Blog Archives - Ms. Barrington's Class

Ms. Barrington's Class

June 28th, 2018

6/28/2018

Thank you for an amazing school year everyone! I truly loved being able to be the Grade 4/5 teacher to this amazing group of students.

Just a few reminders for the summer break. First, don't forget about our Summer Reading Challenge! Here is the information originally shared about this activity:

Did you know that when kids don’t read over the summer they are likely to fall behind when they head back to school? These learning losses are often called the “Summer Slide,” and our classroom has made it a priority to keep our students’ skills sharp by encouraging them to read all summer long. Today the students and I discussed our "Summer Reading Challenge." This year, we have set up a classroom FlipGrid page where students can post a short video sharing their reading with the class throughout the summer, similar to the "Book Talks" that we have used throughout the year. It is a fun way for us to keep in touch and see what each other are reading over the break. Students are already familiar with using FlipGrid from other activities we have done throughout the year. In order to post a video students will need the FlipCode (2c54a6) and Password (Ms. Barrington), as this grid is protected so that only our classroom can view and post videos. This information will also be posted to the classroom website for students to access over the summer. I also shared the "Ms. B's - Summer Reading Challenge" recommended booklist with students today. Obviously students are not being asked to read every book from this list. It is only meant to help students who are looking for a good book recommendation. This list is made up of: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novels, etc. meant to encourage students to find and read something new. Thank you for your support! Have a great summer everyone,

FlipGrid - https://flipgrid.com/
FlipCode - 2c54a6
Password - Ms. Barrington

Second, the students and I already discussed this but I want families to be aware as well. There will be a change to the student GMail accounts this summer. Please see the information from Mr. Rutledge below:

Important Notice to Parents/Guardians: Changes to Student Google Accounts

There will be some important changes to student Google accounts over the summer - please see the news release from FMPSD Technology Department linked here:

News Release Posted on FMPSD Website

Essentially they are deactivating and removing all existing student Google accounts on August 27th, 2018. Students who wish to backup/secure any files saved in their Google drives can do this by using Google Takeout to transfer and secure files. Below is the link to Google Takeout and a tutorial on how to use it.

Google Takeout

Tutorial on Google Takeout

In September students will receive new Google accounts with improved security and parental control updates.

This is all the information I have at this time. If you have any further questions you can contact Ali Syed Director, Information Technology, FMPSD at Ali.Syed@fmpsd.ab.ca

Finally, have an amazing summer! You have all worked so hard this year. I can't wait to see you in September and to see all the amazing things you will all accomplish in Grade 5 and Grade 6.

June 26th, 2018

6/26/2018

Please see the following email sent home this evening in regards to our Summer Reading Challenge:

Good afternoon,

Did you know that when kids don’t read over the summer they are likely to fall behind when they head back to school? These learning losses are often called the “Summer Slide,” and our classroom has made it a priority to keep our students’ skills sharp by encouraging them to read all summer long. Today the students and I discussed our "Summer Reading Challenge." This year, we have set up a classroom FlipGrid page where students can post a short video sharing their reading with the class throughout the summer, similar to the "Book Talks" that we have used throughout the year. It is a fun way for us to keep in touch and see what each other are reading over the break. Students are already familiar with using FlipGrid from other activities we have done throughout the year. In order to post a video students will need the FlipCode (2c54a6) and Password (Ms. Barrington), as this grid is protected so that only our classroom can view and post videos. This information will also be posted to the classroom website for students to access over the summer. I also shared the "Ms. B's - Summer Reading Challenge" recommended booklist with students today. Obviously students are not being asked to read every book from this list. It is only meant to help students who are looking for a good book recommendation. This list is made up of: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novels, etc. meant to encourage students to find and read something new. Thank you for your support! Have a great summer everyone,

FlipGrid - https://flipgrid.com/
FlipCode - 2c54a6
Password - Ms. Barrington

June 25th, 2018

6/25/2018

Don't forget that tomorrow morning we have Pancake Breakfast and that tomorrow afternoon we are going to be having our Community Fruit Salad (see previous post/emails for more information).

June 22nd, 2018

6/22/2018

Please see the email below, sent home earlier this afternoon:

Good afternoon,

Just a few notes about our last week of school. First, if your student will not be attending school until the final day on June 28th, please make sure to let me know ahead of time. This gives me time to have your student return textbooks, clean out their locker, bin, etc. I also have an award for each student in the class as well as a gift that students are signing for one another. Letting me know in advance will allow me to make sure that your student is able to complete the above and receives these things. It is a good idea to send students with an extra grocery bag, etc. next week. When we are cleaning out lockers, bins, etc. or as work is returned to bring home, students will often need the extra bag to be able to carry home all of their belongings. Please do not forget to return any classroom or school library books to school as quickly as possible.

Earlier this week, the students shared some of their favourite memories/activities of the year with me. We have been using these lists to plan some of our final activities together. A majority of the class chose our Wetlands Walk or our Pond Study as one of their favourite days. This is why we tried so hard to go on another walk this past week. I have told the students that we will try our best to go next week, however, it will depend on the weather. Please make sure that students do come prepared to be outside for the weather. Even if we don't leave the school grounds, we are likely to be outdoors enjoying the sunshine next week. Students should come with comfortable footwear, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water bottles each day.

Finally, the students chose to have another Community Fruit Salad as part of our last week celebrations. Students are welcome to bring in 1-2 pieces of their favourite fruit, pre-sliced if possible. Each student will have a bowl and a spoon and we will each be assembling our own fruit salad out of the different fruits that come to school on that day. I will also supply some frozen yogurt that students can use as a sauce if they would like. If you are able to send 1-2 pieces of fruit, please indicate so on the attached sign-up sheet (or reply to this email). Remember, students are not obligated to bring in anything. All students will be able to participate regardless of whether or not they were able to supply an ingredient. I will make sure that there are enough supplies that everyone can participate. Thanks everyone! Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns in regards to any of the above,

Ashley Barrington, Grade 4/5 Teacher

June 21st, 2018

6/21/2018

Good afternoon,

Please be reminded that we will be having our annual Sports Day tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately, due to coordinating recess times with St. Martha's we are unable to move the Sports Day to the morning. It will go ahead in the afternoon. There will be Water Stations available to students. Please make sure that students come prepared to participate. Bring a hat, water bottle, and sunscreen. Thank you!

June 15th, 2018

6/15/2018

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes

Math:
- Grade 4: pgs. 100-101
- Grade 5: pgs. 140-141 #1-3, 6

Other:
- Learning Through the Arts, Thursdays, 3:15-4:45 pm
- CG Recyclers: Grades 4-6, Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Grades 4-6, Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Yearbook Orders: due June 28th (ybpay.lifetouch.com - PIN: 12863718)

June 14th, 2018

6/14/2018

Mrs. Kerrigan and I have rescheduled our Pond Study for tomorrow. We will be leaving school at approximately 10:30 am and return before lunch at 12:30 pm. Please make sure your student comes prepared with proper footwear and that they are dressed appropriately for the weather. Thanks everyone!

June 13th, 2018

6/13/2018

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes

Math:
- Grade 4: pgs. 98-99
- Grade 5: pgs. 133-134 #1, 2, 4-6

Health:
- PEAK (Thursday)

Other:
- Running Club, Mondays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Guitar Club: Grades 5/6, Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Learning Through the Arts, Thursdays, 3:15-4:45 pm
- CG Recyclers: Grades 4-6, Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Grades 4-6, Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Storm Pond Observation Day: Friday, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
- Yearbook Orders: due June 28th (ybpay.lifetouch.com - PIN: 12863718)

June 12th, 2018

6/12/2018

A message from the Christina Gordon Fundraising Association in regards to the Family BBQ tonight. The BBQ will go ahead as planned as all the food has been bought and prepped. However, should it rain, BBQ's will be set up outside the front of the school and everything else will be moved into the school atrium. The BBQ will take place between 5:30-7:30 pm. Please remember to bring your own plates and cutlery. The Fundraising Association will be selling the remainder of the BBQ Raffle tickets for $10.00 each and the draw will take place around 6:30 pm. All funds raised from this raffle will be going towards indoor/outdoor sports equipment for the school. We hope to see everyone tonight!

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes

Math:
- Grade 4: pgs. 96-87
- Grade 5: pgs. 130 #4, 8

Health:
- PEAK (Thursday)

Other:
- Running Club, Mondays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Guitar Club: Grades 5/6, Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Learning Through the Arts, Thursdays, 3:15-4:45 pm
- Grade 5/6 Soccer, Tuesday, 3:15-4:15 pm
- CG Recyclers: Grades 4-6, Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Grades 4-6, Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Storm Pond Observation Day: Tuesday, 12:30 pm-3:00 pm
- Pond Study: June 13th
- Fundraising Association Family BBQ: June 12th, 5:30-7:30 pm
- Yearbook Orders: due June 28th (ybpay.lifetouch.com - PIN: 12863718)

June 11th, 2018

6/11/2018

Please see the following email send home earlier this evening:

Good afternoon,

If it does not rain, we will be having our second observation day tomorrow, June 12th. We will be leaving school and walking to the storm pond on Fireweed Crescent. We will plan to leave school at approximately 1:10 pm and return before dismissal at 3:15 pm, however, these times may change tomorrow depending on the weather throughout the day. Students will be working in groups to observe the interactions of both living and nonliving components, wetlands plants, and wetlands animals. Students will be exploring and classifying the different zones (upland, riparian, and aquatic) of the wetlands. We will be using the gathered observations to classify this area as either a: marsh, bog, or fen. As such, it is important that students come dressed for the weather. Please make sure that students bring appropriate footwear to walk to and from as well as to explore the surrounding area. Students should bring: hats, sunscreen, and water bottles. Please send students with light jackets or sweaters so that they are prepared for changes in the weather. Students may bring bug spray if they are comfortable applying it themselves. As the times of our observation day may change throughout the day, we do not need parent volunteers at this time.

However, we will also be having our larger Pond Study Day, as originally planned, with Mrs. Kerrigan's Grade 5 class on Wednesday, June 13th. Students will be taking part in various activities as well as our pond dip. Students will be observing and identifying wetlands invertebrates in their natural environment, as well as looking at the pH levels of the different water samples. We will be leaving the school at approximately 12:30 pm, bringing students lunches with us. Students will eat their lunch there, as a picnic, before we begin the above activities. We will return to school before dismissal at 3:15pm. Parents are welcome to join us for the above. If you are intending to join us, please respond to this email. You will need to sign-in at the office upon your arrival at school.
Finally, a message from the Christina Gordon Fundraising Association in regards to the Family BBQ tomorrow, June 12th. The BBQ will go ahead as planned as all the food has been bought and prepped. However, should it rain, BBQ's will be setup outside the front of the school and everything else will be moved into the school atrium. The BBQ will take place between 5:30-7:30 pm. Please remember to bring your own plates and cutlery. The Fundraising Association will be selling the remainder of the BBQ Raffle tickets for $10.00 each and the draw will take place around 6:30 pm. All funds raised from this raffle will be going towards indoor/outdoor sports equipment for the school. We hope to see everyone tomorrow night! Thanks everyone,

- Ashley Barrington, Grade 4/5 Teacher

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes

Math:
- Grade 4: pgs. 94-95
- Grade 5: pgs. 129-130 #1-3, 7

Health:
- PEAK (Thursday)

Other:
- Running Club, Mondays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Guitar Club: Grades 5/6, Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Learning Through the Arts, Thursdays, 3:15-4:45 pm
- Grade 5/6 Soccer, Tuesday, 3:15-4:15 pm
- CG Recyclers: Grades 4-6, Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Grades 4-6, Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Storm Pond Observation Day: Tuesday, 12:30 pm-3:00 pm
- Pond Study: June 13th
- Fundraising Association Family BBQ: June 12th, 5:30-7:30 pm
- Yearbook Orders: due June 28th (ybpay.lifetouch.com - PIN: 12863718)