Mark Boatman introduces himself as the new teacher for the upcoming school year. He provides biographical details about himself including being 25 years old, graduating from the University of Idaho with a degree in Anthropology in 2008, and being married for over 2 years. He outlines expectations for students to be responsible, respectful, and ready in the classroom. The document provides an overview of what subjects like reading, social studies, math, and science will entail for the week, as well as upcoming field trips and opportunities for parent volunteers.

2. About Me
Hello parents and students. I am really
excited to get to know all of the parents
and students this year.
• My name is Mark Boatman, and I’m
25 years old
• I was born in Boise, and now live in
Meridian
• I graduated from the University of
Idaho with a B.S. in Anthropology in
2008
• I was an Archaeologist for 3 years
• I have been married to my lovely wife
Morgan for over 2 years
• We have an energetic Border-Collie
mix name Finnley
Home page

3. • Come To Class
• Participate in Class
• Have FUN!!!!
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4. Follow the 3 R’s
• Be RESPONSIBLE
– Carefully listen and follow all directions
– Use respectful language
– Work quietly
– Raise your hand to speak
– Keep hands/feet/objects to self
• Be RESPECTFUL
– Complete all assignments on time
– Keep your desk/classroom neat and
clean
• Be READY
– Have necessary supplies and school
work ready
– Follow classroom procedures
– Be on time
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5. • You will receive a letter grade in all subjects
based on the following:
– Classroom Behavior – 25% of grade
– Participation – 25% of grade
– Homework – 25% of grade
– Tests and Projects – 25% of grade
• I’m sure everyone will do great
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6. Reading & Language Arts
• This week we examine a list of vocabulary words. Students will get a new list of words
every week, and be quizzed on them at the end of the week. Students will also have access
to the classroom library. We have begun to read Fantastic Mr. Fox, and soon I will have a
homework assignment, in which the kids draw a map of how they would go from their
house to where they would go if they had to create tunnels to their favorite or necessary
places in their neighborhood. We will also watch a short clip of the Fantastic Mr. Fox movie
utilizing our classroom television. With this technological capability, students will be able
to compare/contrast a specific scene from the movie with the book.
Social Studies
• This week in social studies we will begin to discuss the history of the great state of Idaho.
Students will participate in a fun classroom project of creating Idaho’s state flag. We will
also go over the general history of Idaho, including state facts and important historical
events in Idaho’s past. Students will also use the computer lab, to access relevant websites
and articles in writing a report on the Constitution.
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7. Math
• This week we will be learning about decimals and fractions, using fraction
blocks and plotting decimals on a giant line plot. We will also be using fake
cash and change to represent how much of a certain amount of change
(fraction) compares to a dollar (whole).
Science
• This week we will be learning about various reptiles. I have a few lizards
(kept in a tank) in the classroom, which is a fun way for students to observe
reptiles directly. Students will break into groups, do research on a specific
reptile, create a poster representing the reptile, and present that
information to the class
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8. Things To Look Forward To:
• This year we will be going on a few field trips:
– Boise Birds of Prey Center: For one of our science units on Biology we
will learn about Birds of Prey in Idaho and the world. The website link
is http://www.peregrinefund.org/
• Link to fun activity we will do in class: California Condor Mask
– The Capital Building: We will take a tour of the capital and meet the
governor and members of the state legislature
• Parents: We always need adult volunteers, so if you’d like to attend,
please click here.
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9. Technology

10. • Technology has a variety of uses for teaching and learning in my classroom
• We will use technology to enhance learning in a range of subjects, including language
arts, science, social studies, math, and art.
• Students will have Computer Lab Class – every Monday for 1 hour
– Each have access to a computer
– Learn the basics of various programs
– Fun computer games that teach across the subjects
– Access to appropriate websites for research projects
• Throughout the year students will use a word-processing program the same way a
professional writer does: to prewrite, draft, revise, and publish work.
• In my class students will have access to a computer, and I like to teach using a large
screen display linked to my computer for various lessons
• Parents can click on the image below to view the website for Education Technology
Standards
• I encourage students (with parental supervision)
to visit the link to play the fun typing game:
http://www.auntlee.com/crazytyping.html

11. I want my class to be a welcoming
environment, so Parents if you would
like to volunteer, feel free to contact
me.
• Student Newsletters: Bi-weekly newsletters
will be sent home with the students, and
will have information about what we are
learning and upcoming events
• Call Me: (509) 528-6287
• Email Me: boat6195@gmail.com

12. Fun Activity Following Field Trip
Instructions for Awesome California
Condor Mask
fig. 1
1. Print pages 2-3 of this document on construction
paper. We recommend 65 lb paper.
2. Use page 3 to cut out the strips for the mask body.
3. Tape 2 of the strips together to make a ring that fits
on top of your head.
4. Tape the 3rd strip at an angle to opposite sides of
the ring. (fig. 1)
5. Use page 2 to cut out the shape of the head of a fig. 2
California Condor.
6. Tape the condor head piece to the angled strip.
7. Wear the mask! (fig. 2)
8. You have 3 left over strips. Print another condor
head piece and make a 2nd mask.
9. Visit our web site to find directions to make condor
wings with a 9ft wing span!
Designed by Jude Streicher, volunteer