Thursday morning promptly at 7 a.m. we’ll be loading up and heading out on our 5th Grade Ocean Adventure!  Kids took home their cargo lists today, and they’re busy in class finishing off their tide pool research projects, which will make each of them an expert on a creature of the tidal zone. One of my favorite is the nudibranch. Think slug–just like those monsters you find munching on the hostas in your garden–but adorned in a fascinating array of shapes and colors. It is always a highlight to spot a nudibranch on the Oregon Coast.

The coast is one of two big focal points this week. The second one is DARE Graduation, which takes place Tuesday at 1:00 in the Music Room. It’s a big moment in the life of a CPE 5th grader. Congrats to our essayist presenters from Room 15: Shelby S., Celina R., and Emily H., as well as alternates Bryant B. and Tre F. In addition to going through ceremonies, Room 15 kids will be signing the Red Ribbon–yet another pledge to remain drug free. It carries the signatures of all my students over my 20 year career. Stop into class before the year is over to see it.

Finally, our Room 15 kids have nearly conquered long division with confidence and courage–but this week they’ll be tackling double-digit divisors. Here’s the homework: Monday, May 20th; Tuesday, May 21st. Note there will be no homework the rest of the week to accommodate the coast trip.