Sunday, December 15, 2013

Hi All,
This week the kids will have a regular Homework Packet,  with a review list for spelling.  I realize many children will have extra holiday busyness, but please encourage your kids to plan ahead with their schoolwork.   There will also be math homework on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

We are continuing with our research on Ohlone Indians this week, with the student groups giving short presentations. In math, we will be learning about perimeter.

In addition, please watch this week for information about the Famous American report. There will not be any work assigned over break, but many students find it's a good time to read a biography and get some background information on their person. Please don't have your child write a report over break, as this is mostly an in-class project.

Finally, thanks to all that sent in donations for Toys for Tots, and to Kristen Barrett for organizing our classroom toy drive. A special visitor is collecting the toys on Monday. Mrs. Barrett and Mrs. Danish are also organizing a class party on Friday!

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Hi All,

Thanks to all who were able to drive on our field trip to the Aptos History Museum.  I know many adults learned right along with the kids, and it's great to see how enthusiastic and respectful they were in their desire to learn about local history.

This week we will continue studying about Native Americans in RTI, as well as during our social studies block.  In math, the kids will proceed with the geometry unit, learning lots of new words to use in describing triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons.

Kristin Barret, our Room Parent, has also arranged for the class to participate in a Toys for Tots Drive.  They will be writing letters explaining the purpose of Toys for Tots this week, and if they wish, may bring in toys by Monday, December 16th. Student leadership is also collecting spare change to donate toward another organization. Donations to both these causes are completely voluntary.

Student leadership has also planned a school-wide holiday pajama day for this Friday, December 13th. Kids may wear pajamas, and/or Santa hats if they wish.

Have a great week, and stay warm!
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Hi All,
I hope you enjoyed a joyous Thanksgiving, with lots of time for friends and family!

This week, the children's Homework Packet will not contain a spelling list, but poems to memorize instead.  Encourage your child to practice the poems, and also focus on clear speech, excellent posture, and appropriate eye contact.  The packet also contains multiplication, and we are still learning Rhymes 'n Times sayings and reviewing old rhymes daily. Your child should be reviewing multiplication facts at home a few minutes each day.

In Math, we move on to Geometry.  There are a lot of vocabulary words in this unit, so discussing various concepts and observations using the terms will be great reinforcement. For example, they will be studying parallel lines, and right angles on Monday.   In RTI, we will be reading about Native Americans (Social Studies text and anthology story Dancing Rainbows).  The strategy for the next 2 weeks is Summarize and the skill is Topic, Main Idea, and Details.  We will also be researching the Ohlone during our Social Studies block.

In addition, we have a field trip to the Aptos History Museum scheduled for this Thursday.  All parents who have volunteered to drive are welcome; this is an interesting opportunity to learn a little local history. However, several kids have not returned their permission slips, so if your child is one of them, please send it in on Monday!

I am also missing a few report card envelopes.  Please return your child's ASAP, as they are reused next term.

Finally, please no Santa hats during these first few weeks of December.  The kids get very excited as the holidays near, so the hats just add fuel to the fire.  In the past I've allowed them the last week before break, and as long as this remains okay with Mrs. Dorney, that will be my policy.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer


Sunday, November 24, 2013

Hi All,
It's a short week, so this will be short as well! First of all, there will be no homework this week. Secondly, if you haven't already done so, please send in permission slips for the upcoming field trip to the Aptos History Museum.  The trip happens the week we get back from the holiday!
Finally, have a great Thanksgiving!
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Hi All,
On Tuesday report cards will go home with the kids.  Please use this as a time to reflect on the past term, and set goals for the next trimester.  All the students have also been given a new AR goal, which you will find is much larger than the last trimester's.  Please continue to support the kids in achieving these more challenging goals; most of the class did really well with the Trimester 1 goal.

In math, we are moving into a unit on measurement and geometry. This week kids will not be bringing home a homework packet, as the one sent home last Tuesday is to last for this week as well.  There are 2 Reading Logs attached to the packet, which should be entirely filled out, despite the Veteran's Day holiday.

Have a good week,
Carroll Mayer

Monday, November 11, 2013

Hello All,

I hope you all have enjoyed this 3-day weekend, and been able to commemorate the veterans in your life in your own way.  Because of the long weekend, we are sending home one Homework Packet for the next two weeks.  It has 2 Reading Logs, but only one spelling list to study.  We will not have a spelling test this Friday, and the packet is not due until the following Friday, November 22nd.

Thanks to all the parents who drove on our field trip last week to the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.  The kids had an excellent jump start to our study of the Ohlone people and culture.  We had fun and will continue learning about our community's Native Americans in class, and on our next field trip to the Aptos History Museum.

This week we will wrap up our math unit on multiplication, and then move into a chapter on Geometry and Measurement.  However, you will continue to see multiplication drill sheets, as well as Rhymes 'n Times handouts throughout the year.  In RTI, we will finish the story of Anthony Reynoso: Born to Rope,  and our study of the Questioning strategy and the Categorize/Classifying skill.

Finally, this is the beginning of the second trimester.  Report cards will go home in a week, on Tuesday 11/19.  I will be working on new AR goals based on the kids' most recent AR STAR as well, and will distribute them to the kids later this week.

Take care, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Hello All,
I'm sorry to be so tardy this week but the blog just slipped my mind!

First of all, thanks to all the parents that were able to help with last week's Halloween party.  The kids had a great time, but remained calm and pleasant.

Secondly, please send kids with lunches on Friday. We will be squeezing our lunch break around the museum's schedule, so sack lunches will work best.

Finally, just a reminder that the trimester officially ends next Tuesday.  Most kids have reached their AR goal, but if your child is finishing a book and testing in order to make their goal, please encourage them to let me know.  You are also welcome to send a reminder note.  Please also be aware that I realize AR is new to the kids, and that their goal is just that: a goal.  AR is designed to encourage kids to read and is not an end in itself.

Take care, and I'll try to be more timely next week!
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Hello All,
This week we wrap up the story The Keeping Quilt, and begin a new one, Anthony Reynoso: Born to Rope.  These two stories focus on family traditions, so they're well-timed as we move into November and the holiday season.  In Social Studies, we are kicking off our study of the Ohlone Indians, the Native Americans in our community.  The visit to the Natural History Museum will be the introduction to this unit of study.  We are also beginning a science unit on plant and animal adaptations.  Finally, we will continue with our math unit on multiplication.  It may feel as though we are racing through the math unit, but we will continue to practice multiplication throughout the remainder of the year.  The math unit is designed to give the students an understanding of the concept of multiplication, and a variety of strategies to solve simple multiplication problems.  The Rhymes 'n Times program is to build automaticity with the facts.

On another note, the kids are doing a great job on the weekly homework packets, with the quality of all students' Reading Logs greatly improved.  Please remind your child that they can take AR tests on books they've read at home.  Many in the class have already met their AR goal, but if your child has not achieved it yet,  please remind them to continue taking tests.  The AR program is designed to motivate and monitor kids in getting the reading practice they need.

Halloween festivities are on the agenda for Thursday.  For those of you new to the school, it's tradition to have a "parade" on the intermediate playground at about 8:15.  Parents and younger siblings often come to watch.  Our party is scheduled for later in the day, and a notice was sent out by our room parent Kristin Barrett,  and her able assistant, Amy Danish.  Thank you Amy and Kristin!

Finally, please send in your child's permission slip for the field trip scheduled 11/8. Also attached to the permission slip was a request for a $10.00 donation toward the cost of all the field trips this year.  Thank you, Sandi Kolassa, for preparing the notes and organizing all of this year's trips for the entire Third Grade!

Take care, and have a happy and healthy week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Hello Room 24 Families,

It was great to meet with you all and have chats about your kids.  They are a nice bunch,  and I think you all could tell that I'm enjoying this year.  Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any new questions as the year progresses.

This week we will wrap up our chapter on subtraction, which concludes this particular unit in math.  There will be a unit test midweek,  and then we will begin several math chapters on the concept of multiplication, and various strategies to learn the multiplication facts from 0-9.  We will also continue drilling on the facts throughout the entire year, and begin Rhymes 'n Times ( a multiplication program utilizing rhymes, pictures, and manipulatives.)

As I hope you all know, the landform projects are due on Tuesday.  The kids will share their landforms with the class, and then we will tour and view the projects in Mrs. Allen's and Miss Grable's classes.  Kids will bring home their projects on Wednesday, as we don't have a lot of space to store them.

Finally, permission slips will be coming home this week for our next field trip, in November, to the Natural History Museum.  Attached to the permission slip is a request for donations to cover the cost of the four field trips we will have this year: Natural History Museum, Aptos History Museum, SC Museum of Art and History, and the Agricultural History Museum.

Take care, and I look forward to seeing you at the Harvest Festival on Friday evening,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Hi All,
I look forward to seeing you this week at conferences.  Please be on time, as I only have 20 minutes for each kid, and many conferences scheduled back to back.  The book fair will be held in the library for the entire week, and many parents enjoy visiting it before or after their conferences. 

This week, the Homework Packets do not contain spelling.  Instead, there is a practice sheet on maps, with kids also assigned to review the landforms on the picture vocabulary cards we made in class.  There will be a geography test on Friday instead of a spelling test.  We will also be having a multiplication "timed" test on 2s, 5s, and 10s.  The kids will be encouraged to work as swiftly as possible, and will write the time they take to complete the test on their paper.  The purpose of timing the kids is not to create anxiety, but to encourage the students to commit these facts to memory.

The days will be fast, but full.  In RTI, we will finish up the story The Ballad of Mulan, and then begin a new story entitled The Waterfall.  The strategy for this story is Predict/Infer.  We will also be teaching kids to identify Cause/Effect. In math, we will continue with more complex subtraction problems. We will finish up our personal narratives about the fair, and will begin another narrative. The first AR goal period ends on Friday.  Most of the class has already achieved their goal, but if your still needs to take some tests, please remind them to be assertive about getting that time.  Usually, the testing time is in the afternoon!

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer


Sunday, September 29, 2013

Hello All,
For the next week and a half, in RTI,  students will be reading the folk tale, The Ballad of Mulan.  They will practice the  reading strategy "Monitor/Clarify" and the skill "Making Inferences."  In math, we will be wrapping up our chapter on addition with review on Monday,  and a test on Tuesday. We then move on to subtraction.  As mentioned at Back-to-School Night, information about the land form project was sent home on Thursday, so please support your child in planning and designing their work.  The project is due on Tuesday, October 15th.  Finally, most kids have been reading and taking AR tests with great enthusiasm.  Their first goal period ends on October 11th, so if your child has not been taking tests, or needs to finish a long book, please encourage them to do so in a timely manner.
Take care, and have a good week.
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Hello All,

It was so great to see you on Thursday!  However, if you were unable to attend the Back-to-School Night, these are a few things you will want to do.

1.  Contact Mrs. Barrett (our Room Parent) with information you wish to share in a class roster.  This will allow you to keep up with Parent Alliance news, as well as special classroom activities.  It will also be useful information for your child if they need to connect with another student in the class.  E-mail Mrs. Barrett at Kris.m.barrett@gmail.com 

2.  Sign up for a Parent- Teacher conference for the week of October 7-11.  The conferences are usually scheduled until 2:40, but I can make special arrangements if needed.

This week you will all receive notification about your child's RTI teacher.  RTI will begin on September 30th.  However, if you have questions throughout the year regarding your child's reading progress, please direct them to the Homeroom teacher.  We have weekly meetings to discuss the kids' progress, as well as informal conversations on a daily basis.  


This week's Homework Packet looks a little different.  The kids have a 20 word spelling list, but are expected to write 10 strong sentences rather than completing a workbook page.  The spelling words extend the concept from last week's spelling list.  Math practice has also moved on to multiplication,  so we are beginning with facts addressed in 2nd grade: 2s, 5s, and 10s.  In math class. we will begin working on addition, reviewing regrouping and then balancing equations.


This week we are also sending home a special project (on Thursday).  Students will be making a 3 dimensional model of some landforms.  Specifics about the project will come home on Thursday, and the kids will have a couple of weeks to build and label their model.  We don't expect you to purchase any new materials for this project, so be creative.  In the past, students have really enjoyed this activity!

Take care, and Parent Volunteers, I'll see you this week!
Carroll Mayer







Sunday, September 15, 2013

Hi All,
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful weekend!  We had a wonderful time at the fair last Thursday, with each student having a wonderful opportunity to learn about our county's agriculture and also the many community workers that support us. Kids also had the chance to learn about art, science and celebrate interests of various community members, such as the Model Railroaders.  Thanks again, to all the parent who make this trip possible by driving and chaperoning.

This week, the kids will work on rounding in math.  We will spend several days on this topic, but year after year I find it to be a great challenge to many kids.  Encourage your child to persevere, even if they find it tough.  In Language Arts, we will continue to enjoy Charlotte's Web, as well a story from our anthology called "The Lost and Found".  We are also working on writing a paragraph on spiders, and beginning instruction on personal narratives.

I sent home a Scholastic Books order form this week.  If you wish to order books, please return the form with your order and check made out to Scholastic, or visit the website to order online.  If you wish to order books from fliers other than the one sent home, that is fine.  Please be sure to complete your order by the deadline,September 21st, so that your selections will be included when we receive our shipment.

This week's Homework Packet follows the same format as last week's, and includes a reading log, Practice Book page, math drill sheet, and spelling list to study.  These are due on Friday.  Most children are doing an excellent job on these pages, and the reading log entries have been very impressive. However, a few children have said that they were "too busy" to do this homework.  If your schedule is tight, please help your child plan their days and make the reading a priority.  The reading log can be partially completed on the weekend, and can be written on binder paper instead of the "official" log. I'm also happy to send the packet home on Friday with those people that would like work time on the weekend.

Christy Tall, your Parent Alliance representative and Treasurer has asked me to attach the minutes from the last meeting to this entry. Please take a moment to catch up on PA business.  I hope to see you all on Thursday at Back-to-School Night.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer


Parent Alliance Meeting Notes

September 10, 2013

Upcoming Events:

Back to School night: September 19.
Grades K-3 from 6 to 6:30 p.m.
Principal’s presentation 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Grades 4-6 from 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Parents are encouraged to attend.  Adults only - no childcare available

Run for Rio – October 13
5K at Seascape Park at 8 a.m.
Fun Run at 9:30 a.m.
The Fun Run is being held in memory of Lily Jacob
September 27 – registration deadline for 5K.  Registration link on school website

Harvest Festival – Friday, October 18

Fall Book Fair
October 7-11 (same week as teacher conferences) in the library

Innisbrook Fundraiser – online only
Launches September 16
Full catalog available online

Golf for Schools at Seascape Golf Course
September 30 through October 6
30% of green fees and cart rentals will be donated to Rio. 
Bring flyer with Rio’s name on it (link available on school website)

Parent Information Nights
Internet Safety Presentation by Lori Getz.  Focus on Social Media
October 23, 2013 at 6:30 in MPR
Ms. Getz will be working with students in grades 4-6 that day. Staff development after school. 

Positive Discipline – series of parent meetings with Jane Weed
To be held in Nov., Jan., Feb., Mar., April and May
6:30 p.m. in MPR.  Specific dates TBA

School Site Council:
School Site Council Meetings are held every month on the first Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. in the library.
PVUSD CBO Brett McFadden, PVUSD Board member Jeff Ursino, and other district representatives attended the last Site Council meeting to discuss the $150M voter-approved (Measure L) bond, $1.6M of which has been allotted for RDM. The Council outlined its priorities in the following order: 1. Rubberized track; 2. Bells and clocks w/attached PA system; 3. New heating system; 4. Re-roofing; 5. Tech upgrade. For Phase 2 of the bond expenditures, new portables were requested.
Parents are encouraged to write letters to Brett McFadden and Jeff Ursino expressing support for the rubberized track as top priority. Brett_mcfadden@pvusd.net and jeff_ursino@pvusd.net

Rio has a new office assistant.  Her name is Jennifer Alvarez.  She will be working 11a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.  Andrea Burrell will continue working 7:30 – 11 a.m.


  

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Hi All,

This week, Thursday, we will be going to the Santa Cruz County Fair! Thank you in advance to all the parents who have volunteered to drive and chaperon, and have worked so hard to turn in all the forms, including visits to the school for fingerprinting.  I am counting on all chaperons to attend the field trip, but our free adult passes will be limited.  Some chaperons will need to pay, and drivers will need to pay for parking.  All kids are free.  Children must bring a sack lunch on Thursday, along with a light sweater or jacket, and be in comfortable shoes.  They may not bring money and will not be allowed to purchase any items. 

In Language Arts, we will continue reading Charlotte's Web ( a great tie-in with the fair), and will also read a short article about spiders.  The kids will work on summarizing the article.  We will also begin a study on writing personal narratives.

In math, we will wrap up our chapter on place value, with a test on Tuesday.  Monday's homework will be a review of the concepts addressed.  We will then continue to learn about whole numbers, focusing on rounding and ordering them.

On Friday, the kids did a great job reciting their poems.  They presented "Thirty Days" in small groups, and then had the option of presenting their second poem as a solo, or in a small group.  Most chose to solo, and were able to speak clearly and at a good pace, standing up straight.  We will continue to weave in public speaking opportunities throughout the year.  This week's Homework Packet will follow the more typical format of 20 spelling words and 5 sentences, a Practice Book page (front and back), Reading Log, and math drill.  On Friday, they will be tested on both the words and sentences on their spelling list.  Continue to encourage your child to pace their homework and plan their week accordingly.  I speak to them regularly about the responsibility of homework, and about planning ahead if they know they have a particularly busy day of the week.

Take care, and feel free to call or email with any questions,
Carroll Mayer

Friday, August 30, 2013

Hi All,

Happy Labor Day!  It's great to have one more day to relish the beautiful summer weather.  I intend to make the most of it, and hope you are able to do so as well.

This week, our Homework Packet will be a little different.  Instead of a Spelling List, students are to memorize 2 poems.  You have 3 to look at, and the children are to learn 2 to recite to the class.  They
will be saying their poems in small groups of 3-4, which should help somewhat with the "stage fright".   There is still a Reading Log and arithmetic drill to do on the packet as well. In math, we are now ready to review place value, and will be representing numbers in a variety of ways including "quick pictures", standard form, and expanded notation. In reading, we will continue to enjoy Charlotte's Web.

The kids took their first AR STAR test on the computer last week, and will take a second one before I tell them their reading levels for independent AR Reading.  I will give you more information about this at the Back-to-School Night.

Our visit on Monday from a representative of Save Our Shores was a great success.  The kids collected 5 pounds of trash and 1 pound of recyclables from around the school grounds.  The presentation also increased their awareness of the litter issue.  On Friday, several third graders will share this message with the entire school during our first Friday Morning Assembly.

Finally, thanks to the many volunteers for the field trip to the fair. At this point I have enough drivers.  Drivers, be sure to get your information in immediately, as the office is not allowed to take in last minute forms.  I would hate to cancel for that reason!  In addition, anyone that would like to chaperon may ride along with a driver, but our free adult tickets are limited by the fair organization, so you may have to pay for admission.

Thanks so much for all your support.  This year has gotten off to a great start!
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Hello All,
Welcome to Week 2 of Third Grade! It has been a great beginning to learning about your children and the character of this year's class. We have spent the last week becoming familiar with rules and expectations for Third Grade, and will continue to do so over the next several weeks.  The kids have been a pleasure, eager to learn and to support each other.

This week we will wrap up our math chapter, "Data and Graphing", with a test on Tuesday.  Then we will move on to a short chapter titled "Probability".   In Language Arts, we will continue reading Charlotte's Web all together, and work on summarizing, as well as other reading and writing strategies.

In addition, we have a representative from Save Our Shores visiting all Third Grade classrooms on Monday.  We will follow up this morning visit with a school clean-up, using their gloves, buckets, and data-collecting materials.  If you would like to join us for the clean-up, we will begin at 12:15 (after lunch.) If you decide to join us, please sign in at the office before you come up to the classroom.

On Monday, students will bring home a Homework Packet that will include a Reading Log, Math Drill, and Spelling work. The weekly packets are fairly uniform, and are due on Fridays, unless otherwise noted. We will have a spelling test on the words in the packet most Fridays.  A big thank you to Maggie's and Abby's moms, for their labors last week, dismantling homework books into "bite-size" pieces!

Finally, most of the students have sent in their paperwork and "Parent Homework", but if your child's is not complete, please send it ASAP.  In addition, those children who forgot Mystery Bags should bring them on Monday.  We will be looking at 5-6 a day this week.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Hello All,

Welcome to 3rd grade!  I've been a teacher for 10 years, and a parent and student for many years before that, but Back-to-school is still an adventure.

The supply list to the right is simply suggested, not required.  Please don't send your child with too many "fun" school supplies, as they usually turn into desk toys, rather than tools. All necessary supplies are provided to students.

I usually post once a week and highly recommend that you set this blog to forward to whatever email you check regularly.  It is also a great habit to have the student check this site on Mondays to verify homework, special projects, etc.  This will prepare your child for the Intermediate grades, as many teachers post homework daily.

I look forward to meeting you all in the coming days, and at our Back-to-School Night.

Yours,
Carroll Mayer

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Hello All,

First of all, thanks so much to all of you who helped with the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon last Wednesday. It was beautifully decorated and the food was wonderful.  It is such a treat to sit and visit with our peers and be so wonderfully taken care of.

Next, this week's homework will be short (and sweet!)  Students will receive a Reading Log on Tuesday, which is due --as usual-- on Friday.  Nightly math homework will consist of a Rhyme 'n Times drill sheets. There will be a final quiz on the multiplication facts on Friday.  As I'm sure many of you have noticed, the math lessons are more easily understood and accurately solved when the math facts are solid.  If your child has not memorized the multiplication facts, please continue practicing this summer.

Speaking of summer, summer school has been opened to anyone who wishes to attend.  Please get in touch with me or the office if you would like to sign your child up.

Finally, Ruth DeLuca and the other Third Grade room parents are sending home information about our End-of-the-Year Party.  Please be on the lookout for this!  In addition, a huge thank you to Ruth and her able assistants for this activity, as well as all the other wonderful parties this year.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Hi All,

Happy Mother's Day; I hope you all spent the day in exactly the way you wanted!

This week we are returning to a regular schedule. Students will begin their days with RTI. Each of the groups will be finishing up the year reading a novel. We are also reading Little House in the Big Woods in all of the homeroom classes.

This week's homework packet will include spelling, but it will look different from previous spelling homework. There are fewer words, and no sentences. I will go over the words and concept with the kids on Monday, so they should understand my expectations. There will not be any math practice on the packet, as we will continue with Rhymin' Times attached to the nightly math homework.

On Thursday, we have Open House at Rio. Please come by the classroom and check things out.

Finally, on Friday we have our final field trip, to the Agricultural History Museum at the SCC Fairgrounds. Thanks to all who have volunteered to drive. I will be in touch if your driver information needs updating.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Hi All,

This week we will continue with CSTs, wrapping them up on Wednesday.  The kids have worked hard and remained focused and respectful of their peers need for quiet work time.

The homework will look the same as last week's.  I will send home a Reading Log Monday.  The kids will also bring home math every night; long division and a multiplication drill sheet.

Have a great week!
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Hi All,

For the next 2 week students will be taking CSTs. Because of this focus, we will not be sending home a spelling packet.  I will be sending a reading log on Monday, and the students will have nightly math homework. In addition, there will be a multiplication drill sheet attached to the math homework each day. The third grade is experimenting with a new multiplication program with the goal of greater fluency in this skill.

As your  kids have probably shared, gum is allowed during testing. They will be able to chew gum in class, and will have to throw it out before leaving the classroom.  I have asked that they not bring bubble gum, as I don't want there to be a temptation to blow bubbles. I will bring some gum to share, and you may also equip your child with enough gum to share with others.

I will not need parent volunteers during the 2 week testing window.

Most of the class has returned their typed "Little Red" story, but if your child has not, please send it ASAP. The Student Authors' Fair is scheduled for next Saturday, May 4th at the Capitola Mall and we will need time to assemble their typed work with the pop-up illustration.  

Finally, on Friday we had such a nice day with Jogging For the Arts in the morning, and a party and video in the early afternoon. Then we wrapped it all up in the garden!  Thanks to Ruth DeLuca for organizing the party, and Rachel O'Hara for planning our Life Lab activities.  In addition, thanks to all of you that worked to make Jogging For the Arts such a smooth and well-run event! 

Take care, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Hello All,

I hope you enjoyed the gorgeous spring weather!

This week we will begin test prep. for CSTs (the state tests) which Third grade will begin on Tuesday, April 30th.  We will be testing daily during that week, and the following Tuesday and Wednesday.  Please be sure to get your kids to school on time, and avoid doctor and dental appointments during the morning hours.

This week's story in RTI is Poppa's New Pants.  The strategy is Predict/ Infer and the skill is Drawing Conclusions.  In spelling, we will focus on contractions. In math we will wrap up our short unit on capacity, and then move on to long division!d

If you and your child are working on their "Little Red" typing at home, please push to have it completed by Friday.

In addition, this Friday is Jogging for the Arts.  Please have your child bring in their pledge form this week so that we are ready to go on the 26th.  The kids really enjoy this event and are proud to help with fundraising.

Finally, thanks to all of you who responded swiftly with signed permission slips for our final field trip, to the Agricultural History Museum, and generously with your $5.00+ donations.  If you haven't sent in the permission slip, please do so ASAP.  I am also still in need of a couple drivers.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer




Sunday, April 7, 2013

Hi All,

Welcome back!  I hope you all had a fun and energizing break.  We are on to the final push because soon your children will be 4th graders. It goes fast, I know!  Along with the usual, I will begin doing some review as we will begin state testing at the end of the month.

Next week in RTI we will start a new story called Pepita Talks Twice. The reading strategy emphasized with this story is "Evaluate"  and the skill is "Problem Solving".   In math we will continue with multiplying greater numbers.  Continue to practice multiplication facts daily as this will make more complex math applications easier, and more accurate.

I enjoyed seeing the kids in their costumes and was very proud of their work on the Famous American speeches.  Many of the kids appeared to have a great time with costumes/ props and worked hard to learn and present their speech in a clear and poised manner.  The majority were also great listeners to the presentations as well!

Finally, this week I will be sending home some "Little Red Riding Hood" stories to be typed into final drafts. We wrote these stories a couple of months ago, and have been trying to chip away at the typing at school, but our time in the computer lab is short and there are not that many computers in the class, so this seems the most efficient way.  Kids and parents may type together, kids may assist by reading their work, or you may set your child up to work on their own ---- whichever way works best for your family.  If you print at home, please divide the text into two equal (probably partial) pages.  You may also email me the text and I will print it at school.  If any of this is an issue in your household, please let me know. We have completed the art for this pop-up book at school and will be assembling it once we have the text in final draft.

As always, thank you for your support at home and at school.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Hello All,

Our big focus this week is the Famous American speeches taking place on Wednesday and Thursday from 9:55- ?.  The schedule went home on Friday, March 15th along with the rubric and your child's drafts of his/her speech.  It is our expectation that children will come ready to present the speech on the assigned day.  Kids are encouraged to have"dress up" style costumes and/or bring appropriate props to support the speech.  This is noted in the rubric.  They are also encouraged to memorize the speech, but may hold notes and refer to them as needed.  Students who read the speech will be docked 1-2 points out of the total of 24; the more familiar and relaxed your child is, the better they will do.  There will not be a Homework Packet this week so that students may have additional time to practice.

In Math we have moved to multiplication of 2 and 3 digit numbers by a single digit.  There will  still be nightly math homework.

Finally, this week's story in RTI is Trapped By the Ice!, the story of Shackleton's attempt to traverse Antarctica.  The reading strategy for the story is Monitor/Clarify. The skill for this story is "Text Structure", specifically non-fiction text.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Hi All,

First of all, on Friday students brought home two important items: report cards and their work on the Famous American speech.  Please have your child return their signed report card envelope this week.  The Famous American speech is now homework, with the due date for your child's speech, and the rubric inside their light blue folder. We will have a regular homework packet this week as well.

Secondly, most of the children have returned their signed list of playground rules; if your child has not, please send it ASAP.  I appreciate your support in reminding the kids as to our expectations of their behavior, in the class and on the playground! On that note, ask your child about the presentation from Susan Tremont on "My Distractions" last Thursday.  The kids were very attentive to Ms. Tremont's lesson and seem to have a clear understanding of these issues.  Hopefully, awareness will lead to improved effort in this respect.

Finally, thanks to all the parents who were able to chaperon on Friday's field trip.  It's one of my favorites, and a great opportunity to learn some local history through hands-on activities.

Take care, and have a great week.
Carroll Mayer


Sunday, March 10, 2013

Hello All,
First of all, thanks to all of you who followed up on Friday's email regarding behavioral issues in Room 24.  I appreciate your support.

This week the kids will continue working on their speech about their "Famous American".  We have been working daily on this project for the last several weeks, adding research and writing to the reading students did in January. On Friday, kids will bring home their work,  and any unfinished work will become homework.  I will also attach a letter giving the dates the speech is due, along with a rubric about our expectations for the final product.

Friday will also be the day report cards come home.  The original date was shifted, due to technology issues on campus last week.

Also on Friday, our class will attending our field trip to the SC MAH.  Thank you to all the drivers who volunteered.  I think you will find this trip a fun and interesting one.

Finally, a big thank you to the O'Hara family, who have been working diligently in our Rio garden and filled in the giant mud puddle in front of our classroom.  In addition, thanks so much to Misty Courtney and Mary Zimmer for their hard work on our yearbook pages.  You all are going to be so impressed.  Also, thanks to Brett Hegna for the cool auction item.  The kids had a good time working on it, and I know someone is going to love it!

Take care, and have a good week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Hello All,

We have another "normal" week ahead of us.  The kids will bring home a complete Homework Packet on Monday, and it's due on Friday.

Our trimester ends on Thursday, and report cards go home on the following Thursday, March 14th. Many students have still not met their AR goal, so remind your child to take tests on any books they have recently completed.  (It's best not to test on books from weeks and months in the past, as there are detailed and specific questions.) It's important to keep in mind the point of AR is to give kids practice in reading, with some accountability; it's not an end in itself. Students will get a new AR goal for the last trimester.

Our field trip to the SC MAH is scheduled for March 15th; thanks to all who have volunteered to drive.  We have a nice amount of space, with a little extra in case of sickness, etc.  There are a few kids who still need to return their permission slips and $2.00.  If it's sitting on your counter top, please send it in!

Take care, and have a good week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Hi All,
I hope you are enjoying the beautiful weekend weather.  This week we return to a normal schedule!

The spelling list is a review list, so the children have 3 pages of spelling practice instead of two.  There are no sentences to study.  This Friday there will be another multiplication Timed Test on 0-6.  Please encourage your child to review these facts.

Last week I sent home permission slips for our field trip to the MAH on March 15th.  Thank you to all who have volunteered to drive; we have a good number at this point.  I am still missing several students' permission slips, as well as their $2.00 donation for the museum.  If your child has misplaced their permission slip, please send a note requesting another, or download the form from the school's website.

The kids have begun gathering additional research about their "Famous Americans" this week.  We will work in class over the next several weeks to research and write a 3-5 paragraph first person speech from the point of view of their candidate.  The children will then bring home their speeches to rehearse before performing them for the class.  The due date for the speeches will be the last week of March, before vacation, with the kids presenting them over a couple of days.   I will send home a rubric with our expectations when the kids bring home their speeches.

Take care, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Friday, February 15, 2013

Hello All,
Have a wonderful 3 day weekend!  This week was a particularly challenging one for many kids, with the Choir performance and Valentine's Day sandwiched between two holidays.  We spoke in our class meeting about distractions, and distracting behaviors, and how frustrating they are.  Many of the kids are able to identify them in others, but don't see how they contribute to the problem.  Feel free to continue this conversation at home.  Even those children who are generally well-behaved may add to the problem by laughing at those who choose "class clown" behavior. 

A big thank you to Ruth DeLuca, for the great, yet mellow Valentine's Day party.  The cupcakes were yummy too!  Thanks as well to all the parents who popped in to help; you make our school a special place.

Finally, a reminder about the March 15th MAH field trip. I have only had a handful of permission slips returned.  Please have your child bring in the form, and $2.00, ASAP.

Take care, and enjoy a beautiful, warm, weekend!
Carroll

Monday, February 11, 2013

Hi All,

I hope you are all enjoying the first of two 3 day weekends!  Because of the holidays, this week's Homework Packet will not be due until Friday, 2/22.  We have found that many of the kids need a full week to practice the spelling words, and that it is worthwhile to give them extra time to prepare for the test on Friday.  We have included an extra reading log (on the back of the regular one) and expect students to read throughout both weeks.  Most of the class is doing an excellent job on the reading log, and reading interesting, appropriate books.  Please encourage your child to check whether their outside reading has AR tests.  Many of the kids are not on track with their point goals, despite a lot of reading in class and at home.

In addition, please remember that this Wednesday (2/13) is the choir performance. The kids have been practicing with Tanya and Jessica since the fall and are looking forward to showing off the results of their labors.

Our class Valentine's Day party is on Thursday.  Ruth Deluca sent out a list with all students' names and a schedule.  In general, 3rd grade keeps it low key.

Finally, I am sending home a permission slip for our next field trip, which is to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History.  They have an excellent, hands-on presentation about local history.  Our class is scheduled to attend on Friday, March 15th.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Hi All,

This Friday, the short book reports (summaries) on students' biography books are due. Please be sure your child takes time to thoughtfully summarize their book, and to recheck their writing for proper punctuation. Also, expect your child to use their book as a resource for the more challenging spelling words.  I don't want to see their subject's name misspelled.

Other than the biographies, this week's homework and routines are the usual.  We will have a timed multiplication test on Friday for the multiplication facts 0-6.  Please continue to review the facts daily.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer

Friday, January 18, 2013

Hello All,

We finally get to enjoy some warm weather.  Yeah! 

On Tuesday, January 22nd, students are expected to have chosen a "Famous American" and located a book about their person. The written book report is due on Friday, February 1st.  After students hand in the book report, we will further research their subjects, and prepare speeches in class.  We will give you plenty of advance notice before the speeches are due.

This week's Homework Packet is a review list.  It is formatted a little differently from the regular pages, but there are no new words to study.  Please be sure your child completes the packet, including the reading log.  They may note their biography, books they're reading for pleasure, or any other reading material on the log.

On Tuesday, we will wrap up our Geometry Unit and move into division.  Students will find it very handy to know their multiplication facts when they tackle this subject.  Please continue to practice the facts daily!

Our next field trip is scheduled for Friday, March 15th. We will be heading to the Santa Cruz MAH, to learn about local history.  This is an interesting, hands-on field trip.  I will send the permission slips home in early February.

Take care, and enjoy the weekend!
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Hello All,

Welcome back!  This week we will attempt to get back into our regular routines.  Students will bring home a Homework packet that will include spelling, a reading log, and multiplication practice.  At this point, your child should be reviewing multiplication facts daily, unless they are already proficient. This week's spelling list is homophones.  Please remind your child to memorize which meaning is associated with which spelling; simply knowing how to spell a word will not be sufficient on this test.

In addition, students must choose a "Famous American" for their upcoming research project, and locate a biography about that person. A book must be chosen by Tuesday, January 22.  Information about the appropriate candidates for research, and the book report that will be a portion of this project, was sent home just prior to the vacation.  If your child's handout has been misplaced, please have him or her request a second copy.

Have a great week, and stay warm!
Carroll Mayer