The opening weeks of school at RES have been filled with learning and anticipation.  October will include a number of special events—not the least of which is a VERY SPECIAL OPEN HOUSE on October 22^nd (when Sylvia Ledoux will be honored at 6:30 P.M.)

          Overall, I have been extremely pleased with the academic performance and behavior of our youngsters.  Parents, thank you for your support with such.  We could never be successful if you did not do your part (setting homework schedules, encouraging proper behavior, helping with field trips and so much more.)

          Academically, our Action Plan for RES places a high priority upon Mathematics (making that instruction the very best it can be).  As you know, learning (Math or other things) can be fun.  The following is a little Math portfolio problem which I shared with teachers recently.  The goal is to have students be able to ignore/delete all of the unnecessary information and to focus on the problem at hand. In this age of the internet (filled with a tremendous amount of false or half-true information), that certainly is a useful skill!  I hope you enjoy it.  Try making up a problem of your own for your children.

          Each morning, Mr. P awakens at 4:30 A.M. (unless he had a late night at meetings or other events!) Then, he showers and shaves.  This usually takes 20 minutes.  Next, he feeds his cats.  Their names are Rustina (a Persian), Feisty, Frisky, and Tigger.  The last three are barn cats which Mr. P was given when they were six weeks old.  Next, Mr. P eats breakfast (about 15 minutes).  Of course, breakfast sometimes can take longer than usual if the cats want to play!  Then, Mr. P stops at a convenience store to pick up the Rutland Herald and skim it.  Buying gas is usually involved also. This takes another 20 minutes.  The most recent price which Mr. P paid for gas was $3.57/gallon.  Finally, Mr. P “hits the road.”  The drive to Reading takes an hour and 20 minutes (more in bad weather in the winter.)  By the way, although they have the same mother, Feisty is a long-haired cat, Frisky is a short-hair and Tigger is medium-hair!  Interesting!

 Problem: What time does Mr. P usually arrive at school in Reading??