� Novel Study � We will soon begin our next novel study, The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare. In the story, a thirteen-year-old boy named Matt is left to guard his family�s cabin in the Maine wilderness. When he runs into trouble, he is helped by a Penobscot Indian boy named Attean, and they learn many lessons about life and friendship from one another. As with our previous novel study, we will complete a packet of questions and journal activities, do some cooking, and compare and contrast the movie and the book.
� Writing/Grammar � The class is hard at work on their Harris Burdick stories. We expect our rough drafts to be finished by Friday. We will spend next week revising and editing, so we can produce our final drafts by January 16. Please note that final drafts must by typed.
� Math � We are wrapping up our geometry unit this week. Today, we created tessellations and identified regular polygons. Tomorrow, we will derive a rule for finding the sum of the angles of a polygon. Optional extra-credit review sheets for Friday�s test will be distributed tomorrow. Our next unit is on division. Look for details in the Family Letter in this Friday�s folder.
� Science � As our energy unit draws to a close, we are focusing on alternative energy sources. We will build solar ovens and using graphic organizers to sort the information we have learned. In Science Lab, students will continue their alternative energy research project. Our unit test is scheduled for Friday, January 16, and review sheets will be distributed on Monday.
� Social Studies � Students are still hard at work on their regions projects. They have completed their Mystery State research and are ready to delve into the creative portion of their regional exploration. If all goes as scheduled, the projects should be completed by January 23. We will also have a short test on the regions chapter of our textbook on January 15. A chapter review (5 pts. extra credit!) is available in the book on pg. 50.
� Friday Folders � Friday folders will return this week. We skipped December 19, so folders wouldn�t get lost at home over the Winter Break.
� January Assembly � Please join us for our January assembly on Friday, January 30 at 2:00 PM. Our Talented Tornadoes will be Alex and Max. Please note the early start time, which is due to a special performance of Schoolhouse Rock Live! by Hoof n� Horn, Duke�s musical theatre group.