First Day of School 2016

Welcome to 5th Grade!
       We had an amazing beginning to our new school year.  Despite the oppressive heat, the children are settling in nicely. Thus far they have gone to three of their specials:  library, physical education and music. On Monday they will go to art.  Monday thru Thursdays our specials begin at 2:30pm, and on Friday the children have Music at 1:45pm and Choir at 2:30pm.  Having consistently scheduled specials makes it much easier for me to remember!!

      This morning we attended the "Welcome Back" assembly followed by our first meeting with our second grade buddies.  This year we will be working with Mrs. Gentile's class.  Also, Mrs. Doemel joined us before lunch to talk about our new science and social studies programs.  We will begin changing classes for science, social studies and math on Monday.

      Next Thursday night, September 15th, is our Open House. You will begin by coming to Room 10 where I will talk about our classroom and my expectations.  It will be followed by a 15-minute visit with your child's math teacher. Finally we will all meet in the cafeteria for a science program overview and Nature's Classroom presentation.  I look forward to meeting all of you on Thursday evening.

      I am attaching the first of many pictures I will take over the course of the school year.  Some of them didn't come out as well as I would have liked because of the intense sun.  But at least you will have a glimpse into your child's first day in fifth grade.  

                                                                     Take care, 

                                                                     Lester Betor & class

Welcome to 5th Grade!

      We had an amazing beginning to our new school year.  Despite the oppressive heat, the children are settling in nicely. Thus far they have gone to three of their specials:  library, physical education and music. On Monday they will go to art.  Monday thru Thursdays our specials begin at 2:30pm, and on Friday the children have Music at 1:45pm and Choir at 2:30pm.  Having consistently scheduled specials makes it much easier for me to remember!!

      This morning we attended the "Welcome Back" assembly followed by our first meeting with our second grade buddies.  This year we will be working with Mrs. Gentile's class.  Also, Mrs. Doemel joined us before lunch to talk about our new science and social studies programs.  We will begin changing classes for science, social studies and math on Monday.

      Next Thursday night, September 15th, is our Open House. You will begin by coming to Room 10 where I will talk about our classroom and my expectations.  It will be followed by a 15-minute visit with your child's math teacher. Finally we will all meet in the cafeteria for a science program overview and Nature's Classroom presentation.  I look forward to meeting all of you on Thursday evening.

      I am attaching the first of many pictures I will take over the course of the school year.  Some of them didn't come out as well as I would have liked because of the intense sun.  But at least you will have a glimpse into your child's first day in fifth grade.  

                                                                     Take care, 

                                                                     Lester Betor & class

Thank you for a wonderful school year!

Dear Families of Room 10,

      While I promised the kids I would post the photos I took at Field Day, I couldn't have the year end without telling you how great your kids are!  Every one of them shared a unique prospective and made each of us better for having spent the year together.  Thank you so much for sharing your amazing children with me.  I know I have said what a JOY it is to be a 5th grade teacher at Slingerlands, but I am honored that you entrusted your children with me without reservation.  Thank you for your patience, trust, honesty and appreciation.  To quote the song "For Good" from the musical Wicked, "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good!"  Have a restful summer and best of luck in the Fall.  READ, READ, READ!      Fondly, Mr. Betor

Post Nature's Classroom

Dear Parents of Room 10,

       After a whirlwind of a weekend, I wanted to touch base and offer you my perspective of the events that unfolded last Friday.  After an uneventful lunch and departure, our bus experienced a flat tire shortly after leaving the Becket campus. In response to the loud BANG, the bus driver pulled the bus onto the shoulder of the road and immediately sprang into action. Quickly we decided to send the other bus on its way with three 5th grades.  Initially, the children of 5B seemed a tad uneasy with the decision, but never did they show their disappointment.  After I explained why the other three classes should depart and we should stay, they immediately accepted the delay with maturity and grace. Thanks to Mr. Gallagher, the children had snacks and writing utensils to keep themselves busy.  Mr. Burns and I passed out the snacks and paper to write on.  Fortunately, Mr. Burns turned around and returned to the bus when he heard about the flat.  He was very helpful and definitely brought levity to what, could have been, a frustrating and scary situation.  

      I am attaching a few more photos.  The rest of the pictures we took will be included in our end-of-year iMovie.                                                                                           Lester B and Class

Nature's Classroom Teachers

 In the bus after the flat tire.

They don't look too unhappy do they?

 Lunch