In our American history studies this week we’ll be sharpening our spurs and dustin’ off our ten gallon hats as we take a close-up look at how the West was won. We’ll learn about how the Civil War spawned a blood-thirsty collection of outlaws such as the Wild Bunch and the James Gang. We’ll say giddy-up to longhorn cattle, wanted posters, the Pony Express, Morse Code, Buffalo Soldiers, Buffalo Bill, and much more. Students are invited to dress the part all week with hats, chaps, or even empty holsters, and as always, parents are welcome to stop in for a visit.

Students are continuing their latest Book Clubs, reading from The BFG, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, or Esperanza Rising. Each student has a nightly reading and relating assignment written in his or her vocabulary journal, to which an adult in the household is supposed to add a signature.

We also have three classroom needs at present: 1. old magazines such as Better Homes, Sunset, and Cooking with pictures of foods and food products we can cut out; 2. food product containers showing nutrition labels; 3.) reasonably healthful snacks for the class such as pretzels or crackers. Thanks in advance for your assistance.