It’s hard to believe that 3rd quarter ends March 1st! Then, the following week, we have parent-teacher conferences and Spring Break the week after that! Remember, birds are everywhere! You and your CATS student can practice good scientific observation skills outside of school any day, whenever you choose! Try downloading the free Merlin app on a smart phone or tablet. Merlin can identify birds by sound! So, get out there, enjoy our great spring weather, and “take your birding to the next level!”
Here are some important dates: Thurs.- Fri., March 7th-8th: NO CATS (half-days for parent-teacher conferences) March 11th- 15th: SPRING BREAK Tues., March 19th: NO CATS for 5th graders – AZSCI Assessment district-wide Wed., March 27th: Field Trip to Madera Canyon – 4th grade Wed., April 3rd: NO CATS for 4th graders – AASA Writing Assessment district-wide Fri., March 29th – April 1st: NO SCHOOL (Holiday) Mon., April 8th: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 6th Grade Field Trip to UA Flandrau Planetarium! https://www.flandrau.org/events/solar-eclipse-event-tucson April 15th – 18th : NO CATS - AASA TESTING district-wide
Curriculum 6th Graders are learning about flight. This month, we will construct and launch stomp rockets and then chemical rockets. Our field trip to the U of A on Monday, April 8th will involve viewing the solar eclipse on the UA Mall. We will be able to watch the eclipse though Solar telescopes and ISO certified solar viewing glasses. We will also attend a planetarium show at noon explain the natural phenomenon of eclipses!
Fifth Graders have continued to contribute bird data to Project Feeder Watch from observations at our bird feeder station located right outside our classroom window. We have been analyzing the data collected over the last 2 winters, and we will be working on group data projects, where we can draw some interesting conclusions and teach each other about interesting trends and our discoveries. On Tuesday, April 2nd, we plan to hold our first annual “Presentations and Pizza!” – a science poster session.
Fourth Graders have also continued bird data to Project Feeder Watch from observations at our bird feeder station located right outside our classroom window. We have been analyzing the data collected over the last 2 winters, and we will be working on group data projects, where we can draw some interesting conclusions and teach each other about interesting trends and our discoveries. On Wednesday, March 27th, we are going to Madera Canyon! We will spend the day hiking the nature trail loop, which is a beautiful trail running along the canyon’s creek. We are sure to see a lot of birds, tall trees, and other wildlife. There will NOT be CATS for 4th graders on Wednesday, April 3rd, as all students in the district will be taking the AASA Writing Assessment.
Third Graders will continue to learn how to play the games and puzzles in the CATS classroom that focus on spatial reasoning, logic, and strategy. We will spend time in the garden, tending to our winter plants and hopefully harvesting and eating! We will do an art lesson with an artist from the Tucson Museum of Modern Art (MOCA) on March 21st.
Other Important Stuff March 7th and 8th are parent-teacher conferences. Please contact me by phone or email with any questions or concerns you have regarding your child and the CATS program. I am here to support and help your child! (520-696-8437)
Classroom Needs We are always in need of healthy class snacks Thanks!