What a busy day!  Thank you to all the moms and dads who came to help us celebrate the holidays.  The children had so much fun playing BINGO and Musical Chairs.  We all enjoyed the yummy food and drinks.  I want to thank you for your very generous gift--I am sure to find ways to use the gift cards!  Thank you!  Thank you!

And to Mrs. Pitts' homeroom students--I heard your party was fun too!  Thank you so much for your generous gift!

As I looked around the room at my students singing a lively rendition of "Jingle Bells" I was overcome with emotion.  I am so thankful for each and every one--I love watching them grow and learn.  They challenge me and nudge me to grow and see things in new ways.  They are joyful, funny, sometimes mischievous and silly.  They are precious to you, I am sure!  I just want you to know that they are precious to me too!

I was thankful that we were safe and together. 

My daughters and I will be spending Christmas with my mother...napping, playing, going to the movies, and eating!  I also intend to walk on the beach, sit on the dock, and read.

I hope you all enjoy the holidays! 

Sorry this post is late.  I was unable to post my blog on Monday as usual...problems with the Weebly site. 

This is what we are up to this week:

In math we will be taking timed tests on the multiplication facts.  We will be working on mastering as many Accelerated Math objectives as we can.  We will also be doing some very challenging problem solving that involves addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and logic.

In science I will administer a test on Chapter 8 (Pollution and Conservation) on Wednesday.  We have been reviewing vocabulary and big ideas in preparation for the test.  I tried to make sure all students took home their science books on Monday and Tuesday.

We all learned a lot from the science projects.  The art was interesting, the research educational, and the raps fun!  Most students turned in 2 projects as required.  However some students only turned in one.  Please ask your child if they met the requirement!  I will accept late assignments until Wednesday.  The grades on the projects will go home in courier on Friday.

Reminders:

Holiday parties are on Thursday at 1:15.
There is school on Friday!
Please, please make sure your child has school supplies.  Many do not have the basics because they do not take care of what you have provided.

I hope you all enjoy the holidays with family and friends.  Rest, play, read, explore!

Peace....

This is what we are up to this week:

In math we will be concentrating on the 7's table and the related division facts.  A test on the 7's table will be given on Friday.  We are also reviewing bar graphs, line plots, and pictographs and solving many story problems.

In science, students will present their 2nd project.  (Your child was required to complete 2 mini-projects.)  We are learning a lot about pollution and conservation from each other. 

The spelling bee for my class will be held on Tuesday morning.  The word list was sent home last week. 

Please, please try to remember to check my blog at least once a week.  Last week I posted several important updates.  In addition my website has many links to help with the learning of multiplication facts.  If you come across any great websites, please share them with me. 

Don't forget about International Night!  3rd graders will be participating in the program. 

Thanks for your support!

Parents!  Lice have landed in 3rd grade.  While my homeroom has no reported cases, I want you to know that the other 3rd grade classes do.  Please, please check your child's head!  Also, please talk to your child about not sharing jackets, coats, hats, hair do-dads, earphones, etc.  I will make sure all such items go home tomorrow so you can wash them, just to be on the safe side.  Ughhh!

Tomorrow your child will take the DeKalb County benchmark tests in all subject areas.  The tests are taken in the computer lab.  There is no way to study for these tests except to participate in class every day. Please encourage your child to do her/his best!

Also, remind your child that the second science project is due on Friday.  I am expecting neat work.  I am expecting  all students will take the time to do their best. The project descriptions and a grading rubric are attached below.

From the beginning of this semester, Ms. Rorabaugh has spent every Wednesday with us.  She is a student at Mercer and has completed her practicum experience with us.  She has observed and taught.  Her lessons have been hands-on and very meaningful.  There is no doubt she will be a great teacher!  We say good-bye to her today and wish her well!  We will miss her on Wednesdays!

This is what we are up to this week:

In math we will be reviewing the 0-6's multiplication tables and the related division facts.  We will be doing lots of story problems that involve multiplication and division.  We will also  be learning about fractions on a numberline.  There will be a test on the 0-6's tables on Friday.

In science, students will continue to present their first projects.  We will complete an activity called Drip Drop, Flip Flop.  The second mini science project is due on Friday.  Please encourage your child to do a neat job.  All reports  must be in their own words, not copied from a source. 

International Night is on Dec. 13 at 6:30. Third graders will be singing three songs.  I look forward to seeing everyone there!