Weekly Update

Good evening,

We have had a very busy week learning about the routines and procedures of our math, reading and writing workshops! We also learned about the first habit of happy kids... being proactive. Students identified three areas that they would like to work on in regards to themselves, school and home. Our discussion turned to how leaders take charge of situations and make desired changes. I asked the kids to think of a time at home where they are constantly being told to do something repeatedly... and if they liked being asked all the time. Of course, several students said, "My mom always asks me to clean my room", or "My dad asks me to do my chores all of the time". We discussed how being proactive means taking responsibility for their actions so they can take charge and change the situation. Instead of being asked a thousand times, we discussed just doing it right away and  moving on to do other things. Many students were excited about this conversation and set goals related to chores, helping make dinner, etc. We will have to see how they do, but I just wanted to let you know that I support you at home!!! :)

I will be sending home two important papers in the take home folder that were not ready to be passed out on curriculum night. One is the Enrollment Verification form and the other is an enrollment form for ECE on early release days. I was asked to have these papers back as soon as possible. Please send all of the papers back from Curriculum Night with these two papers when you get the chance. Thank you!

What we are working on this week:
Math: Addition and Subtraction Review Concepts, TEST will be on Friday, August 30, 2013
Science: how to classify plants, how plants grow and change, needs of plants
Writing: building a better story step by step and with exact details
Reading: identifying types of fiction and nonfiction, how to organize reading notebooks

Important Reminders:

• The math test will be given on Friday. Students should study the math papers in their binder, papers that have been sent home, and their math notebook. This chapter is review of 2nd grade addition and subtraction concepts and will be further explored in chapters 2 and 3. The math textbook is available online, please use Moodle if you wish to utilize this resource. 
• Long Lawn Day is this Friday, August 30 during block (about an hour).  For those of you who are new to Long, it is a day where students go outside for "field day like" activities.  Please have your child wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for physical activities outside. It looks like it will be hot! 
• Please send back all forms to school as soon as possible! 
• Students can always bring a water bottle as long as it is not a distraction, thank you! We also eat a snack everyday during one of our break times so please send something healthy. 
• I will send home the first progress report in a couple of weeks when I have more grades. 

That's it for now, please check back next week for pictures and more updates! Thanks and have a great week! 

First Full Week of School!

Good evening!

     I hope you had a great weekend! Even though we were only at school two days last week, we enjoyed getting to know one another through a variety of ice breaker games. We learned about the rules and expectations of Long School and each student brainstormed ideas with their group about what our class rules and expectations should be. Ultimately, we decided a list of "Do Not's" didn't sound very nice. We decided to go with these four rules:

1. Be Respectful

2. Be Responsible

3. Show Self-Control

4. Be safe, work hard and have fun! 

We also went to art and music and visited with Mrs. Heller and Mr. Kassulke. Everyone got along and seemed to be HAPPY to be back at school.

Here is what we will be learning about this week:

Math: Addition and Subtraction Review (Chapter 1)
Writing: Setting up writing notebooks and the workshop
Reading: Routines and procedures for reading workshop
Science: identifying/explaining how plants change

Important Reminders: 

• Curriculum Night is Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 6 P.M. I will begin right at 6 and try to end around 6:30 for parents who have 5th grade children. Please plan on attending. We will discuss important routines and procedures, the third grade curriculum, the grading process (students receive letter grades of A-F this year), how to access online textbooks and resources, and so much more! It will be a whirlwind of a meeting but I will be available afterwards to answer questions for those of you who can stay. I will hand out important forms that will need to be signed and returned as well. 
• Our Block Schedule is as follows: 
• A= Art
• B= Music
• C= P.E.
• D= Technology
• Our class will check out books from the library every Monday from 12:10-12:25. Please help me with reminding students... Monday is not an ideal day but it was all I could do! 
• Many of you signed up to volunteer in our classroom! If you have already consented to the background check and have a form on file with the office, you may begin right away! If not I will have forms on hand that you may submit so we can get you in! I am already in need and really looking forward to working with you!  Thank you so much! 

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail or call me! I am looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday for Curriculum Night. Have a great week!