- meerkats in Africa's Kalahari desert
- ravens in Estonia
- snow monkeys in northern Japan
- bison in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, USA
By the way, I LOVE the Mystery Science curriculum, as do many of my colleagues! Kudos to GUSD Science Specialist Shawna Metcalf who selected Mystery Science in light of the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The video presentations are highly engaging and scientifically sound. The student activities extend the learning and allow students to make sense of the concepts, constructing their own meaning. The lessons (mysteries) are well laid out, and Shawna assembled all non-perishable materials that we needed over the summer. (She did this for the entire district --- what a dedicated science educator!) Parents can feel confident that their children are receiving a first-rate elementary science education, in my opinion.
Breakfast in class continues to be a problem. In case you missed my Monday post, I've asked that parents drop students off a school as close to 7:30am as possible if they will eat breakfast in the cafeteria. That way they will have time to finish their meal before the line-up bell rings at 7:50am. Thanks!
One more thing - Today's Thursday folder includes an important Title I Needs Assessment. Keppel receives Title I funds, and your perspective is critical to the development of our school plan for the use of those funds in the coming school year, but only if you fill it out and return it. For those with more than one Keppel student, it is only necessary to submit the survey once. Please return it to school by Friday, May 3rd.