Dear student(s), parent(s), and guardian(s):

My name is Merin Bruinsma (yes, formally Miss Lewis!) and I am a 5th grade teacher here at Riffenburgh Elementary.  Again this year, Bob Faris, a 6th grade teacher, and I were awarded a National Science Foundation grant through our GK12 project.  We are only 1 of 3 PSD elementary schools that have this opportunity. This grant allows us to bring more science into the classroom in a more hands-on and applicable ways than what our district provides us with. We are fortunate enough to even have the expertise of a Master's fellow from CSU.  As the 6th grade continues their longitudinal study of testing soil, water, and observing large mammals, 5th grade will be taking a different theme which is why you are receiving this information.  This year, 5th grade will be looking at ways to "Go Green" and what we can do to help save our earth while simultaneously decreasing global warming.  Each month we will have a new topic that we will be focusing in on.  For the month of October and November, our topic is REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE. There is information in this packet of what we will be doing as a grade, a school, and what you can do at home and in our community to help cut down waste and recycle more products.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through the school.  Please talk with your student about this topic because if we all do our part, we WILL make a difference.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Bruinsma and the 5th grade students

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