We made it to the 100th Day! 🎉

Hi families,

One hundred days ago, half of Room 6 didn't know where the bathroom was and the other half was crying about it. On Wednesday, those same kids built a tower of 100 cups taller than my head, counted to 100 by tens without taking a breath, and informed me — repeatedly — exactly how many days were left until summer. We have come so far. 🌟

This is a quick, happy recap of how we celebrated, plus two little notes for the week ahead. About a 90-second read, and worth every second.

• The 100-cup tower. We stacked, it fell, we cheered, we stacked again — about four times. The lesson that snuck in: build a wide base before you go tall. If your kid is suddenly stacking everything in your kitchen, you're welcome and I'm sorry.
• 100-piece collections. Everyone brought a bag of 100 small things — buttons, pasta, googly eyes, one very ambitious bag of 100 mini marshmallows that did not survive the morning. Ask your kid which collection was their favorite that wasn't their own.
• "100 years old" day. We dressed up as 100-year-old versions of ourselves with powdered hair, canes, and a LOT of "back in my day." The wisdom shared: "Don't eat sand" and "Be nice to your sister." Solid advice at any age.
• 100-word stories. Each kid wrote a story using exactly 100 words and counted every single one with a triumphant finger. At home, try it together at dinner — 100 words about the best part of their day.

• Library books are due Thursday, Feb 5. A few are hiding in backpacks, under beds, and (per one confession) "inside the couch." A quick treasure hunt this weekend would be a huge help. 🔎
• Valentines are coming. If your child wants to bring cards on Feb 13, please bring one for everyone — our class list of 24 names went home in folders today so no friend gets left out.
• Water bottles, please. Counting is thirsty work. A labeled, refillable bottle each day keeps the whole room happier (and cuts down on 14 trips to the fountain before 9am).

Thank you for celebrating 100 days of growing up with us — the missing teeth, the brave new words, the friendships that didn't exist back in September. Only 80-ish days to go, and we plan to count every one. 💜

Warmly,
Mr. Castellanos 🎉