The Closing of Our Classroom

The time has come to close our classroom for the year.  It's really been wonderful, and I will cherish the memories we've made together.  Best of luck to our 6th graders who are entering Erdkinder next year.  5th graders, you will be the new leaders of the class in the 2017-2018 school year!

Enjoy your summer!

Mr. Trent

 ice cream social

6th grade bridging ceremony 

Last Week of School Works

It may be the last week of school, but there's still a lot of works being done!  I encourage you to continue to take this final opportunity for the year to continue your research.  Above all, have FUN doing it!

squaring numbers and characteristics of triangles works

Summer Reading Information

Attached you will find the SCCPSS summer reading program for upper elementary students.  Completed reading logs are due when you return to school.  Please let me know if you have any questions or need suggestions finding books to read.

K-5 Summer Reading Program Information 

6-8 Summer Reading Program Information 

The Week of May 14, 2018

Welcome to the last week of school!  I can't believe how fast this year has passed!  I'm looking forward to spending one last week with you before we start our summer vacation.

We are back on our "regular" schedule, and lessons will continue as they have in the past.  Lessons will include recent American history, personal finance, fraction computation and decimal concepts.  We will also finish up our novel studies Monday, so please be sure you have completed your book and your study guide.

A fun tradition is to choose classroom superlatives.  On Monday, you will get a nomination form where you will choose your classmates for a number of different awards.  Please make your choices for each superlative by the end of the day Wednesday.

Friday, the last day of school, we will enjoy some special activities!  First, we will have an ice-cream social after lunch!  I will provide the ice-cream...you may bring in any toppings you wish to share with your classmates.  Following our social, the classroom superlatives will be awarded.  We will end our day with a bridging ceremony for our 6th graders and give you a chance to enjoy your classmate's coding projects.

Have a nice weekend,
Mr. Trent

The Week of May 7, 2018

Now that the excitement of Charles Ellis Presents and Field Day has passed, it's time to get back to our "normal" schedule at school!  As it turns out "normal" is going to be anything but normal...this week we will be doing a trial-run of next year's schedule.  The trial run will allow us to iron out any unexpected issues before next school year.  You will have all of your explorations classes Monday morning.  This will allow you to enjoy a longer uninterrupted workperiod the rest of the week.  Please be flexible as we go through our week, and feel free to provide any feedback to help us make appropriate changes.

Lessons this week will include fraction computation, America in the 21st century, economics, balancing equations, and watersheds.  We will also be continuing our novel studies, so we can finish the books before the end of the school year.

Be sure to complete you weekly required assignments:  Google Classroom current event journal, 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com, a Greek & Latin rootwork choice, and lesson followups.  You will have a Word Study quiz Friday.   Progress reports will be issued Friday, as well.

Final parent/teacher conferences are taking place starting May 14th.  Please use the "Sign-up Genius" at the top right of the blog to choose a day and time that is most convenient to you.  This is a very important conference because we will be looking at all the progress you've made this year!  I'm excited to celebrate your accomplishments with your family!

Have a nice weekend,
Mr. Trent

Wow, What A Week!

Last week was quite a busy week at Ellis!  Charles Ellis Presents: God With No Hands was a smashing success, and our annual Field Day at Daffin Park the following day was awesome!  Here are a few pictures from the show and field day.

"God With No Hands"

"God With No Hands" Finale 

Field Day Fun

Ice-Block Sitting Challenge at Field Day

Field Day at Daffin Park!

Field Day is this Friday at Daffin Park!  Permission slips have been sent home today. Please sign and return them by Friday.  It's important that you remember to pack the following items:

- water bottle
- sunscreen
- athletic shoes (no flip flops)
- picnic lunch (or you can pick up a school lunch before we walk to the park)
- comfortable clothes (be sure to wear a shirt that is our class color: dark blue)
- optional: change of clothes to change into after we return to school, towel, picnic blanket

I'm looking forward to a wonderful day at the park!

The Week of April 30, 2018

Musical week is finally here!  We will spend most of our week putting the finishing touches on our show, Charles Ellis Presents: God With No Hands!  Tickets are on sale now in the media center fo $5 each.  They are also available the night of the show.  Don't forget to tell your friends and family to bring a chair or blanket to sit on.  The show will start Thursday at 6:30 sharp!

Friday is Field Day at Daffin Park!  It's a day of fun outdoor activities organized by coach Leslie.  Please pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the park.  If you are enjoying a school lunch, we will pick it up before we walk to Daffin.

It's going to be a fun, action-packed week!
Mr. Trent

6th Grade Trip to Rock Eagle 4H Camp

The 6th grade trip to Rock Eagle 4H Camp was a success!  We've had such an action-packed schedule, that our time here has passed in the blink of an eagle eye!  Our activities included hiking, canoeing, fish direction, watershed studies, and exploring pioneer life.  The food and camping facilities are amazing...I'd consider it "glamping"!   Here are a few pictures from our adventures:

watershed research

primitive fire starting...we made a little smoke!  

fish dissection  

canoeing  

hiking 

pioneer farm

Charles Ellis Presents: God With No Hands

Excitement is building as we prepare for this year’s musical “Charles Ellis Presents: God With No Hands”. The musical will be held Thursday, May 3rd at 6:30 pm at the Charles Ellis multi-purpose room. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Tickets will be on sale starting Monday, April 23rd in the Ellis media center for $5.00 each. You can also purchase tickets the night of the show at the door. All rehearsals will take place during school hours over the next few weeks. Students who choose to perform in the show will need to arrive at Charles Ellis the night of the performance between 5:45 pm -6:00 pm. Because of the amount of work it takes the students to create this performance, it is imperative that all participants are showing grace and courtesy at all times. We look forward to another wonderful Ellis musical!

preparations for this year's musical: God With No Hands

The Week of April 23, 2018

GMAS testing is finished, and we are finally able to go back to our regular schedule!  Be ready for a fun week of lessons, art projects, and (for some) camping!

4th and 5th graders: Your required assignments will include a current event journal, 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com, a Greek and Latin rootwork choice, and any lesson followup.  These works are due Friday.  You will have a vocabulary quiz Friday, as well.  Please bring in a cereal box by Tuesday for a special art project.

6th graders:  On Monday and Tuesday, you will have some math and novel study followup to complete.  I'm also requiring you to complete 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com by the end of the day Tuesday.  Our camping trip to Rock Eagle will take place Wednesday through Friday.  Please refer to the information Ms. Kami gave you as you prepare for the trip.  You will need to be at school at 6:00am Wednesday to board the bus.

All students will be taking the last administration of the MAP assessment Monday (Math) and Tuesday (Language Arts).

Have a great EARTH DAY weekend!
Mr. Trent

6th Grade Mid-Term Progress Reports

6th graders were given mid-term progress reports today.  They show current grades in PowerSchool. Please review, sign, and return these reports by Friday, April 20th.

The Week of April 16, 2018

You've made it through the first week of GMAS testing!  We only have a bit more to go...here is the testing schedule for this week:

Monday, April 17th- Math (4,5,6)
Tuesday, April 18th- Math (4,5,6)
Wednesday, April 19th- Science (5th only)
Thursday, April 20th- Social Studies (5th only)
Friday, April 20th- Makeups

Most of our time this week will be spent preparing for the upcoming Charles Ellis Presents musical.  Auditions for specific parts in our skit will take place Monday.  Please review the script to prepare for auditions.

Required assignments this week will include 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com and any lesson followup work.  You will not have a current event journal or word study/vocabulary quiz this week.

Have a great weekend,
Mr. Trent

6th Grade Fieldtrip Info.

Our trip is just 2 weeks away, and we are getting super excited! If you have not yet completed the permission form, please do so and return to Ms. Kami as soon as possible.

The bus will be leaving Ellis Wednesday, April 25 promptly at 6:30am. Please make plans to arrive to Ellis, packed and ready to go, by 6:00am. We will return from Rock Eagle about 4pm on Friday. I will have the students call their parents when we are about 30 minutes outside of Savannah.

As you pack, please use the “What to Bring” list that was sent home last week. We have to house all our luggage plus ourselves on the bus, so space is going to be tight. Please only pack 1 bag. Bed linens/sleeping bags, towels, and pillows can be placed in a plastic trash bag to keep them together.

We are not scheduling a stop on our way to or from Rock Eagle. The trip should be 3.5 hours. If you would like to send snacks for your child to eat on the way, you may. We will be heading back to Savannah right after we eat lunch on Friday. I expect lots of sleeping happening on the way home.

If your child needs any medications, those medications should be brought by you to Nurse Chris as soon as possible.

Electronic devices will be taken up when we arrive at Rock Eagle. We will allow the students to call you after our evening classes to say goodnight, but phones will be taken back up after these calls. We are creating a Remind.com account for this trip so that we can send you daily updates and real time pictures. You can also contact all teacher chaperones through this account. To join the Remind.com class: Text: @794b22 to: 81010

There will be a souvenir shop open on our last night at Rock Eagle. You may send some money with your student to buy a souvenir. Students will be responsible for their own money.

If your student has any dietary needs, i.e. vegetarian or allergies, you need to let me know ASAP.

Erdkinder Dance Info. & Permission Slip

The Week of April 10, 2018

It's GMAS week!  I hope you are excited to use this opportunity to "show what you know"!  Here is the testing schedule:

Wednesday, April 11th- ELA Reading & Evidence Based Writing (4,5,6)

Thursday, April 12th- ELA (4,5,6)

Friday, April 13th - ELA (4,5,6)

Monday, April 17th- Math (4,5,6)

Tuesday, April 18th- Math (4,5,6)

Wednesday, April 19th- Science (5th only)

Thursday, April 20th- Social Studies (5th only)

Friday, April 20th- Makeups

Because of testing, our schedule will vary from our "normal" weeks.  While you will be excused from some lessons, you will still be required to complete your 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com and any lesson follow-ups that are assigned.  There will NOT be a current event summary or vocabulary/wordstudy assignment this week.

We have just enough time left in the year to do one more novel study together!  You will find out what novels we will be reading Monday morning!

I'm looking forward to this year's Charles Ellis Presents show!  We've spent a lot of time planning our part of the story, and now it's time to start writing the skit, creating the costumes, making the props and set!  We will work on these tasks during our work time over the next few weeks.  I can't wait to see what you create!

Have a great weekend,

Mr. Trent

Charles Ellis Presents: God With No Hands

The annual Charles Ellis Presents musical is taking place on May 3rd!  We are busy preparing for our homeroom's part of the Montessori great lesson "God With No Hands".  Over the next few weeks we will be writing the script, creating a song, making props, and designing costumes to tell this wonderful story of the creation of the universe.

The Cosmic Story

Info. Regarding the Upcoming GMAS

GMAS Schedule

Thursday, April 5th- Practice Test (5th only)

Wednesday, April 11th- ELA Reading & Evidence Based Writing (4,5,6)

Thursday, April 12th- ELA (4,5,6)

Friday, April 13th - ELA (4,5,6)

Monday, April 17th- Math (4,5,6)

Tuesday, April 18th- Math (4,5,6)

Wednesday, April 19th- Science (5th only)

Thursday, April 20th- Social Studies (5th only)

Friday, April 20th- Makeups

The Week of April 2, 2018

Welcome back from Spring Break!  I hope you had a wonderful time off, and are ready for an awesome conclusion of our school year together!

In addition to your regularly scheduled works, I will be taking some time to help you prepare for the upcoming GMAS.  We will take a look at how the test is structured and what types of questions may be see on it.  This will also give us a chance to review all of the topics we've researched this year!  Thursday, we will have a GMAS practice test that will mimic the actual testing environment.  This will give us a change to identify and "iron out" any issues that may arise so we have no problems during the actual testing days.  More information on the GMAS can be found HERE.

Be sure to complete you weekly required assignments:  Google Classroom current event journal, 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com, a Greek & Latin rootwork choice, and lesson followups.  You will have a vocabulary quiz Friday.   Progress reports will be issued Friday.  

This week is also the start of term 3 parent/teacher conferences!  If you have not already done so, please sign up for a time HERE.

As you are packing your schoolbag for Monday, please remember to have your progress report signed.

Enjoy the last bit of your holiday,
Mr. Trent

Happy Spring Break!

Have a wonderful Spring Break!  Classes will resume Monday, April 2.

Field Day T-Shirt Order Form

Ellis Math Night

Term 3 Parent/Teacher Conferences

It's time for our 3rd parent/teacher conference of the year!  Click HERE to choose a time that is most convenient for you to meet.  I look forward to speaking with your family, once again!

The Week of March 19, 2018

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I hope this special day in Savannah brings you riches and luck!  We are gearing up for Spring Break in one week, but we have a lot to before then!

This week's lessons will include working with the geographic and political aspects of Canada,  the connection between fractions, decimals, and percents, alternative energy resources, and a culminating activity associated with our novel studies books we just finished!

You will have a word study quiz Friday.  The quiz will be on the words you are given Monday morning.  Please study them for at least 10 minutes each evening.  

You will get a progress report Friday.  Please share it with your family, get it signed, and return it the Monday after Spring Break!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Mr. Trent

Hands-on Equations

The Hands-On Equations strategy is used to help students understand foundational algebraic concepts.  The manipulatives that are part of this program give a concrete representation to a concept many students find intimidating.  

Hands-On Equations

Calling All Cooks! Recipes Needed!

The Week of 12, 2018

It's starting to look very green in Savannah!  St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, and there are a number of things happening this week to get you in the spirit and help raise money for diabetes research.  Coach Leslie will be selling fun St. Paddy's Day items in the MPR all week.  Friday will be a dress down for $1 AND a special dance during your regular specials time for $1.

Wear a smile one Monday: it's Spring picture day!  The is considered a free dress-up day!

This week's lessons will include continued work with the Great River human body systems lesson, recent American history, writing rough drafts using an outline, and fraction computation.  Be sure to be reading for at least 20 minutes and studying your vocabulary words for 10 minutes each night.  You will have a vocabulary quiz Friday.

6th graders, your final grades for term 3 can be found on PowerSchool.  Report cards will be issued Friday.

I will not be at school Thursday or Friday, because I will be attending a National Science Teachers Association convention in Atlanta, GA.  Progress reports will NOT be given this week.  I'm expecting an exemplary report from the substitute upon my return.

Have a nice weekend,
Mr. Trent

The Great River

This week we explored "The Great River", the Montessori lesson about the systems of the body.  Students are now exploring each of the 11 systems and creating their own "kingdom on the river"!

researching the systems of the human body

The Week of March 5, 2018

DEAR March, come in!
How glad I am!
I looked for you before.
Put down your hat—
You must have walked—  
How out of breath you are!
Dear March, how are you?
And the rest?
Did you leave Nature well?
Oh, March, come right upstairs with me,  
I have so much to tell!

I got your letter, and the bird's;
The maples never knew
That you were coming,—I declare,
How red their faces grew!  
But, March, forgive me—
And all those hills
You left for me to hue;
There was no purple suitable,
You took it all with you.  

Who knocks? That April!
Lock the door!
I will not be pursued!
He stayed away a year, to call
When I am occupied.  
But trifles look so trivial
As soon as you have come,
That blame is just as dear as praise
And praise as mere as blame.

-Emily Dickinson

The first week of March lessons will include continued practice with fraction computation, finishing up work with binomial computation using algebra tiles, researching reconstruction, and Canadian government.   We will also meet once again in our novel study groups and work together to plan our research essay work.  

Your weekly followup work is due by Friday.  This includes your lesson followup work, Greek and Latin Roots work, current events journal, and 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com.  You should be reading for at least 20 minutes and studying your word study words for 10 minutes each evening.  You will have a word study quiz Friday. 

Wednesday is the last day of term 3.  6th graders: please submit all required assignments from this term to my by Wednesday.  

Friday is the annual "Career on Wheels" presentation!  Be looking forward to learning all about various jobs you may wish to explore!
Progress reports will be issued Friday.

Have a great weekend,
Mr. Trent

Peace Wordle

As part of our Montessori Education Week celebration, we started out day by creating a peace Wordle together.  Feel free to make your own!

Our Classroom Peace Wordle

The Week of Feb. 26, 2018

Happy Montessori Education Week!  This week we celebrate our school and the innovative education model of Montessori education!  There are a number of special events happening this week to mark this special occasion.  First, we will have guest speakers come into our classrooms to talk to us about science-based careers.  In addition, Thursday evening will be a celebration of cultures and Cosmic Education.  Please join us in the Multi-Purpose room from 6:30pm-8:00pm for cultural foods, dance, and viewing of student-created science projects.  Finally, feel free to dress as your favorite Montessori material!

This week's lesson will include continued practice with fraction computation, using algebra tiles to divide polynomials, investigate the reconstruction, The Vietnam War, and Canadian economics.  We will also meet once again in our novel study groups and work together to plan our research essay work.  

Your weekly followup work is due by Friday.  This includes your lesson followup work, Greek and Latin Roots work, current events journal, and 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com.  You should be reading for at least 20 minutes and studying your vocabulary words for 10 minutes each evening.  You will have a vocabulary quiz Friday. 

I will not be at school Friday, so progress reports will NOT be issued.

Have a nice weekend,
Mr. Trent

mentor partner reading in the media center

Important Notice

The Week of February 19, 2018

I'm rested and refreshed from visiting Tybee Island with the 5th graders over the past few days, and I am ready for another fun week with you back at Ellis!

This week's lesson will include continued practice with fraction computation, using algebra tiles to divide polynomials, researching the American Reconstruction era, the Cold War, and the Canadian natural resources, marsh food webs, and the inner earth.   We will continue our writing workshops as we meet to start our next essays Wednesday and meet in our novel study groups on Thursday to continue reading together.  

Your weekly followup work is due by Friday.  This includes your lesson followup work, Greek and Latin Roots work, current events journal, and 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com.  You should be reading for at least 20 minutes and studying your word-study words for 10 minutes each evening.  You will have a word study Friday. 

Have a great weekend,
Mr. Trent

designing sky scrapers while mentoring Ms. Kirsten's students

5th Grade Camping Trip to Burton 4-H on Tybee Island

Our 5th graders had a WONDERFUL time on our overnight camping trip on Tybee Island!  Thank-you to everyone who made this trip a success!

Happy (early) Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day came a day early in our classroom!  Because of the 5th grade camping trip taking place Wednesday, we decided to celebrate on February 13th!  It feels so good to see how much our classmates and friends care about us...it feels even better to tell someone how much you care!

Valentine's Day 

The Week of February 12, 2018

Get ready for an action-packed week at school!  With so much going on, it's important that you are keeping an eye on the calendar to make sure you are prepared for each day.

This week's lesson will include continued practice with fraction computation, using algebra tiles to multiply polynomials, investigate the battles of the Civil War, WWII, and the Latin American revolutions, Canadian geography, and the soil classification.  We have also come to the end of the writing process for our essays, so it's time to write our final copies!  

Your weekly followup work is due by Friday.  This includes your lesson followup work, Greek and Latin Roots work, current events journal, and 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com.  You should be reading for at least 20 minutes and studying your vocabulary words for 10 minutes each evening.  You will have a word study Friday. 

In celebration of Valentine's Day, we will conduct a Valentine exchange on Tuesday.  While participation is not required, it's a fun way to show your classmates how much you appreciate their friendship.  Please use a class roster when creating your Valentines to ensure that you make one for everyone. 

Our 5th graders will be camping at the Burton 4-H Center at Tybee Island from Wednesday through Friday.  If you are part of this trip, please start packing early to ensure that you have everything you need to make your camping trip the best it can be!  We will leave for camp after you arrive at school Wednesday and return before the end of the day Friday.  I will NOT be issuing progress reports this Friday, because I will be camping.  

Finally, please remember to return your signed progress report Monday morning.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Mr. Trent

fraction computation using the fraction pieces

5th Grade Trip 4-H Trip Packing List and Schedule

What to Expect on your Field Trip to the Burton 4-H Center

Science Studies

This week students' science works have focused on topics including food webs and soil.  Hooray for science!

soil dissection lab

diagramming a food web

Valentine Exchange - Tuesday, Feb. 13th

Cosmic Education & Culture Fest

You are invited -

Cosmic Education & Culture Fest

A Montessori Celebration

Thursday March 1

Beginning at 5:30 p.m.

PTA’s Science Week culminates in a celebration of

 Maria Montessori’s Cosmic Education

Students will share science investigations, experiments, and collections from 

5:30 – 6:30

Culture Fest to follow with International Music and Dances beginning at 6:30.  A Covered Dish Dinner to follow in the MPR Room

Children are encouraged in dress in traditional, cultural costumes for our Parade!

Please sign up HERE to donate a covered dish for the culture fest!

The Week of February 5, 2018

Happy February!  The groundhog has predicted 6 more weeks of winter...I predict at least 6 more weeks of fun and learning this term at Ellis!

This week's lesson will include continued practice with fraction computation, using algebra tiles to subtract polynomials, investigate the battles of the Civil War, WWII, and the Latin American revolutions, food webs, and the soil classification.   We will continue our writing workshops on Wednesday and meet in our novel study groups on Thursday.  The writing workshops will include some time to edit your rough drafts before we write a final copy.

Your weekly followup work is due by Friday.  This includes your lesson followup work, Greek and Latin Roots work, current events journal, and 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com.  You should be reading for at least 20 minutes and studying your word-study words for 10 minutes each evening.  You will have a word study Friday. 

6th graders, please remember to share you mid-term progress reports with your family.  Return them along with your weekly progress report Monday.  

Have a wonderful weekend,
Mr. Trent

6th Grade Mid-Term Progress Reports Issued Today

6th Grade mid-term progress reports are being issued today.  These reports are a print-out of the most up-to-date PowerSchool data.  Please review, sign, and return these reports Monday.  As always, you can log into PowerSchool anytime to see your child's current grades.

Worktime Happenings

animal kingdom research

using the Montessori Cultural Studies charts to research Latin American countries

The Week of January 29, 2018

The last week of January is here already!  I have a feeling you are going to LOVE what's in store for February!  

This week's lesson will include continued practice with fraction computation, using algebra tiles to represent polynomials, investigate the causes and outcomes of the Civil War, WWII, and the Latin American revolutions, and the rock cycle.   We will continue our writing workshops on Wednesday and meet in our novel study groups on Thursday. 

Your weekly followup work is due by Friday.  This includes your lesson followup work, Greek and Latin Roots work, current events journal, and 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com.  You should be reading for at least 20 minutes and studying your vocabulary words for 10 minutes each evening.  You will have a quiz on your vocabulary words Friday. 

Don't forget to meet with Ms. Kami Monday at 12:30 if you'd like to participate in the upper elementary geography bee!  

Finally, please sign and return your progress report Monday. 

Have a nice weekend,
Mr. Trent

mineral identification lab

Geography Bee

Ms. Kami is hosting a geography bee on Monday, January 29th to select who will represent the Upper Elementary homerooms at the school geography bee on Wednesday, January 31st.  Please meet Ms. Kami in the school foyer Monday at 12:30 if you would like to participate.  Click HERE for online geography bee practice.

The Week of January 22, 2018

The first-ever Ellis Boosterthon Fun Run was a smashing success!  Our class raised $825.00!  As a school, we raised over $14,000!  All of the money raised will go towards improving our playground, cutting the cost of fieldtrips, and various other school initiatives.

Boosterthon Fun Run at Daffin Park

This week is going to be a great one!  I have some fun lessons planned that touch on topics such as fraction computation, chemical/physical changes in matter, using algebra tiles to balance equations, and famous abolitionists.  We will continue our writing workshops on Wednesday and meet in our novel study groups on Thursday.  I enjoy spending these lesson times with you!

Your weekly followup work is due by Friday.  This includes your lesson followup work, Greek and Latin Roots work, current events journal, and 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com.  You should be reading for at least 20 minutes and studying your word study words for 10 minutes each evening.  You will have a quiz on your word study words Friday.

Finally, I would like to congratulate our homeroom representatives for the school spelling bee: Emilee, Jacob, and Emma S!  Good luck as you complete against the other Ellis Bobcats Tuesday morning!

Don't forget to return your signed progress reports Monday.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Mr. Trent

Fun Run Postponed

Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to POSTPONE our Fun Run until tomorrow, Friday January 19th. We have heard your concerns about the weather and want to work to protect our students. The following times are set in place for tomorrow's event:

Upper Elementary AND Erdkinder >> 10:30am @ Daffin Park Primary and Lower Elementary >> 12:00pm @ Daffin Park

Temperatures will be much warmer and the windchill advisories will have ceased by them. Still prepare your students with warm clothes but know that the weather for tomorrow is a much better option. Students may dress out of uniform tomorrow. 

 We can't wait to celebrate your students! Thank you for your cooperation and we hope to see you tomorrow!

SCCPSS Weather Closure Make-Up Days Approved

The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education has now taken official action on weather makeup days for the school closures the district experienced earlier this month due to Winter Storm Grayson.  The calendar was reviewed for the best available options to ensure the most immediate recovery of lost instruction.  Two makeup days were proposed and have been approved to recover instructional time from the three days students lost in class time during the school closure.

The approved weather make-up dates include:

Monday, February 19, 2018

Tuesday, February 20, 2018 

These dates were Pre-designated make-up days on the 2017-18 School Year Calendar.

For each make-up day, all schools will operate on their regular schedules and students should report at their designated bell time.  Board action was taken during the Regular Meeting of the School Board on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.

5th Fieldtrip to Burton 4-H Center on Tybee

The 5th grade field trip to the Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island is quickly approaching.  The trip will take place February 14, 15, and 16.  The remaining balance of the price of the trip must be paid at your earliest convenience.  Today, I have sent home a note showing the remaining balance you  may have.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Burton 4-H Center

Boosterthon Fun Run TOMORROW!

The Boosterthon Fun Run will take place tomorrow at 10:30 at Daffin Park.  Please dress warmly with comfortable running shoes.  I will give you your Fun Run shirt to wear tomorrow before we go to the park.  Also, this is your last chance to gather donations for the run.  We have already blown our school goal of $8,000 out of the water...we have collected over $11,000!  Keep it up!

Boosterthon Weekend Update

Amazing news: our classroom total for the Boosterthon Fun Run has more than doubled over the weekend and is now $313!  You can continue to collect donations through Thursday at www.funrun.com.  Don't forget to bring in your signed permission slips that were attached to your progress report by Wednesday so you can join in the Fun Run at Daffin Park Thursday morning!

Castle Quest: Charles Ellis Montessori Academy Fun Run

Thursday, January 18, 2018 @ Daffin Park

6th Grade Report Cards NOT Sent Home

6th Grade Parents: Printing of report cards has been delayed. They will be issued next week. Please log on to PowerSchool to see your child's 2nd term final averages and most up-to-date grades for this term.

The Week of January 15, 2018

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

-Martin Luther King Jr.

This short week of school is packed full of so many fun things!  Our lessons will include work with computation of fractions, algebra, World War II, and forces/motion.  You will have vocabulary words based upon your science and social studies work for the week.  Please study these words nightly for a quiz Friday.  As usual, please complete the following required assignments by Friday:

-lesson followup work

-3o minutes of www.tenmarks.com

-summary of current event article on Google Classroom

-Greek & Latin rootwork choice

Parent/Teacher conferences will conclude this week.  Please sign up for a conference day and time if you have yet to do so.  

The Boosterthon Fun Run will take place this Thursday in Daffin Park.  Please continue to gather pledges at www.funrun.com.  Every little bit counts towards raising money to improve our school playground and fund field trips.  The permission slips to attend the run that are attached to this weeks progress report are due Wednesday.  I'm happy to share that our class has raised $143.00 so far!  Let's see how much more we can collect before the run!

Friday will be our classroom spelling bee!  One student from each grade level in our classroom will be chosen to represent us in the school bee that will take place on January 23.  Feel free to use the following resources to help you prepare for the bee:

Finally, please sign and return last week's progress report.  6th graders DO NOT have to return signed  term 2 report card that was issue Friday. 

I'll see you Tuesday,

Mr. Trent

elf houses inspired by the book "Afternoon of the Elves" by Janet Taylor Lisle

planets inspired by the book "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

PTA Boosterthon Fun Run!

Boosterthon Fun Run Castle Quest

Our class is having a blast preparing for the Charles Ellis Montessori Academy Fun Run coming up soon! We've also begun to learn how to "be brave" and live with character through Boosterthon's character theme, Castle Quest. On their quest to regain Bravemore Castle, our students are learning the "SIX VIRTUES of a TRUE HERO" from a cast of colorful characters. Make sure to ask your students what they've learned each day, and together you can watch the story unfold on funrun.com!

Remember, we need your help connecting to sponsors who can make a pledge to help our school! Please make sure all pledges for the laps are entered on funrun.com. The more pledges we get, the more incentives our class earns on our Pledge-O-Meter. Plus, for every $30 per lap our class pledges, a donation will be made to help teachers fund their classroom projects through Boosterthon's giveback initiative, Project Classroom. I know our students are excited to rise to the challenge and lend a helping hand to teachers everywhere!

Thank you for your generosity and support of our school. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Have a great day!

P.S. Make sure to register your child on funrun.com. He or she will receive a FREE GIFT just for being signed up. Use our school registration code: 961698

The Week of January 8th, 2018

Welcome back after your EXTRA LONG winter break!  I hope you enjoyed your time in the Savannah winter wonderland!  Our new year together is shaping up to be a good one.  Here is what we have planned for this first school week of 2018:

We have a little bit of paperwork to take care of this week.  First, we will be choosing new classroom jobs.  You will have these jobs for the entire third term, so be sure to complete your application to the best of your ability.  Secondly, we will be taking the Word Study Spelling inventory Friday.  This is not something you can study for, but it is important because I will use the results to place you in your word study groups for the second half of the year.  

In addition to your science, math, social studies, and language arts lessons, you will be participating in some culminating activities based upon the novel you have been reading.  These culminating activities will include:

"Helen Keller" - Writing a Braille ABC book
"The Black Peal" & "Blizzard!" - Creating a "Quadriama" based upon scenes in the novel.
"Afternoon of the Elves" - Building your own elf village using found objects.
"The Little Prince" Creating an additional planet for the Little Prince to visit on his journeys.

As always, be sure to complete your current event summary on your Google Classroom site.  Please also complete your 30 minutes of www.tenmarks.com practice, as well as your nightly homework of reading for at least 20 minutes.

Please click HERE to sign up for term 2 parent/teacher conferences.  I look forward to speaking to all over the next two weeks about the awesome things going on at Ellis.

Are you ready for the first ever Bobcat Boosterthon!?  The pep rally will take place Tuesday!  I'm so excited to have some fun with this school-wide celebration of physical fitness!

Finally, please bring your signed progress report to school tomorrow.

Have a great last day of break!
Mr. Trent