March Madness!!

March is finally upon us.  Unfortunately, we have missed a lot of school this week due to the inclement weather.  Hopefully, the nice weather will arrive soon.  It was definitely nice to see the students and staff back today and I hope that that trend will continue.

There is a lot going on at Meriwether Lewis.  Projects, field trips and some very exciting learning.  The students are really progressing from the beginning of the year.  It is amazing to see how much they have grown!

Some 5th grade students is Mrs. Wetmore-Simpson's class presented Multicultural reports this week and they were fabulous.  First grade students celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday by having their parents come in and read with them.  Plus they, as well as kindergartners, were able to wear their pajamas to school. That was exciting.  Maybe every day can be pajama day!!

A few weeks ago, one or our 5th grade students, Aditi Prakash, competed in the Albemarle County Spelling Bee.  We are so very proud of her and that awesome achievement.

Class picture day has been rescheduled from 3/6 to 4/14.  Information will be send home closer to the new date.
As of right now, school is now scheduled to end on Friday, June 13 (due to snow days.)

Upcoming Dates:
March 18 & 20  5th Grade Writing SOL Test
March 19  Kindergarten Registration
March 19 5th Grade Honor's Choir
March 21 PTO Silent Auction at King Family and Kids' Night Out at MLS
March 28 Green Day for County - No School for Students
March 31-April 4   Spring Break
April 7  Return to School
April 14 Class Picture Day

Congratulations, Aditi!!

Thank you to everyone who is a part of Meriwether Lewis!  

Warmest Regards,

Mrs. Robertson

February at MLS

We have just entered the second week of February and it is hard to believe that it is almost the middle of the month already.

Last Wednesday, we took part in the national Digital Learning Day, and it was great to see many of the students engaged in purposeful technology use.
Also, on Wednesday night, many 5th grade parents came out to hear the Henley middle school principal talk about the experiences the children will have when they move up to 6th grade.  Students' biggest fears - lockers.  Parents' biggest fears - academics.
On Thursday, all of the students attended a "Mad Science" assembly.  It was awesome.  One student came up to me on Friday and told me that it was the best show and could we bring it back again next year.  Those are the types of reactions that I just love to witness.
Today, we started off the week with an early dismissal because the President of the U.S. is visiting our wonderful city.  Even though it was a shortened day, there was a lot of learning and activity going on until the dismissal bell rang.

Upcoming Dates
2/11   Western Feeder Schools Community Meeting to discuss proposed school budget - Henley @7pm
2/12   MLS Principal Search meeting @ 6pm - MLS Library
2/17   No School for Students - Professional Development for Teachers
2/24-2/28  MLS Book Fair Week

Enjoy your week!
Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Robertson

Welcome 2014

2014 is already going by pretty fast.  Hard to believe it is almost the end of January.  The students had been back for 2 weeks of school, but have had the last few of days off.  Hopefully, parents and children are enjoying this time together.  We are closed today, but are really hoping to be open tomorrow. You just never know down here in Virginia.

There has been a lot going on at Meriwether the last few weeks.  We welcome Ms. Karen Marcus to our school as our interim principal.  I am looking forward to working with her and she has already begun to become a part of our school family.   I encourage you to stop by and introduce yourself.  Everything is running smoothly as usual and there is plenty to keep us busy (it will be the June before you know it.)  :)

The 3rd-5th graders participated in the annual MLS Health Fair on 1/17.  They had a blast.  Third grade went on their field trip to Washington, D.C.  on 1/9 and I heard they had a great time.  

Also, I want to take a minute to thank all of the parents who have offered their thoughts and support during my family's recent loss of my younger brother, Derek.  It is with your kind words that has made my transition back to work much easier.  Also, seeing the children's faces and being with them in the classrooms has been very helpful.  All I ask is that you enjoy each and every day with your families.  Tell them that you love them and hug them when you can.  Each day is definitely a gift!

Warmest Regards,
Brandi Robertson

Upcoming Dates

2/4 2nd Qtr. Report cards are sent home with students

2/6 Mad Science Show here at MLS

2/12 Golden Apple Teacher Nominations are due to MLS

2/17 No School for Students

2/24-2/28 Book Fair Week

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

As we approach the last day before our holiday break, it is time to find time to enjoy the people and things we have in life.  The holidays are more than just presents, but in my eyes time to spend with my family.  I have to admit I think I am going to to a lot of relaxing during this break, too.

The students are so excited for the holidays and you can definitely feel that in the air as I walk through the school.  I really do love this time of year in an elementary school (minus the full moon this week, too, though.)

We all have holiday traditions, each a little different, but so meaningful to each family.  I look forward to the time off and seeing family and friends.  Twinkling lights, Xmas trees, decorations, gatherings, are just a few of my favorite things this time of year.

Over the last couple of weeks a lot has been happening here at MLS.  Last Friday, the K-2 grade students participated in the Health Fair.  There were many stations that they rotated through.  My favorite was the ball drums.  I had a blast at that station!

Second graders had the opportunity to see a hand-made hover craft.  Some of them even got to ride it.  It was very neat. (see picture below)

There have been holiday parties, PE dance-offs, and many projects this week.  You can't walk down the hall without seeing some cool piece of artwork or creation.  I love it!!!

When we return in 2 weeks we will welcome in 2014.  Wow where has the year gone?

I hope that everyone has a wonderful break.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families!!

Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Robertson

K-2 Health Fair - Ball Drums

Kindergarten Gingerbread House and People

2nd Graders riding a "Hover Craft"

2nd Grade Totem Pole - so cool!!

                       

Dashing December ...

Dashing through the snow...oh wait we haven't had any of that yet!!

Welcome back from Thanksgiving break!  I hope that everyone enjoyed the time off to relax and spend time with family.

December is upon us and we are up and running fast.  There are about 2 weeks (and 2 days) of school until our holiday break.  The children are bustling and there are a lot of activities going on in the upcoming days.  

This week, the 4th graders performed for the school and their parents their musical, "Yo Leonardo!"  It was fabulous.  Congrats to the students for a job well done and to Mr. White our music teacher for another great production.

Kindergarteners went on a field trip to Ashlawn and had a great time on Thursday. Third graders went to visit the UVA Lawn on Monday and also had a wonderful time learning about the history of that area.

This week as I have been going into classrooms, I have seen students creating many products and using a variety of strategies to solve problems.  The creativity they are using is absolutely amazing!  I am so very proud of each and every student!!!

We had a special treat this week.  The wonderful MLS PTO gifted all teachers and staff with either a box of oranges or grapefruit. What a great treat for all!!  Thank you so much for thinking of everyone.  It was also nice that it was purchased in support of the Western Albemarle High School Band (another Albemarle school that most of MLS students eventually attend.)

Please remember the importance of making sure your child(ren) are dropped off on time every day for school.  Students should be in their classrooms by 7:55 am when the bell rings.  It is difficult for children to start their day off when they are missing the start of the day with their classmates.  We thank you for your help with this.  Also, when scheduling appointments please try to make them after the school day so that your child does not need to leave early (I know this is sometimes hard due to schedules.)
Have a wonderful week!  

Warmest Regards,

Mrs. Robertson

Be Thankful

With the Thanksgiving break just completed and the holiday season upon us, I would like for everyone to think about all of the things/people/etc. that they are grateful for.  We sometimes forget to take the time to step back and remember everything that we have in our lives - big or small.  Tell your loved ones what they mean to you and as the holiday approaches, please be thankful.

Today I am thankful for a variety of things.  

At school, I am thankful for: the children, the staff of MLES, the parents, and the love of learning and teaching that occurs at our school.  The laughs and stories from the children make me smile each and every day.
At home I am thankful for my husband, my parents, brother, friends, dog, the roof over our heads, my health and happiness in life, and all the opportunities that I have been given in life.  It is definitely not something to be taken for granted.

There are so many people in this world who don't have much and in times when I am feeling ungrateful I try to remember what I have and how I need to be thoughtful and thankful.

To round out this post here are a few pictures of the happenings going on. Enjoy
Warmest regards,
Mrs. Robertson

3rd grade Students in Mrs. Robinson's Class created projects on Greece, Rome, and Mali

         

 5th grade Musical Performance of "Really Rosie"

November is upon us

Hard to believe we are already in the month of November.  Before you know it, it will be the winter holiday break.  The weather started to get cold this week, but now temperatures have risen again.

There is a lot going on at Meriwether Lewis.  Students in K, 1, and 3 went on a field trip this week to watch a play called "Stuart Little" at the Paramount Theater.   I heard they all really enjoyed the play.

Monday was Veteran's Day and throughout this week many classes have had visitors come in to talk about veterans.  It has been wonderful to have military personnel, past and present, be able to speak to our children.

We even had Congressman Hurt visit us this week to congratulate our school on our Blue Ribbon Award.  You can see a clip of this on nbc29.

5th Grade math students in Ms. Geraty's class testing their paper airplane designs

We have one more full week and 2 days of school before Thanksgiving break.  I know that I am looking forward to traveling to Pennsylvania to spend time with my family.  Enjoy this weekend with your family.

Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Robertson