December Preview

Even though the holidays are upon us, the students are working hard and staying focused with a myriad of projects...

Writing
Your child is publishing an "In December" book of student-created poems and their own realistic fiction short story.  They are so focused, the students beg me to extend our Writing Workshop time!  Ask your student to share their ideas about their realistic fiction story with you...

Reading
Students recently started reading a book club book, in addition to their independent reading selections.  They then meet on a weekly basis with other members of their book club to discuss their connections, understandings and questions about their shared book.   Students are encouraged to read either their book club book or independent reading selection for 30 minutes at home, in addition to the 30 minutes at school.

Math 
With the beginning of a new trimester, students are focused on completing a lesson each day.  Any lessons not finished at school, need to be finished at home as homework.  This will help them stay on track to finish 8 tests within the this trimester.


Columbia Gorge Studies
We are currently exploring the four major ecosystems of the Columbia Gorge (forests, wetlands, tributaries, and grasslands) and the respective plants and animals within those ecosystems.  We have worked together to create a group mural of the forests and wetlands on our bulletin board, and will finish up the streams and grasslands by next week.  Students are also creating an individual written and visual reflection for each ecosystem. This will lead us into January as students select a specific ecosystem to specialize in and present to their classmates.

These are also some belated pictures of each group's healthy/unhealthy stream models...

November Re-cap

 Here's a re-cap of some November highlights...

Alexia and Jessica using a dichotamas key to identify native and invasive plant species. 

Melanie and Jade working on their 
plant identification skills at Buck Creek.

 

Every week, students participate in a Weekly Outdoor 

Watch that involves making observations,

writing poems and sketching natural happenings.

Together with their buddies, students are finding macroinvertebrates at Eagle Creek to determine its health.

Arriving Alevins...

Our salmon eggs starting hatching this week and we have a tank full of wiggly, squiggly alevins. Wondering what an alevin is? Just ask your child for a full description.

We enjoyed watching this clip of alevins hatching from their eggs this afternoon.  We vicariously shared in the frustration of being trapped in an egg and the triumphant victory of freedom.  By popular request, I'm posting the link for you as well.   Enjoy!  :)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgp6OjpfrQo

Class Project - Healthy vs. Unhealthy Stream Model

As part of our Columbia River Gorge studies, students have been working on visual models of healthy and unhealthy streams.  We have been discussing categories of streams that involve levels of toxic chemicals, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and bacteria.  In the photos below, students are creating elements of healthy and unhealthy streams such as the Riparian Corridor, riffles, dissolved oxygen, pipes, dams, factories, and roads.  Ask your child for more details on how these elements affect the stream!

Classroom Events

October 19 - Our salmon eggs arrived from the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife!  This is an exciting chance to experience the salmon life cycle in our own classroom and our entire class is enthralled with the project.  More updates will follow.

October 21 - Five volunteer students from our classroom presented their Salmon Life Cycle Banners and Salmon Song to the Board of Directors.  It took an amazing amount of courage to speak in front of approximately 30 people.  They did an amazing job!  

October 27 and 28  - Conferences are an opportunity for your child to share what they have accomplished so far and their goals for the school year.  Please contact me if you need to schedule/re-schedule a conference time.  Otherwise, I'll see you in a few days!

October 28 - An expert from the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership will be visiting our classroom.  The purpose of the visit is to further delve into issues relating to healthy streams and stream tables.  Check out www.lcrep.org for more info on LCREP's mission statement and philosophies.

November 2 - Picture Re-take Day for Charter Classrooms

November 3 - Wild Salmon vs. Hatchery Salmon Field Study.  Our class will join our buddies  (Mrs. Dunton's class) on a study of the differences and similarities between native, wild salmon and salmon raised in a fish hatchery.  This will be a 1/2 day trip (8 am - 12:30 pm) as we visit Bonneville Hatchery and a nearby stream.  Permission Slip forms will be coming home soon.  Let me know if you are interested in being a chaperone.  However, only four (4) adults will be selected, so please do not make permanent plans until you hear from me.  Thanks!

Salmon Watch Field Study - 10/20

Our field study today was a tremendous opportunity to extend our classroom into our own backyard --- Eagle Creek. The Freshwater Trust provided all the equipment and four expert scientists to help us  investigate whether Eagle Creek is a healthy or unhealthy stream. We tested the water quality, identified macroinvertebrates, viewed spawning salmon and explored the Riparian Corridor of the stream. Our investigations showed that Eagle Creek is indeed healthy...and we had a tremendous amount of fun proving it!

Searching for macroinvertebrates in the stream.

Angelo and Brandon testing the amount of dissolved oxygen.

 

Alexia found an encased caddis!

Salmon eggs we discovered along the Riparian Corridor.

 

Passing time as we waited for the last group to join us.

"Really? I have to take my boots off and go home already?!"

Field Trip - 10/8

We will visit Wahkeena Creek on Thursday, October 8th. We leave the school at 10:00 am and return for lunch at 12:30. The purpose of this field trip is to observe the characteristics of a local stream and identify native plants. Your child should wear clothing that is suitable for inclement weather. If possible, please send waterproof boots/shoes.

Three chaperones will be needed for this trip. Adults who are knowledgeable about plant identification and the attributes of a healthy stream would be especially appreciated! Just fill out the field trip permission slip form and return it with your child.

Thanks!

Scholastic Book Orders

A Scholastic Book Order went home with your child this afternoon. If you would like to order any books through Scholastic, please order by Thursday, October 1. You can place your orders on-line or by using the paper order form and paying with a check made payable to Scholastic Book Clubs. Since our classroom will receive a free book for every on-line order placed, that is my preferred order method. :) However, feel free to utilize the best option for your family. Here's how the on-line ordering process works:

1.Go to www.scholastic.com/bookclubs to access the Scholastic On-line Ordering site. Click on "Parent" and "Continue," then enter the below user name and password. Then you may select books from the "Arrow" or "Tab" catalogs.


User Name: mrsloeungsclass
Password: bookorders

2.Browse the titles with your child, and place your order with your credit card. Placing your on-line credit card order is completely safe and secure.

3.Your order will come to me and your credit card payment will go directly to Scholastic's secure server. There's no need to send money to school.

4.After I submit the entire class order to Scholastic, your order will be delivered to our classroom for your child to take home.


If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 503-695-3636 x275 or dloeung@corbettcharter.k12.or.us.

Happy Book Browsing!!!

Up-Coming Events

Open House - Monday, 9/21 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Salmon Life Cycle Project - We still need more wax paper, spray starch, 6 dowels (1/8" x 14") and yarn (20") for our project next week. If you would like to contribute, please send the items to school with your child next week.

Permission Slips - Fluoride slips and Health Data forms should be returned as soon as possible. Once I have permission slips from all students, we will be able to start the fluoride program. Thanks!

Picture Day - The Charter School's picture day will be on Wednesday, September 30th. Lifetouch packets will be coming home in your child's backpack sometime next week.

Open House - Monday, 9/21

This is just a reminder that the Charter Open House is next Monday, 9/21 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. This will be an opportunity for you to visit our classroom, sign up for October Conferences, and meet me, among other things. If you would like to discuss any issues surrounding your specific child, I welcome you to contact me via e-mail or telephone. I look forward to seeing you next Monday!

~Mrs. Loeung

USEFUL CLASSROOM TIDBITS

Classroom Projects
Student projects will generally be completed in the classroom. These projects will include reading silently for 30 minutes each day in class, responding to their reading through a weekly letter to me, initiating self-directed writing pieces in various genres, and creative re-enactments, journals and presentations about the plants and animals of the Columbia River Gorge. Students will be given ample time to complete each project in class, though some exceptions may apply. As a general rule, do not expect to see writing pieces, Columbia Gorge projects, reading letters, or other projects come home. I encourage you to participate in your child's learning through a daily conversation about what your child learned and experienced each day in class.

Math
The independent, spiraling math program is set up to encourage students to strive towards their best potential, with the goal of completing at least 9 tests (45 lessons) each trimester. To meet this expectation, students should complete at least one lesson each day. This includes correcting their own lessons (honesty is the policy) and fixing errors until every problem is correct. If a lesson is not completed in class, students are expected to complete it at home. The next day, that lesson should be corrected at school. A test will be provided after every five lessons. Once students successfully complete the test (missing four or less problems), they will move on to the next set of lessons.

Homework
In addition to any math homework, your child is expected to read for 30 minutes at home each night. This reading should be student-selected and is in addition to the 30 minutes of reading at school. My philosophy is that a child who enjoys reading is a child who is able to select their own reading material. This 30 minutes should be uninterrupted time, so a quiet place in your home would be ideal.

Mailboxes
Each student is responsible for checking their mailbox and bringing home important notices to parents. These notices can include anything from up-coming field trip information, PTA updates, contact information forms for student files, or information about special events in our classroom or in the school-wide community. Keep in mind that some days are heavier “mail days” than others. Overall, student mailboxes are one of the key sources of communication between us (parents and teacher) so please hold your child accountable for bringing key information home and promptly returning it to school, if required.

Communication
Communication is the cornerstone of a well-functioning relationship. I will periodically update the classroom blog (www.mrsloeung.blogspot.com) to relate important information to parents such as up-coming field trips, special events in the classroom or logistical information. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions, comments or concerns relating to your child. E-mail is generally the best way to contact me throughout the school day. You can reasonably expect a response within a few school days. The best times to reach me via telephone is between 3:35 and 4:30 pm, Mondays through Thursdays. My contact information is below so I look forward to getting to know you better as we progress through the school year.

Dacia Loeung
503.695.3636 x275
dloeung@corbettcharter.k12.or.us

Logistical Information

Drop-off
Students are welcome in the classrooms at 7:45 am and class starts promptly at 8:00 am. We are encouraging parents to use the far-east "Loop" (using the driveway by the post office) since we anticipate this will be the most efficient for families. There is a path for students to follow to the Grade School building. Middle School helpers will be placed strategically along the path to help young students navigate the path. Older siblings are also encouraged to assist their younger siblings in getting to the classroom. However, the first day of school is bound to be an exception! The front entrance is the second drop-off site that we anticipate most parents will utilize the first day of school. Undoubtedly, the parking lot will be extremely full. We appreciate your cooperation in getting your child to their classroom as quickly as possible and promptly exiting the parking lot to allow for another parent to drop off their child. Thank you!

Snack & Lunch
Our class will have morning snack and recess from 9:25 – 10:00 am each day. Lunch and afternoon recess are from 12:30 – 1:20 pm. Your child may bring a sack lunch from home or purchase a hot lunch from the school. For hot lunch, please send a lunch money check with your child to drop off at the office before school begins. This can be done within the first week of school to ensure that your child's lunch account is ready for use.

Music
Every intermediate student will have the opportunity to participate in either band or music (fondly referred to as “Funky Monkeys”). The first week of school will be an opportunity for students to decide their preferred music class. Students who prefer band will visit the band class. Likewise, students who know they prefer “Funky Monkeys” will go there. If your child is undecided, they will have the option to visit both classes and must decide their preference by Thursday, September 3nd. Administration will determine the final music schedule using students' preferred music class. All efforts will be made to accommodate your child's first preference as it fits with the overall schedule. However, there is a slight chance your student may not receive their first choice. This is due to the fact that we need to keep class sizes as balanced as possible for the sake (and sanity!) of our precious Funky Monkey teacher, Mrs. Swanson, and our brave band teacher, Mr. Killgore! We appreciate your cooperation and support in helping your child understand this process.

P.E.
We will have P.E. two (2) days each week for 40 minutes. Your child will need to bring appropriate footwear for P.E., but will not dress down.

Pick-up
School will be dismissed at 3:20 pm every day. Each family has been assigned a pick-up location in an effort to alleviate potential traffic issues. A list of assigned locations has been sent to parents via e-mail. The general idea is that you will pick up your child(ren) at the geographical location of the oldest sibling. We would appreciate your help in promptly picking up your student(s) in the assigned pick-up location and exiting the parking lot as quickly as possible, without coming into the school building. This will help keep the traffic flowing so that all parents are able to pick-up their children safely and efficiently. We are encouraging parents to pick-up their student(s) at the far-east end "Loop" (using the driveway by the post office) if possible. We anticipate this will be the most efficient pick-up option. Please let us know if you are planning to use the far-east pick-up location option and are not currently assigned to that site. We will gladly adjust the pick-up location to accommodate a far-east pick-up. Undoubtedly there will be details to work out throughout this new process and we appreciate your flexibility and patience through it all!

About Mrs. Loeung....

Can you believe the first day of school is right around the corner? I am anxious to get to know each of you! As the first members of the new Corbett Charter School, we will have an amazing opportunity to learn and grow in our first year together. I'll share a little about myself to get the ball rolling!

This will be my third year teaching at Corbett. I received my Masters of Arts in Teaching from George Fox University and my Bachelor of Arts from Lewis & Clark College. I am an outdoor/sports enthusiast and enjoy traveling as much as possible. I love mountain biking, hiking, camping, playing volleyball, and snowboarding. This summer I was able to combine my passion for traveling and sports by spending a month in Maui, Hawaii with my family. I went surfing and paddle boarding for the first time and my husband (Sam) and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary by going scuba diving. Incredibly, I also had the chance to travel to Washington D.C. with some fellow teachers and we also met up in Maui. Believe or not, teachers do "play" together too. :) Needless to say, it was an amazing summer of “first” adventures!



My husband and I on our 3rd year anniversary. :)



Some of my family!












My nephew, Myles, and I in Lahaina, Maui. He loved the banyon tree!






Paddle Boarding for the first time.











I met up with Mrs. Dolkas and her new husband while in Maui too!
















My sister, Shawna, and I on a bamboo hike and lagoon swim.














Mrs. Kelly and her husband joined us on waterfall hike.






My dad and I on Hookipa Beach.










Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Sims and I in front of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.















Looking forward to meeting you,

Mrs. Loeung

Out with the old; in with the new....

After a nail-biting experience at the Final Battle of the Books between Team Leone and Team Loeung, our class is the proud, joint winner of a tied battle! Check out the action...


Oh please get it right...


Yes!


Savoring the victory. :)


Now Team Loeung is moving on to a different, though equally enthralling, challenge.... the Battle of the Bridges!

Yes, we are embarking on a new unit of scientific discovery revolving around the world of bridges. We are surrounded by the beauty and functionality of bridges all the way through the gorge into downtown Portland. Why not celebrate these scientific feats of innovation by creating our own bridges?! That is exactly the plan over the next month as we study the structural components of bridges such as roadbeds, trusses, and arches. Later, we will construct our own bridges using the knowledge gained from these structural lessons.

Meanwhile, we have shifted our Gorge focus onto the developments of the last 100 years - as is was "then" and as it is "now". Traveling back in time to remember, collect and record the impacts of the Scenic Highway, Vista House, Bonneville Dam and the loss of Celilo Falls into our "Memory Books." Check out the pictures below of us drawing the majestic landscapes visible from the Vista House....

Rube Goldberg Construction begins...

Engineering an incline plane...


Pulleys, wheels, and gears....oh my!


The beginning stages of greatness...


Striving towards that Purdue scholarship...


Working on their incline planes...



Teamwork in action...