Dear Parents/Guardians,

I was so happy to see so many of you on Friday for our culminating Black History project. I know the children were so excited they could hardly contain themselves after you left. The celebration of fifty years of Motown was so worth the work we put into it. It was exciting to see the children so interested and excited about the music and artist of the past and present. I thank you for being so supportive and willing to come out at 8:00a.m. I just received the dvd's of Motown classic's, complete with  Ed Sullivan's Motown performances and the Temptations dvd. I understand their will be a talent show to be put on by Student Council in May. Our classroom will benefit by looking at these dvd's. They can perform again if this show takes place.

As you know this week we will be taking the ISAT. I ask that you make sure your child gets to bed early and eats a substantial breakfast. Also it isimportant the children get to class on time. If they are late, they will not be allowed into the classroom until after the test and will have to take the portion they miss during make-ups.

On Friday the children and I practiced test taking behavior as we have for a while. I ask that you reinforce how important it is for them to follow directions, to stay focused and above all to do their best. I feel confident in the children's abilities; I want them to also feel confident.

I sent home the schedule of the subjects to be tested on specific days. We will continue our regular curriculum after testing, with minutes to relax after the test. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me via the assignment book, a note or email.

I will be putting my newsletters on the Ray School website. I feel great about having yet another way to communicate with you. Better late than never right? You only have to go to the Ray School website, click on classes, then click on 3-4th grades and then on Room 204. Hopefully this will work. If it doesn't please let me know so I can receive technical assistant.

Finally I have asked that you type and send the compostions the children wrote titled, "If I Were President" or " The Inauguration." I asked that you email one or the other to Mr. Mayer. I don't have that email address in front of me right now, but if you need it I will give it to your child again. Mr. and Ms. Mayer have been so kind and are willing to publish Room 204, Open Door newsletter that will feature the perspectives from our children of the historic election of President Barack Obama.

I will keep you posted as to our progress this week and beyond.

Have                 A                   Great                     Week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ms. Jack