This week, we became scientists.

Hi families,

What a week. We planted lima beans in clear cups so the kids could watch the roots reach down and the first green elbow push up — and the gasp when the first sprout appeared on Thursday was worth every spilled scoop of potting soil. Your scientists are very invested in their beans, so please expect daily updates at the dinner table.

Here's everything that happened, what's coming up, and the two small things I need from you this week. As always, this should take about ninety seconds to read. 🌱

• Science — Living Things. We started our bean-sprout journals. Each child draws their plant every morning and labels the roots, stem, and leaves. Ask them what a seed needs to grow — they will list all four, with feeling.
• Reading. We finished The Year of the Garden and voted it a Room 12 classic. Twenty minutes a night, any book — your lap counts as a reading nook.
• Math. We're regrouping in two-digit addition. The trick that finally clicked: "if the ones get too crowded, send a friend upstairs to the tens." Borrow it at home.
• Kindness jar. We filled the jar to the line, so we've earned extra recess on Friday. The kids are thrilled. I am also thrilled.

• Wed, June 10 — Library books due. Please do a quick under-the-bed sweep; we do one last big checkout before summer.
• Thu, June 11 — Wear red. It's our last spirit day, and the group photo goes in the yearbook.
• Fri, June 19 — No homework. Field Day energy only.
• Sunscreen & refillable water bottles can live in backpacks now through the end of term — afternoons are getting warm on the field.

One small ask: by Wednesday, please pick up any medication kept in the office before summer. The front desk can't send it home with students. If your child will miss Field Day, just reply to this note and I'll pair them with a buddy ahead of time.

Thank you, as always, for sharing your kids with me. Eleven school days left — let's make them good ones.

Warmly,
Ms. Rivera