Friday, August 28, 2020

August 31- September 4

 Hi All,


These kids are troupers! I made a quite ambitious schedule this week, and we got better at it as the days progressed. However, I am making some adjustments now that I am older and wiser! Lots of the kids—and I— are hoping for math Breakout groups, but I am holding off a couple more weeks until we get pretty clear on our transitions. For the most part, kids are navigating to and from the synchronous and asynchronous learning times, and also finding their way to the PE and Art Google Classrooms. 


Parents, I sent “invitations” for you to join the Google Classroom so that you can monitor your child’s work. Many of you have accepted, but if this was overlooked, I encourage you to seek that out. This will be a way for you to track your child’s work that is submitted through Google Classroom. Of course, not everything we do will be using that format, as I am giving the kids an opportunity to hand write in their Reading Notebook daily, and they also have math pages to do every day but Wednesday. We will have math quizzes using Google forms as well.


This week, I have no new materials for you to pick up in the cafeteria on Monday. I will alert you the next time that’s scheduled. I’ve learned that it’s a good practice to have your child completely shut down (not simply close) their Chromebook every few days. That way they will get the updates the tech team is working on to try to smooth out the glitches many people are experiencing.


Here is the Schedule for the Week of August 31- September 4. I will also share it in the Google Classroom, so the kids will have a digital copy. If you are making a master schedule for your child, please look for revisions on this week’s schedule. Ultimately, I plan on keeping it consistent! Please also note that the 1-1 Meetings are times I would like your child to check in with me. Each kid is on the schedule for 15 minutes in alternate weeks, and they do not need you to be present at the meeting. 


On Fridays, I will assign Mystery Science lessons, and the kids will have a week to work on them. Each lesson has videos, and then a model to understand the concepts more deeply. The supplies vary from week to week, and some are trickier to get than others. This week’s lesson has pretty accessible supplies (string, an index card or card stock,  and a paper clip), as well as the ability to print out a template. I will work on developing a supply list for those of you that wish to order materials ahead. However, I will not be holding the kids accountable for doing the hands-on activities. We will have some digital assessments for them to demonstrate that they are watching the video lessons, and attending to the concepts addressed. 


Kids were assigned to explore Studies Weekly last week, and many of them got right to work on the lessons in the first issue. I have also released  the test for this issue, and they should complete it after they have read all the articles. This will be due on Friday, September 4th. After this week, I will assign a new Studies Weekly lesson on Wednesdays, and kids will have until the following Tuesday night to complete the lesson and submit their responses to the assessment. 


Thanks for all your support during these challenging days, and please know that I am there to help your child and you as well.


All the best,


Carroll Mayer

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Welcome to the new year!

 Hi Fourth Graders and Families,

Welcome to The Most Exciting New School Year Ever!  I can't wait to explore all the new things ahead of us. We are in for some exciting challenges, and different sorts of opportunities.

Feel free to email at Carroll_Mayer@pvusd.net. I would love to hear from you! (If you were part of last year's class, and think you are not returning to my class as a 4th Grade family, you probably subscribed to my blog, and will need to unsubscribe. Or...you can "spy" on this year's activities!)

I will see you all soon...at our Monday class meeting! Be sure to check Google Classroom to find the link to the first meeting at 9 o'clock, this Monday, August 17th. 

All the best,

Carroll Mayer


Sunday, May 31, 2020


HI All,

I cant' believe we have arrived; this is the final week of our 2019-2020 year! I want you to know that I will miss each and every one of you this summer. Next year, when we begin school, some of you will be with me as 4th Graders, but more will be working with other teachers. Please know that you will remain in my thoughts, and that I am always available to support you, whether I am your official teacher or not!

Here is our final Distance Learning Choice Board. You will see that there are still some math lessons, some reading to do and books to listen to, and some writing to complete! We still have some work this week. Our Monday meeting will be at 10, and during the meeting we will review the Choice Board, and view and compliment classmates' work on the World Artist and Famous American Padlet.
I am so proud of all the work you all have done on this project, and the other assignments you've completed at home this term. Please give yourself--- AND the parents and other adults that supported you--- a hug and pat on the back. You have all worked hard!!!


On Tuesday and Wednesday, the grade level meetings will continue as scheduled, and we will discuss math, and the audiobooks each group has been listening to. On Thursday, we will have our End of the Year Celebration at 10. Bring your pet or stuffed animal to the meeting, and be prepared for a Scavenger Hunt as well! Thank you Jena and Grace for the Marianne's gift certificates, which I know you will use with pleasure. This will be our final meeting of the year.

On Friday, I will email parents the report cards. Hard copies will be sent to your home address as well.

So, for the last time this year, here is the Seahawk News.

Have a great week, and I will see you on Monday at 10:00.

Love,

Ms. Mayer

Monday, May 25, 2020

Hi All,

Happy Memorial Day! I trust that you are enjoying a beautiful weekend. The kids had an assignment to read about the history of Memorial Day in Newsela, so hopefully your child has an understanding of the solemnity of this day, while also enjoying the day off.

Here is this week's Distance Learning Choice Board.  Primarily, the kids should be focused on wrapping up activities and recording their speeches for their Famous American or World Artist research and writing project. The writing was due last week, and so this week should be oriented toward the items in the Choice Board. Each child is expected to do 3, which includes recording their speech on FlipGrid, or another video method. All items should be uploaded to the Padlet linked in our Google Classroom. The FlipGrid is also on that Padlet.

Kids in both grades should continue with Geometry. There are materials in the Google Classroom, as well as the pages to work on for this week. Fourth Graders have pattern blocks to print, and 3rd Graders have centimeter rulers. If you already have these materials--especially the ruler--there is no reason to print it.

This week, due to the Monday holiday, our Class Meeting will be on Tuesday at 10. Third Graders will meet as usual on Wednesday, and I will meet with Fourth Graders on Thursday. As always, I am open to meet up with kids one-on-one to help with any questions; just email me. I will also hold Office Hours this Friday at 10.

It's time to pick up your child's gear! You should pick up papers and desk items on the assigned day: Wednesday for 3rd, and Thursday for 4th. The cafeteria is open from 8-5:30, and you must wear a mask. If you are picking up for other children in your family, you may get the items in one swoop. For those of you that collect packets, the day is Tuesday instead of Monday.

Sorry, no Seahawk News yet, but I will post in the Google Classroom when it arrives!

Have a great week!
Ms. Mayer

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Hi All,


Happy rainy Sunday! I am enjoying a quiet day, reading a great book, and doing my yoga app. I hope you have found fulfilling, joyful ways to spend your weekend too.

Here is this week's Distance Learning Choice Board. The big focus for this week is finishing up a well-researched piece of writing on your Famous American or World Artist. I have been poking around, searching for kids' writing to comment upon, and have made notes on those submitted to me. I've been very pleased with the work I've seen! I hope you are enjoying learning about your subjects, and I see you are writing thoughtfully about their lives, their challenges, and the lessons that we can learn from these important people.

Otherwise, we have 3 more weeks of school. Keep up the great work on the geometry, which many of you are enjoying. Fourth Graders will break out the protractors this week, but don't be thrown off by the lesson on circular protractors scheduled for Monday. You will be using the regular ones after that, and don't need to own a circular protractor!

We will continue to have our regular meetings at 10 AM: whole class on Monday, 4th Graders Tuesday, 3rd Graders Wednesday, and Office Hours on Thursday and Friday. Kids, please remember that if you send me a question via email, you need to go back and check your email for the response. It's also really polite to send a quick follow up that you have read my response and solved your problem, or that you need to make a plan to solve it using a digital meeting.

I am sending an email virtual Lost and Found with items from the classroom. There are several pencil cups filled with colorful pens, scissors, etc, as well as a very nice sweatshirt and some water bottles. I am happy to place in the bags I'm packing from kids' desks, but need these items to be identified in order to do that. Ms. Jones sent out information about when and how to claim your things a week or so ago.

Here is this week's Sea Hawk News.

Have a great week!

Ms. Mayer





Sunday, May 10, 2020

Hi All,

Happy Mother's Day! I wish the best of days to all of you who are a mother, or who are mothering. It is the best! 💕

This week, we will have our usual Google Meet gatherings, Monday- Wednesday, and Office Hours on Thursday-Friday. However, after Monday, the time will be pushed back to 10 AM, so that I can attend some other meetings scheduled earlier in the day. This Monday will be our last 9:30 meeting.

Here is the Sea Hawk News, which I look forward to every week!

On Monday both grades begin Geometry. Along with our usual lessons and videos from Duane Habecker, I have included some BrainPop and BrainPop Jr. titles that the kids should watch. I have found that many kids are comfortable with the concepts in geometry, but unfamiliar with the vocabulary used to describe those ideas. Encourage your child to take notes when they watch the videos, and then use the words to create their own "Math Word Wall" or vocabulary flashcards.  Geometry is definitely the most vocabulary heavy math unit!

In writing, kids will continue working on their Famous American and World Artist writing reports. In the end, I expect to see a 5 paragraph (or more) report that captures the important aspects of their subject's life, and also reflects upon the way the person has influenced people positively.

Reading is still independent, and kids should be devouring self-selected books, as well as the Newsela article of the week. I am also expect at least 40 minutes of Lexia each week.

Here is our current Distance Learning Choice Board.

Have a great week!

Ms. Mayer

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Hi All,

What a sunny, beautiful weekend! I hope you all got outside to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.

On Sunday afternoon, Mrs. Avey sent the teachers the SeaHawk News, and once again, she did a beautiful job putting together all the great photos and videos sent her. It touched me to see your Teacher Appreciation messages, and I am sure it touched my fellow teachers as well. Thank you for your beautiful words and signs. 💜 I also loved seeing the pictures of kids in their favorites reading spots!

I'm so proud of the way you are working so hard, and so responsibly on the your math, reading and writing. I love seeing your math papers, and the quality work you all do! Since we learned about the scanners, it's even easier for me to read your work. I feel confident that you are all going to be ready for your fractions lessons next year, and that's a real testament to you and your parents' dedication!

For writing this coming week, we will continue to work on researching our Famous Americans/ World Artists, and will even begin drafting our introductions. However, I also want to take time to celebrate each kids' fairytale or myth by reading and commenting on those posted on the padlet in our Google Classroom. There are still a few people who have not posted their art/stories. If you are having trouble doing it, please let me know and I can help. I also put a YouTube on the padlet that gives some instructions, or you can contact one of your classmates that has already done it and get some support.

In reading, I am seeing more kids remembering to write their signposts (Notice and Note), to do Lexia minutes, and read the weekly Newsela article. Remember, I am expecting you to take an AR test each week, OR to send an email letting me know that you are in the middle of a book. Third Graders, please remember that if you are using the packet you pick up from school, you need to still check the Room 9 Distance Learning Choice Board. We do NOT have all the same activities as those listed on the sheet that comes with the packet.

We are in the last month of school, and that's usually a time that feels too busy and rushed. This year, one of our silver linings is that we can cherish these last days together--at least virtually! I look forward to seeing and hearing you all at our class meeting on Monday at 9:30, and at our grade level meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Take care,

Ms. Mayer

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Hi All,

I hope you have enjoyed the past week. It feels like a long time since Earth Day, but it was only last Wednesday! I loved hearing about all the things you did to celebrate our planet, via your posts to our daily question, and in our 3rd Grade meeting on Thursday. This week we will return to our normal schedule, and have a whole class meeting on Monday at 9:30, 4th Grade on Tuesday, 3rd on Wednesday, and Office Hours on Thursday and Friday. All the meeting are from 9:30-10:30, and we will continue to use Google Meet (link on Classroom). I also loved seeing many of you in the SeaHawk News. If you haven't sent in photos to Mrs. Avey in the past, you have another chance this week!

Here is our Room 9 Distance Learning Choice Board for this week.

For 3rd Graders only, a reminder that copies of Riding Freedom are available at Rio on Monday, in the same place that parents pick up packets. If you don't get a packet, you can still get the book. I have also linked an audio version of the book, starting over at the beginning, on this week's Distance Learning Choice Board, so you can enjoy the book even if you don't have a copy. When/if you pick up a 3rd Grade packet, please remember that we don't have exactly the same activities as those that are in the packet. Follow our assignments listed on our Choice Board.

For everyone, please remember that I am expecting you to read, write and do math every school day. Some of you are sending in everything you are assigned, and I appreciate how hard you are working.

  1. How do I know you are writing? You have turned in your final draft of your story, and returned the grammar worksheet via a scan or photo. 
  2. How do I know you are reading? You have written a signpost for you book on KidBlog, taken an AR test, done the assigned Newsela article, and completed your Lexia minutes (40).
  3. How do I know you are doing math? You have returned math Exit tickets,  (this coming week all assignments), and are doing your Khan Accelerator minutes(45).
Families, please let me know if your household is having trouble completing these assignments. I will do all I can to support you in making this work during the remainder of the school year.

Have a terrific week! Kids, remember that you can add to the agenda for our class meetings by emailing me, or by posting on the document attached to Meeting "assignment" on our Google Classroom. 

Take care,

Ms. Mayer


Sunday, April 19, 2020

Hi All!

Well, it's been another beautiful week! I feel fortunate to be a part of a community that continues to work hard to support one another: to keep people safe, and yet still be together as a collaborative and spirited group. I was so impressed this week with the level of student participation in the various activities, both required and not required, and the quality of interaction in our Zoom meetings, Google Classroom comments, and emails. You are rising to this challenge!

On that note, we have another wonderful  Seahawk News.😃

In addition, here is this week's Distance Learning Choice Board. It is also posted in the Google Classroom, along with links to pages to print out or hand write. The REQUIRED items are clearly marked, and those will be the activities I look at when determining kids' level of participation each week. Please let me know if your family is having trouble with one of these activities, or are addressing the grade level standards in some alternative way.

I have again scheduled 9:30 virtual meetings each day. The schedule is the same as last week's, and is also listed below. The links/codes are on the Google Classroom, as they are subject to change.

Monday--Whole Class
Tuesday--4th Graders
Wednesday--3rd Graders
Thursday & Friday--"Office Hours" --anyone with questions or  a need

This week kids in both grades will be continuing to learn about fractions in math. We will be working on fractions for several more weeks, and then will finish the year out with a few weeks of Geometry. Fourth Grade parents, it will be ideal if your child has a protractor when we begin this material in the middle of May. as a big part of this unit is learning how to measure angles. Protractors are not needed in 3rd.

Third Grade families can pick up this week's packet on Monday, but a reminder that not all of our activities are aligned with the other 3rd Grade classes. Please bypass the reading assignments, as our class has different work, and follow the schedule laid out on the Room 9 Distance Learning Choice Board.

This week kids will be finishing up the stories they drafted last week. I am enjoying reading their work, and am making comments so that they can revise and edit their work to the best of their ability.  There are also ideas for publishing/illustrating the stories on the Choice Board. Next week, kids will begin researching their Famous American (3rd) or Artist (4th). There is a sign up on the Choice Board, so that only one kid in the class researches and writes about a given subject. Please make sure that your child has chosen their person by the end of the week. I have made collections of books in Epic, and can also support some with articles using Encyclopedia Britannica and Reading A-Z.



Have a great week, and please don't hesitate to contact me with for additional support,

Carroll Mayer

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Hi All,

I hope you enjoyed your weekend, and have found ways to celebrate your health and faith as a family.

Rio del Mar has many resources available to support you during these times, including links for PE, Art, and the school library. These are all on the Choice Board.  In addition, here is a message from Natalie Hanneman, our counselor :Letter to Family

Here is one of my favorite things: Seahawk News


It seems like we are developing some successful routines, and I'd like to build on structures that are working.

Class Meetings via Zoom at 9:30--Links/codes posted on Google Classroom

  • Monday--whole class
  • Tuesday--4th Grade 
  • Wednesday--3rd Grade
  • Thursday & Friday--"Office Hours" --I will be on Zoom, available for kids to log in and ask questions about classwork or technology.

Here is our Distance Learning Choice Board for the week. It will also be posted in the Google Classroom. For Third Grade parents: our Choice Board and assignments are not EXACTLY like the ones included in the weekly 3rd Grade packet available at Rio from 8-10 on Mondays. Picking up the packet saves you and your child some printing, especially of math papers, which I am syncing with the other classes. We do NOT have the same reading assignments, so stories referenced in the packet are not accessible to Room 9 kids. Please use the Reading Routines (also linked on Choice Board) to structure your child's weekly reading.

It's my expectation that you are all reading, writing and doing math on each school day. There are a lot of other things on the Choice Board, and they are so you don't get bored. I know you are also good at thinking of interesting, creative and fun things to do.

Finally, I am checking in and responding to your emails and submitted work every day. I love to see and hear how you're doing, and am eager to help you as challenges arise. I really like getting the work on Google Classroom, but I also welcome pictures sent via email.  I miss you!


All the best,

Carroll Mayer



Monday, April 6, 2020

Good Morning,

I hope you all had a great vacation, and enjoyed our beautiful and sunny home. It was even nice to settle in and get cozy these last few days while it rained!

This week my expectation is that the kids will be reading, writing and doing math daily--Monday through Thursday.   All assignments are listed in the Distance Learning Choice Board, and are duplicated in the Google Classroom. I am doing this to support kids in their organization. I've been getting back work in a variety of ways, and have seen very little from a few kids. Hopefully, this will help all understand and manage classwork.

I also sent a lengthy email, so please let me know if you did not receive it. I will verify your email address and forward the information. In addition, the kids should now be able to access Gmail, by going to the "waffle" in the right corner of their screen after they log in and open their Google Drive. I am sending all emails to the kids, as well as parents. I am happy to get email directly from the kids, and am responding as soon as I can when they alert me to various challenges, or simply let me know how things are going.

Have a happy, healthy week!

Ms. Mayer

Friday, March 27, 2020

Hi Parents (and Kids),

Just a few things to wrap up this week…
  • I have sent you all invitations to Epic Books. Thank you Jena, for alerting me to this. You will need to have the invitation to access this free (until June) service for your child. 
  • Epic Books should allow us to have some shared books, which I am excited about. I am new to this site, but I think it will increase our options, although I know a big challenge for all of you is varying the work, and selecting your tech time with care. 
  • On the tech topic, please be sure that your kid is completing their designated Lexia minutes. I would like to see a minimum of 40 minutes/week for each kid, but if your child is working below their grade in reading or writing, or is simply below their grade in Lexia progress, I suggest you increase it to as much as 20 min/day.
  • Not that many people are accessing Khan Accelerator. If this is due to tech/log in problems, please let me know. 
  • After break I will be setting up Google Hangout meetings in various groups. We may also experiment with Zoom.

I will not be posting assignments next week—Spring Break!  Your child is welcome to access any of the technology available during this time. I am also posting this cool “Engineering Bingo”. on the Google Classroom page.
It is not an assignment, and I will not be collecting work. If you want, you can take pictures and send them to me after break.

Have a healthy and joyous Spring Break. I am filled with gratitude to be a part of this loving, hardworking Rio del Mar community!

Take care,

Carroll Mayer

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Hi All,
I hope you’ve had a pleasant weekend, and are settling into some new, healthy, and happy routines. I’m finding that I have more time for long walks, and have found some less crowded spots in which to do them!  I am including a link to the Choice Board for the week, which is similar to Third Grade’s, but not exactly the same. Third Grade families only may pick up the Third Grade packet in front of Rio from 8-10 on Monday.   You all can print whatever you need as well!

Choice Board March 23-27


This week I will be posting a daily agenda, as well as a journal prompt. I’d also love to see your faces via FlipGrid, which is on the Google Classroom.

Have a productive week, with lots of bonding time with the family.

Take care,

Carroll Mayer



Friday, March 20, 2020

Hi All,

It’s been so great to hear from most, if not quite all of you!  When you communicate privately with classmates, on the phone or via text, check in and see if they are up-to-date with class info. There are still a few friends who haven’t checked in.


Next week, we will begin our “regular” distance class routines. I will post a Choice Board with a lot of links here, and in Google Classroom on Monday. I would like you to get in the habit of checking Google Classroom in the morning every school day. I will have an agenda, a journal prompt, and special messages.

One thing that’s already on Google Classroom, is Flipgrid. There’s  a link to a pdf explaining it, and our first grid. Feel free to try it out today, or this weekend.

Please contact me with any questions. I understand the district will be activating your email soon, so you can do it that way, or by posting a question on Kidblog or Google Classroom. I think we are all going to get very expert with technology!

Finally, Third Graders can get in on packets that will be printed once a week for Grades K-3. Our assignments are not 100% the same as the other classes, but math and writing pages match up, and that will save printing at home. You do not have to get the packet; all the links will be on Google Classroom and the Choice Board. The packets will be in boxes in front of the school office on Monday morning. It’s just to help you out. Sorry 4th Grade.

Thinking of you all, each and every day!

Ms. Mayer

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Hi Kids and Families,

It looks like we will be doing this for a while!

First, a "shout out" to Evie and Sophie, who posted on Kidblog. This will be a great place for you to share ideas and opinions!

Secondly, way to go Maxine and Luke, who responded to my question on the Google Classroom. This will be another way we can keep in touch!

Here are a few things I have put up on the Google Classroom this week.

  1. A link to a PE blog from Mr. Kurek, so you have lots of ideas for staying active.
  2. A link to Studies Weekly, so you can set up a digital account and read Studies Weekly that way. Down the road, there may be assignments and tests too!
  3. Links to a few interesting Mystery Science activities. These are not long ones like we do at school, although I may add some of those later.
  4. This week's Seahawk News. Mrs. Avey wants you to send her videos so you can be in the Seahawk News in other weeks.
  5. Information, including 2 short videos on tessellations. Drawing these is a fun Art/Math activity!

Parents, please let me know your situations regarding technology. I realize Ms. Jones sent out communication about Chromebooks, but I'd also like to know how it's going. Especially, what school technology are you comfortably accessing from home? 





Here is a picture, because I miss your smiling faces!



Sunday, March 15, 2020


Hi All,

I am thinking of you all.  What a topsy turvy time this has been! 

I will be updating my blog a lot during the coming weeks, so please
 subscribe if you didn’t earlier this year, or make a note (or set a
phone reminder) to check in every day or two. I will also be using the
Google Classroom to push out materials and links to the kids. 

First, some questions:

  1. Has your child logged into Lexia, Google Classroom, or Khan                                                                                Accelerator from home this school year?
  2. Will your kid have access to a computer?                                                                                                                            If so, will they be sharing with siblings? Sharing with parents? 
  3. Do you have access to a printer?

Next, some links to share:

From our Therapist Natalie--
and 
Resources and ideas from the district for learning at home.


Finally, here are some activities from me for this week. I will also post them on the blog, and share them with the kids on Google Classroom.


I am thinking about you all every day, and looking for interesting things
 for you to do during this time. 

Carroll 


Attachments area

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Hi All,

I hope you are having a great week!

Just a few reminders...

  • Third Graders have permission slips to return for the Neary Lagoon field trip. Our kids will attend with Mrs. Chekouras’s class, and she will be the teacher in charge. We will need approximately 4 drivers for 14 students. 
  • We have begun a new trimester. This final term is a good time to reboot any scholarly behaviors that have fallen by the wayside, such as returning Homework Choice Board, daily reading, or practice using technology like Lexia, Newsela, Khan Accelerator, and Moby Max. 
  • When bringing in treats for birthdays, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Avey are requesting that students provide only individually wrapped food during this cold and flu season. In our class, we also prefer fully labeled packages so that kids with various dietary restrictions can participate. 
  • Our class has run low on Kleenex. Donations of a box or 2 are welcomed!
Have a lovely week!

Carroll Mayer

Monday, March 2, 2020

Hi All,

This week is the final week of the trimester. Kids have finished their Opinion Writing, and the Mystery Unit in reading.  This week we begin a biography unit in reading. We will spend a couple of weeks working on punctuation exploration before we begin the next writing unit. Third Graders will also wrap up the Geometry Unit (Module 4) this week, and have an assessment on Friday. In addition, each student set an AR goal with me at the beginning of the term, and many have achieved that goal already. The kids have until Friday to take any AR tests they wish to count toward this term's goal. Report cards go home two weeks from Friday.

This Thursday the 4th Graders will head to the symphony in Santa Cruz. They should bring bag lunches, as they'll return to Rio del Mar after lunch time.

Have a great week!

Carroll Mayer



Monday, February 24, 2020

Dear Parents,

Another beautiful weekend in the books!

This week the class will wrap up our Opinion writing and Mystery Units in ELA.  Kids can continue to read mystery books at home, but in class we will be shifting to a biography unit. I have a lot of biographies in class, and I will be encouraging student to read chapter books and picture books about people that interest and engage them.

The class has earned a party through their good behavior. The kids have chosen a "Market Party", which is something Mr. Avey has done many times, successfully, but is new to me. I am sending home a paper letter with details, but the gist is that kids may craft items to sell in a shop, or bring "garage sale" items to resell. The money exchanged is our class moola. I am not included any food items, as Mr. Avey tells me that gets out of control, with an excess of baked goods. The date for our market party is March 6th. Kids do not have to bring items to sell if they don't wish to, but many kids enjoy crafting bracelets, tech decks, key chains, etc.

Thanks to all of you who were able to support our aquarium field trip by driving and chaperoning. It was a great success! "The most engaging field trip I've ever been on," said one parent.  And guess what, we have a lot of field trips coming up over the next 1-2 months! Please consider driving for one or more of them. These trips are all by grade level.

For Third:

March 26, 2020--Neary Lagoon  (With Mrs. Checkouras)
April 9, 2020-- Agricultural History Museum (With Mrs. Nosky)
May 26, 2020--SC Museum of Art and History (With Mrs. Maraldo)


For Fourth:

March 5, 2020--SC Symphony (With Mr. McMillan & Mr. Avey)
April 17, 2020--Cabrillo College (With Mr. McMillan & Mr. Avey)

As you can see, the symphony field trip for 4th Grade is coming up very soon! Please connect with me if you are a 4th Grade parent and able to drive on that day. (It is in the morning, at the SC Civic. I am not sure of the exact times yet.)

Other than field trips, please remind your child to sustain their focus and energy for school work. We have a lot more to learn during this last third of the year. (The second trimester ends March 6th, and report cards go home March 20th.)

Have a great week!

Carroll Mayer

Tuesday, February 18, 2020


Dear Parents,

I hope you enjoyed our last (February) 3-day weekend! We had some beautiful weather.

This week our class, along with the two 4th Grade classes, will be heading to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I have enough chaperons, and we actually exceed their number of volunteers by one. Kids need to arrive at school on time, and we will be leaving Rio del Mar right as the bell rings. We are expected at the aquarium at 8:45. Kids should bring lunches with water or a drink, wear comfortable shoes, and have an appropriate jacket. We will be in a lab/classroom for part of the time, and walking around the aquarium for another portion of the trip. We will eat in their picnic area. Please do not send money, as no kids will be shopping.

Both grades have also begun new units in math: 3rd Graders are studying geometry, including perimeter and area, and 4th Graders are working with fractions. We are winding up on our Opinion Writing, and should have that project finished in about a week. We are also wrapping up our Mystery Unit in reading. At the beginning of the term, kids met with me to set an AR reading goals, and must have taken the tests on books completed by March 6th. Most of the class have done a great job working on their goal, but it's a good idea to check in with your child to be sure they've made good progress. This is a new way of measuring reading for some of the kids, and they may need reminders. (I am also checking in with kids at school.)

The second trimester ends on March 6th, and report cards will go home on Friday, March 20th.

Finally, the kids have earned a class party, and have decided to have a Market Day  Guidelines are attached in the link. The kids and I are excited about this activity, but it will be a first time for all of us. Feel free to contact me to clarify your understanding of the activity.

Have a great week!

Carroll Mayer

Monday, February 3, 2020

Hi All,

Hurray!  Another 5-day week!  While it may be counter-intuitive, the 4-day weeks generally seem longer are definitely more hectic at school than the 5-day ones.

Last week, Third Graders attended a fantastic field trip at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. The kids got some additional hands-on work with replica artifacts of the Ohlone people. Thank you to the parents that were able to chaperon!

I have enough volunteers for the next field trip, to the aquarium. Thanks to those of you that have contacted me. If you have not yet returned your child's permission slip, please do so ASAP.

This week, we have another exciting event: the Math Festival. Our class will be attending the Math Festival in the cafeteria on Thursday afternoon. Like other years, kids will have the opportunity to explore various math applications by engaging in math in fun, hands-on ways. There will not be a family night this year.

Kids are bringing home information about the flu, as this year appears to be a challenging one. I have been emphasizing hand-washing after nose blowing, and before eating; please double up on this message at home.

Have a great week!

Carroll

Monday, January 27, 2020

Hi All,

It's a five-day week... but a full one!

This week, students participating in the Science Fair are bringing in their projects. Bring the projects and all displays/ notebooks to school on Wednesday to set up in the cafeteria. Judges will meet with kids to discuss their projects (upper grades). There is a parent Science Fair Open House on Thursday night, and then classes will go see the projects on Friday.

On Friday, Third Graders from our class will be heading off on a field trip to the SC Museum of Natural History. At this point, I am still missing 6 student permission slips, and may need one more driver. Fourth Graders will remain at Rio with a sub in the morning. We will all have a chance to see the science fair in the afternoon.

This Wednesday's Spirit Day is Pajama Day!

I am sending home permission slips for the next field trip, scheduled for February 21st at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Both grades are attending, and I am looking for parent drivers/chaperons. This trip includes lab time, as well as time to eat lunch and wander the aquarium. Please contact me if you are able to support the class in this way.

Finally, Scholastic Book orders went home last week. If you wish to submit an order, do so digitally, using our class code H6KT4, or you may do it the "old school" way, by sending in an order with name and payment. Make checks out to Scholastic, or send cash please. I will be submitting the order on Friday, as I get bonus points for doing it by the 31st!

Have a great week,

Carroll Mayer





Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Hi All,

I hope you enjoyed your weekend.  I'm not sure how we'll cope with next Monday, as we are completely out of practice!

The new Reading and Writing Units are underway. The kids very much enjoyed finding and beginning mystery novels. As an introduction to Opinion Writing, the class looked over some student examples from other years, and we also had a "debate" about whether sweet treats should be allowed in schools for parties.

In math, both grades are working hard on multiplication and division. Third Graders are building their fluency with math facts in these areas, while Fourth Graders are applying their knowledge of the facts to bigger and more complex problems. Both grades are "warming up" with 100 Second Math, which is a practice sheet that lists the products of factors 3-9, with the student naming the factors. So for example, a student sees 24, and names 4 x 6 and 3 x 8.  This is a great way to practice multiplication/division facts, and also comes in handy as they move toward fractions and look for ways to simplify them. 100 Second Multiplication

I have sent home the permission slip for the Museum of Natural History. This is a Third Grade field trip. Fourth Graders will remain at school with a sub for the morning. I am in need of 3-5 drivers/chaperons.  Please contact me if you are a Third Grade parent, have volunteer clearance, and are able to drive.

Have a great week!

Carroll Mayer

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Dear All,

Welcome back!

First of all, a huge thank you to our Room Parents, Jena and Grace. Once again, they designed an active and fun party, with the emphasis on games and crafts. Thank you so much for a great time! In addition, huge appreciation goes out to the many parents that came out and ran games, directed crafts, and or donated materials/ finances to the party. Finally, thanks to you all for my "Gift of Cozy". I love the blanket, mug and Bookshop Santa Cruz gift card, and I have used them all--already!

This week the class is starting new units in both reading and writing; hopefully your kid will come home and tell you about them with enthusiasm. Our Reading unit will be a Mystery Unit. We'll be exploring the genre, as well as reflecting on big ideas in literature such as theme and character development. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is our Read Aloud/mentor text, but every child will also be selecting and reading their own mystery books during the 3-4 weeks of the unit. In writing, the kids will be working on opinion pieces, after we have read some examples and practiced expressing our opinions in some "mini" debates.

I'll be sending home permission slips for 2 upcoming field trips in the next week or two. One field trip--Museum of Natural History-- is for 3rd grade alone, and the other to the Monterey Bay Aquarium is for the entire class. If you would like to drive on either, or both, please update your driver info in the office and let me know of your interest.


  • Museum trip (3rd Grade)-- Friday, January 31, 2020 from 8:30-11:30
  • Aquarium (3rd/4th Grade)--Friday, February 21, 2020 from 8-1:30

I'm looking forward to a spectacular second half year with this great class!

Carroll Mayer