Dear Families,
This will be my final newsletter for the 2015-2016 school year. I have loved working and learning beside your students. We have built a great community and I am excited to see all these talented and determined young people will accomplish in the future.
Next week each student will bring a folder of individualized letters from their classmates that describe them as a friend and a learner. I have found these to be very inspirational for students. I will encourage them to read one every other day and savor them, rather than read them all at once. I hope they will hold onto these as a reminder of our time in third grade together. There will be a purple letter from me. Please read it with your student. Progress reports will contain an individualized letters from me in the comments section.
I will have students empty their lockers this week. They are welcome to bring backpacks through Friday so they do not lose their letters and other items.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve your student. I have truly enjoyed this year. I hope everyone has a fantastic summer, full of adventure.
Important Dates & Reminders
I will highlight new and changed dates on subsequent posts in red.
May 23 - Field Day. Please click on the following link to volunteer. Please send your student to school with a water bottle with their name clearly marked, clothes that can get wet, and sunscreen already applied. Students are welcome to bring a change of clothes and a towel. Many students wear hats and sunglasses if the weather is warm and sunny. Please let me know if you have any questions.
May 27 - Last Day of School for Students
Please click on the following link to sign up for our end of year party. Thank you room parents for your help this year! End of Year Party Sign Up Genius
August 19, 20, 26, 27 - Elementary Device Distribution at Hastings Middle School (more information to come from the district)
Friday, May 20, 2016
Friday, May 13, 2016
Newsletter for May 13, 2016
What We Learned This Week
Students began their final writing assessment of the year using the district's Developmental Writing Assessment and rubric. Students were prompted to write about a memorable experience. We will complete this next week. Students who missed the beginning of this assessment will begin make-ups next week.
We are still composing letters to friends. A few students have make-up letters to do. I will assign these as homework to ensure they are completed.
Students are enjoying composing poems for two voices.
We are in the final stages of completing our Rube Goldberg Machines. Students will get to try them next week and will demonstrate them next Friday. Students will then be challenged to put them together, creating two larger Rube Goldberg Machines.
We are continuing our math review of the year. We will take our final math assessment and math facts assessments next week. Students who have not mastered their math facts should continue to work on them nightly. I recommend dominoes as a non-traditional way to master addition and subtraction (and multiples of 5).
We were fortunate to work with an Apple iCoach this week. We designed a hypothetical garden and learned how to use Numbers. Students walked away with deeper appreciation for the power of a visual presentation. This was a great introduction to the power of iPads and MacBook Air laptops that will be distributed next year. It is imperative that we use the technology in authentic and engaging ways to fully maximize its potential.
Please click on the image or link below it to see our amazing Windermere Way video. Many thanks to Mrs. Rex for organizing this.
Important Dates & Reminders
I will highlight new and changed dates on subsequent posts in red.
May 18 - PTO Restaurant Night at Yabo's Tacos!
May 23 - Field Day. Please click on the following link to volunteer!
May 27 - Last Day of School for Students
August 19, 20, 26, 27 - Elementary Device Distribution at Hastings Middle School (more information to come from the district)
Students began their final writing assessment of the year using the district's Developmental Writing Assessment and rubric. Students were prompted to write about a memorable experience. We will complete this next week. Students who missed the beginning of this assessment will begin make-ups next week.
We are still composing letters to friends. A few students have make-up letters to do. I will assign these as homework to ensure they are completed.
Students are enjoying composing poems for two voices.
We are in the final stages of completing our Rube Goldberg Machines. Students will get to try them next week and will demonstrate them next Friday. Students will then be challenged to put them together, creating two larger Rube Goldberg Machines.
We are continuing our math review of the year. We will take our final math assessment and math facts assessments next week. Students who have not mastered their math facts should continue to work on them nightly. I recommend dominoes as a non-traditional way to master addition and subtraction (and multiples of 5).
We were fortunate to work with an Apple iCoach this week. We designed a hypothetical garden and learned how to use Numbers. Students walked away with deeper appreciation for the power of a visual presentation. This was a great introduction to the power of iPads and MacBook Air laptops that will be distributed next year. It is imperative that we use the technology in authentic and engaging ways to fully maximize its potential.
measuring the garden space
digital documentation of the garden
using QR codes to quickly find a website
working in teams and sharing documents
launching Numbers
seeing the many uses of Numbers (embedded video and tables)
Please click on the image or link below it to see our amazing Windermere Way video. Many thanks to Mrs. Rex for organizing this.
Important Dates & Reminders
I will highlight new and changed dates on subsequent posts in red.
May 18 - PTO Restaurant Night at Yabo's Tacos!
May 23 - Field Day. Please click on the following link to volunteer!
May 27 - Last Day of School for Students
August 19, 20, 26, 27 - Elementary Device Distribution at Hastings Middle School (more information to come from the district)
Friday, May 6, 2016
Newsletter for May 6, 2016
What We Learned This Week
Reading/Writing Workshop
Students are writing a LOT this week (and will continue). We are producing a lot more in shorter periods. Students are continuing their end of year letters to their classmates, recognizing them for their admirable traits as a friend and a learner. They are also producing lovely figurative language poems. Here is an example of one I particularly loved inspired by a large sample of turquoise.
Math
We've begun to review and extend math standards from this year and will continue doing this through the remainder of the year. Students should continue to learn math facts for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division within 100.
Science
I love seeing students laughing and smiling while they are learning. Our Rube Goldberg Machine challenge has achieved both goals:) Teams are working on their plans and will meet again late next week to finish their plans. We will test them the following week.
The 8th Grade Orchestra toured Windermere this week. Students will receive information about joining orchestra next week.
Important Dates & Reminders
Thank you for all of the kind notes and gifts for teacher appreciation week. I feel like I should be the one saying, "Thank you," for getting to work with your wonderful students. This has been a great year.
I will highlight new and changed dates on subsequent posts in red.
May 8 - Happy Mother's Day!
May 10th to 12th - Students will eat in the classroom next week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Please avoid any peanut and tree nut products. Thank you.
May 12 - All library materials are due.
May 23 - Field Day. Please click on the following link to volunteer!
May 27 - Last Day of School for Students
Reading/Writing Workshop
Students are writing a LOT this week (and will continue). We are producing a lot more in shorter periods. Students are continuing their end of year letters to their classmates, recognizing them for their admirable traits as a friend and a learner. They are also producing lovely figurative language poems. Here is an example of one I particularly loved inspired by a large sample of turquoise.
Turquoise
"Trees when the first blanket of snow falls.
The beach at high tide.
Papa's lake house at early morning.
The falls that drop at Niagara.
Fireworks that touch the clouds on July 4.
Balloons filled with water that we throw at each other in the summer.
A kid at his or her party with a balloon above their head.
Mother Nature's whisper.
A golf ball when we hit a hole in 1.
The ripples of a river."
- Maddy
I introduced poems for two voices. Students composed poems where they had independent and shared lines. Click on the links below to hear their work. Many were inspired by sports or Star Wars. Our new life size Chewbacca may have contributed to that:)
Math
We've begun to review and extend math standards from this year and will continue doing this through the remainder of the year. Students should continue to learn math facts for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division within 100.
Science
I love seeing students laughing and smiling while they are learning. Our Rube Goldberg Machine challenge has achieved both goals:) Teams are working on their plans and will meet again late next week to finish their plans. We will test them the following week.
The 8th Grade Orchestra toured Windermere this week. Students will receive information about joining orchestra next week.
Important Dates & Reminders
Thank you for all of the kind notes and gifts for teacher appreciation week. I feel like I should be the one saying, "Thank you," for getting to work with your wonderful students. This has been a great year.
May 8 - Happy Mother's Day!
May 10th to 12th - Students will eat in the classroom next week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Please avoid any peanut and tree nut products. Thank you.
May 12 - All library materials are due.
May 23 - Field Day. Please click on the following link to volunteer!
May 27 - Last Day of School for Students
Camping season is here!
Friday, April 29, 2016
Newsletter for April 29, 2016
What We Learned This Week
Word Study
Students have been building their vocabulary, particularly adjectives, as they write end of year letters to each other. We generated a large list of specific and descriptive words.
Reading & Writing Workshop
Students are writing end of year letters to each other. Each student will leave with twenty-three letters from their classmates who will share how they admire them as a friend and a learner.
We are also working on poetry. While a bit of a struggle, students are starting to use non-literal language to compose poems about natural items (see below). We are learning to use figurative, non-literal language and personification to describe interesting specimens.
Math
Students are reviewing key concepts and skills we learned this year in small groups by developing games aimed at teaching these specific skills. They are utilizing different math manipulatives for inspiration.
Science
We are collaborating with a fifth grade classroom to develop Rube Goldberg machines. Third and fifth graders are in teams using a variety of items to achieve the goal of popping a balloon. Students are devising unique ways to accomplish this.
Mayor, Debbie Johnson, and UA Parks and Forestry Director, Steve Cothrel, planted a Japanese Zelkova tree in celebration of Arbor Day. As a Tree City USA member, the mayor read a proclamation in honor of the day. Students shared poems and songs for the occasion.
Important Dates & Reminders
I will highlight new and changed dates on subsequent posts in red.
May 23 - Field Day
Please click on the following link to volunteer!
May 27 - Last Day of School for Students
Word Study
Students have been building their vocabulary, particularly adjectives, as they write end of year letters to each other. We generated a large list of specific and descriptive words.
Reading & Writing Workshop
Students are writing end of year letters to each other. Each student will leave with twenty-three letters from their classmates who will share how they admire them as a friend and a learner.
We are also working on poetry. While a bit of a struggle, students are starting to use non-literal language to compose poems about natural items (see below). We are learning to use figurative, non-literal language and personification to describe interesting specimens.
Math
Students are reviewing key concepts and skills we learned this year in small groups by developing games aimed at teaching these specific skills. They are utilizing different math manipulatives for inspiration.
Science
We are collaborating with a fifth grade classroom to develop Rube Goldberg machines. Third and fifth graders are in teams using a variety of items to achieve the goal of popping a balloon. Students are devising unique ways to accomplish this.
Mayor, Debbie Johnson, and UA Parks and Forestry Director, Steve Cothrel, planted a Japanese Zelkova tree in celebration of Arbor Day. As a Tree City USA member, the mayor read a proclamation in honor of the day. Students shared poems and songs for the occasion.
I hope to see everyone tonight at our Hawks Hoedown.
Our class earned additional tickets for their generous donations!
We love Mrs. Bernon! Happy Secretaries' Day!
May 23 - Field Day
Please click on the following link to volunteer!
May 27 - Last Day of School for Students
Friday, April 15, 2016
Newsletter for April 15, 2016
What We Learned This Week
Word Study
Students reviewed contractions, synonyms and antonyms, and parts of speech (adjectives, nouns (subject), verbs (predicate)).
Reading
Students studied author's perspective (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and figurative language in poetry.
Writing
Students practiced note taking for planning, with an emphasis on using bullet points, rather than writing out a draft when they are composing on a computer.
Math
Students focused on measurement and developing a list of personal references to help them remember what each unit of measure represents.
Mass/Weight
gram = large paper clip
ounce = slice of bread
pound = loaf of bread/16 ounce can of vegetables or soup
ton = 2,000 pounds (most cars weigh about 1/2 ton)
Volume
cup = school milk/small coffee cup
pint = 2 cups, large drinking glass
quart = 2 pints, smaller paper or plastic container of milk
gallon = 4 quarts or large jug of milk
liter = many soda bottles are two liters
Length
centimeter = width of the head of a push pin
inch = width of a quarter
foot = sheet of paper (long side)
yard = width of a doorway
Students also acted out two-step problems to help them focus on the two distinct operations.
We also paired up with a talented group of 5th graders to help us with comparing fractions with common denominators and fractions with common numerators.
Science
I am co-planning a fun science challenge with our 5th grade team. We will be developing a Rube Goldberg challenge.
Important Dates & Reminders
I will highlight new and changed dates on subsequent posts in red.
April 20 & 21 - Ohio Mathematics Assessment
April 25 through 29 - Scholastic Book Fair
April 29 - Kids Fest 5 till 8pm
3rd grade basket items - www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4fa9af2da31-star/31903624
Tickets are available here - http://uawindermerepto.org/wmpto_KFTicketForm.html
Volunteers - http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040f49abad28aa8-windermere/
You can learn more by visiting the Windermere PTO website. See the link on the right under favorites.
May 27 - Last Day of School for Students
Word Study
Students reviewed contractions, synonyms and antonyms, and parts of speech (adjectives, nouns (subject), verbs (predicate)).
Reading
Students studied author's perspective (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and figurative language in poetry.
Writing
Students practiced note taking for planning, with an emphasis on using bullet points, rather than writing out a draft when they are composing on a computer.
Math
Students focused on measurement and developing a list of personal references to help them remember what each unit of measure represents.
Mass/Weight
gram = large paper clip
ounce = slice of bread
pound = loaf of bread/16 ounce can of vegetables or soup
ton = 2,000 pounds (most cars weigh about 1/2 ton)
Volume
cup = school milk/small coffee cup
pint = 2 cups, large drinking glass
quart = 2 pints, smaller paper or plastic container of milk
gallon = 4 quarts or large jug of milk
liter = many soda bottles are two liters
Length
centimeter = width of the head of a push pin
inch = width of a quarter
foot = sheet of paper (long side)
yard = width of a doorway
Students also acted out two-step problems to help them focus on the two distinct operations.
We also paired up with a talented group of 5th graders to help us with comparing fractions with common denominators and fractions with common numerators.
Science
I am co-planning a fun science challenge with our 5th grade team. We will be developing a Rube Goldberg challenge.
Important Dates & Reminders
I will highlight new and changed dates on subsequent posts in red.
April 20 & 21 - Ohio Mathematics Assessment
April 25 through 29 - Scholastic Book Fair
April 29 - Kids Fest 5 till 8pm
3rd grade basket items - www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4fa9af2da31-star/31903624
Tickets are available here - http://uawindermerepto.org/wmpto_KFTicketForm.html
Volunteers - http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040f49abad28aa8-windermere/
You can learn more by visiting the Windermere PTO website. See the link on the right under favorites.
May 27 - Last Day of School for Students
Friday, April 8, 2016
Newsletter for April 8, 2016
We had a great week. The students have really raised their work levels and engagement. Their response to text is higher than any previous group I've ever had the pleasure to work with:)
I am suspending homework for the next two weeks. I'm trying to be cognizant of the students' age, the effort they gave this week, the fact that many have just started spring sports and other extra curricular activities, and my desire for them to be well rested and fresh for the next two weeks of rigorous assessments.
Important Dates & Reminders
I will highlight new and changed dates on subsequent posts in red.
April 12 - Progress Reports sent home (Please refer to the district email sent out last week.)
April 12 & 13 - Ohio English Language Arts Assessment
April 20 & 21 - Ohio Mathematics Assessment
April 25 through 29 - Scholastic Book Fair
April 29 - Kids Fest 5 till 8pm
Kid Fest 2016 will soon be here! One of the highlights of this fun, family event is the GIANT raffle baskets! This exciting tradition is always eagerly anticipated and a great fund-raiser! Please click on the link to view the third grade basket items.
www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4fa9af2da31-star/31903624
May 27 - Last Day of School for Students
I am suspending homework for the next two weeks. I'm trying to be cognizant of the students' age, the effort they gave this week, the fact that many have just started spring sports and other extra curricular activities, and my desire for them to be well rested and fresh for the next two weeks of rigorous assessments.
Important Dates & Reminders
I will highlight new and changed dates on subsequent posts in red.
April 12 - Progress Reports sent home (Please refer to the district email sent out last week.)
April 12 & 13 - Ohio English Language Arts Assessment
April 20 & 21 - Ohio Mathematics Assessment
April 25 through 29 - Scholastic Book Fair
April 29 - Kids Fest 5 till 8pm
Kid Fest 2016 will soon be here! One of the highlights of this fun, family event is the GIANT raffle baskets! This exciting tradition is always eagerly anticipated and a great fund-raiser! Please click on the link to view the third grade basket items.
www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4fa9af2da31-star/31903624
May 27 - Last Day of School for Students
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Newsletter for April 1, 2016
What We Learned This Week
Word Study
Students learned about conjunctions, primarily and, but, either-or, and neither-nor. We are working on intentional sentence variation.
Reading Workshop
Students are reviewing many of our reading skills: main idea, comparing and contrasting, fact and opinion, inference, predictions, and answering questions from our text using complete sentences and spelling from the text. Despite our practice, many students still skim and miss relatively easy questions.
Writing Workshop
I'm having the students respond to the same text with an opinion essay, personal narrative, and
informational essays. Our greatest opportunity for improvement is in opinion essays where we are doing a nice job of referencing the text but we do not express how the text supports our position.
Math Workshop
I introduced geometry this week. Students learned about lines, line segments, angles, right angles, vertices, parallel lines, intersecting lines, perpendicular lines, polygons, and specific quadrilaterals.
Important Dates & Reminders
I will highlight new and changed dates on subsequent posts in red.
Please make sure your student has a working pair of headphones or earbuds for April testing! There will be auditory components on the state math test.
April 5 - Progress Reports sent home
April 6 - Early Dismissal Professional Development 1pm
April 12 & 13 - Ohio English Language Arts Assessment
April 20 & 21 - Ohio Mathematics Assessment
April 25 through 29 - Scholastic Book Fair
April 29 - Kids Fest 5 till 8pm
Kid Fest 2016 will soon be here! One of the highlights of this fun, family event is the GIANT raffle baskets! This exciting tradition is always eagerly anticipated and a great fund-raiser! Please click on the link to view the third grade basket items.
www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4fa9af2da31-star/31903624
We won the Box Tops collection. The class decided they would like to celebrate with a technology day. I'm meeting with one of our district technology leaders to help plan this event for May. Thank you for supporting our school!
May 27 - Last Day of School for Students
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