Seventh Eighth Mr. Bob Nielsen

October 14, 2009 Dear Parents, We are at the halfway point in the trimester, and I am pleased with the progress that we have been making. To date, we have written several persuasive essays, worked through a full science unit on the ecosystem, and we are into the colonization period in US History. You may have seen the reading book, “Blood on the River,” come home. This is a historical fiction about the Jamestown Colony, and we are over halfway through. This has tied in to our study of US History quite nicely, and has provided all of our spelling and vocabulary words. Overall, the students are making nice progress. We have been able to serve the Richmond School community. We helped prepare the school garden for the winter, and after the heavy winds and rain yesterday, we helped collect branches that had blown off of several large trees on the playground, to help the younger kids from getting hurt when they got out to recess. Since several of our students have younger siblings or relatives, this lesson in community service really hit home. We are also preparing to partner with Lassen Land Trails and Trust to work on a bitter brush re-seeding project to improve deer habitat in the burn scar behind Single Tree Lane and Richmond Road. With any luck, an improved habitat might mean fewer deer in the yards and gardens of our neighbors. You may have noticed a change in progress report frequency. I have begun sending them home every other week. I will alternate a letter with progress reports to keep you in the loop. Next week, progress reports will be given in class, but we will be able to discuss them, as well as other concerns, at our conference. I look forward to seeing you and discussing the progress and needs of your student. Starting this month, we will begin our book reports. Up until now, the SSR time has been rather open in an attempt to help the students read for pleasure. While that is still a focus, I will be asking the students to report on 1 book per month. I would encourage you to help them achieve this by encouraging 30 minutes of reading time every day at home, as well as the 30 minutes given in class. This will help foster good reading habits that will serve them well through High School and beyond. While there are still some behaviors that need improvement, we have created a classroom where learning is the norm and open communication is common. Together, we have accomplished several hard tasks, academically and physically. I hope that the positive attitudes that the students bring to class will continue to bring positive results. Thanks again for the support each of you show your student in his education. Best Regards, Bob Nielsen

Permission Slip Bitter Brush Project Honey Lake Photos 2009  Bitter Brush Thirteen Colonies Timeline 13 Colonies