in Whitney's room for anyone who wants to help this year with reading workshop. If you think you might want to help with reading at some point this year, and you are available Wednesday, please come. If you can't make it Wednesday, that does not exclude you from volunteering - please still let me know at anytime throughout the year if you would like to help. Leigh Ann (gantee2003(at)yahoo.com)

Call for Parent Support Group Ideas

Stephanie Hinkle is seeking information about what kind of support groups parents want and need to help them in their daily lives. Examples are a support group about teenage angst, a support group to help girls build self-confidence, a support group to understand young boys, etc. Whatever ideas you have about support groups our school could offer, please email Leigh Ann or Susan or talk to one of us in person, and we will get the information back to Stephanie. If you prefer, you can also contact Stephanie directly: stephanie (at) trilliumcharterschool.org and let her know your ideas!

Firday Morning

Good Morning!!
Today is Friday October 2 2009.
We will have breakfast together.
We will have sharing.
We will have read aloud.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have a class meeting.
We will be geographers.
We will respect each other.
We will have fun!!
Love Whitney

Reminder: Today is a half day.

Reading Workshop Tool Box

Ways to figure out a new word.

Reviewing tools...

1. Look at the first and last letter.
2. Make a guess.
3. Look at the picture for clues.
4. Brain warm up. Look at the title and cover of the book for clues.

Today's new tool is...

5. Take a book walk! It is like a movie preview and gets you ready to read a book just like a preview gets you ready to watch a movie. Look through the book and get to know it, look at the cover, maybe see a few words you know, see what the story might be by looking at the pictures. Whitney modeled a 'book walk' by looking at a book called "From Caterpillar to Butterfly"

"Your job today is to do a book walk. Guess what the book is about and then you can go back later and read it and check yourself."

Thursday Morning

Good Morning!!
Today is Thursday October 1, 2009

We will have menu time.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will work more with maps.
We will be geographers.
We will have fun!!
Love,
Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
POEREU

Tonight is the sleepover from 6:00 - 8:30. We will be there for two and a half hours, eating pizza, showing our talents, dancing, playing with a parachute, and other fun activities.

Sharing tomorrow is something from a tree. Anything from a tree that is not dangerous or too messy.

Starting next week, Whitney would like it if people would bring in slippers. This will help keep the room clean as it gets more and more muddy outside this winter. Changing into slippers will also help with the transition from recess time to school time. Any indoor footwear will work: crocs, sturdy socks with bottoms on them, slippers, etc.

Before menu groups the class pretended their bodies were planet earth. They talked about where the North Pole would be (the top of their heads) and the South Pole (their feet) and the Equator (in the middle, where a belt would go). Then they learned two new terms: northern hemisphere (all the land and water north of the equator) and southern hemisphere (all the land and water south of the equator). Then they played "Simon Says". "Simon says touch the equator!"

Morning Mystery Word Answer: EUROPE

Thursday

Good Morning!!

Today is Thursday October 1, 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop. (See Leigh Ann to help during this time)
We wil have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud. (Just finished Ivy and Bean and hopefully starting Peter Pan today)
We will have writing workshop.
We will work more with maps.
We will sing and dance.
We will be GEOGRAPHERS.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney!!

Morning Mystery Word:
POEREU

Wednesday

Good Morning!!
Today is Wednesday September 30, 2009.

We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will work on "THE GEOGRAPHY OF ME!"
We will respect each other.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney!!

SLEEP UNDER IS THURSDAY 6-8:30

Friday sharing is 'something from a tree'.

Morning Mystery Word:
MSOCSAP

We are going to start wearing slippers, so that we don't wear dirty shoes in the classroom. Stay tuned...

!! Sleep Under Reminder !!

Hi all! Just a reminder that we are having our "Sleep Under" this thursday night. It is from 6:00-8:30pm and dinner will be provided for each student. You can just drop them off at 6:00 and pick them up at 8:30. This is a night for the kids, so we are asking that parents and siblings do not attend. We will have a class potluck in the near future and that will give us plenty of time for all the families to play together. Thanks, this has been a great week so far!

Tuesday

Good Morning!!

Today is Tuesday September 29, 2009.
We will have menu groups.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have music with Heidi.
We will have read aloud.
We will work with MAPS.
We will work on our mystery animals.
We will be curious.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney

Morning Mystery Word:
SMICU
MUSIC

because we have music today and we read Music Over Manhattan yesterday.

Thursday is the sleep-under, 6-8:30. There will be a talent show, so be thinking of something that you might like to share. Remember, just for the 1-2 students. Parents and siblings stay home, if possible.

Check the folders.

Sharing for Friday is "something from a tree".

Ways to Help Outside of Class

Hello everyone. We are off to a great start to the year, and looking forward to the sleep under this week, and Trillium in Bloom the following week. In addition to the wonderful on-site volunteer opportunities for our class, we also have some very important ways you can help without needing to be available during the school day.


For Whitney:
1) Cushion Washing: Whitney would really appreciate having the riser cushions washed every couple of weeks. This will not only help keep the classroom looking great, it will also help to keep the germs under control as we head into flu season and beyond. I have laundry bags ready for transporting the cushions in and out of school. The cushions can be machine washed and dried. Available weekends before the winter break:

October 9 - 11 (long weekend, you get an extra day to get it done!!)
October 24-25
November 6-8 (another 3 day weekend!)
November 21-30 (Thanksgiving – you have a whole week!!)
December 12-13

If you can choose a weekend to help with this task, please let me know.


2) Snacks: Our hungry kids are going through the snacks like crazy. If you are out doing your shopping and can pick up some extra pretzels, goldfish, or other snacks to contribute to the classroom it would be greatly appreciated. Snacks are provided out of the activity fee, so any money we can save this way can be used for field trips and other classroom supplies.


For the Whole School Community:
1) Paper: The school uses a lot of copy paper (12 -16 cases per month), and as you all know, times are tough. Stephanie (the school’s director) has asked that each class donate one case of copy paper per month. The cost of a case of copy paper is approximately $20 - $25. Please let me know what month you could donate a case. If you are unable to donate a whole case, but would like to chip in with another family to purchase a case together, please let me know that as well. It does not have to be expensive paper: Cheap paper is great, recycled paper is great, anything that will work in the big Xerox machine in the office is great!


2) Art items: Trillium in Bloom is coming up quickly (October 9 & 10). The Art Sale for this event raised over $4000 last year. This year we are in need of art donations. Any kind of quality art & craft items would be welcomed. If you or anyone you know would be willing to donate, please bring your items to the front desk as soon as possible, but no later than October 5. Donations are fully tax deductible, and all proceeds from the sale will support the school. Donation forms are available at: http://www.trilliumcharterschool.org/uploads/09-10TIBDonationForm.pdf .


If you are able to help out in the classroom during the day, please see my post below about Reading Workshop helpers!


Thanks, Leigh Ann (gantee2003(at)yahoo.com, 971-404-8833)

Classroom Help

Hello everyone. If you have been looking for a way to help out in the classroom, here is your chance! We need classroom volunteers during Reading Workshop from 10:45 – 11:45 Monday through Thursday. If you would like to help by giving students some extra opportunities for one-on-one reading time, please contact me and let me know when you would like to help. You can volunteer every week, every month, once in awhile - whatever works for you. I can be reached at 971-404-8833 or gantee2003(at)yahoo.com. Thanks so much! Leigh Ann

Friday

Good Morning!!

Today is Friday September 25, 2009.
It s Jackson's Birthday!
We will read a book up on request. (Ezra requested "The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pigs")
We will have sharing (something from nature)
We will learn a new math game.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have our class meeting.
We will have a special treat!
We will be kind to each other.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney!!

Morning Mystery Word:
TBARHIDY
BIRTHDAY

Friday is a half-day, getting out at 12 noon.

Sharing Tomorrow

Just a reminder, tomorrow's sharing is something from nature. Oh, and the Morning Mystery Word today was omnivore in case you were wondering. The kids got it on their own. Pretty awesome.

Thursday

Good Morning!!

Today is Thursday Septemer 24, 20009.
We will work on our MYSTERY ANIMALS.
We will have snack and recess.
We will have reading workshop.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have writing workshop.
We will play some MATH GAMES.
We will work on our big questions.
We will respect each other.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney!!

Morning Mystery Word:
NVIOREMO

September and October Dates for your calendar

Here are some important dates to remember for September and October, 2009.

• 9/22, 6:30-7:30. Grades 1-2 Back-to-School Parents' Night. Information and volunteer opportunities.
• 10/1, 6:00-8:30 pm. Grades 1-2 "Sleep-Under". Pizza dinner, activities+games; all kids sleep **at home** this year, breakfast the next morning before class.
• 10/2, 8:30. First Friday Coffee Klatsch. Coffee and treats in the Multi-Purpose room.
  
• 10/7, 8:00 am-? Safe Routes to School event. Walk or bike to school; equipment give-away.
• 10/9. NO SCHOOL: INSERVICE DAY.
• 10/9-10/10. Trillium in Bloom music festival, school showcase, place-making workshop, and art sale.
• 10/10, 7:00-11:00? Trillium in Bloom Bash. Adults only; music + appetizers + spirits.
• 10/23. Run for the Arts fundraiser, Patton Park. Parent volunteers needed.
  
• 10/24, 4:00-8:00? All-School Potluck and Movie Night (TFT event). Halloween costumes welcome!

IFCC Parking Lot

The IFCC and Portland Parks and Recreation has asked Trillium parents, students and staff to no longer cut through the IFCC parking lot by foot or by car.

Even when going from the Trillium front doors to Patton Park, we are going to start using the sidewalks which are on Interstate Ave. and Maryland.

Let's be good neighbors, keep the kids safe and be sure that Trillium can always use Patton Park.

Food Forms

Hi! Just a heads up that there are food allergy/issue forms in each of your folders located outside of our classroom. We would love to have these back ASAP so we can plan for food for the Sleep Under. Thanks!

Wednesday 9/23

Good Morning !!

Today is Wednesday September 23, 2009

We will share our MEDIATION COMICS.
We will read a special BOOK ABOUT BUCKETS.
We will have snack and recess.
We will continue to think about our MYSTERY ANIMALS.
We will have lunch and recess.
We will have read aloud.
We will have MUSIC WITH HEIDI.
We will have writing workshop.
We can go to a DANCE PARTY.
We will work to keep our room clean.
We will have fun!! Love, Whitney!

Morning Mystery Word:
MLAINA
ANIMAL

Next Thursday SLEEP UNDER!
6-8:30 - play, eat pizza, talent show, big parachute. Not for parents or siblings - just the students. Next morning (Friday) when you come to school we will make waffles and have breakfast together.

Friday's sharing is "Something from Nature"

Birthdays - Jackson's is the day after tomorrow. If you want to bring something a treat to share with the whole class to celebrate your birthday, it is really important that you talk to Whitney at least a couple days before hand.

Back To School Night Notes

Tonight was the back to school night for the 1st and 2nd grade classes. Here is a run-down of what was discussed, for those of you who weren’t able to make it.

Communication Methods:

There are several methods for communication from advisors to parents:

- Class blogs
- Student Mailboxes (please check your student’s box – right outside the classroom – for various communications from advisors and from the school).
- Conferences, which are held in November and March (for those of you new to Trillium, the students are included in the conferences)
- Report Cards, which come out in February and June
- You can always schedule additional meetings with your child’s teacher, as well
- And, of course, your liaisons!! (Susan & Leigh Ann)

Volunteers:

There was some discussion about volunteer opportunities. Your friendly neighborhood liaisons will be contacting you soon about volunteer opportunities for our class. Some options may include help with Math and Literacy in the morning, help with Reading or Writing Workshops, supervising students before school from 8:15-8:30, field trip drivers or chaperones, general help with the class such as making copies or running errands, or help keeping the classroom clean, organized, and in good repair.

All volunteers must fill out a form for a criminal background check. These forms must be turned in to the office before you may volunteer with students in any capacity, including field trip driver or chaperone. The forms are available at the front desk. *If you turned in a background check form last year, you do not need to turn in another form.*

Some help will be needed for the sleep under and the first field trip (see below).

In the meantime, if you would like to provide healthy snacks for a school staff meeting (held every Friday afternoon, about 25 people), Susan is organizing those volunteers, and I'm sure she’d love to have your help.

Sleep Under:

The Sleep Under is being held on Thursday October 1. It is from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. This event is for students only, not for whole families. However, some parent volunteers would be helpful. There will be pizza for dinner, a talent show, crafts, games, and dancing. The students will go home at 8:30, and return the next morning for breakfast at school, beginning at 8:15. Breakfast will be on-going, so you do not need to be there right at 8:15. Some volunteers for the breakfast would also be helpful.

Food Allergies:

There will be a form available to let the advisors know of any food allergies prior to the sleep under.

Writing Curriculum:

The classes are using the book About the Authors for writing focus. The students have been making books in class.

The advisors ask that we all encourage our children to write, and to use inventive spelling. This allows the students to write more without any added stress about whether or not their words are spelled correctly. The students will be given the conventional spelling for their story as part of the entire writing process, but it will come at the end, after the story is complete.

Reading Curriculum:

The classes are using the Reading Workshop curriculum. Reading at home is important, and there are forms for keeping track of what is read at home. Strong readers “read every night, and read everything in sight!” The Readinga-z.com website is an excellent resource. We will get the log-on information for Whitney’s class to you asap.

Math Curriculum:

Investigations is the curriculum foundation. The advisors handed out a sheet of various math games that can be played at home, such as playing a version of Go Fish where the object is to find two cards that add up to 10, rather than two cards that match (the game uses only cards A-9, no 10's, Jacks, Queens, or Kings). There is a focus on the fluency of working with small numbers, and on trying to attach math to real life objects, rather than abstract concepts.

The students may have mentioned their “number talks”. This is where an equation is written on the board, and the students are given tools to help them solve the equation. Each student tries to solve the problem on his or her own, and gives a private signal to the teacher when they have solved it. This way, the other students can continue solving the problem.

Other Information:

The first field trip will be to the World Forestry Center. There is no firm date, yet, so more information will be coming on that soon. Transportation will be by Max, but some parent chaperone help will be needed.