Monday, May 30, 2011

Hi All,
I cannot believe we have arrived at the last week! I've had fun this year. Even with some challenges, your children have been an interesting and fun bunch. I know you will have lively summers.

This week, the second group will be presenting their Famous American speeches on Tuesday, with a few more on Thursday. The kids who did speeches on Friday did really well; I was very proud.

On Wednesday, we are heading to the beach. Please be sure to review Patti's email so that your children are properly prepared for the outing.

Finally, thank you all so much! So many of you have helped in the class, on field trips, and with organizing parties and field trips. You make the school year easier, smoother, and a lot more fun. You are truly appreciated.

Have a great summer, and come visit me next year!
Carroll

Friday, May 20, 2011

Hi All,
Wow, has this year zoomed by. Please send in those permission slips for the End-of-the-year Party. There are several children that have not returned their form or 5 dollars. I am also still short on drivers, by 9 students.

I will send math homework on Monday and Tuesday, but this week the primary homework is preparing for the "Famous American" speeches. The children have worked hard, and most of them have a 3-4 paragraph speech written in the first person, in draft form. Many of them have also been able to rewrite their drafts onto index cards, or to type them. On their day, children should arrive with their speech, and a "dress up" costume. Please find items for the costume around the house! Students' assigned days are indicated below, and anyone that is assigned to Tuesday, May 31, may switch to June 2nd. (I know how frustrating it can be to have an assignment due when you are leaving town.) However, please let me know by Thursday, May 26th, if you are switching to June 2nd. Parents are welcome to view the speeches and take photographs or video. I will not be recording this year's performance.
Friday, May 27th: Abigail, Gigi, Grant, Indy, Izzy, Jack, Jacob, Jaden, Jake, Jamie, Katelyn, Katherine, Lauren, Madisen, Ryan
Tuesday, May 31st: Amelia, Brett, Christian, Gabby, Gage, Jasmine, Jordan, Kye, Layla, Mohammed, Sean, Tara, Trevor, Zachary

Have a great week,
Carroll

Monday, May 9, 2011

Hello All,
I hope you had a pleasant Mother's Day and a relaxing weekend!

I received several responses to my email regarding missing Lit. Circle books. For those of you that did not reply, please carefully check your child's places for the books. This year I have had many more missing books than ever before, and that will have a frustrating impact on future third graders.

As the CSTs are now done, we will resume homework routines. The spelling packets over the next two weeks will look slightly different, because we have completed the HM spelling curriculum. The packets contain words that we frequently see misspelled in children's writing. There are only 14 words to study for Friday's test, but the packet is 2 double-sided pages, with a multiplication practice sheet attached. This homework is due, as always, by Friday. We will also resume nightly HM math homework.

In class, students are working hard on their "Famous American" note taking. These notes will be written into paragraph form over the next 2 weeks. Homework for the week of May 23-27 will include practicing the first person speech, and copying it into final draft form. Speeches will begin (in class) on May 27th, and continue during the last week of school!

This Thursday night is Rio del Mar's Open House. Please make a point of visiting our classroom between 6:30 and 8:00 and seeing your child's work place.

Finally, information about the class party (at the beach, beside 1st and 2nd grade) will be coming home shortly. This is always a fun and social way to wrap up the year.

Take care,
Carroll

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Hello All,

I hope you all enjoyed the break; the last few days have finally felt like spring! Today I had the lovely surprise of a May Day bouquet hanging from my door. Thank you, mystery giver!

This week, we will continue with CSTs in Language Arts on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
As we have completed the math section of the CSTs, there will be math homework this week. We will not have a spelling packet. In addition, parent volunteers will not be needed this week, except for Wednesday Lit. Circles.

On Thursday the class will be going to the Agricultural History Museum. All drivers who volunteered will be needed, and please make sure your driver info. is current in the office. Several students have not returned their permission slips or $3.00. Please bring these in ASAP.

Finally, students will begin researching their "Famous Americans". We will print our articles in the computer lab on Monday, but all students should have a biography about their person as well. Please confirm with your child that they have chosen a person and located a book.

Have a great week,
Carroll