Every yearin January the students read biographies of their choice. After they read the biography they write a letter to somone summarizing the famous person's life. In addition to mailing their letters, the students have posted their biography summaries to their blogs. Who have you read about? What did their life teach you?

So many teachers, principals, and parents have quotes of advice for starting a new school year. Here at Cold Spring our motto for the new year is "Be more than just ok!" We want to extend ourselves and do more than what is required.

Do you have a favorite quote or saying to share? Why do you think your quote is important? What is the message it gives?

Thanks for helping us own our learning as we begin the new school year.

The last weekend of summer is coming to an end. I had a wonderful time in Ocean City New Jersey and got to spend time with my husband, and both my sons. That is really a treat! I also read "The Art of Racing in the Rain." It is a great book for dog lovers, like me!

I was at school last week unpacking supplies and books for the coming year. Have you decorated your writer's notebook yet? I always liked getting new supplies for school. I have loved reading your blog posts and your survey comments. I can tell we are going to have a great year.

Enjoy your last week or so of summer and I'll see you soon.

Mrs. Griffin

Wow! What a great summer it has been! I hope you are having a great summer too! Remember we talked about our goals and plans for the summer? How are they coming? What are you up to?

I have been so busy...I have spent  a lot of time in my garden, although lately it has been too hot. I have also been running, swimming, and riding my bike. I was really slow, but I finished and am proud of my hard work.And guess what, I did my first triathlon! I hope you are having good luck with your sports and activities.

I hope you are reading some good things. I just finished the second book of the Hunger Games series. Wow! It is a pretty intense series. What are you reading?

Anybody go on vacation yet? I know some of you were going on cruises. I'll bet they were loads of fun! I have spent some time at the Jersey Shore. Mr. Griffin and I are going to Maine too to see Acadia National Park.

I look forward to hearing about your summer. Make sure to check in on your fourth grade classmates' posts too. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I'll see you in September.

Do you have someone you respect or admire? Perhaps even a hero? Students are spending the month of January reading biographies and learning about important people in our world. Check in and see the students' reflections as they learn more about their chosen person.

     Homework has been around since the first days of school. Many people, including teachers, wonder if children should have homework. Is homework an important way to reinforce learning and include parents in their child's school experiences? Or, is homework too much work after a long, hard day? The students gave some thought to homeowrk and wrote a blog post. We would love to know what you think. Please see the individual blogs to the left.