The STAR test is next week! Since we have been working so hard in class and I have seen great growth over the last couple of weeks, for homework their will be a project reinforcing measurement of capacity. If you need any assistance in practicing these concepts please feel free to email me. Also, attached to this blog post will be worksheets you can download to further explore capacity. Additionally, check out the videos on the CLASSROOM WORK BLOG, under Math2 and Math3.

Even though STAR test questions are not being sent home PLEASE don't forget to keep practicing those multiplication facts and addition/subtraction facts.

THANK YOU to all the parents who helped make our field trip today to the Philharmonic possible. Special thanks to Mark Gogolewski and Alissa Morganti for volunteering. Our kids did amazing today and showed great interest in the orchestra. Their favorite was the last song from the soundtrack of Harry Potter.

Below you will find our spelling words for this week. Homework is posted on the Documents page, and the Newsletter is also posted. Please be sure to read the email that went out this morning to get a better idea about STAR testing. Additionally, you will find a check-off list on the Resources page will be a great guide to let you know what is on the STAR test as well as end of the year goals for the last report card.

Just as a reminder do not forget...
               
                1. Student Store Project - 5 small items by Thursday of this week
               
                2. Need to bring $5 in cash for the field trip on Monday

**Third Grade: It was brought to my attention that one set of the homophones in the curriculum's guide is spelled incorrectly.**
The list below is correct (four should be flour) and the list sent by email is incorrect

Valentine's Day is on Thursday of this week! Students are welcome to bring cards in for every student in the class. Please do not bring candy or food, but a small gift like pencils or erasers are okay.

Don't forget about enrollment this week. Even if you do not plan on re-enrolling please fill out the form located here.

****Remember these words will not be tested until we come back from break. Be sure to continue studying over the break so your student is ready for the test on Monday 2/25****

Just to remind everyone, I will be out of the classroom on Monday and Tuesday of this week. I will still be available by email and phone, so don't hesitate to contact me [Unfortunately, not on vacation :( working on important Creekside business :) Yeah!] The newsletter and math homework is posted for the week on the Newsletter and Documents page.

Our conferene to check off the all those lovely boxes is on Thursday, February 7th at 8:30am. Please arrive promptly to hear a few announcements and sign our learning records. If this time period does not work for you contact me and we can arrange a specific time in the following week before ski/skate week.

Download spelling words below....

I am trying to organize links to useful websites for extra practice or indpendent study on a new page called Resources. I would like to add a list of helpful links that will assist parents in creating or practicing concepts we are working on.

Below are the spelling words for this week and a link to downlad the document you see below...

Unfortunately, we have been using too much paper as a school. We all decided to find ways to cut down on our paper-use. Not only are we using more worksheets from the curriculum for our homework, but I have also pledged to use less paper for our spelling practice. So please make sure to check the blog and download the words from here or use this page as a reference. If it is too difficult to see I would be glad to email you the words as well.

THIRD GRADE: Just to note... in the newsletter I put the wrong prefix and suffix spellings that we will be using for our test this week. Use the list below and the newsletter on the blog has been updated.

pre-, mid-, over-, out-

Check the Newsletter page for the most current information.

SECOND GRADE: On the Documents page I have included the high frequency words that they should know how to read automatically and be able to spell correctly. In the newsletter I will include high frequency words that are being introduced in our curriculum weekly. Daily practice is great to increase speed and fluency.

EVERYONE: The IS from January 4th is also on the Documents page. There is some valuable information on there that you can use for reference that states what your student is expected to know. It can also be a guide for creating your own IS on unexpected absence days. Remember, that even on days of unexpected absences, IS needs to prove that at least 4 hours of work was completed. It is helpful if you make a list of tasks or subject areas practiced at home. Also, if your student is very sick and isn't up for too much activity I recommend checking out education websites that may have videos or audible information texts that your student can watch or listen to. Please include the video or audio in your list with the amount of time spent watching or listening.

Example List of IS:

Student Name & Date
1. Reading - "Bunnicula" - 30 minutes
                    Played grammar and spelling games on iPad - 40 minutes
                    High Frequency Word Flash cards - 30 minutes
2. Math - Studied geometric shapes with parent - 30 minutes
                Practice math facts on chalk board - 20 minutes
                Completed worksheet - 20 minutes
3. Writing - Journal Entry on student blog - 20 minutes
                    Friendly letter - 40 minutes
4. Science- Nature walk observation - 60 minutes   
                    Discussed plants and animals with parent - 30 minutes
           
                                                    __________________________
                                                        (parent signature & date)

Great Interactive Websites:
http://pbskids.org/
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/

Free Printable Worksheets:
http://www.education.com/
http://www.discoveryeducation.com/free-worksheets/
http://www.adaptedmind.com/Math-Worksheets.html?


Also, our Learning Conference is Thursday, January 10th. Be sure to arrive promptly at 8:30 AM.

As a reminder there will be no spelling words this week.

Homework for this week is going to be "business as usual." However, it is being used to supplement for NO ENRICHMENT this Friday (12/21). This homework will be returned on Monday, January 7, 2013. In a whole NEW YEAR!

Please check the Documents page for this week's homework!