The Logging Conference

All the fourth graders went together to the Logging Conference. Cole's dad, John, was our guide...and what a great time we had! We saw equipment...a wildlife show...the logger competition...a helicopter take off...and a yarder in action. We also got to ride on the 'Steam Donkey.' Thank you to all the parents who went with us and helped to make it so successful!

Happy HALF Birthday, Bailee

Once upon a time when Mrs. J was in elementary school, the P.E. teacher use to give all the kids a 'birthday spanking' when it was their birthday. He was a big man and would swing you up and around in a circle on the 'one to grow on' part of the 'spanking.' It was something all the kids loved and looked forward to. Unfortunately, those of us with summer birthdays always missed out.

When I started teaching, I knew I would never leave out the summer birthdays. Well, Bailee jumped the gun and she brought cupcakes to celebrate her HALF BIRTHDAY! It was EXACTLY half way too! so....HAPPY HALF BIRTHDAY TO YOU, BAILEE!

Collin comes to visit

Collin is now 21 years old...but he was a Room 8'er both when he was 7 years old (and in the 2nd grade) and again when he was 11 and a 6th grader! He came home to visit for his spring break and came and told us all about becoming a mining engineer and working in a salt mine, coal mine, and a gold mine! We enjoyed having him come...and boy did we have the questions!

Amanda brings souvenirs from Mexico

Our very own Amanda took a trip to Mexico in January with her parents. They went to help do some dental work...what an experience!

Amanda brought each and every person who lives in Room 8 a wooden bookmark. On the tops, are painted different animals - I assume from that area of Mexico. We all love them...

THANK YOU, Amanda!...and we're glad you're back!

A Surprise Visit on a Thursday Afternoon

After lunch, Room 8 had a surprise visit from Ms. van Ark. I knew she was coming (she had called before school) but I let it be a surprise to the kids. Sydney wouldn't let go of her...and then when the rest of the class saw Ms. van Ark...well, it was excitiing. They were running up to give her a hug...to let her know they missed her. Someone said, "Mrs. Johnston...take a picture!" So I did!

Christmas in Room 8 ... or... The Blog was only Temporarily Abandoned!

First I have to apologize for the abandonment of the blog. Our family went to Texas for Christmas...and then I've been spending a lot of time with my Camilla...so the blog was put on the back burner. I will try to do better. I love posting about the wonderful students who live in Room 8, and I know many of you have told me how you enjoy reading it.

So...backtrack to December! We first have to start with a huge 'CONGRATULATIONS' to Ms. van Ark for becoming a citizen of the United States! Here she was sharing with us about the day she was sworn in.

Back to our last week...What a time we had! The 'Holiday' performance when we sang with our first grade buddies, Gingerbread Houses, the Gift Exchange, and our party were highlights of the last week. The making of Gingerbread houses is always a lot of fun. I always enjoy all the parents, grandparents, great grandparents (well, at least for Bailee!), and siblings that join us.








On Friday, we had a wonderful party put on by some of the wonderful parents of Room 8! What a treat it was. This party was followed by our gift exchange.

December was a very busy...but fun month in Room 8.
Good-bye 2006!

"I'll trade you 2 chocolates for 1 dill pickle," said Adam.

Yep, that's exactly what Adam said to Joshua. I wrote it down after I stopped laughing.

What he was talking about were pencils...scented pencils...VERY popular scented pencils...pencils that some kids have spent LOTS of money on. They come in all 'flavors'...chocolate, cinnamon, dill pickle, coconut, bubble gum, lime...I don't even remember all the flavors.

So Parents...if you're very loved Room 8'er is telling you how desperate they are for a new pencil, it may not be because of an extensive amount of writing. They might be starting a collection of pencils!

Bailee shares about Hannukah

Bailee brought in her Menorah to share with Room 8...and to tell us about how her family celebrates Hannukah. She brought a book, which she read to the class, and some Star of David cookies.

She also brought a dreidel...and told what each of the letters stand for. The book she read also talked about the dreidel game. After talking about Hannukah, the Menorah, and the dreidel, she took questions...a lot of questions...and answered them all with poise and confidence. I was impressed, Bailee!

Happy Birthday, Joshua!

Joshua is getting old...like now his age is in double digits! Of course, we had the 'grey hair' hunt today in Room 8. I actually thought I had found one so it was quickly yanked out! (Joshua said, "Ouch!"...not sure if it was pain or surprise that there was a grey hair!) We also looked for wrinkles, and I'm glad to post that Joshua is holding his age well...no wrinkles to be found!

Joshua is my kind of guy...he had listed DARK CHOCOLATE as his favorite candy bar!

In this photo, he's checking out THE grey hair!

Happy Birthday, Joshua!

We're a jumping group of guys!

Some of the boys are trying their hand at a group jump.

Jump roping definitely caught on as a recess activity. I think it first started when we had to stop football for a bit...we had a few too many rough games! I have to hand it to these guys...they're giving it a good try!

Room 8 doesn't let grass grow under their feet!

The title of this post is an expression I grew up with...it means you don't stay still. Well, Room 8 isn't letting any grass grow under their feet either. When we were collecting phone books, Room 8 did a great job and we were in the top 3 - our party for winning that will be December 14th. Now that we've been selling Mary Kay as a fund-raiser for our school, grass didn't grow under our feet again! No way...Room 8 sold the most for the upper grades! We have now won another party! Oh boy!!!