Monday, August 29, 2016

August 29-September 1

This week and next week our school will be having testing.  Our new testing will be the STAR test. This will consist on one testing day per week for the next two weeks. We will test on Wednesday mornings in the computer lab. This week we will be testing on reading and next week will be math. Please remind your child to do their best work. The test results will be available to help with the teaching in the classroom. We will complete the test 3 times a year.
Please be sure your child has a hearty breakfast to ensure great success.

Subjects
English- we will be completing unit 1 and will be having a test next Thursday. I will be sending home homework that will help your child study for the test. Also feel free to remind your child to bring home their book
Reading -  Undetwater Explorer test Friday
Math- rounding and also we will be having a cumulative review
Science - plants chapter 1
Social studies -  your child made a study guide in class today. They were to take home the questions and answer them completely with their text book. They may take home the text book as much as possible. I will go over the answers in class tomorrow along with the complete test in class daily until the test date which will be next Wednesday, September 7th. By next week your child should be very familiar with the test before they even take it. The test will consist of multiple choice questions which I will go over in class Along with the test questions sent home today. Thank you
Phonics - short vowel sounds

We will be preparing for the mass next Thursday. Some students will have Reading parts that I will send home to practice. If your child does not have a reading part they will still be participating in the mass.

This week we will be having an early dismissal on Friday at 12:30 and no school the following Monday.

Thank you and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Dear Parents,

We have began our new math program and understand your concern with the Math facts.  Please just do your best in helping your child.  It is a new concept for all of us.  Today we learned subtraction and addition with regrouping.  I have taught your child how to do this with the provided worksheets but also told them they are able to regroup as they had learned in second grade.  You may need to review basic regrouping at home with subtraction so your child feels comfortable and do your best with the worksheets.  We will continue to work in class so your support at home is greatly appreciated. 

Also if you read the blog please have your child write the four things plants need in the science box for today.

Thank you again for your continued support. 

Monday, August 22, 2016

AUGUST 22-24

     We are well on our way through the first quarter of school.
 
     I am very proud of our class.  We were able to complete our first paragraph writing assignment about a story we read in class.  Please come to open house this weekend so you are able to see our Star Writers :)

     We have had a couple weeks to become adjusted to the schedule so now we will become accountable for our work and actions.  Many students are working very hard in class however some still need to be reminded of what they should be doing.  Please remind your child that while we are in class they will need to be listening at all times.  Talking to our neighbors is not a good idea.  This not only distracts them it also distracts the other students who are on task and ready to learn.  Along with transitioning in the classroom between subjects some students are working slowly.  It is very important that they keep up during transitioning between subjects.  We have very busy days with many subjects.  If they fall behind and do not finish an assignment they need to put it aside and move on with the class to the following subject.

      Continue to sign your child's planner and use it as a source of communication.

     English - We have begun using our English Book.  Unit 1 sentence structure
 
     Reading - Animal fact/Animal Fable  We will have our comprehension test Friday

     Spelling - test Friday, Students were also suppose to look up vocabulary words and study for          Friday's test.

     Math - We took our first math test and I am very proud of the students.  Some will still need a little work but we all did well for the first test using the new math program.  Please look for your child's test on Friday.

     Social Studies -  Ch 1 Geography
                                Please look for a study guide next week.  We will be having a test the end of the
                               week.

     Science - ch 1  Plants

     Religion - Chap 3 We show Love for One Another

   
Your child was able to check out library books last week.  I will be sending home a note with some ideas for your child to do a book report.  Please look for a note next week in the homework folder.


Reminders :

August 26 - Free dress for $1. Proceeds will go to the SPCA

August 24 & 25 - school pictures

August 28 - Open House 11-1:00 pm

September 5 - No School

September 8 - Virgin Mary's Birthday
                       Our class will be helping with the mass on this day. Each child will be in a part of the
                       Mass.


Tuesday, August 16, 2016

August 15-19

We made it through the first week of school!!

This week we will be moving quickly through most of our subjects.  I have made it a point to remind the students that they will need to get used to working quickly and efficiently.  We have many subjects to get through in a short amount of time so talking and not working is not an option.  Please remind your child that they will need to be prepared.  Sharpened pencils in the morning, backpack put away, planner sign, etc.  I understnad that it is a big transition for all students and we will do our best to be hard workers.  Your child may to be reminded and that is ok.  :)

Next Monday we will be having our first math test on Chapter 1.  The review worksheets are being sent home for homework.  We are also reviewing in class this week.

English - Unit 1 sentences
Spelling and Reading - Lon Po Po
Math - Chapter 1 Place Value
Social Studies - Chapter 1 Geography
Phonics - long and short vowels

Reminders:

* Remember to sign planner daily

* Bring St. Vincent Lunch Friday, August 19th.

* School Pictures on August 24 & 25

* Open House August 28

Thank you for your support.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.



Monday, August 8, 2016

AUGUST 8-12

WELCOME BACK!!!

We had a wonderful day!! Looking forward to many more days together.  The students were very helpful and studious.  We went over all the rules and expectations.  We went over a lot of material and we will be doing so all week.  Please encourage your child to ask questions if they are unsure of something.  Also if parents have questions please come to class.  Please go over the welcome packet and sign necessary papers.  Return papers in your child's homework folder.

This week we will be having a 2:30 dismissal beginning tomorrow.  If you are a new family or you have not completed Safe environment training Mrs.Blackburn will be having a meeting on Wednesday, August 10th at 6 pm.  If you are planning on working in the classroom or attending any field trips you must have completed the Safe Environment Training.  Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this matter.

Hot lunch will begin on August 15th.  I have some students cards left from last year so you are welcome to check the class.  The cost of a lunch ticket is $17.50 and milk tickets are $2.50.  This is for 5 days.

Tomorrow your child will be getting their spelling list.  They will write the words in their planner and have a test on Friday.

Subjects:

Reading: we will read The Little Painter of Sabana Grande.  We will have a comprehension test on Friday.  The students will bring home their readers on Wednesday to go over story

Math - We have adopted a new Math program written by Singapore Math.  We will be going over the first chapter which will be on place value.  Please look for worksheets to go over with your child.

Social Studies- Chapter 1 Ca Geography

Religion - working together and being a family

Reminders:

- Check your child's planner daily and sign
- Remember to return homework folder everyday
- No homework on Fridays unless their is a special assignment or project
- Spelling and Math homework will be given Monday - Thursday beginning next week
- Open house will be on August 28th from 11-2:00
- School pictures will be on August 24-25



IF YOU READ THIS BLOG PLEASE SEND A YELLOW HIGHLIGHTER WITH YOUR CHILD. WE WILL BE USING THESE TO HIGHLIGHT OUR NAME ON OUR PAPERS.  

Thank you again and God Bless


Monday, May 23, 2016

May 23-27

Last week of school.  This week we will be finishing up classwork on Tuesday.  Wednesday we will be having our clean up day. This will consist of turning in books and cleaning out desks.  Please send a plastic bag for your child to take home any needed items. 

Thursday we will be having our class Field Day.  Hot dog or hamburger will be provided for children.  Thank you to the parents who are bringing all of the extra goodies.  In the morning I would like students to bring in beach towels and board games if you would like.  The students can sit on their beach towels and play games together.  No electronic devices.  Also I would like each student to bring in a shirt that can be signed by students. This will be kind of like a yearbook but on a tshirt. 

Friday is the last day of school.  Mass will be at 8:30 and dismissal will be at 10:30 am.  There will be  no extended care.  Report cards will be going home.

Final grades will be updated tomorrow. 

Thank you and God Bless

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

May 2-6

I would like to thank all parents and helpers who were involved in helping with the students Landmark Projects.  I know as parents we are asked to do a lot by teachers.  My hope in this project is that you and your family were able to have some family time and maybe you learned something new while working on the project.  Who knows maybe you can plan a fun summer vacation based on the facts everyone learned about your child's project.  Thank you again. 


This week we will be having Grandparents day on Friday, May 6th.  The students will be able to show their grandparents the landmark projects along with their writing in the library.

English - Grammar review
Reading - Charlotte's Web Ch 10-14
Math - chapter 13 (we will have a test next week)
Social Studies - I had tentatively scheduled the test for Wednesday but we will be having it on Thursday instead.
Science - Vocab quiz next Monday.  Students completed a study guide yesterday and it was handed back to them today.  Please go over vocab words.
Religion- Family Life (Lesson 1 & 2)
Phonics - synonyms, homonyms

Spelling
boast
horrible
event
whisper
cellar
imagination
flies
grinned
bridge
clever
promise
lazy
relax
explosion
patient

Monday, April 25, 2016

April 25-29
There has been a change in the Talent Show. The talent show will not be this Thursday. It has been moved to May 13th. Mrs. Blackburn had to make some changes in the school calendar and this is one of them. We have many class talents. Please come and watch if you can.

Grandparents day will still be on May 6th. We will have our landmark projects on display for parents and grandparents to see in the library.

Thursday we will be Attending the farm safety day. We will leave school around 8:15 and return between 2:30 & 2:45.

English- grammar review
Reading - Charlotte's Web chapters 5-8
Math- chapter 13 decimals
Social studies- chapter 9 test tentatively next Tuesday
We wrote out study guides today so please review daily with your child.
Science- rocks and minerals
Phonics- syllables and cvc words

Monday, April 18, 2016

April 18-22

This week we will be in the spring program on Wednesday at 6:30. Please have your child at the school by 6:15 pm. They may wear anything for Spring or something you would wear to church.

We will have a free dress for $1 on Friday, April 22nd.
Progress reports will go home Friday. Please remember this is not the final report card. There is time for your child to make improvements.

English- handwriting and review grammar
Reading- your child has checked out Charlotte's Web. We will be reading 3-4 chapters per week. I am requesting that your child take home their books on Tuesday and Thursday. I have reminded them that these are library books that will need to be taken care of and returned each day. We will read chapters 1-4 this week and have a comprehension test on Friday.
Math- Test Thursday Chapter 12 on Fractions
Social Studies- I hope everyone has enjoyed looking up information on their project. The Project is due May 4th.
Science - extension chapter 2 rocks and minerals
Phonics- prefixes, suffixes and base words

Spelling
Charlotte
web
spider
runt
springtime
farm
animals
Wilbur
injustice
breakfast
reconsider
pigpen
feelings
escape
barn


Monday, April 11, 2016

April 11-15

Progress reports will not be going out this Friday. Mrs. Blackburn has moved them ahead to Friday, April 22nd. I am in the process of updating grades.



April 28th we will be going to Farm Safety day. A permission slip was sent home last week. Please sign and return. Thank you

Friday we will be having a social studies quiz on the state seal. The students must label the state seal with the information sent home in their purple folders today. We will study for the quiz this week.

I sent home the letter along with white lined paper for the landmark project. Please read over the letter with your child. Remember this is suppose to be a fun family project. The white lined paper must be done in the child's writing along with a drawing of their own. The 3-d project is for the family to work on together.

English- grammar review
Reading- Turtle knows your name
Social studies - chapter 9
Math- we will be finishing chapter 12 this week so the test will tentatively be on Wednesday of next week.
Science - extension chapter 2 on rocks and minerals
Religion- world peace

Spelling-
hoarse
horse
sent
scent
cent
rose
rows
steel
steal
so
sew
threw
through
hole
whole
bounding
exclaimed
gazed
hollow
pronounce

Monday, April 4, 2016

Parents,

I am very sorry and didn't realize that I did not post the blog before we left to break. It was typed and ready to go but I failed to publish. I know it is from the previous week but you may want to look over it for any chapters to review. Thank you
March 21-24

Holy Week Begins

This week there will be no school beginning on Friday, March 25-April 3rd.  School will resume  on the 4th.  Thank you to all parents who attended conferences.  It is a nice way to discuss students work and upcoming skills needed for the 4th grade.  Please continue to work on times tables up to 9 and it is a necessity for the upcoming grades.  Also continue to work on Reading comprehension skills.

If your child does not complete assigned work in class they are being asked to complete it at recess.  This will be on the honor system.  It is important that they become responsible.  Also if your child has to take work home it will be considered late unless it was assignment that needs to be reviewed at home.  If the work is done at home it defeats the purpose of the classwork assignment.   They will receive one grade lower to ensure that classwork is completed in class.  I understand there will be circumstances that may arise but maybe this will hold the children more accountable.  Thank you for your understanding. 

Students are able to bring home any text books as needed.  

Thursday will be a minimum day at 12:30.  There will be no extended care.  Please be sure your child is picked up promptly.

English - We are beginning cursive writing pages.  Feel free to print out pages for your child to work on at home.
Reading - we have read Operation Rescue.  We will have our reading and spelling test on Thursday.  Students will need to reread the story on Wednesday night.
Social Studies - Ch. 8 Test will be on Thursday. The students wrote a study guide in class on Friday.  I will remind them to bring home their book daily.
Science - we are finishing up Extension chapter 1 on animals.  We will be doing an open book quiz on Wednesday.
Math - Ch. 12 Fractions
Religion - This week is Holy Week we will be discussing the Steps to Easter

Spelling-
soup
few
grew
crew
fruit
produce
juice
music
rule
roof
shoot
cute
broom
cool
huge
natural
prevents
rescue
scrubbing
volunteers
April 4-8
Welcome back to school. I hope everyone had a nice break. We are well on our way through the end of the school year.

Your child will be receiving a packet of work tomorrow that will include the social studies test along with class assignments.  Many students did very well with their social studies tests. Continue to help with the studying process at home. Thank you.

English- we are continuing to work on cursive writing and review of grammar worksheets
Reading- The rooster who understood Japanese
Math - continuing to work on fractions
Religion - Easter season
Science - extension chapter 2 rocks and minerals
Social studies - chapter 9

We are beginning chapter 9 in social studies. In the past I have had students choose a landmark and make a 3-d project with a short report. This is a very fun time for families to work on the project together. I would like them to be ready for Grandparents day which will be in the beginning of May. I have many landmarks to choose from and only allow one student or landmark. If you have something in mind please discuss it with your child but also have a second and third choice in case the others are chosen. Please look for the handout at the end of the week.

Spelling words this week are contractions. If there is an uppercase letter then it needs to be written accordingly on the test. I will be marking the answer wrong if there is an uppercase and there shouldn't be. Thank you

isn't
can't
I'll
won't
we'll
she's
we're
there's
haven't
that's
couldn't
aren't
they'll
weren't
it's
beneath
determined
immediately
intelligent
startled

This week we will be having an early dismissal on Friday at 12:30.

Thank you again for your support

Monday, March 7, 2016

March 7-11

We are now beginning the 4th quarter of school.  Report cards will be going out Friday and Conference week will be next week.

English - Writing
Spelling and reading - Storm in the Night
Math - Chapter 11 test on Thursday.  The test will include division with and without remainders
Social Studies - test chapter 7 tomorrow, We will begin Chapter 8 on Wednesday
Science - Extension chapter 1
Religion - Ch. 18 WE are called to serve
Phonics - vowel pairs

Spelling
bough
though
tough
rough
thought
brought
growl
frown
enough
brown
thrown
plow
brow
cough
bought
appeared
commanded
fluttering
imagine
memory

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

February 29-March 5

I hope everyone had a nice 4 day weekend.

This week we will be having our reading and spelling test on Friday on Tornado Alert.
There will be a 12:30 dismissal Friday.

We will be having a social studies test next Tuesday. We wrote out a study guide yesterday.

We are still reviewing Math. We will probably have a test late next week. Please continue to help your child. I understand this can be a hard concept. We are reviewing regularly in class. It is very important students know there times tables before they leave the third grade.

We are beginning a new chapter in science. It will be the extension chapter on how living things depend on one another. We will go back to energy.

The end of the 3rd quarter is on Friday. Grades will be updated this week and report cards will go out next week.

Thank you

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

February 22-26

This is a very short week. There will be no school on Thursday and Friday this week. School will resume on Monday the 29th.

There is no spelling or vocab this week. We are working on writing autobiographies, persuasive essays and creative writing.

Continue to work on multiplication math facts. Many students are struggling with division because the children do not know there times tables. We will finish the chapter 11 in math but I will be sending home review sheets and we will review in class. Our test will not be until the second week in March.

Religion- we are continuing to discuss lent and what we should do as Catholics to help people in need.

Social studies - we are continuing through chapter 7

Science - we will begin unit c chapter 3 next week.

Have a wonderful long weekend.
Thank you

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

February 16-19

Mistake... We wrote page 123 for math it is suppose to be page 125 only. Thank you

We are on our way through the 3rd quarter. Progress reports were sent home last week. Remember this is progress up to this point in the quarter. These are not final grades. I will accept the work if missing. Many students are forgetting to put their names on their papers. This makes it very difficult during grading time. If your child does not put their name I will be marking the assignment missing. It is very difficult to find out who it belongs to and students arguing about who the assignment belongs to. Sorry for the inconvenience but by this time in the school year the students need to be held accountable.

We will have a science test Thursday unit c chapter 2 the study guide was sent out last week.
Math- we have began chapter 11. Some students were discouraged but I told them this was the first day and we will continue to review daily
Religion- Lenten season
Reading and spelling- chapter 9 & 10
Spelling
Flagpole
Crocodile
Lollipop
Climbing
Capture
Gentlemen
Across
Furious
Bridge
Terrific
Realize
Recovered
Soared
Wild Island
Conduct
Twist
Delicious
Reach
Heard
Noise

Monday, February 8, 2016

February 8-12

Thank you for all of your support and participation last week for Catholic Schools week.  It was a great success.

We will be having a Valentines exchange on Thursday.  Please be sure
Spelling and Reading - Chapter 7 & 8
The reading comprehension test and the spelling test will be on Thursday.

yesterday
trail
decide
charge
skidded
Elmer
dreadful
minute
perhaps
divide
arrow
hurried
discover
unpacked
grooming
gorilla
tangerine
enormous
tumbled
magnify

Math - Chapter 10 test will be on Wednesday.  There will be a review sheet that will go home today that was completed in class please sign and return for tomorrow.  Go over the problems with your child.  We are also continuing to do math timed tests.  Some students are doing very well.  I have a chart in class to show the students if they have passed.  Please continue to go over multiplication facts. 

Religion - We are continuing to discuss Lent.  Ash Wednesday will be this Wednesday.  We will have mass at 8:15 am. 
Penance services for our class will the week of Feb 16-19

Science - Unit C Chapter 2
Social Studies - Chapter 7

Please continue to check the OLM calendar regularly.

I have had a few children who have needed to use the bathroom on a regular basis please remind your child to go before school, morning recess, lunch recess or at the end of the day when we go out.  If there is a medical concern please let me know.  Thank you


Monday, February 1, 2016

February 1-5

Happy Catholic School's Week

We have a few events coming up this week to celebrate. 
Tuesday - Buddy Day (NO HOT LUNCH)
- we will eat lunch with our buddies and exchange a small gift.  Please do not spend over 2 dollars for a gift.  Some students have two buddies
- wear spirit free dress
Wednesday - Cherish Luncheon (NO HOT LUNCH)
- we will entertain singing patriotic songs
Thursday - Souper Bowl Thursday
- bring a canned soup
- wear your favorite team gear
- 6pm mother/daughter, father/son basketball game
Friday - Mass at St Patrick's
- drop off your child at St. Patrick's church by 7:50 am.  We will have parents transport them back to school.
- 11:15  teacher/8th grade volleyball game
- 12:30 dismissal

 We will have our spelling and reading test on Thursday due to the busy schedule on Friday. 
Reading - Chapter 5 & 6
English - we are working on different types of writing
Math - Ch 10. we are finishing up the chapter so we will have a math test next week.  If all goes well on Wednesday.  I will send home review sheets on Monday and Tuesday for homework
Social Studies - test tomorrow, begin Chapter 7
Science - Ch 2 changes in matter
Religion - we will be discussing Lent
Phonics - words ending in e and consonants


Spelling and Reading Ch. 5 & 6
compass
leaves
laugh
surprise
monkey
tortoise
breath
complete
toothpaste
beautiful
scrubbing
scratched
brushing
terrible
sniff
gloomy
knapsack
suspicious
violent
excited


Monday, January 11, 2016

January 11-15

Spelling words

dared
airplane
hair
scare
square
spare
fairy
careless
parents
chair
share
pair
compare
repair
beware
supplied
frequently
gradual
prediction
prepared

English - Writing and Pronouns (Unit 11)
Reading - Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs
Spelling - vocab and spelling test Friday
Math - Chapter 7 measurement and time Lessons 6, 13, 14, 15 & 16
Social Studies - Chapter 6
Science - Unit C Chapter 1 properties of matter

We are now officially half way through the school year.  Continue to work with your child is all academic areas.  We have begun math timed tests with multiplication which I will be charting and sharing with your child.  Continue with multiplication facts up to the 9's.  This will be a part of your child's math grade. It is very important that they master the Multiplication facts when finishing the third grade.



Monday, January 4, 2016

January 4-8

Happy New Year!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful break.  Thank you for all of the beautiful presents.  I appreciate all of your thoughtful and kind words. 

We are half way through the school year. Only 2 quarters left.  Report Cards will be going home on Friday.  We will also be having an early dismissal at 12:30 on Friday, January 8th.

Subjects:
Religion - Chapter 10 We Gather for Mass
English - Unit 11 Pronouns
Reading & Spelling - Cactus Hotel
Math - Measurement and Time
Social Studies - Chapter 5 Test.  A study guide went home today with your child.  We will be having a test on Thursday, January 7th.  I told the students if I don't feel they are ready I will postpone till Friday.  I know we just returned from break but I will also be studying with the class each day to ensure they know the material needed for the test. 
Science - We will have an open book quiz on Friday that will cover the planets.  We are also beginning Unit C Chapter 1 which is about Matter

We will be working on cursive writing and I will expect students to begin writing cursive in February.  All students are suppose to write in cursive beginning in the 4th grade so I will be teaching the students more techiniques to the cursive writing program within the next couple months.

Also now that we are half way through the year many students are in need of new school supplies.  Many students need new Spiral notebooks.  Please ask your child what they may need.  Thank you

Our class service project is helping Mrs. Lorenzi's class with collecting coupons for toiletry items.  There will be a letter sent home explaining our current progress.  Please continue to hlep by sending in coupons.  Thank you

Spelling
desert
vast
barren
plains
city
swampy
muddy
hilly
mountain
valley
wooded
beach
coast
sandy
town
bores
cactus
creatures
insect
scurries