Field Day

It was so much fun to watch you all compete at Field Day today -- and it looked like you were having lots of fun too! I saw a lot of good sportsmanship, and people cheering each other on. It made me miss you guys even more! Have a great last week of school....and good luck next year, whether you are going to middle school or just becoming a big fifth grader. Keep reading over the summer!

I took LOTS of pictures today. Check out the Field Day album!

Our visit

It was so great to see everyone today! Don't worry, we'll be back to visit again. I was so glad to hear that everyone is doing so well -- congratulations to those of you accepted to special programs for middle school (Lety, Alex, Haley, Kory, McKinley...did I forget anyone?) and to Juaquin for being a Mile High Scholar. Keep up the good work with CSAP, and good luck with Shakespeare auditions and Young Authors and DI. Have a wonderful Spring Break!

I added the pictures from today to our album! You all look great. Thanks for being so welcoming. I really enjoyed seeing you!

Three weeks? Already?

It's hard to believe that Noah will be three weeks old tomorrow -- and that I haven't been your teacher for three weeks! The time has gone by really fast! Sometimes it feels like only a few days ago that I saw you all, and sometimes it feels like forever. It was good to read all of your positive comments and notes. It makes me feel happy to know that most of you are enjoying your new teacher and busy learning! Congratulations on getting five stars.

I wish I could have stayed one more week to really say goodbye, like Tajané said, but I guess Noah was just ready to be born. He is growing fast -- he already weighs a pound more than he did when he was born. He mostly sleeps a lot and eats a lot right now -- I have to feed him every two hours or so because he has such a tiny stomach! Everything about him, in fact, is pretty tiny. It's amazing to think we all started off this small.....

I have put some new pictures into the Noah album for you, and hopefully you will get to meet him very soon. I'll talk to Ms. Smith about a good time to visit! In the meantime, good luck on CSAP next week! Do your best and make me proud.

Noah Henry Tarr

Well, he's arrived, about ten days ahead of schedule! I'm sorry I couldn't spend one more week with the class, as planned -- I'll miss Haley's birthday, for one thing, as well as the Valentine's Day party and dance.....but that's just how things turned out. People keep telling me that once you have a baby, he will rule your life, and I guess this was no exception!

Here are a few pictures for you -- click here for the rest! Be good for Ms. Smith, and I'll come visit when Noah is a little older. Lots of love,
Ms. LaVenture

Welcome Ms. Smith!

We have hired a wonderful new teacher to finish the year in Room 204. Her name is Annie Smith, and she has been a teacher for four years in Illinois before moving to Denver to get married this summer. She has been subbing in Denver Public Schools since August, and has even substituted at Palmer a few times! The fourth graders got to know her when she took over for me when the fifth graders were at Balarat in December. I am very excited to leave the classroom in Ms. Smith's hands -- I know she will do a fantastic job. I only hope my students remember to miss me! Ms. Smith will be coming to our classroom a few times in February before her official start day of February 18th (my due date!) and you can also get the chance to meet her on February 5th, at Palmer's Open House Night.

Other exciting news: Don't forget to come to the Variety Show on January 29th! The students will perform twice, at 9:45 am and 6:00 pm. There are lots of great acts, everything from singing and dancing to magic and juggling. Come check out all of Palmer's talented students.

The 29th is also class picture day, and a chance for some special individual pictures as well. Bring in your money ($9 for a class pic) and dress your best!