With Much Appreciation

Dear Parents,

    I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you all.  I wish you could have seen the children's face when they came in with their gifts for me.  They were so proud.  I was very overwhelmed and appreciative.  The book that the students made was adorable and I could tell it was very thoughtful and well written. I will keep it forever. The flower day was beautiful.  I have not been able to plant flowers at my house due to some upcoming painting.  I am a nature lover to the ridiculous level ;therefore, I enjoyed the flowers and I thank you.  If I ever need a chocolate fix, it is not a problem.  I was a terrible role-model as I had chocolate for breakfast one morning.  I thought about having chocolate again for and lunch and decided that was too much!!  I will enjoy the Blockbuster movies as well as the Outback gift certificate.  What a treat for me!!

    As many of you know, this was my first year in third grade as a regular education teacher.  This year has been more than I could have ever hoped for.  The children have made tremendous gains and have been a pleasure to teach.  You guys have been more than great.  You listen, support, encourage and congratulate all we do.  I appreciate your participation, gifts and your time.  At times, I find it difficult to express such thoughts but I needed you all to know how deeply you have touched me this year and confirmed my desire to step in this arena of regular education.  I want to always keep in touch with each and every one of you because I want to celebrate life's joys and "the journey" with you and your family.  Thanks for all you have done for me.

Math: We had our test on fractions and the students all did a wonderful job.  Multiplying multi-digit numbers will be the focus of the next 2 weeks.  We will learn a very effective method called "partial products".  It really enables the students to understand what multiplying large numbers really is.  We will also do our M & M activity: we will write fractions and make a graph of the different colors.  It will be a fun and hands on activity that the children will remember.

Science:  Students will learn about conservation of our resources for the rest of the year.  We will learn what we can do to be kinder to our Earth.

Social Studies: We are learning to compare and contrast different cultures in the world.  We have our Promethean board back in our room.  I have found "Brain Pop" which is educational movies that discuss and teach children while still being able to actively engage in the activity.  We will be on line with a live classroom and be able to ask them questions about what they do in school and their customs.  Technology is OTC ("Off The Chain")!  The students are so engaged when using technology.  The students have been using the Activote system, which is an assessment where they actively participate in questions by pushing buttons from their desks.  The students love this activity.

Reading/Language arts:  We are finishing up our literature circles and continuing to write narrative stories.  Letter writing are also being reviewed as we write to the second graders and guest speakers from Career Day.

This Week's Activities:

Monday : 5-12-08

Mrs. Britton will complete the last guidance lesson for our class from 8:00-8:30

8:30-9:30  Under The Sea dress rehearsal  I can still remember when my own 13 and 16 year old were in this delightful play.  It will be a treat I am sure.

11:15-2:15

I will be in a meeting for team planning but a substitute will be in the classroom.  I will be in the building and have planned accordingly.

Tuesday : 5-13-08

A regular day with computer lab, where we will do our favorite activity: MEGA MATH.  These are computer activities that go along with our math texts.  The are very educational and fun.

Wednesday: 5-14-08

We will see Laughing Matters at 10:15  This is a humorous Show with clown-like puppets

Thursday : 5-15-08

Field Day- have the students wear their class t-shirts and bring water bottles.

Friday : 5-15-08

Relay for Life Biscuit Sale

Ice Cream Sundaes with our Book Buddies, Mrs. Gabriel class

12:00-2:00- We will have a memory day by making a memory quilt to hang in the hall.  It will be on display during Sneak a Peek in the fall so that the upcoming third graders will know what to look forward to.  We will also have popsicles outside as we draw our favorite memories in chalk on the sidewalk.  You may want to dress them in old clothes this day. We will also start write our memory journal that each student can keep as a reminder of third grade.

I hope you all had a fantastic Mother's Day and were valued for all you do.  If you have questions please ask as my door is always open to you!

The secret word for this week is "conservation"