Welcome back!!!

Welcome to the 2014-15 school year.  We are so excited to see our returning students, as well as our upcoming kindergarteners and new students!!  Teachers return to school on 8/13 and then we will be up and running trying to get everything ready to welcome students on the first day of school, 8/20.

A warm welcome to all new families and we encourage you to stop by and introduce yourselves.  If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Some upcoming dates to put on the calendar:

August

Monday, August 18 - Open House, 3:30-5:00 (stop by during that time with your children to meet the teachers)

Wednesday, August 20 - 1st Day of School   (school begins at 7:55 am)

Friday, August 22 - PTO Welcome Coffee - 9am -10am

September

Monday, September 1 - Labor Day - No School for Students

Tuesday, September 9 - Back to School Night 6pm-8pm

We are looking forward to a great school year!

Warmest regards,

Mrs. Robertson

Endings bring new beginnings!

Well here we are again, the end of yet another school year.  I always get to this point and can't seem to figure out where the year went.  The last week of school we celebrated the 5th graders with a promotion ceremony to send them off into new adventures in middle school.  It was bittersweet for me because they were my first group of Kindergartners when I began at Meriwether Lewis.  We have completed this 6 year journey together.  What a journey it has been!  I really had to hold back the tears at this one, although I am so very happy for each and every one of the students.

This last few weeks have been busy, but we have all had a great time with each other.  We have had field days, class celebrations, beach days, and much, much more!!

I would like to thank Blue Bell Creamery for coming out to Meriwether Lewis and bringing the students ice cream treats to celebrate us being a Blue Ribbon School!  The students were so kind and polite when getting their ice cream and man was it yummy!

Ase we come to the end of another eventful year, I wish everyone a great summer!  I can't wait to see all the students back next year, as well as welcome our new Kindergarteners and new families.

Enjoy time with your family and take some time to relax.

Thank you for a great school year.
Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Robertson

Marvelous May at Meriwether 2014

There has been a lot going on at Meriwether Lewis since we returned from Spring Break!! I can't believe it has been that long since I have posted a blog.  Those busy days have most definitely caught up with me and we are so close to the finish line.

First off, I would like to welcome, Dr. Irani, as our new principal.  He has officially started full-time on and I am really looking forward to working with him.  If you haven't had a chance to stop by and introduce yourself to him, please do.

Thank you to the PTO and parents for a wonderful teacher appreciation week.  Everyone loved the themed luncheon!!

Third - Fifth Graders have begun SOL testing this week and have been doing a great job staying focused.  I know they will all be excited when they are finished.

I have decided to include a lot of pictures in this post because of the many activities going on daily. The main focus with be on kindergarten, since they are almost finished with their first year of elementary school.

Thank you again for all you do for your children and the partnership you have with us here at Meriwether.  We appreciate the many hours you volunteer and support your children.  We look forward to the many events and activities in the last few weeks of school.

Upcoming Events
May 26 - Memorial Day Holiday
May 29 - 2nd Grade Show
May 30 - PTO Kids Night Out
June 3 - Field Day 3-5
June 5 - Field Day K-2
June 6 - PTO Volunteer Breakfast 8 am
June 11 - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony 9 am
June 12 - Whole School Assembly 9am; Last Day of School for Students
June 13 - Last Day of School for Teachers

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!!