Welcome Back

Welcome back to students and families.  A special welcome to all new families coming into Meriwether Lewis this year.  We are so happy to have everyone here.

The first week of school was great.  Students were happy and creative with the many activities that the teachers explored with them.

Please join us for Back to School Night on Tuesday, September 8th from 6-8pm. This is a parent only event.  Look for details coming home soon.

I am in the process of changing my blog over to another format.  Check back soon for a more elaborate post.

Warmest regards,
Brandi Robertson

Spring Arrives

I don't know about you, but I am glad that the official day of Spring has finally arrived.  Now we just need the warm temperatures to back that up.  I can also assume that the snow days are over!

There is so much going on each week at Meriwether Lewis. I love coming to work each day to see the many activities and projects that are happening around here.

 I had the opportunity to be a "judge" last week for the 3rd graders as they gave their 4-H speeches.  It was so wonderful to watch these students in action.  They all did a wonderful job and I look forward to watching them in the future as they become top speakers somewhere.

Kindergartners had a great time last week looking for the leprechauns as they sure do cause some ruckus.  Traps were designed and set, but those little guys are so quick and witty.

First grade did a wonderful job a couple weeks ago with their Patriotic Program.  I always love watching them perform.

Second grade just finished up their China celebrations.  The students did a nice job and were able to share their knowledge and projects with their families.

Fifth grade has a middle school visit coming up in the near future, as well as their field trip to Jamestown.  I know that they are excited about that.

Fourth and Fifth graders have been practicing for their upcoming musical show.  I know Mr. White has them working hard.  That show is on Wednesday, April 29th.

This week the 5th grade Honor's Choir is performing with all of the other county schools on Wednesday.  They have been practicing a lot for this performance and I know that they will do great.

Mr. Williams and Mrs. Harbilas are planning a Family PE Dance Night for Thursday, April 2nd.  We hope to see you there shaking your dance feathers.

Thank you to Mrs. Atkinson for a great Book Fair this year.  There are so many new books coming into the library.  Also, a shout out to her for organizing the 3rd/4th grade trip to see Kate DiCamillo.

Congratulations are in order for our Art teacher, Mr. Andrew Sherogan, for being named the Golden Apple Award winner from Meriwether Lewis.  He is definitely deserving of this honor.  Way to go Mr. S.   This was evidenced by some of the work that was displayed at the Art show at the Fashion Square Mall by our students.

Ms. Bell is waiting to get a final count for the MLS Food Drive.  This is the last week to bring things in.  If we reach a certain level, Dr. Irani will eat bugs and I(ughhh) will be fashioning pink hair!! All for a good cause of course.  

Don't forget that April 3rd is now a snow make-up day.
The following week, April 6-10th is Spring Break.  Please enjoy the time with your children.  If you are traveling, please be safe.

The last few months of school tend to really fly by.  We have a lot to do and want to make sure we do everything we can for your children.  Please try to have your students here at school daily and on time.  School starts at 7:55am each morning.  This means that they should be in their classrooms ready to learn at that time.  At the end of the 3rd quarter, letters will be going home to parents of students who have had excessive tardies or absences.

Happy Spring!
Warmest Regards,
Brandi Robertson

Upcoming Dates

3/25 Class Picture Day

3/25 5th Grade Honors Choir Performance 5:30 pm at Monticello HS

4/2  PE Family Dance Night 6:15-7:30pm

4/3 End of the 3rd Quarter

4/3 Snow Make Up Day - School in Session

4/6-4/10 Spring Break

4/28 Report cards sent home

4/29 4th/5th Grade Spring Concert (9am and 6:30pm)

4/27-5/1  Wellness Week

5/4-5/8 Teacher Appreciation Week

Jumping into January

Welcome Back from Dr. Irani and Mrs. Robertson!

Happy New Year!!!  It is so hard to believe that we are now in the year 2015.  We are also just about at the midway point in our school year.  Before you know it, it will be June.  On Monday, the students and staff returned from the holiday break.  It was great to get back into our routine.  We hope that you had a chance to enjoy some precious time with your families. I know that I definitely enjoyed being with my family and some of the down time that I took.

Some exciting things that I have seen this week:
*Printing objects on our 3D printer
*Kindergarten students leading our whole school morning meeting
*1st grade students using their awesome research skills
*Student minds in full force!

MLS Students presenting check to UVA Children's Hospital from donations made at the PTO Kids' Market by students!

Technology TidBits
*As many families possibly have new technology from the holidays, please remember to research products and choose apps and websites that are safe for the child's age.  Recently, the PTO posted a question on their Facebook page about suggestions for apps/websites so that parents could share good examples with each other.
*So I pose this question: What are some apps or websites that you would recommend to other parents that you have found appropriate for your children? (Feel free to comment on this blog so others can see.)

*A few months ago we held a parent technology information awareness night.  Many of the parents who attended were interested in keeping these conversations going.  One of the questions that kept popping up was how do we keep our children safe on the internet and what information is out there to help parents become more informed.  I think that is going to continue to be a topic of concern for years to come, especially as technology is constantly expanding.

*If you have any other tech questions, please feel free to send them to me.

Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Robertson


Upcoming Dates
Jan. 16 - End of 2nd quarter
Jan. 19 - No School- Holiday/Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Jan. 20 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday
Jan. 21 - Principal Coffee Chat 8:15am-9:15am - Library
Jan. 22 - Grade 3-5 Spelling Bee
Feb. 3 - Report Cards Go Home
Feb. 6 - PTO Bingo Night 6-8pm