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.