Graduation

Congratulations on an outstanding final year at Maple!  All F1 students worked so hard this year and came to school every day with an excitement for learning and care for one another that one doesn't often see in 5th grade.  Even if I teach for another 30 years, this group will stand out in my mind as truly exceptional.  A big congratulations and thank you also to F1 families.  Thank you for supporting your students (and their teacher!) this year.  You make such a huge difference in their academic and personal success, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do for them.  

If you have any pictures from graduation that you would like to share with me or that you would like to have posted on the website, please email them to rrhorton@seattleschools.org.  Again, congratulations to both students and families on a fantastic year.  Please stay in touch!

Book Buddies

F1 got to read with the kids in CDSA a few times this year.  Both the 5th graders and the preschoolers loved it!

Extracurricular

F1 students are involved in a LOT of extra-curricular activities.  I was able to come out to a few of them this year.  Here are some shots from: 

• Briana's flute recital
• Maple's Instrumental Music Performance with Chapel on cello and Allysa, Anthony, Juliana, Vivian, and Kim on violin (Noah and Nandi not pictured)
• The SCORES Jamboree with Noah, Jenna, and Priscilla on the soccer field

I was so impressed with their talent and hard work.  Well done!

iPads

Maple recently acquired a set of iPads, and F1 had some opportunities to try them out this year.  Some favorite apps were Math Zombies, Sushi Monster, Mathmateer, and Toontastic.  Here are a few pictures: 

Having Fun in Class

F1 students have a great sense of humor.  They have been asking that I post some silly pictures of us having fun at school, so here are a few of them.  The last one is a picture of ME having fun.  :)

Exciting Week

Last week was an exciting week at Maple and in F1.  Not only did we receive a visit from members of the UW Husky Football Team, we also enjoyed performances by the Lion Dance Team (go Christiannel, Anthony, Juliana, and Allysa!), the Tinikling Dance Group (yay Andrea!), and the Seattle Police Department Motocycle Drill Team.  Moreover, we celebrated two birthdays in F1 (Happy Birthday, Diana and David!), Staff Appreciation Week, and our annual Maple BBQ.  A big thank you to families who were able to attend the BBQ and to students and families who sent flowers, notes, fruit, and other treats.  It is an honor and a joy to teach your children every day, and I am deeply touched by your kindness and generosity.