Fourth Quarter News!

The fourth quarter began with a field trip to Montezuma's Castle in the Verde Valley of Arizona. The students had a wonderful time talking with Ranger Rand Guthrie and interacting with the wildlife and the plants that this area had to offer. The cliff dwellings were amazing. The Sinagua people built their houses based on how they saw the birds building their houses out of mud and grass. They were protected from rain by their dwellings and they could see out over the entire valley. They built their dwellings in the side of the mountain to protect their homes from flooding.

We actually experienced every part of the water cycle on our trip - fog, snow, precipitation (rain), evaporation, and condensation. It even snowed on our way back to school. The students sang all of their songs - The Water Cycle, the plant cycle as well as the traditional bus songs.

The students also learned which ancient people lived in small groups and which lived in large groups. This area can flood and wash away the trees. We saw animals like an eagle, a hawk, beetles, squirrels, spiders and stinkbugs. We learned that deer was one of the animals they ate. We learned that they planted different kinds of corn so that if one type got a disease, the other types were not affected. They used flowers in the region to dye their clothing.

Overall, the students said it was an educational, fun and "awesome" field trip.

In May, there will be a recorder concert to show what the students have learned this year with Mr. Deyton. Mr. Deyton and our class will be visiting the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, which is opening this month. This is to celebrate the students' success with their recorders. Good job, fourth grade students!

The End of the Year is almost here!

I can't believe we are in the month of May. It seems like yesterday when I was getting to know these wonderful students. They have worked hard this year, and it has been a fun and educational time for all of us. The following is our end of the year schedule.

Free Dress Down Day if you dress in Hawaiian-style - Thursday, May 6
Recorder Concert - Thursday, May 6, 2:00 p.m.
$ for Duds - Friday, May 7
Early Release - Friday, May 14, 1:00 p.m.
$ for Duds - Friday, May 14
Field trip to the Musical Instrument Museum - Thursday, May 20
$ for Duds - Friday, May 21
Prepaid yearbooks passed out - Friday, May 21
Year End Celebration of Learning - Thursday, May 26, 1:30 p.m.
Early Release and Last Day of School - May 27

I have thoroughly enjoyed being your teacher! Good luck in Fifth Grade.

Mrs. Smith
Fourth Grade Teacher