Enjoy the last couple weeks of summer. August is bittersweet as summer is almost over, but the excitement of a new school year is here!

I am very interested in knowing what you think would be helpful for you as a student on our school website. What do you use that is currently on the website? What do you want to be able to access through our website? Make use that you use your first name and first initial of your last name so that I can give you credit for your response.

We had a fantastic time with Ben Mikaelsen on Friday! The students from Elysian, Canyon Creek and Elder Grove where respectful and excellent listeners. Kudos to you all! I will try to put the video of the Kindergarden, First and Second grader's story on the website. The teachers are curious to know how you liked his presentation and what you learned. Add a comment please. Remember to use your first name only .

We are so excited that author Ben Mikaelsen will be at Elder Grove School on Februrary 19 for three presentations. If you would like to learn more about him and his books, visit his website here. If you wish to preorder any of his books click here to download the form. Please have the form and your money to Mrs. Gunderson by February 16th so that he can bring the books on the 19th. Make sure to fill out the name you wish to be included in his autographing. If you already own a book by him, you may bring it on the 19th to have it signed.

Many of you responded with interest to J.K. Rowlings too. Did you know that she wrote the first book on paper while sitting in the Elephant House Restaurant with her baby sleeping next to her? The restaurant sits above the graveyard that contains the tombstones with Tom Riddle and McGonagall's names. This is the view from the window. That is Edinburgh Castle in the background. We went on two tours in Edinburgh: one in the daytime through both the old and new parts of the city, and one at night through some graveyards and up to a hill overlooking the water. Most of the buildings are stone and the streets are cobblestone. We stayed in a Hostel and had Starbucks for breakfast.

Tombstones

Here are some photos of the headstones. Hope you enjoy!

I am so excited for I love to Read Month!
To begin, I will be working on my own personal environmental footprint. The habit that I will be trying to form is to always use my reusable bags in the grocery store. I will be thinking of ways to help others to remember their bags, as I have had many people say that they have difficulty remembering to bring in their bags too.