Winter Extravaganza

Merry Christmas!  It is such an exciting time of year.  I can tell the students are pretty amped up. I've noticed a great deal of "off task" behavior, recently. Please discuss the importance of staying focused and doing quality work throughout the next 2 weeks of school.  I've explained to students that I am often called upon by Santa as a character witness regarding "naughty" and "nice" behavior.

I hope you have marked your calendar for this Saturday and our annual Winter Extravaganza!  This week a hot pink paper was sent home with information regarding this Hawthorn tradition from 8:30-11:30 am.  I hope to see you there.

On Friday, I sent home a study guide for students to review finding Missouri and its boarder states on the map.  I've asked students to spend a little bit of time each night studying the maps and identifying those places.  We will be testing over this information early next week.

Next week will be our final week of school for second quarter. Next Friday, we will have a school wide Read-In beginning at 9:30.  Students are welcome to wear their pj's and bring pillows for the event.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Hi Parents!  Thanks for dropping by to see what's happening with the Super Heroes of Room 205. 

Reading and Writing and History...Oh My!

We have been deep into information text, both in reading and writing!  We began identifying text features and structure and have now moved on to identifying main idea and details.  In order to make students' learning relevant, we have added some festive connections to our reading.  This week we have been studying the interactions between Native Americans and the Pilgrims.  Please ask your child to share any new information they've learned about this time in history.

Math

In math, we have just wrapped up our unit focused on regrouping in addition and subtraction.  I will send home the Topic 3 test next week for you to see along with extra practice pages for students who might need more time to work on the skill.  This can be a difficult task for 3rd graders, especially when having to regroup across zeros.  When working on the skill, it is often good to have math tools to help students visualize what is meant when we cross out digits and change them into new ones.  I have shown students a special web-tool they can use when solving regrouping problems. 

The following button can be found on the school website and links kids up to an assortment of virtual manipulatives they can use to help them with math.  Please feel free to use any of these tools when working on the math homework.

Moving forward in math, we will begin multiplication next week!!  A review of multiplication flash cards or multiplication facts through computer games will greatly benefit your child as we move forward.

Reminders

The Hawthorn Food and Clothing Pantry will be open next Tuesday night.  We are still collecting non perishable food items and clothing.  Thank you to all who have donated!

NO SCHOOL- November 27th thru Dec.1st.
Barnes and Noble Book Fair- Dec. 7th (11 to 3)
Winter Extravaganza- Dec. 14th

Parent Teacher Conferences!

Last night began Parent/Teacher Conferences.  I look forward to meeting with all of you, sharing your child's successes, and next steps for improvement. 

The reading log and math week #10 will be due on Monday October, 28th.  I will then send home a new (shortened) homework assignment due Friday Nov. 1st. 

Looking Ahead:

3rd Grade Demonstration Program and Math Night! 

Tuesday October, 29th is a school-wide math night along with our 3rd Grade Demonstration Program.  Students should wear their 3rd grade t-shirt that evening.  Our class's music demonstration begins at 6:00 pm.  I will be asking students to meet me in the cafeteria at 5:50 pm. 

Either before or after the program, families are welcome to visit the classroom and see what our new math series looks like and play some math games. 

Fall Parties!

Our fall parties will begin at 2:00 on Thursday October 31st.  During conferences, I will have you sign up to bring items for our celebration.  I will then make this sign-up available on Google Docs later tonight.  This is always a fun time for our students and families.  Parties will wrap up at 3:00.

The 15 Minute Blog

Hi everyone!  I have several things I want to share with you, but only a short time to write.  So, I've set my timer and will begin by sharing the most important information first!

Grade Cards

I will be sending home 1st quarter grade cards this afternoon.  In the manila envelope you will find your child's two-page grade card, along with a one-page paper entitled "Expected Performance Levels: Quarter 1".  Because of the nature of standards based grading, a great deal of what I teach is on a continuum.  We begin the work at the beginning of the year and continue practicing and learning how to apply these skills and strategies throughout their time in 3rd grade. The "Expected Performance Levels" page will tell you where I expect students to be along the continuum at this point in the school year.  When comparing your child's grade card to the "Expected Levels of Performance" paper, you may notice your child performed above, below, or right at the level expected at this time.  I will be happy to answer any questions about the grade card at conferences, next week.

Conferences

I have stapled a conference reminder slip into your child's planner today.  Please mark this on your calendar. I look forward to meeting with all of you to discuss your child's growth.  See you Wed. or Thurs.!!

Looking Ahead

Next week is Red Ribbon Week!  Students are encouraged to wear red all week long to support anti-bullying and drug awareness.  There will be activities during lunch and recess for students to participate in.

That is all for now.  I will be sending out information regarding Fall Parties, 3rd Grade Demonstration Program/Math Night, and 2nd quarter goals soon.

Have a great weekend!

Jodi

October 4th, 2013

Hi Parents! 

First off, don't forget tonight is Movie Night in the Hawthorn Gym.  Festivities begin at 7pm.

For more information about upcoming events in October, click here.  Also, don't forget book orders are due Tuesday, October, 8th. 

A big "Thank You" for participating in the Math-a-Thon!  Hawthorn was able to raise $8,070.00!  The money will be used to enhance classroom instruction and school climate.  As a reward for meeting our goal of $8,000.00, the ice cream truck will make a visit to Hawthorn and all students will receive a tasty treat.

Our 3rd grade demonstration program is coming up at the end of the month.  Click herefor more information from Mrs. Bradshaw. 

Academics:

In reading, this week we continued our work of following character through stories and developing theories about these characters based on what they do and say.  We are talking a lot about character traits, motivation, and predicting based on what we know about the characters. 

 

In writing, we were busy putting the final touches on our true stories.  Next week we will be sharing them with some Kindergarten friends.  We can't wait for you to share them with you, too!

 

In math, we are working on addition and subtraction strategies.  Today we focused on strategies for mentally combining two 2-digit numbers.  One strategy it "make a ten" and the other is "break apart".  Ask your child to see if they can explain the strategy.  If you would like to know more about these strategies, let me know.  I'd be happy to show you. :)

 

In science, we are wrapping up our plant unit.  This week we explored the concept of pollination with a fun, hands-on activity. 

 

As always, thanks for taking the time to read the blog!  Be sure to enjoy your wonderful children all weekend long!

 

-Jodi



The End of September

I can't believe we are saying good-bye to September next week!  October brings with it autumn leaves, pumpkins, ghosts, and grade cards.  It is difficult for me to believe we only have 2 weeks left in this grading period.  Time flies when you are having fun!!

Thanks to all of you who made it out to McTeacher Night last night.  I didn't get to see many of you because I was working the back drive-thru.  Working McTeacher Night always gives me new respect for the fast food industry and reminds me how important it is to be patient and share a smile with those on the other side of the counter. 

If you haven't returned your Math-A-Thon pledge money, yet, you may do so on Monday, Sept. 30th. 

Looking Ahead:

October 11th: End of 1st Quarter
October 14th: No School -Teachers Work Day
October 23rd: Picture Retake Day
October 23rd and 24th: Parent Teacher Conferences
October 25th: No School
October 29th: 3rd Grade Demonstration Program and Math Night
October 31st: Halloween Parade and Celebration 2:00-3:00

October has some important dates, so please mark your calendars.  I will be sending more information out regarding the Demonstration Program, Math Night, and Halloween festivities later in the month.

Finally, I have sent home another Scholastic Book Order.  The order forms will be due Tuesday, Oct. 8th.  You are welcome to order online:  our classroom online code is 1EENK

SAY CHEESE!

Well, today is Picture Day and I'm so impressed with how nice all of the kids are looking!  Picture Day always has a special energy to it- everyone is buzzing about wearing their neatest outfit, cautious of their hair, and always a bit distracted trying to add the finishing touches, such as: "collar up or collar down?"  As a result of Picture Day scheduling, we didn't actually get to writing our "Weekly News" for you.  So, I'll debrief our week's learning for you.

Reader's Workshop:  We are beginning a unit entitled: Following Characters into Meaning.  In this unit we will be exploring the good work readers do to envision what is happening in their stories, make theories about characters based on what they say or do, predict how characters will act or react in our stories, and explain the lessons characters learn throughout the story.  The nature of this work depends on your child reading fiction text.  Because of this, I will be asking students to choose a fiction story to read during class time.  I know I have some information fans in here, but it is necessary that they independently practice these types of thoughts throughout the unit.  Of course, students are free to read other types of texts at other times of the day.

Writer's Workshop:  We are continuing to craft true stories.  This week we focused on finding the most important scene in our story and building it up.  We are trying to do what other authors do, such as: adding dialogue to our stories, adding lots of description so our reader's can envision, and choosing strong action words. 

Math:  This week we wrapped up our first topic: understanding large numbers.  I'm planning on having the students test on the topic early next week and hopefully begin our 2nd topic: Addition Stategies. 

Science:  This week our science lessons focused on the function of the stem.  Student observed celery that had been soaking in dyed water.  We were able to observe the tubes (xylem) that transport the water to the leaves of the plant with our eyes, a handlense, and a microscope!  Special thanks to Aidan Oldham and Bethany Behrens for sharing their microscopes with our class.  It was a very exciting experience.

LOOKING AHEAD:

This Saturday is another HAWTHORN PTA Night at Mercury Gymnastics @ 6:30. 
Monday we will have our first Hawthorn Cookout during our scheduled lunch time.  Students will be able to choose from Hotdogs, Hamburgers, and Yogurt.  Parents are welcome to join!
Thursday Sept. 26 is McTeacher Night @ the Barry Road McDonalds!  Come join us for some food and fun.
Friday Sept. 27 Math-A-Thon money is due.

Have a great weekend!

-Jodi 

Doing our reading assignment

Today Mrs.Coen was talking about geting our Time For Kids. She said last year we had to pass the magazines to another class.This year we get to keep them! this Time For Kids is about Martin Luther King Jr.  So then the teacher had us go some where around the room. She told us to at least read some of the articals in the book.The star people got to go first and I got to go next. I read one about a monster fire in California. then I read one of my books from home called Tinker Bell Secret of the wings. Then Mrs.Coen rang the chimes. She asked us to come to the gathering group. There we read some of the Martin Luther King Jr..

Fall Festival!!

Tonight should be the perfect night for the FALL FESTIVAL!!  There are so many fun things planned- Panthers drum squad, cheerleaders, bounce houses, games, food and more! I hope to see you there!

Thanks to all the parents who placed book orders!  Children should be receiving their books sometime next week. 

Please remember to sign your child's planner nightly.  I know life is busy, but taking just a few minutes to discuss their day really shows how much you care about their education and how they've spent their time away from you.

Next Week:

Mid-terms will be sent out Monday.  When you have had a chance to review the mid-term with your child, sign and return it to school.  I will then make a copy and send it back home for you to have as a reference. 
Tuesday, we will be taking our Math-A-Thon test.  Please continue to collect pledges from family and friends.
Friday, will be Picture Day!!  Picture day order forms were sent home with your child today.
Saturday, Sept. 21st is another Mercury Night for Hawthorn.  Mercury Night begins at 6:30pm. 

Have a great weekend!  Enjoy the beautiful weather.

-Mrs. Coen

September 6th, 2013

Hi Parents!!  This week simply flew by!  Not only because it was a 4 day week, but also because we were so busy learning how to be better readers, writers, mathematicians, and scientists...oh my!

Mark, Gabrielle, Faith, and Emily are my guest bloggers this week.  I'll let them update you on the specifics of what we've been working on here in room 205.  For this post I'll just remind you of special dates and happenings here at Hawthorn.

Weekly News:

Your child will be bringing home a "Weekly News" paper every Friday.  All I ask is that you read what they've written, discuss it with them (what you like, what they can work to improve, etc.), sign it and return on Monday.  The students who return their "Weekly News" on Monday will receive a responsibility Husky Buck. 

Book Order:

I sent home a book order this Tuesday with the due date of Sept. 6th stamped on it.  I realize this is a quick turn around.  I had a few kids bring in their book orders today, which was awesome, but if you didn't get around to crossing that off your "to-do" list this week, don't worry.  I'll extend the window into next week.  If you don't want to deal with the hassle of writing a check and remembering to send it to school with your little superhero; feel free to order online.  Scholastic Online Book Order  Our classroom activation code is 1EENK.

College Colors Day

Thursday, September 12th is College Colors Day!  Send your child to school wearing their favorite college's colors or spiritwear. 

Fall Festival

Fall Festival is next Friday, September 13^th from 5:30 to 7:30. We are still in need of a few more items for our classroom basket. At this point we have had only 1 donation in our basket.  If you can send an item in by Wednesday, September 11^th it would be appreciated.

 

Grade Level Themes:

K: Dress up

1^st: Arts and Crafts

2^nd: Outdoor Fun

3rd: Super Heroes

4^th: Science

5^th: Games & Family Fun

 

PTA is also in need of a few more volunteers. If you can donate 30 minutes of your time to help, please logon to Volunteer Spot to sign up : http://vols.pt/hMWUhU, thank you!

Math-a-Thon:

Math-a-Thon pledge sheets will be coming home next Monday.  This is a fantastic academic fundraiser for our school.  Challenge your child to excel by making a donation per correct problem or with a flat donation amount.

Friday 8-30-2013

I hope you had a wonderful week. Things have been great here in room 205!!

We are deep into building our stamina for reading and writing independence.  It is critical for third graders to be able to read and write, uninterrupted, for at least 30 minutes.  While your child is practicing good reading and writing skills, I will be conferring with students in order to provide them more individual reading and writing instruction. 



I have sent home a slip that indicates your child's AR goal for this quarter.  In order to attend the quarterly celebration, your child will need to have met their AR reading goal and have returned 90%  of their homework pages.  Since students have a week to do their homework, this should never be a problem.  Some students have already begun taking AR quizzes, but I will begin to push this much harder next week.  For more information about AR, homework, and Quarterly Celebrations click here .


In math, we have been working to understand the value of large numbers and the many ways to write these large numbers.  We will continue this topic through next week.

Next week ushers in a new month.  September brings a lot of school fun (and hopefully a return to cooler weather).  Below I have included a list of dates to mark on your calendar:

9-2-13: No School, Labor Day

9-3-13: PTA Meeting, 6:30 Media Center (Superintendent, Dr. Springston will be there!)

9-9-13: Math-a-Thon Pledge Sheets come home

9-13-13: Fall Festival, 5:00

9-16-13: Mid-terms come home

9-17-13: Math-a-Thon Test Day!

9-20-13: Picture Day!

9-21-13: Mercury Gymnastics Night, 6:30

9-27-13: Math-A-Thon money due

 

Fall Festival:

Our PTA is starting to collect items for the classroom basket raffles at our Fall Festival. Please send your donations to the school when you can.

There is now a volunteer sign up sheet available at the following link:

http://vols.pt/hMWUhU

Please click on this link to sign up to volunteer at our Fall Festival on Sept.13th from 5:30-7:30pm on @VolunteerSpot today!

We have lots of exciting things planned, including:

Cheerleaders from PHSH performing.

A tree planting ceremony

Carnival games, food, bounce houses and a DJ

The Drumline from PHSH from 630-7:00!

If they have questions they can contact Jen Gust at 816-916-9986

or jengustpta@att.net or check the PTA website for further information.

https://sites.google.com/site/hawthornhuskiespta/home

 





Let's Try This Again...Parent Orientation!

The video in my original post about Parent Orientation didn't seem to work.  Frustrating!  Please be patient with me as I explore all things technology.  ;) Sometimes it works beautifully and sometimes it seems to be such a headache! 

To view the presentation click the highlighted link, below:

Parent Orientation Presentation

 

 

 

Again, if you have any questions please feel free to ask them in the comment section of the blog.  This way, we all benefit from your questions and the answers provided.

 

Thanks,

Jodi

Off to a GREAT Start!!

Hi Everyone!!  I don't know about the kids, but I thought the first 3 days of school went by quickly.  We were busy making new friends, learning 3rd grade procedures, and creating cool superheroes to show off all of our amazing talents! 

This coming week, we will really start diving into curriculum by setting our personal learning goals.  Throughout the year, I will expect your child to do their personal best on every task and challenge them to persevere through difficult problems.  Not only is it important for your child to learn skills and content, but also to develop pride in a job well done!  Please support this growth in your child by taking an active role in your child's work this year...review the classwork that comes home, look over the reading log and math homework before they turn it in, and discuss what you like about your child's work and what you'd like them to do differently next time.  Specific feedback holds a lot of weight with anyone, especially an 8 year old.

We will also be setting up our Writer's Notebooks this week.  This is a great tool for students to collect ideas for topics they'd like to write about.  As a part of this set up, I am asking that your child brings in a few pictures they can cut up and glue onto the cover of this book to personalize it. These pics can be of family, friends, pets, favorite memories, etc.  We will begin this activity on Tuesday. 

An example of a Writer's Notebook

Homework was sent home Friday afternoon.  This consists of a reading log and math paper. Remember your child has until next Friday morning to turn in their homework.  Please be sure to sign the bottom of the reading log before your child turns it in.  Your child will be checking out from the classroom and school library this week and they are always welcome to bring these books home for their nightly reading. 

Finally, if your child didn't bring an all about me bag on Friday, we will have time on Monday for them to share.

Have a great weekend!
Jodi

Parent Orientation

Wow!  I can't believe it is REALLY here...the first day of the 2013-2014 school year!  It was so nice to see all of you Monday night at Back to School Night.  I am looking forward to all of the fun we will have!

This year, Park Hill has replaced the traditional Parent Orientation Night with a virtual presentation.  Please view the power point I've shared below and feel free to post any questions you have about 3rd grade expectations. 

Finally, If you haven't signed up to follow this blog via email, please do so.  This way you receive the most up to date information posted by the students and myself.

Friday, May 17

Hi Everyone!

I want to begin by saying “thank you” for making me feel so appreciated this week!  Hawthorn is an amazing place to work and supportive parents like you really make a difference in a school’s atmosphere. 

Field Day is coming soon!  Tuesday, May 28^th!!!!!!!!!!!

I will need many volunteers to help make the day successful for the students.  If you would be willing to assist with any of the preparations or be a volunteer at Field Days please let me know.  You are also more than welcome to just come enjoy the day.  Field day will begin at 9:30 and events will finish by 2:45.  The lunch menu for the day will be hamburger or hot dog.  If you plan on purchasing a lunch please fill out the form below or let your child’s teacher know by May 23^rd so there is plenty of food for everyone.

                                                                                Thanks, Mrs. Bearce

                                                                        Physical Education Teacher

If you are interested in volunteering with Field Day activities, please email me and I will send home an information sheet for you to fill out and return for Mrs. Bearce. 

 

This year is drawing to a close and there are several events to be aware of and mark on your calendars. 

Next week:

Monday:  Mr. Renner, the father of a current kindergarten student, and several assistants, will talk to the kids about some of the basics of ballooning. Then they will demonstrate how the balloon is inflated. They have done this demonstration for groups of students before and he reports it was a hit! Hopefully the weather will co-operate so they will be able to show off the balloon! If we have to move it inside they will still be able to “cold inflate” the balloon partially and have the kids do a bit of participation.

Thursday: Students will be visited by the librarians of MCPL to learn about their summer reading program.  Also, author Coach Sloth will return to sign books.  Your child met Coach Sloth on Thursday and heard him speak about his experience writing a children’s series.  There is still time for your child to purchase a book.

The Last Week:

Monday:  Memorial Day—No School!

Tuesday: Field Day! 

Wednesday:  Last day to take AR quizzes

Thursday:  Awards Assembly (11:30-12:15) in our pod.  I will be sending home a letter early next week regarding what award your child will be receiving.

                AR Goal Party (3:30-5:00) in our pod.  Your child will receive an invitation when they meet their AR goal.

Friday:  Last Day!  Dismissal @ 11:45

Researching Inventors

For the rest of this year in our classroom we are researching inventors.
Evreyone has a partner and at least 5 notecards with questions about the inventor and invention they are researching.

        Here are some example questions:

                * What was the invention?

               * When was the inventor's birth and death?

               * Did the inventor have any other careers?

               * How did the inventor get his/her ideas?

         Here are some of the partners and inventors:

              * Sarah and Ryan: The Wright Brothers

              * Ryann Raquel: Alexander Graham Bell

              * Rylee and Leah: Walter Diemer

             Now you know what your child is doing in writing.

inventeres

At miss.coen's class we were working on biographies. I love doing biographies because
we get to go with a partneer and read about peaple in the past that made invention's
that helped us like the light bulb, the puson  who helped us to see.

Poetry By:Luke

    The last couple weeks we have been working on poetry. We drafted five poems that we liked and edited them revised them.  This week we have been publishing them. Today was our last day to publish. We are making a book of our poems we are glueing them to black paper. Then we are making a class book we are all going to pick our favorite poem. We all get a book!!

Moon By: Luke

This week we've been learning  facts about the moon. We wrote facts on sticky notes and we are going to make a Venn Diagram but this is a special Venn Diagram it has 3 circles one box is the Earth one box is the Moon and the last box is the sun. We also did something where we went into a closet and stood in different positions and saw a shadow that's how we learned the phases of the moon it starts as a new moon then half moon after that is a full moon then half moon the new moon again.

                                                      Here are some of the facts we learned.

1. The moon is 1/4 the size of earth.

2.We only see 1 side of the moon

3.The orbit of the moon is tilted

Good-Bye Ms. Askin

 On Thursday our student teacher Ms. Askin left. We were so sad. We made a scrapbook for her we each made a page the page had to have our name in big letters, our picture a teaching tip that said like play games with our class  and a way that we like ms. Askin. Then with all the teaching supplies bought we made a nice little basket she loved it. She even made something for us she made an owl that said owl miss you. It had candy too! Then every one swarmed her and asked for autograph she said she felt so famous.  Then when we left she gave us all hugs

Good bye Miss.Askin :(

On 5-2-13 Miss.Askin the asistant teacher lefet to get a job.She is now working at
a  daycare.My class mates were crying and I was very sad.Evereybodey was sad.
We got CANDEY from here!She is my faveret teacher ever.

Square Dancing By: Leah and Isadora

               This week in PE and Music we did square dancing.

              First ,you bow or curtsy to your partner { Girls can bow or curtsy}.Next,bow to your corner { the person behind you}.
 Then, grand right and left {put your hand out to the next person and use your left hand then right until you get to your partner}.
Next the boy takes the girl's hand and walks her around the circle until they get to their correct spot.
Then, link elbows and elbow swing around once.
The next thing is: the first group goes to the second group, walks around left then right, you right elbow swing the opposite of your partner then left elbow swing your partner.
Next the first group  does the same with the third group then fourth.
Then the second group does the same thing all around the circle.
Next you repeat evreything all over again just at the end with the third group then fourth.

                        THE END
      

April 26, 2013

I began writing this post by looking at the calendar for upcoming events  and couldn't believe what I saw...the last week of April!!  Eeks!  Where has time gone?

Next Wednesday, we begin GLA testing.  As you know from reading your child's agenda, we have spent the past 8 days working to mix all of the good reading skills with test taking tips, so we feel prepared for the tests.  I know these kids are going to rock the test!

Today, I have sent home a white envelope with an index card and instructions.  Please decorate this card with encouraging words.  Then, send the card back in the envelope and I will ensure it is placed on your child's desk Wednesday morning. 

Homework this week is the regular reading log and 4 multiplication timed tests.  Throughout the week, I would like you to use these tests to time your child on their multiplication fluency.  This is very similar to the test I give at school.  Time your child for 2 minutes and 30 seconds.  Record how many problems they get correct.  The goal is to complete at least 34 problems within the time limit. Your child does not have to return all of the timed test.  Have them only return their best one for me to look over.

One last thing, Ms. Askin's last day with us will be next Thursday.  I am planning to have a little celebration that afternoon.  We will present her with a scrapbook and a basket of teaching supplies.  If you would like to contribute, please send in an item(s) with your child by Thursday morning. I will also have a card for your child to sign.

Don't Forget: No School Monday! 

Have a great weekend!
-Jodi

This week are class did how to be a smart cookie.first we did how to be a smart cookie.then we did the mixing and stuff.I saw a lot of good looking cookies.They had a lot of different things.like sprinkles icing and lots of other stuff.

Take your child to work day (at school) By:Luke

 Yesterday was take your child to work day. it was SO fun. A lady came in and talked to us about her job she dose plays and musicals before she left she sang a song called 'What happened to Mable'. Then a nurse was going to come after recess but something happened at the hospital and she had to be there. In science we made a lava lamp. We had a empty 2 leader bottle and filled the bottom  up with water then put in food coloring after we put that in we put vegetable oil in the bottle  then we put in an  alka-seltzer tablet the bottle then in started to bubble up it was like a volcano. You should try this at home all you need is an 2 leader bottle, food coloring vegetable oil and alka seltzer but do this experiment outside.

This week we worked on science and social studies.On social studies we wear working on
the sun.And i will give facts to you.The sun is the closest star to earth.It takes 365 days to
make one full orbit around the sun.

Fractions By: Isadora

     This week in our class we divided an area into equal parts.
      We took a piece of paper and pretended it was a brownie, then we divided it into a specific amount of equal parts. We had 5 different colored pieces of paper to divide.
     Here is a chart of the colors of paper and how many equal peices we need to have.


    
   Yellow:2
    Light blue:3
   Green:4
    Blue:6
    Brown:8


           That is what happend in math

Take Your Child To Work Day By: Isadora

 

          This Thursday was take your child to work day.
I went to my dad's  job, which was T Systems.
 I laminated a lot of drawings that I drew, it was fun.
 At school Abby came and evreyone learned how to make homemade lava lamp.


 That is what happend on take your child to work day.

Friday April 19

Hi everyone! If you didn't read the blog update from last Friday, please do so. There are many important dates listed for your calendar.

Looking toward next week: Monday I will be sending home midterms. They are due back next Friday! Tuesday, we will be taking the Terra Nova test for Science and Social Studies. We will begin the test at 9 am; please have your child here promptly. Thursday is Take Your Child to Work Day. If your child is planning on participating in that event, please email me. Friday, our class will be celebrating our STAR test scores with PJ day! Your child is invited to wear their PJs to school.

Here is a glimpse of what we've been up to lately:

Making Shadows By: Luke

 This week we have been talking about shadows. We made tin men and shined a light on them to make shadows. Then we got into groups and talked about them the tin men on the pink paper had the longest shadows the tin men on the yellow paper had the fatest shadow and last but not least the tin men on the red paper had the shortest shadows. Guess what? We are doing a science experiment on shadows. We put a Popsicle stick in a little ball of clay Mrs. Coen or Miss. Askin drew a compass rose for each group,next we put our sun dial in the middle of our compass rose every hour we came out to check it. After that we recorded the data in our science notebook. It was a fun experiment.I had fun!!!

Friday, April 12

The end of the 2012-2013 school year is getting closer.  We have lots of fun and important events coming up.  In this update I want to share about a few of those events.

GLA/MAP Testing (May 1-2 and 7-9)

As you already know, this is the first year your child will take the Grade Level Assessment (GLA), also known as the MAP (Missouri Assessment Program.  Although this is not the first standardized test your child has ever taken, it is the first time they will be asked to read the entire test on their own.  Another difference is found in question format.  This will be the first time students are asked to explain their thinking behind their answers.  The test is rigorous, but nothing for you or your child to be concerned about.  The most important things you can do to help support your child on testing days is...

1. Make sure they get a good night sleep.
2. Ensure they eat a healthy breakfast.
3. Send them to school with a kiss or hug (and on time).

In the following week, I will be sending home a letter regarding Testing "Encouragement Kits" that we've given our students the past few years.  They simply consist of notes from each family cheering their child on, water bottles, and some gum/candy while taking the test.

Boys Hit For Literacy (April 23rd from 3:30-4:30)

The day is nearing for our boys literacy event—Boys Hit 4 Literacy!!  This event will include coaches and a few players from the T-Bones, as well as Park Hill’s own, Bill Sobbe, who is also a coach for the T-Bones.  Coach Sobbe will be bringing some high school baseball players to assist with the event.  This is an optional after school event on April 23^rd from 3:30-4:30.  Students will have to have their own transportation home and must return a permission slip to take part in the event. 

 

After a small snack the boys will enjoy a short reading from Coach Hook and play catch and get a few hitting pointers from the players and coaching staff.  Boys are encouraged to bring their gloves, but we do have about a dozen gloves for those who do not have their own.  Kristine is placing some permission slips in your mailboxes today, but if there are not enough for the number of boys in your class please let us know.  Permission slips are due April 18^th!  Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Take Your Child To Work Day (April 25th)

 

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is on Thursday, April 25, 2013.  To accommodate parents/guardians working for businesses that plan career awareness events for this day, the Park Hill School District has made a provision allowing students not to be counted absent on this school day if they are attending work with their parents or guardians.  The district’s practice is that your child will not be counted absent if they write a reflection on their experience.  Please have your child bring this to school  and give it to their teacher.

 

If your child is planning on attending Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day events, please contact your child’s teacher prior to April 25, 2013, so we can have a list of those students who are excused, so we will not call wondering why they are absent. 

 

As explained earlier, for your child not to be counted absent, he/she will need to complete a written reflective assignment and return it to their classroom teacher.  Students who do not return this assignment by Tuesday, May 30, 2013 will be counted absent on April 25, 2013.  If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.

Mother/Son Field Day (April 27)

 

Park Hill Student Council is once again holding our annual Mother Son Field Day on April 27^th from 10:30-1:30pm at the District Football Stadium.  If you are interested in learning more, we have flyers in the office.

 

 

Park Hill Summer School (June 3-21)

 

We are happy to announce Park Hill Summer School is HERE @ Hawthorn!

STUDENTS HAVE OPPORTUNITY FOR FUN, EXTENDED LEARNING IN SUMMER SCHOOL

Park Hill School District students can have a fun, extended learning experience through the district's Summer Expeditions program, which will be Monday-Friday, June 3-21. 

All students participating in the tuition preschool summer program will attend the Gerner Family Early Education Center for Summer Expeditions.

Incoming kindergarten through fifth-grade

Summer Expeditions classes, which go from 8 a.m. to noon, give students opportunities to reinforce and enhance communication arts and math skills in preparation for the upcoming school year. The courses are themed, and students will learn through hands-on activities and enrichment opportunities.

Writing Poetry

                           In writing we wrot poetry and "wrote with a poet's eye". Mrs. Coen told us to write a poem about a book and think about it like a poet.
 My poem said:
 
                                Books


                                Books bring you into different worlds
               and make you feel you are there
               Books can change your thoughts and
               make you think different.

               Sometimes pictures can change your
               vision to help you think you are there.

                                Books




                       Rylee's Poem:
               
                   Books

      
Always have a cover, colorful or not, pages and pages of words, setting or character and what not, drama and problem what else to it, never know what is next it is a surprise inside.
           
so the next time you open a book you need to know there is a lot of magic inside.


   that is what has been happening in our class.

this week at the school library we wrote poems I wrote one about apples. It was really good I can't remember what it said?It was really fun to print and see what it looked like but it didn't look red it was all black and white.Some my friend did some I did..My was kind of like a story.I don't know why almost every song is a poem?

The Sun By: Luke

This week we have been learning about the sun. We made a sun book to write down the facts about the sun. We watched YouTube videos about the sun we read books about the sun. Did you know that LONG ago people worshiped the sun. The sun could fit 109 Earths across it's face!! Guess what one sciencetist thought the sun was 12 inches across. One YouTube video we watched showed the planets and stars we realized that the sun is way bigger than earth. There were even stars bigger than the sun. We learnned a lot about the sun!

We did poetry and we reed  poem's.We did frequency which mean's

the teacher show's up a word and we describes the word.

The teacher was reading a sun book,when the teacher was finish reading we

had to write what happened to the story.

Get Your Calendar Ready...Important Dates!

I hope everyone had a relaxing Spring Break!  I know several of you were able to get out of town for some time and I hope you all had fun.  Several students returned their "Lucky to be a Family" Shamrocks today and they look super!  If you haven't been able to finish those, please bring them back by the end of the week.  We are displaying them on a bulletin board in the hallway. 

I wanted to let you know about some upcoming events: 

This week: 

Tuesday 3/19:  McTeacher Night  (I will be working from 4-5pm)
Wednesday 3/20: Spring pictures (Everyone gets a picture taken.  You will have an option to purchase the picture when they are returned.  This is also the day we get class pictures taken.)
Wednesday 3/20:  Grade cards go home (If you would like the end of year grade card mailed to you, please self-address the grade card envelope and include postage prior to returning it to school.)

Next week: 

Thursday 3/28:  Student Showcase/Book fair  (I will be sending home reminders for the time you signed tomorrow.)

In the future:

Tuesday 4/2:  PTA mtg.
Thursday 4/5: 3rd Grade Bowling Field Trip (Students will be going to Gladstone Bowl in the morning, followed by a lunch at Pizza Street.  Parents are welcome to watch bowling and eat lunch.  A permission slip will come home with more information.)

That is all for now! 

Symphony

In our classroom  we went to the symphony we heard the fire bird, peter and the wolf,   and faries and giants.   The lady Stephanie  did motions for the fairies and gaints and the narrator  talked us through peter and the wolf.  we were on the very top of the symphony so we could see everyone below us. it was packed!

Another Snow Day

I was so happy to be back to work yesterday after a long 4 day weekend.  It was exciting to see all of my fantastic students and get back to the lessons Ms. Askin and I had planned for last week. And now here we are with another snow day!  However beautiful the view from my kitchen window, I would rather be at Hawthorn.  Of course I love getting an extra day with my little monkeys, but cabin fever is starting to set in and I think the Coens benefit from routine...all of us.

Being out of routine can make it hard to remember just what is expected or going on, so I'd like to remind you of some upcoming events.

This Week 

McTeacher Night (which was scheduled for tonight) will be rescheduled and I will let you know of the new date soon.

This week we celebrate Read Across America!  Wednesday, Feb. 27 is Crazy Socks Day; Thursday, Feb. 28 is Zany Hair Day; Friday, March 1 is Wear A Hat and The Color Red Day.

In support of the Park Hill After-Prom, Mr. Waters has decorated a bowling pin to represent our school.  We will be selling raffle tickets for $1.00 during lunch this week.

Later in March...

Other upcoming events to mark on your calendar include: Friday, March 8 No School/Teacher Work Day; March 11-15 Spring Break. 

Homework and Learning Goals

Yesterday, I sent home a fluency practice page with 4 to 5 comprehension questions, as well as, a math menu page. Students are expected to read the story multiple times in order to develop their fluency with the piece.  Remember fluency is not only how smoothly we read, but also our use of phrasing and expression.   Once they have completed the questions (answering with complete sentences) and read the story aloud for you, sign off on the paper.  In addition to this reading assignment, I would still like every child reading a minimum of 90 minutes by Friday. 

Students can choose to complete any 5 activities from the math menu.  Number 5 is a worksheet copied to the back of the menu, but all of the other activities must be completed on separate pieces of notebook or printer paper.  If you have any questions regarding this assignment please comment below and I'll get the questions answered quickly. 

With my fingers crossed, I am hoping to wrap-up and assess students on the concepts of multiplication, as well as, properties of matter by the end of this week. In communication arts, we are just beginning to study the genre of Mysteries and drafting our own fiction stories.

Below I have included some photos of our class from the past few weeks of learning.  Enjoy!

 

Finding the mass and volume of matter.



 

Testing methods for melting ice...

Josh tries to melt his ice by breathing on it.

 

Brandon tries to melt the ice by wrapping it in paper towels.

Creating our Multiplication/Division Chart using arrays.