A Few Thoughts About Sargent Camp...

In a week, we will be boarding the buses and heading to Sargent Camp! The weather during the past two weeks is a reminder to us all to pack for any and all types of conditions. In the past we have had sun, rain, snow, wind, colder temperatures and warmer days while at camp. When you pack be sure to include a water bottle and plenty of socks, along with several grocery or ziploc gallon bags. If your child's footwear becomes wet, these bags can act as a layer to keep feet dry. Please keep in mind all students must carry (or roll) their luggage from the U-Haul to the cabin.

You may want to mail a letter or card to your child during the latter part of this week in order for him or her to receive it on time. The address is:

Nature's Classroom at Sargent Center

36 Sargent Camp Road

Hancock, NH  03449

Please write "Swasey" on the envelope for easier delivery.

In the past, some students became quite homesick and teary after reading mail from home. Please consider this as you write your card or letter. "We know you are well and having fun. We are excited to hear about your adventures at camp" may be less upsetting than "We all miss you so much and are counting the days until you get home."

Please remember if your child is bringing a prescription or nonprescription medication to camp, it must be turned in to Rebecca Doucet. If you can send it in prior to April 11, it would be helpful. The morning we leave is normally hectic and having the medication taken care of beforehand will eliminate any confusion.

On Monday, April 11, please bring your child to school around 8:15-8:20 (no earlier please). All luggage should be brought to the U-Haul truck which will be parked by the Kindergarten entrance. After storing luggage, please meet me in the gymnasium. We will load the buses and plan to leave by 9:00.

We will return back to Swasey on Friday, April 15 around 12:00. Please arrange to have your son or daughter picked up from school at that time. An Alert Now message will be sent to your phone number on file indicating our arrival time.

When Swasey staff have the opportunity to take pictures, we will upload them to two photo sharing sites. Wifi is spotty at best at camp, and there is a lot going on each day. Therefore, photos may not be added regularly. Our goal is to post to Instagram throughout the day, and to upload any and all pictures we take at camp to the FlickR account whenever possible. Images on the FlickR page can be downloaded at home more easily. However, out of respect for others, please DO NOT SHARE OR POST images of children other than your own on any personal social media site or otherwise.

Instagram Account: Swaseygrade5

FlickR Account: https://www.flickr.com/photos/139839523@N05/

If you have any last minute questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to give me a call. I am so excited to spend the week with your child. This out-of-school time together allows me to get to know all of the children on a different level.

Have a wonderful week and I will see you on Monday, April 11.

The Age of Discovery: A Research Project

As we move into the third quarter of 5th grade, it is time for our main research project of the year. On Thursday, each student chose an explorer from the Age of Discovery to research. We reviewed a list of the project requirements and discussed a variety of options your child can choose from to share the information learned.  Each student must choose a project format by Wednesday, February 3. A calendar specific to each project type will then be developed. This calendar will include deadlines for each step in the process, breaking the project into smaller, manageable segments to reduce stress and prevent last minute breakdowns. My purpose in assigning this project is for your child to learn new information, to draw conclusions, to understand how to complete a long-term assignment, and to learn how to present information to others.

We are now beginning the research phase in earnest. An initial text was read to gain an overall picture of the explorer's life and accomplishments. Using additional resources, both in print and on-line, notes will be taken (either digitally on Google Slides or on index cards) and then organized. All research will be completed in class by Thursday, February 4.

It is expected your child will construct (or write, videotape, etc.) the final project at home.  I want to take a moment to discuss ways you can help support and encourage your child in this endeavor. For some, it may be helpful if you discuss project formats with him/her which showcase personal strengths: a journal or newspaper for a writer, sketches paired with an oral presentation or a comic book for an artist, a reenactment or talk show for an actor or actress. Ask your child how you can help him/her get started. The task can sometimes be overwhelming. Helping your child identify and gather needed materials, as well as establishing a work space may be beneficial. The actual construction of the project will begin the second week of February, but early planning is helpful.

As with all projects, it is important this be the work of your child. As a parent, I know how easy it is to step in and complete the task with your child. However, when children successfully complete their own work, not only are they proud of their accomplishments, but the experience builds their confidence in their abilities and their self-esteem. As they share their projects in class, my hope is they will gain information about the topic, as well as share the strategies they used to complete the task, learning from each other. Allowing your child to complete the work will also allow me to fairly grade each project. Grading becomes difficult when parents help with the completion of the project.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me. The project guidelines and a grading rubric can be found in your child's binder and on our class website. All projects are due Thursday, February 18.