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