Happy Holidays!

Hello RM 23 parents! Our last week of school for 2008 is already here and the excitement is in the air with your children. We have a busy, but fun week ahead of us. The beginning of the week will be pretty routine. Regular homework packets will go out tomorrow, math will be given, and Lit Circles will meet on Thursday. Most groups will be assigned chapter books to read over the holiday vacation. Remember, students can count these books on their reading log.

After school program ends on Tuesday and Wednesday is NOT a restructured day. On Thursday from 12:20-1:15 we'll have our class party consisting of 4 different center activities. Then on Friday, we're off to the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a field trip.

I have really enjoyed your children this year and am sad to take a leave come February when my baby arrives. THANK YOU to all that help me in the classroom in one way or another. Without your help, I would be elbow deep in things to do. If I don't see you before Friday, have a wonderful, relaxing vacation!

So much to do, so little time...

The kids were back to school this week energized and ready to learn. Some extra days off really does a body good! This past week was work as usual, but with only 2 weeks to go until Winter Break, we have a lot to do. Due to our field trip to the Museum of Natural History on Friday, December 19, our class will be having a holiday party on Thursday the 18th. Mrs. Gaeckle and Mrs. Spinelli are already on board and planning on a few center activities. There will be no food involved this time, just a few art activities. If you would like to volunteer to run a center or help set up, please let us know. Have a nice weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving coming up, I'm sure we are all anxious to get some time off to enjoy with our families. The next 2 days should be fairly low key as some kids will be out due to early departure of vacation. There will be no spelling packet this week, only math homework (Monday) and Lit circles from last Thursday. The November reading logs are due on Tuesday, but your child can turn it in when we return to school on Monday, December 1.

Tomorrow, students will say farewell to Jenni, the Spectra Arts teacher. They have enjoyed ceramics with her and will bring home some of their finished pieces. She will be on campus the rest of the year, but working with other classes.

We have a field trip scheduled to the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History in Seabright scheduled for Friday, December 19. I will send home permission slips after the break.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and safe travels where ever you may go!

Is it summer again?

Hello parents! I hope you're all enjoying this lovely Fall weekend. It's a great way to end the short week. This time of year always seems to fly by with all of the upcoming holidays and time off from school. If you have planned a trip during Thanksgiving week, please send a note to let me know. The district changed the calendar after many families anticipated the week off. It's only 2 days, so your child won't miss too much.

Things should be back to normal beginning Monday. We'll have a full week with spelling packets due on Friday and nightly math. We dove into multiplication the past 2 weeks, so I will be giving weekly multiplication tests to monitor student progress. Please work with your child at home on the facts if you see that they are struggling. Also, I have noticed that some students are still forgetting to write their names on the homework. If you can take some time to check homework frequently, this would be helpful.

Thanks to those of you who were able to chaperone on the past 2 field trips. We have one more coming up to the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. This trip is scheduled for Friday, December 19 (the last day before winter break). Permission slips will be sent home soon, so mark your calendars if you'd like to attend.

That's all the news for now. Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Halloween!

A big thanks to Jen and Kelly for organizing the Halloween party. It was a huge success! Also, thank you to all the parents who were able to donate items for the party and their time setting up. I hope your children had a fun time trick or treating in the rain last night. I'm sure your sifting through all the candy this weekend and trying to have some down time. Just think, 365 more days until next Halloween! Please limit the candy in your child's lunch this week.

This Thursday, we'll be going on our field trip to Nisene Marks. If you haven't turned in the permission slip, do so ASAP. Children will not be allowed to go if their permission slip is not on file with me. We will leave school at 9:15 and return at approximately 11:30 (lunch time). Students will be eating lunch back at school because we have rotations beginning at 12:20, and I need some time to get settled. I recommend packing a hearty snack to eat in the car before the hike. Last year it was a bit tiring, so it's good to fuel up before we go. There will be no food allowed on the trail. If any one is able to bring a few extra snacks, that would be great.

Also, Lit Circle groups will not meet on Thursday. The assignment is still due, so I will collect it and hand out their new job and book. I may have the groups check in on Friday to discuss their books.

Don't forget to turn your clocks back this weekend. I'm looking forward to the extra hour. How about you!?

Field Trip Correction

Hello again. The date of the field trip is THURSDAY, November 6. I had the date right, but wrote down the wrong day. Sorry about that!

Field Trip Coming Up

Hello! Hope you are enjoying the calming weekend before Halloween comes. The energy levels will be high this week, so please remind your children that they we will be working hard until Thursday. Then we can celebrate this fun tradition. Thank you to Kelly and Jen for organizing the party.

I wanted to give you a heads up about an upcoming field trip on Friday, November 6. Our class will be going for a hike in Nisene Marks. We will have a docent taking us along a trail teaching about Aptos History. I believe the hike is from 9:30-11:30. So, we'll need parent drivers from 9:00 until 12:00. If you are interested in coming along, be sure to sign the parent driver form. I will send home permission slips this week.(Sorry for the late notice)

Have a great week!

Updates

Hello parents! Hope you are all enjoying this nice fall weekend. It was great talking with you during conferences about your child. Your children are a delight to work with and have many funny stories to share with me each day.

This week things are back to "normal". As much as your children loved getting out early each day and eating on the playground at lunch, it's nice to be back to our regular routine.

The Halloween Party next week seems to be under way. Thanks you Mrs. Gaeckle and Mrs. Spinelli for organizing this fun event. If you are still interested in volunteering, please let us know by this Friday. Also, if you volunteer for Lit. Circles on Thursdays, they'll be a slight change in schedule on Oct. 30. Since the party will be before lunch, I will do lit. circles after lunch at 12:20. If you can make it, great! Otherwise, don't worry about it. The students seem pretty comfortable running it themselves.

Don't forget, October reading logs are due next week. If you've misplaced the log, you can either get a new one from me or use a piece of paper.

Have a great week!

Conference Week

I look forward to sitting down with you all to discuss the progress of your child. Please be sure to show up on time, as I have many conferences back to back. If you need to cancel for any reason, let me know in advance so we can set up a new time. Thank you for taking the time to fill out the questionnaire sent home last week. I will discuss any needs or concerns that you have about your child.

Next Monday I will not be sending home a weekly report due to early dismissal during conference week. Also, I only heard from 4 parents who check the blog on a weekly basis. I usually update every Sunday evening. I will continue to let you know about upcoming events, but will keep it brief.

See you soon!

Quick Survey

Hello parents!

I wanted to know how many of you check this blog and how often. If you check on a regular/weekly basis, please email me so I can continue to update you with information. Also, if you would like to continue receiving weekly reports for your child, let me know. I will not be filling them out during conference week, but will continue after that. They take time to prepare and if you are not looking at them, then I can discontinue this for you. My district email is finally working, so please contact me at athena_maraldo@pvusd.net

Upcoming events:
Landform projects due this week, October 7
Book orders due October 10

Mrs. Gaeckle and I have been talking about Halloween festivities for October 30. If you have any ideas for center activities or would like to help, let us know. I would like to keep things relatively low key.

Again, I'd like to thank all of you who are able to volunteer your time as well as donate items to the classroom. I received some paper cups and a print cartridge this week. Thank you parents!

Landform Project

I'm a bit late with updating my blog this week. Sorry about that. I hope that students are excited and have started their landform project. I sent home a letter last Monday explaining what to do. This project is done at home and will be due Tuesday, October 7th. Make sure this is turned in on time. Grading will be based on a 4 point scale. 1 point for each of the following: project includes at least 2 landforms, each landform is labeled, project is turned in on time, and no more than 12x18 inches in size. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

Lit Circles went well last Thursday. We had parent volunteers helping with each group and most students did well on their assignment. In the beginning, you will need to help your child. Be sure to read with them and proof read their work. Points are taken off for spelling and punctuation errors. In addition to Lit. Circles, some students are turning in their spelling packet incomplete. It's important to check each page to be sure that the work is done. If you could initial each page for me, that would be helpful.

Book orders were sent home today and will be due no later than Friday, October 10. If anyone is interested in getting book sets for the class, let me know so I can give you the name of the titles.

Wish List:
1) Handi-wipes (we're almost out)
2) file folder labels
3) paper or plastic cups for water

Thank you Min for the tissues. They should last us a while!

Looking forward to meeting with all of you during conference week. If you haven't sent in the blue form, turn it in ASAP so I can schedule you in.

Hello Parents!

I hope that you have been receiving your child's weekly report. This is a great way for us to communicate and for you to see their progress. I will try to send one home every Monday, but forgive me if I skip a week.

On Thursday I sent home the book Mrs. Rumphius for Lit Circles. Each group got the same book as a practice run as well as a job to complete. Your child will need some help in the beginning as this is a new process for many of them. This Thursday, we'll model how the groups will run and next Thursday, they will be on their own with the parent volunteers. Books and jobs will go home every Thursday and will be due the following Thursday. Please make sure your child has this assignment complete and turned in on time. When a student forgets his/her job, it throws the whole group off and they need to learn that they are accountable for each assignment. If books are lost, I ask that you replace the book ASAP so that other classes can use the set. I usually write a note on the weekly report if a book is not turned in.

A reminder that picture day is this Tuesday. If you would like to order pictures, please send your money in the envelope no later than Tuesday morning. I have received only 3 so far. Also, if you haven't turned in the blue conference form, send it in this week. I will be available for conferences Monday through Thursday (not Friday) during the week of October 13th. I look forward to seeing you then!

Field Trip

Hello,

A big thanks to all of you who chaperoned on our field trip to the fair. Despite a sad event that has happened in our community, it was nice to see students happy and positive. Rio is a great place with a lot of supportive families, and I am blessed to be surrounded with such a wonderful group of people. You definitely make Rio a special school!

Tomorrow, our class will begin pottery with a Spectra Arts Teacher. She will be with us every Monday until Thanksgiving. This will be a nice break for the kids. Literature Circles have changed once again. I will send home a book this week as a practice. All groups will get the same book this go around. We will do this as a class. On Thursday, September 25, students will receive different books in their assigned group. Volunteers are welcome to come in that day to see how the groups work, otherwise, I don't need you to start until Thursday, October 2. If you have any questions, please email me. My district email hasn't been working, so you can email me at athenagio@gmail.com

See you all very soon!

This week

This Friday will be our first field trip to the Santa Cruz County Fair. The 3rd grade classes will be going to this all day event. If you are a chaperone, please be sure to fill out the driver information form in the office. This is a requirement a week prior to the field trip. I still haven't received all of the student permission slips. I will remind those students tomorrow who still need to bring it in. Also, since we'll be at the fair most of the day, please pack a sack lunch for your child. Students will not be allowed to purchase food there. Maybe a volunteer can pack an extra lunch, just in case. A field trip reminder will be sent home this week.

I'd also like to thank the parents who are able to volunteer in the classroom. I had a few last week and look forward to seeing more parents this week.

Weekly spelling homework packets are sent every Monday and due on Friday. There seemed to be a bit of confusion by some of the students. They are to write sentences for words #13-20 (not all of them) and they are required to complete ALL pages in the packet. Beginning this week I would also like to see each sentence separated into subject/predicate. (EX: The students/did well on the test. My friend and I/ went to the beach.) It is important that you check to make sure your child has completed his/her homework correctly and has their name written on each page. Students will have math homework every night from either Excel or the new adopted math program. Students are responsible for writing down homework on a daily basis, so if you're not sure what they have to do, check their weekly planner.

Wish List:
file folder labels
anti-bacteria wipes (I have plenty of gel)
tissues
small plastic cups for water

Book orders are due this Friday, Sept. 12. If you have any questions, you can ask me or Mrs. Spinelli (she's in charge of book orders this year). Our class is also looking for someone to take on the responsibility of Room Parent. If you're interested, let me know. See you soon!

Feels Like Summer!

Hello parents! What a beautiful 3 day weekend we are having. I feel like I'm on vacation again!

A big thank you to all who made it at Back to School Night. It was a long evening, but well worth it. I hope you were well informed about what will be happening in our class this year. Volunteers can begin coming into the classroom this week. Also, if you are driving on the field trip to the SC County Fair on the 12th, please be sure to have your paperwork updated this week.

We began rotations on Tuesday and reading groups last Thursday. Students seem to be adjusting well to the change. Our "normal" spelling packets will be sent home tomorrow. Please be sure to check that your child's homework is done correctly and that their names are written on ALL pages, especially math. .

On a side note, my district email is finally working, so feel free to contact me at: athena_maraldo@pvusd.net

Have a good 4 day week!

Homework

Hello again! Today the 3rd grade team handed out spelling homework packets for the week. Packets will go out every Monday (Tuesday if there is a holiday) and will be due by Friday. Please help your child study the spelling words for Friday's test and make sure sentences are clear and well written. Reading Logs were sent out today but aren't due until the end of September. Emergency Cards were also sent out and are due this Thursday, August 21. Please be sure to fill this out ASAP and send back to school.

Other than that, this year is off to a good start. The 3rd Grade Team will meet this week and put together reading groups. We will be differentiating instruction to meet the needs of various students and grouping them by ability level. We are also reading Charlotte's Web and learning the 6 different jobs students will be expected to complete for Literature Circles. I'll let you know more about this at Back-to-School Night. I hope everyone can make it the night of August 27th (next Wednesday) so we can meet again and go over the expectations this year.

Also, I have a new email address. The district FINALLY changed it: athena_maraldo@pvusd.net

See you all very soon!

Hello parents,

It's been a great 2 days! The kids have come to school well rested and ready to learn. They seem like a fun bunch of kids with a lot of enthusiasm and positive attitudes. I sent home some information for you to sign today. Please turn this paperwork in as soon as you can leaf through everything.

Thanks to all who went shopping for the items on the supply list(and the donations too). Students were excited to use their white boards today as well as weekly planners. Students will be expected to write down their homework on a daily basis.

Here's a break down of the homework:

-Weekly spelling packets will be sent home beginning on Monday. The packet will include 20 spelling words with a place to write sentences. Please check and initial your child's work and make sure they separate the subject from the predicate in each sentence.
-Math homework each night due the following day.
-Monthly reading logs will be sent home the beginning of each month. The August/September log, however, will be sent home next week and due by September 30th.

I look forward to meeting you all at Back-to-School Night on August 27. At that time I will pass around a schedule for volunteers. See you then!

WELCOME BACK!

As this time of year approaches, I always wonder how I'll get everything ready for the first day of school. Your children must be excited yet anxious to begin the new school year as 3rd graders. Rest assured, they'll be fine!

As I mentioned in my summer posting, here is a list of back to school supplies for your child (Please write student name and room # with permanent marker on each item):

#1)Several sharpened #2 pencils.

#2)Pencil Sharpener with receptacle to contain the shavings.

#3)Weekly Planner *The planner needs to show every day/date for the school year with large enough lines for your child to write in assignments for each day. I will tape a sample outside my classroom door.

#4)2 folders:
1 should be labeled for homework, 1 should be labeled for
Teacher/Parent Notes and Completed Work

#5)Pencil box or pencil pouch

#6)White board marker(expo) and eraser, dry erase board (8 ½ by 11)

#7) Water bottle

#8) Anti-bacterial hand/baby wipes to share with class

Here are some optional items to bring along:

*ONE Flash Drive (also called a Thumb Drive) at Staples, Best Buy, or any computer store. *256 MB is less expensive & works, if you can find one.

*CHARLOTTE'S WEB novel. We'll be reading this during the first few weeks of school.

If you have any questions, you may email me at athena_giovannis@pvusd.net

Looking forward to meeting you all very soon!

Summertime!

I hope you are all having a relaxing and fun summer vacation. As I look at the calendar, I realize the new school year is right around the corner. Beginning in August, I'll put together a supply list for my upcoming 3rd grade class. Don't forget to continue reading this summer and practice those basic math facts. We'll dive into the curriculum right away.

If you don't know where my room is located, it is a bit hard to find. Room 23 is an individual portable located near the staff only parking lot. It's a quiet room with a lot of critters running around outside.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and I'll see you soon!

9 Days to Go

Hello parents! A big thanks to all of you who made it to Open House on Thursday. The kids were excited to show you around and share some of the projects they have been working on this year. I can't believe we have less than 2 weeks to go.

This week, we have our last day of Lit. Circles on Thursday. Please be sure that ALL books are turned in and/or replaced if lost. We are also going to the Agricultural History Museum at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds on May 29 (Thursday). After the museum, we will head over to Freedom School to meet our penpals for an ice cream party. I have asked students to bring in toppings. The other class will provide the ice cream, whipped cream, and utencils. Parent drivers should show up at 9:00 so we can get to the fairgrounds by 9:30.

Next Wednesday, June 4, is the 3rd grade party held in the upper playground. Please send in $8.00 to Mrs. Chapa if you haven't done so yet. This will cover the price of the pizzas and jumpy house.

Thanks again for all of your support this year!

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope all of you are getting a little r&r today. You deserve it!

Thanks again for all who pitched in for my husband and I to attend the auction on Friday. We had a great time and it was nice seeing some of the parents outside of school.

The year is quickly coming to an end with less than a month to go. Tomorrow, a spelling homework packet will be sent home as well as the weekly report from the past 2 weeks. Students should be working on the dioramas for their animal project. The research is coming along and hopefully this week we'll finish up. A reminder that the diorama and report is due on Wednesday, May 21. Also, I gave a multiplication timed test for facts up to the 12's. Most students are making progress, but only 7 kids were able to successfully complete the test in 10 minutes. Please continue to practice with your child any opportunity you have; before bed, in the car, etc.

Again, I thank all of you for your support during this school year. In addition, if you'd like to help out at the 3rd grade end of the year party, please contact Michelle Chapa.

Last Week of Testing

Hello! Our class finished the 3rd grade CSTs on Friday. Whoopeee! Students stayed positive during testing and most of them really tried their best. We have 1 more to go, the CAT-6. We will begin a small portion tomorrow and test Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday will be the last day in class for testing. Any students who need to make up a test will do so later in the week.

This week, we will also begin an animal research report. I will send home a letter Monday explaining the project. They will be making a diorama that includes the habitat as well as a homemade sculpture of their animal. We would like the project to be no larger than a shoe box. Students may be required to find some researh on the internet at home that is easy for them to understand. Most of the writing will be done in class. The report is not required to be type written, but is optional. Any further questions, please email me.

Please send in field trip forms to the Agricultural History Museum. I'm still waiting to receive 9 more. This week I will not send home a weekly report due to testing, but will do so next week. Also, there is no weekly spelling packet this week. Most of the Excel math will be done in class, but a few may take it home for homework.

That's all for now! A big THANK YOU to the parents who donated and got me tickets to the auction. See you Friday.

Testing Week

As most of you know, the time has finally come for the "big test." We have geared up the past few weeks and are ready to do our best. Please ensure that your child gets a good night sleep and eats a nutritional, well-balanced breakfast. My class will begin testing on Tuesday and continue into early next week. Testing will be given in the morning, so if you have any appointments scheduled, please try not to pull out students before lunch time. Also, this can be a very stressful time for some. Take it easy and encourage your child to take their time and try their best. The only homework this week will be Literature Circles as well as the April reading log due on April 30th (Wednesday). The only volunteers I will need for the next 2 weeks are during Lit. Circles. We'll resume back to our normal schedule on Monday, May 12.

Please send in the field trip permission form if you haven't done so.

Thanks and I'll see you at the auction!

Feels Like Summer!

What a gorgeous weekend to be out and about. I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am. This week, we will begin test prep for the upcoming State Tests in 2 weeks. It looks like we will begin the last week in April. Remember, students really need to focus on memorizing their times tables. I can't stress the importance to learning these facts before entering 4th grade. During testing, students will not have a spelling packet. The only volunteers I will need during that time will be for Literature Circles. I will email parents when the time comes.

I am looking for large pieces of cardboard to use during testing. If anyone has any, please send it in with your child. This will be used as an "office". Also, I've run out of antibacterial wipes, so if you have any extras they would be appreciated. Thanks again for all your support!

Successful Week Back!

Hello all! With our 1st week back from Spring Break, students seemed refreshed and ready to learn. We are on the home stretch and have a lot to squeeze in the next 2 months. I gave a multiplication timed test last week and students are making progress. It is essential for 3rd graders to learn the facts this school year. Please practice at home and in any spare time you may find, driving in the car, before bed, etc.

Weekly reports will go home tomorrow, Monday. I didn't send them home last week due to the holiday. Also, Suzanne will continue to collect money this week for the basket she is putting together for the auction. If you have not yet made a donation, please kindly do so by this Friday. Anything will help!

Upcoming events:
Field trip to the Agricultural History Museum at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds on Thursday, May 28. I'm trying to set up a pizza party afterwards with our penpals that same day. Since we'll be in Watsonville, I figured it would be nice to see them one last time before the end of the year. I will send home permission slips in a few weeks. Please let me know if you are interested in chaperoning. This field trip will probably last most of the school day.

Spring is Here!

First of all, I'd like to thank Suzanne and all the other moms who helped organize the fun activities before Spring Break. It was a nice way to kick off the vacation. I can't believe we only have about 2 months until summer. April will be busy as we get geared up for the California State Tests. This time of year always seems to fly by so quickly.

I wanted to send a reminder that the March reading logs will be due on Monday, March 31 (the day we return). If for some reason, you have misplaced the reading log, you may also create your own that your child can turn in.

Also, I have only received about 4 donations for the "auction" gift basket that Mrs. Ziegler is putting together. I know you've already been so generous, but with the budget cuts hitting this year, anything will help.

Thank you again for all you do for Rio del Mar. Have a restful weekend!

Happy St. Patty's Day

I hope you all remember to wear green tomorrow! On that note, please remind your children that Monday is Spirit Day, and even though pinching is playful and fun, students need to be reminded of their boundries. This time of year with spring approaching, students seem to forget the rules. There were quite a few students last week during the 2 assemblies that were talking and not being respectful of the performers. I know an hour can be a long time to sit, but that is no excuse for poor behavior.

On the brighter side, I was so impressed with the amount of work and effort put into the Famous American speeches. Your children truly did a great job and I am so proud of them. Thank you for your patience and support during this process. I think we are all relieved to be done. On Monday, attached to their weekly reports, will be the scoring rubric with the number grade they received and my written notes in the corner.

This week I will send home a spelling packet with frequently misspelled words for homework. These are review words and since it is a short week, students will not have a spelling test. The only homework I am assigning during Spring Break is Lit. Circles. Students should also practice multiplication facts to the 12's.

Have a great week!

Biography Wrapup

I hope you haven't been too overwhelmed listening to your child practice for their presentations this week. Tomorrow, I'll send home a tentative schedule for the days and times students will be presenting. We'll begin Tuesday and hopefully finish up by Friday. If anyone would like to volunteer to video tape, let me know. Please have your child come to school prepared with their prop(s) and note cards(if needed). I'd like them to present in the 1st person as if they are the famous American. Their report should be in 3rd person, but I will accept it either way as some seemed a little confused with the assignment. This is a learning process for both the students and I. I have seen a lot of hard work and excitement that will pay off in the end. Thanks for all of your help ad support at home.

This Thursday morning we have an assembly from 8:00-8:50 during Lit. Circle time. So, Lit. Circles will be after lunch from 12:20-12:40. If you usually volunteer and can make it at that new time, great! Otherwise, don't worry about coming in that day. We'll be back to our normal time next week.

Also, report cards go out this Friday. The Social Studies grade will be based on their current work on biographies, but won't reflect their actual report or presentation grade. I'll send home the scoring rubric with their number grade (from a 1-4)next week.

Hope you are all enjoying your (shortened) day!

Hello Parents!

As you know from your child, biographies are on there way to completion. Most students should be in the process of typing their famous American Biography report. A few were able to finish at school, but only a small amount due to my limited number of oomputers in the classroom. I will show the students the grading rubric tomorrow(Monday) which will tell them what is expected of their speech and poster. The rubric will range from a 1(the lowest score) to a 4(the highest score). I showed them a video from last years 3rd grade students, so they should have an idea about how to do their presentation. I will send a sign up sheet around this week and we will begin presenting next Tuesday, March 11. Typed reports and posters should be completed by this Friday, March 7. Reports turned in after this Friday will drop a grade until turned in. I'd like to have this graded for their report cards. If anyone is interested in video taping the presentations, please let me know by the end of this week. Again, I thank you for all that you do and the support you give me.

Biography Update

Back to school already? I got spoiled with all of the 3 day weekends. This past week, students have been busy working on their Famous American Biographies. I was hoping for all of the students to get the organizer done in class, but some students needed more help than others. For those who did not complete the organizer or needed additional help, I sent it home this weekend to complete. On Tuesday or Wednesday we'll begin writing the information into paragraph form. Most of this will be done in class, but it may also be sent home for parents to revise. I'd like to have the biographies typed and completed by Thursday, March 7. Speeches will begin around March 11. Students have a few options on how they would like to present their speech:

1. They may read their report to the class
2. Memorize what they want to say (using note cards for support)
3. Or, I have a generic "fill in the blank" speech template for them to use

If you would like your child to use the template, please let me know. I don't want to hand it out to everyone because if 23 speeches all sound the same, it may get a bit boring for the class. Please have your child practice in front of you several times before they present it to the class.

On another note, tomorrow we'll be heading the the Cabrillo College Planetarium. We began talking about the Solar System last week and students have a lot of questions. They are all very excited. I mentioned that we would leave at 12:20, but I'm thinking 12:45 would be better. If you are a chaperone, please show up between 12:40-12:45. The presentation will begin around 1:10.

Thanks again for all you do!

Another 3 Day Weekend!

Hello Parents,

I hope you're all enjoying this nice 3 day weekend. I could get use to this schedule! Our field trip to the Cabrillo Planetarium is coming up next Monday Feb.
25. I have plenty of parent drivers signed up to go, thank you! Unfortunately, I haven't been able to cover the Solar System, it's on my list of things to do this week along with the Biographies. Most of the students began taking notes on their famous American. However, some are still looking for research and were able to get on the classroom computers and print out some information. Please make sure your child brings his/her articles and/or books to class Tuesday. I had several kids leave it at home last week and they were not able to start. My goal is to have the students finish their note-taking and written draft by the end of the month. Then, I can have some of them begin typing it in class. I only have 4 computers, so if some can do this at home, that would be great. I know this seems overwhelming, but having the kids type their own report would be a good experience for them. I would like all reports and presentations done by Spring Break. I'll keep you posted on their progress.

Due to the Monday holidays back to back, I will not be sending home a weekly report with your child this week. I will send one home the following Monday.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Biographies

Hello! I'm sure your child has mentioned to you about an upcoming biography project. I will send home letters tomorrow with each student explaining what is expected of him/her along with a scoring rubric. Most of the work will be done in class, but they may need help finding research on the internet or a good book. Students will have a solid month to work on their project. Please check Mrs. Mayer's blog for additional information.

I am also sending home a field trip form tomorrow for the Cabrillo College Planetarium. Please let me know if you are interested in being a chaperone. This trip will extend beyond the school day. The presentation will begin at approximately 1:15 and end about 2:15. I need a driver willing to take students to Magic Apple After-school Program (off Trout Gulch). The remaining drivers will bring students back to school.

Hope you are enjoying Super Bowl Sunday. See you tomorrow!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Despite the weather on Friday, our field trip to the MAH in Downtown Santa Cruz, was a success. Thanks to all the parents who were able to come. A big thanks to the Miller's for stepping in to drive last minute! This Thursday we are still scheduled to attend the Peter Rabbit Performance at the Mello Center. I also wanted to give you a heads up regarding another field trip on February 25th to the Cabrillo College Planetarium. If you'd like to see what will be covered, you can go to: www.cabrillo.edu/~rnolthenius/pltarium/planetarium.htm (That should get you to the instructor's page). Mr. Nolthenius only has times on Mondays at 1:00. This field trip will extend beyond the school day by about 30 minutes. If your child attends Magic Apple afterschool, I will try to arrange for a parent to take those students there. The remaining students will be brought back to school probably by around 2:30-2:45. I'll send permission slips home in a week or so.

Tomorrow, I'll send home the weekly reports, as usual. Please take a look at your child's multiplication test. This was given a week ago to let me know where they are at. Over the next few weeks, take the time to help practice the facts that are still unfamiliar.

Let's have a good week!

Field Trips

Good Morning! This Friday, our class is going to the Museum of Art History (MAH) in Downtown Santa Cruz. I have 4 drivers so far and am looking for more volunteers. If you are available to drive, please let me know. I need seats for 11 more students (4 parents approximately). Also, next Thursday 1st-3rd grade classes will be attending the Peter Rabbit play at the Mello Center in Watsonville. It is advised that chaperones carpool due to the limited parking at the event. Parents will not be allowed to come on the bus with the students. I will send out an email of the chaperones in our class.

Other updates:
Tomorrow I will send home the weekly reports with each student. These reports are just one way to let you know how your child is doing in class. Please sign and return the bottom portion so I know that your child has given it to you. I've revised the form and added a place to include their Spelling and Math test scores for the week.

I gave the homophone spelling test on Friday and was pleasantly surprised to see how well the students did. Since the class did well, I will not give the test again this week. They will get a spelling packet tomorrow with more homophone practice but will not be tested on the words this Friday.

I also gave a multiplication test last week and only a small handful of students seem to know them by heart. I bought a multiplication rap DVD which will be used as another way to learn the facts. Please continue to practice at home. It is crucial that students learn the facts by the end of 3rd grade.

Happy MLK today. See you tomorrow!

Happy New Year!

Welcome back parents and students! I don't know about you, but it was great having a little r&r the past few weeks. Now that vacation is officially over, it's time to get back in the swing of things. I even got some time to look over the new science curriculum the district adopted, so we'll dive into that this month. I also got a multiplication rap DVD for the class to enjoy. It's fun to watch and just another way for those pesty multiplication facts to stick in our heads. I think the kids will enjoy it. Please continue to work with your child on memorizing their facts if they haven't learned them yet. It's a critical part of the 3rd grade math curriculum.

We have an upcoming field trip to the Museum of Art History(MAH)in Santa Cruz on January 25. I have heard wonderful things about the tour and look forward to taking the class there. Permission slips will go home Tuesday along with their weekly spelling packet. Please email me or send in a note if you would like to chaperone.

More Upcoming Events:
This month, we'll have a credentialed teacher come in for about 30 minutes per week to teach Spanish to the class.

There will also be a focus on Biographies for Social Studies. Students will need to write up a report about a famous American who made a difference in our country. A report description will be sent home within the next few weeks.

That's all for now! Thank you for the generous Christmas gifts. You are a caring group.