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.