NOTES FROM MRS. TSONGALIS April 26, 2009
When we return to school tomorrow, we'll begin the "homestretch" portion of sixth grade and of your children's Burgess "senior year". If the last several months have seemed to pass quickly (as they always do for us), the next two will fly! It's a bittersweet time for families and teachers alike. This is the time of year when we truly note the progress that individuals have made, but we also know that soon we'll be saying "goodbye" to all of the students who have become such an important part of our days and lives.
Here's a preview of how we'll be spending our time these next two months, academically and beyond...
In Social Studies, we'll be extensively "touring" ancient Greece and ancient Rome. We'll continue to use Maps of the Week and Time for Kids to learn about geography and current events.
In Language Arts, we'll be reading an environmental mystery, Trouble at Marsh Harbor, which will complement Mrs. Thomas' science classses' study of our local watershed. This novel examines the problem of human impact on life in the Chesapeake Bay, while in science, our students will be learning about our own (Sturbridge's) impact on life in Long Island Sound. As a culmination of this study and this school year, we'll be heading to Mystic Aquarium and to Long Island Sound (aboard the Project Oceanology boat) on June 2. To complement our Social Studies Studies units on ancient Greece and and ancient Rome, we'll be involved in activities and projects connected with the popular mythology of these civilizations. For word study, we're moving on to Wordly Wise Book 7!
Beyond academics, we'll be working hard to help students feel informed and comfortable with the transition to junior high. We'll talk about summer reading requirements and we'll visit the junior high for a good portion of a day("Step Up Day") on June 12th. On this day, students will have a class meeting, tours of the building (conducted by current students and staff members), and a "taste" of the junior high cafeteria lunch time experience. All of us (teachers) have much experience with this transition process. We encourage you and/or your child to speak to us if you have concerns or questions about anything. In the meantime, enjoy the delightful spring weather that has truly arrived this weekend!
     
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