All of the Above

In this terrific story, Mr. Collins challenges his math class to build the world's largest tetrahedron structure. Along the way we meet four  students in his class and learn their stories, personal struggles and triumphs. This book was based on a true story! 

This week's challenge is to learn what a tetrahedron is and to make one. Write your name on it and drop it in the bonus basket by 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10th. I'll choose three and award bonus points to those students. Have fun!

Need help? Check out the author's website at shelleypearsall.com

The Seven Wonders of ...Shutesbury

Many of you have enjoyed The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs by Betty Birney. In the story, inspired by the Seven Wonders of the World,  Eben McAllister sets off to find seven wonders in his neighborhood in seven days.

Here's your challenge: over Thanksgiving break I want you to discover your own "wonders." Maybe they are unique things in your yard or neighborhood. Maybe it's a cool relative you haven't seen for a while. Or, it could be something in Shutesbury that you find totally unique. Write your list of seven wonders, and include an explanation of why it is special to you. Include a picture if you are feeling ambitious. Turn it in to me within seven days and you will receive one bonus point!

Have fun, and remember, "extraordinary things can happen in the most ordinary of places."

The nitty gritty: you don't have to have read the book yet (but you should!) to receive the point. Deadline is 3:00 on  12/2.

Read 5 Scavenger Hunt

This year, our goal is for every 4-6th grader to read 5 or more MCBA books. This allows you to participate in all the fun activities we have planned: voting, Books in Action, Battle of the Books....
So...to get you revved up for reading, today's special challenge is an MCBA scavenger hunt.
Hidden throughout the school are 11 motivational posters having something to do with MCBA. (HINT: they are not in the library!) Write down where you find them and turn it in to Ms. B by the end of the day on Friday.
Good luck!

Bonus Points

Throughout the MCBA program check the blog for your chance to earn bonus points for your class.
Here's a special kickoff challenge:
One MCBA nominee is missing from this poster. Write down the title and your name and place it in the basket on Ms. B's desk. I'll draw one correct answer at the end of the day on Friday.
Good Luck!

Kick Off Rally

MCBA 2009@ SES is officially underway! Students gathered in the library to hear the details of the program and watch a short video, titled "What do you like about MCBA?"
A special appearance by "The Bookworms" (Jamie, Jack, Ruby and Bekah) singing their hit "MCBA" closed out the assembly.
There is a lot of reading energy in the air today!

Lunchtime Book Club

Mr. Mahler and Ms. Bernard finished The Homework Machine on Oct.29th. The book club loved this book and it was really fun to read all the separate characters. When the principal reads the part of "Snikwad" you know you are in for a good time!

Coming up next..... Drita, My Homegirl. Begins November 5 in the library during lunch for grades 4-6. Don't let the title fool you, this is a great story of friendship about Drita, a girl from Kosovo and tough girl, Maxie who find out they have much in common. 

MCBA 2009 is here!

Shutesbury Elementary will kick off this year's Massachusetts Children's Book Award program on November 12th with a rally in the library. Our goal this year: 100% participation.