Dear Parents,

I want to thank everyone who joined the third grade last week for the river trip. I am so sad that I was not able to join everyone for the lovely walk through Henry Cowell Park. Due to the rain that started once the group reached the river, the art project and the hydrologist visit had to be rescheduled. What everyone did get was a delightful walk through the dripping, fragrant redwoods, next to the San Lorenzo River. Some students collected acorns, some took river shore tours with Katie and some just enjoyed sharing an umbrella with a friend. Last Friday, hydrologist Kristina Finstad was able to come to Gateway to give her presentation. She told us about the sources of our drinking water, pollutants in the San Lorenzo River, and the aquatic life in the river (from Coho and Steelhead salmon to New Zealand mud snails!). In the days ahead, we will study photographs that Laura Lucas took for us and do our drawings with Susan. We will continue to practice the reenactment in class, and please also help your child to practice every night at home. On River Day (October 28th 9:00-10:00 a.m.), we will share all that we have learned with you.

There is a homework assignment going home this week about the San Lorenzo River. Please help your child to visit a spot along the river that they have never visited before. The assignment is due next week. The writing that the students do for this assignment will be an important part of our River Day Celebration.

In math, we are working together to solve word problems using addition and subtraction. The children are eager to share strategies and ideas in class discussions.

Please remind your children to study their word wall words on an on-going basis each month and to also practice their addition and subtraction fact triangles. The October word wall words will go home this week. The fact triangles went home last week.

Halloween is coming soon. There will be a parade at school on Monday, October 31st.

Please help your child to decide on a costume which is school-appropriate and does not include weapons of any kind.

Next Thursday and Friday, I will be holding Goal Setting Conferences (October 20th and 21st). I look forward to meeting with you all. If you have not yet signed up, there are a few slots still available: Friday at 11:30, 12, 1:30, and 2. Please let me know if you would like to sign up for one of these times.

Best,

Kaia