Week of October 8

Here is some interesting information on Columbus Day.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Christopher Columbus is often portrayed as the first European to sail to the Americas. He is sometimes portrayed as the discoverer of the New World.

Columbus Day originated as a celebration of Italian-American heritage and was first held in San Francisco in 1869. The first state-wide celebration was held in Colorado in 1907. In 1937, Columbus Day become a holiday across the United States. Since 1971, it has been celebrated on the second Monday in October. The date on which Columbus arrived in the Americas is also celebrated as the Día de la Raza (Day of the Race) in Latin America and some Latino communities in the USA.

Mrs. Benson's blog

This week in Reading, the regular sixth grade class will begin reading the novel Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli.  Here is a link to Jerry Spinelli's website:  http://www.jerryspinelli.com/newbery_002.htm.  You can learn much more about the novel and the author by visiting this site.

The Advanced Reading classes will finish up their short story unit with, "A Retrieved Reformation" by O. Henry.  This story is a great mix of mystery, suspense, and action.