April 18-21, 2011

Students did a wonderful job on their animal reports and dioramas. I am very proud of the work that was turned in! I will send home a grade for the dioramas next week and return the reports after Spring break. The next project we'll be working on in class is the famous American biography. Students should know who they want to learn about by Monday, April 18. On Tuesday, our class will go to the computer lab to print out research articles (if they didn't get one last week). Their job over break is to read about their famous American and come back after Spring Break prepared to begin note taking. A letter expaining this will be sent home early May.

CST testing will also begin this Tuesday, April 19. 3rd grade classes will be testing around 9:30 for the math portion of the test. There are 3 parts, so we will do one each day; Part 1 on Tuesday, Part 2 on Wednesday, and part 3 on Thursday. Please be sure your child has a sufficient breakfast and snack to help them through. Sugar free gum will be allowed ONLY during testing time. Students are to bring gum for themselves or to share with the class. If any student is inappropriate with the gum, it will be taken away. Gum will then be collected in the trash cans after testing is complete.

Homework for the week will be minimal. There will be no spelling packet, but some math. Students will continue with Lit. Circles and can read their books in class after testing.

Have a wonderful weekend and Spring Break!

April 11-15, 2011

This Friday, April 15, animal reports and dioramas are due. Reports are to be typed or neatly written in 5 paragraphs. They may be turned in early if you like. Since this project is due on Friday, there will be no spelling packet sent home this week, just the daily math.

CST testing will begin on Tuesday April 19. We will begin with the math section and then finish up ELA when we return from break. If you will miss any testing, let me know ahead of time so we can have your child take a make up test.

As you may know from your child, I spoke to them about the famous American project coming up next month. I would like all students to choose a person by Monday, April 18. This does not mean they will begin rresearch on that day, I just want them to have a person in mind to read and learn about over Spring Break. We will then begin taking notes IN CLASS beginning May 2. A letter will be sent home explaining more about this project in a few weeks.

Have a great weekend!

Wipes and pencils are greatly appreciated

April 4-8, 2011

A letter was sent home today explaining the directions for the animal reports. If you have any questions about it, feel free to email and let me know. Otherwise, the final report and dioramas are due on Friday, April 15. Don't be obligated to buy any materials for the project. Look for things around the house that can be used to construct the mammal and its habitat.

A spelling packet will go home for Ramona Quimby. This packet will be due on Friday, April 8. The following week there will be no spelling packet because we want students to complete the animal project.

I wanted to give you all a heads up that California Standards Testing will begin the week of April 18 (before Spring Break). If your child will be out for any reason, please let me know so we can have them do a make up test. Testing will begin on Tuesday, April 19-Thursday April 21 in the morning. We also have a field trip coming up on May 12 to the Agricultural History museum in Watsonville. Permission forms will be sent out soon.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the sun!