Happy New Year!
We are getting ready for a new year and for new learning.
We are finishing up our unit on the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King, it has been wonderful to talk to the kids about how we benefit from the struggles of previous generations.
We are about to start our Portland Bridges unit! Look for more information to come in your kid's backpack in a couple of weeks.
In math we are working on more extensive multiplication- keep practicing your times tables.
In writing we are starting our unit on opinion writing. In reading we are learning about reading informational text.
We are also excited to be doing a special unit connected to the garden program. We are reading Cinderella stories from around the world, and then cooking food based on that culture. This week we did hummus from Persia. Next week we'll do black eyed pea salad from Senegal. The following meeting we'll do pico de gallo from Mexico. And we'll end with either a Vietnamese/Cambodian dish and story.
Ms. Van Clock
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
December update
Hello Families,
This month has felt shortened because of Thanksgiving and conferences. It was so great to meet with each and every one of you. I appreciated the time to talk about your student's progress in school.
In Writing: we are getting ready to publish our informational texts
In Reading: we have expanded from what we learned in our mystery unit to apply it to all fiction. We finished reading Crenshaw as a class and are starting Wishtree both by Katherine Applegate. Ask your student about them- they are wonderful books with interesting perspectives.
In Math: we are well into our multiplication unit. Please continue to practice those flashcards at home!
In Science: we are doing coding with Ms. Williams
In Social Studies: we are looking at voting rights and Dr. King's influence there, getting ready for January's black history month.
At this point in the year, I am happy to say that the class has really come together in a very cohesive way. Each student's contributions are recognized and appreciated. They are really doing quite well, and I am excited that we have so much of the school year before us. We have a lot of fun projects and learning ahead!
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and winter break, (December 17th-January 2nd)
Ms. Van Clock
This month has felt shortened because of Thanksgiving and conferences. It was so great to meet with each and every one of you. I appreciated the time to talk about your student's progress in school.
In Writing: we are getting ready to publish our informational texts
In Reading: we have expanded from what we learned in our mystery unit to apply it to all fiction. We finished reading Crenshaw as a class and are starting Wishtree both by Katherine Applegate. Ask your student about them- they are wonderful books with interesting perspectives.
In Math: we are well into our multiplication unit. Please continue to practice those flashcards at home!
In Science: we are doing coding with Ms. Williams
In Social Studies: we are looking at voting rights and Dr. King's influence there, getting ready for January's black history month.
At this point in the year, I am happy to say that the class has really come together in a very cohesive way. Each student's contributions are recognized and appreciated. They are really doing quite well, and I am excited that we have so much of the school year before us. We have a lot of fun projects and learning ahead!
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and winter break, (December 17th-January 2nd)
Ms. Van Clock
Friday, November 16, 2018
November Update
Dear Families,
We are well into our mystery unit in reading. This is one of my favorite units! Students are learning about red herrings, predicting outcomes, and inferring within texts. In writing we are starting our informational texts. We have chosen topics and are starting to organize our thoughts around them. In math we are finishing up our work with addition and subtraction and moving into multiplication. In science we just finished our unit on plant biology, and we are going to start a unit on computer programming. In social studies we learned some about the Chinook people who were first on this land, and are now learning about the 3 branches of government and the rights and privileges we have with voting.
In terms of our social-emotional learning, we just started a new book study called "Confessions of a former bully" by Trudy Ludwig where students learn more skills than 'just ignore it'.
I am looking forward to meeting with you each during conferences (Nov 19 and 20). I will be sending home reminders later this week, and again the week before conferences start.
All the best,
Lisa Van Clock
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
May Newsletter
Dear Families,
We have several upcoming field trips!
Walking downtown Bridges- May 8
Sunnyside Middle Schoolers teaching about habitats in May 17
Tree walk in Kenilworth Park May 25
Crystal Springs Rhododendon Garden June 5
Please check your e-mails as Stacie is helping me coordinate volunteers for these trips.
Math:
We are finishing our unit on 2-D geometry and about to start our last unit about 3-D geometry.
Science:
We just finished a unit on forces ending with magnets. We are about to start a unit on fossils and the fossil record.
Reading:
We are deep in our unit on Research clubs. Students are learning to read and share information in small groups.
Writing:
Students are really enjoying our unit on re-writing fairy tales. Be sure to ask your students about their poetry they wrote in April.
We have several upcoming field trips!
Walking downtown Bridges- May 8
Sunnyside Middle Schoolers teaching about habitats in May 17
Tree walk in Kenilworth Park May 25
Crystal Springs Rhododendon Garden June 5
Please check your e-mails as Stacie is helping me coordinate volunteers for these trips.
Math:
We are finishing our unit on 2-D geometry and about to start our last unit about 3-D geometry.
Science:
We just finished a unit on forces ending with magnets. We are about to start a unit on fossils and the fossil record.
Reading:
We are deep in our unit on Research clubs. Students are learning to read and share information in small groups.
Writing:
Students are really enjoying our unit on re-writing fairy tales. Be sure to ask your students about their poetry they wrote in April.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Building Bridges
We are in the thick of the Portland Bridge Unit!
This week we will be building popsicle stick bridges in the classroom and then weight testing them to see how strong they are. If you haven't signed up for a volunteer time and would like to here is the link to do so.
Building is mostly Ms. Van Clock's students on Monday and mostly Mrs. Neal's students on Tuesday. However, as soon as one student finishes they will go into Mrs. Neal's room and a student from her class will fill the seat in room 201. This way we can keep the building going, and get everyone done in the time we are given. Some students take 2 hours to build and some take 6- it all depends on their familiarity with the tools, their precision, their ability to follow directions, and to ask for help when they need it.
We will weight test these bridges on Tuesday and Wednesday in school. Students have a choice to weight test just until it starts to crack or until 'TOTAL DESTRUCTION!'. Some love destroying it, and some feel they worked too hard to break their work.
At home students are writing a speech (not a report) about one of Portland's bridges: my expectations are that students build a bridge model to go along with their speech. Simultaneously, I understand some families cannot support bridge building at home. If that is the case, I encourage students to use the popsicle bridge we build in class and modify it at home- maybe by adding toilet paper roll piers, or by painting it, or some other way of making it their own. These students will chose not to destroy their bridge in the weight testing.
Notice there is no written work to be turned in. They are graded on their speech presentation using this scoring guide.
The students can start bringing in their bridge models this week- if they are small enough to fit in the classroom easily- otherwise, please have them bring the model in on the day of your child's speech.
We will be sending home the assigned dates and times of their speech this week. Speeches will be given the week after Spring Break (April 1-6). If you would like to come to their speech you may. Some students like their parents coming, and some feel they are too nervous with their family watching. Please talk with your child before deciding to come.
If you have any questions about this process please come see me- I am happy to make it clear.
Happy building and writing!
Ms. Van Clock
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Dear Families, March 6th, 2018
We don’t often send home paper newsletters, but felt that there were enough important items that we should make one.
State Testing: We will start our state testing next week, March 12- March 23. During this time your child will be in the computer lab for about an hour each day taking the math and reading/writing tests. The time spent on the test varies by student, but typically takes 5-7 sessions to complete. There is no time limit. You will get the results back in the summer. This does not impact their advancement to 4th grade. Please make sure they are well rested and well fed on these days. It makes a big difference in their self-esteem when they feel prepared for the day. If you have questions about this process or want information about opting your child out of the tests, please speak with us by Friday the 9th.
Bridges: We are almost finished with our study of Portland’s bridges. Your child has been assigned a bridge, and has practiced researching and paraphrasing their research about their bridge in preparation for writing their speech. They do not need to turn in any written work- they just need to be ready to present their speech and model the week after spring break, April 2nd. We know some families struggle with making the model at home, and we tell students they can use the popsicle bridges we will be making March 19th and 20th as their model. We encourage them to still add something of their own to the model we make in class- maybe paint it, or add piers or cars… if you need ideas, or support, please don’t hesitate to ask with enough time to finish the project. It doesn’t work to ask for help the day it is due.
We still need volunteers to help us with the building days (March 19th and 20th). See the sign up at the top of the stairs or in your email inboxes. We would like 5 adults in room 201 the whole time we build- 31 kids with hot glue guns at once means we need a lot of adults. Please sign up for an hour or for the whole day!
Math: We just finished our unit on multiplication, please keep practicing those facts at home! We are starting a unit on fractions and money. These are great topics to discuss in the kitchen and in the store. Have your child help count money, balance a bank book, or measure parts of a cup. These are real world applications for what we are doing in class.
Reading: We just finished a fabulous unit on how to read mystery books, and are starting a unit on reading and character development. Our read aloud is Because of Winn-Dixie.
Writing: We just finished our unit on persuasive writing by writing letters to the superintendent asking for financial support for our garden program Earth Art Ag. These letters were from the heart, and very convincing. We are about to start a unit on writing informational texts about topics the students are already experts in: soccer, baking, skateboarding, bugs, dinosaurs, or their bridge.
In terms of social skills we are working on complimenting each other on kind, safe, and responsible actions. You can practice at home by giving compliments in the same vein and having your child practice noticing when you are being safe, kind, and responsible.
Please contact us if you have any questions about what is going on. And thank you for all that you do to support your student at school,
Carolyn Neal and Lisa Van Clock
PS- See you at the Beach Bash Auction on Friday Night.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
December is upon us and we made it through No-school November!
We are celebrating great work in math this week, as students move up levels in our BAM folders. The students have been working hard in their small groups in math, and their work shows! Ask your student about how great it feels to move up. Keep practicing math facts to support this work (both addition and multiplication)
We are finishing our unit on Personal Narratives in writing. Their published work will go home next week. We have really thought a lot about the difference between editing and revising, and how to add more descriptive writing. We've been reading Gooney Bird Greene as a read aloud to guide our writing. Students can practice these skills when telling you about their day, please ask them to give more details and more description.
In reading we are continuing to add stamina and depth to our reading. We have started reading Stone Fox to support our reading with predictions and inferences.
We have been doing a lot of work with geography in order to learn about how different parts of the world are coping with climate change. The students have practiced reading maps, researching continents and countries. Earlier we learned about different energy sources and the pros and cons of their use.
Please look for more information about our upcoming Portland Bridge unit after the break. We will start to learn about the bridges and outline the expectations of the work at home, and explain what we will do in class. This is the time when we need the most volunteers and material support. Please check outside the classroom for requests as they come.
Happy Holidays!
We are celebrating great work in math this week, as students move up levels in our BAM folders. The students have been working hard in their small groups in math, and their work shows! Ask your student about how great it feels to move up. Keep practicing math facts to support this work (both addition and multiplication)We are finishing our unit on Personal Narratives in writing. Their published work will go home next week. We have really thought a lot about the difference between editing and revising, and how to add more descriptive writing. We've been reading Gooney Bird Greene as a read aloud to guide our writing. Students can practice these skills when telling you about their day, please ask them to give more details and more description.In reading we are continuing to add stamina and depth to our reading. We have started reading Stone Fox to support our reading with predictions and inferences.
We have been doing a lot of work with geography in order to learn about how different parts of the world are coping with climate change. The students have practiced reading maps, researching continents and countries. Earlier we learned about different energy sources and the pros and cons of their use.Please look for more information about our upcoming Portland Bridge unit after the break. We will start to learn about the bridges and outline the expectations of the work at home, and explain what we will do in class. This is the time when we need the most volunteers and material support. Please check outside the classroom for requests as they come.
Happy Holidays!
Friday, September 29, 2017
End of September
Hello Families!
We are moving rapidly into fall. Our first month of school as gone well, and our routines are settled in.
The biggest news is that we are well into our Portland History Unit, where the 3rd graders make a history museum. They are researching their topics now, and will soon be making their exhibits. The museum will be open Wednesday Oct 18th from 2:30-3:30 for parents to visit.
Don't forget to bring some cash- as they will have a museum store, where they will sell items made in art class. All the funds will go towards supplies for our Portland Bridges unit in the spring.
In math we are focusing on adding and subtracting larger numbers. Please make sure students are practicing their math facts at home, so that these larger problems are easy. Students have talked about practicing by putting up fact posters in their home, practicing with flash cards, quizzing each other, and trying to
stump mom and dad.
In reading we are into our unit on non-fiction text reading. This is helping us as we do our research for the museum. We are also talking about how reading non-fiction text can transfer as we do research on the web.
A big shout out to Kelly and Heidi, who came and dusted all the ash from our classroom this week! While they cleaned up the window sills and ledges around the room, we spoke of how important it is to keep everything clean as we move into this fall season of colds. Please remember to wash hands and cover coughs to stop spreading germs.
As always, please feel free to reach out with questions or comments!
We are moving rapidly into fall. Our first month of school as gone well, and our routines are settled in.
Don't forget to bring some cash- as they will have a museum store, where they will sell items made in art class. All the funds will go towards supplies for our Portland Bridges unit in the spring.
In math we are focusing on adding and subtracting larger numbers. Please make sure students are practicing their math facts at home, so that these larger problems are easy. Students have talked about practicing by putting up fact posters in their home, practicing with flash cards, quizzing each other, and trying to
In reading we are into our unit on non-fiction text reading. This is helping us as we do our research for the museum. We are also talking about how reading non-fiction text can transfer as we do research on the web.
A big shout out to Kelly and Heidi, who came and dusted all the ash from our classroom this week! While they cleaned up the window sills and ledges around the room, we spoke of how important it is to keep everything clean as we move into this fall season of colds. Please remember to wash hands and cover coughs to stop spreading germs.
As always, please feel free to reach out with questions or comments!
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
September Welcome!
Welcome Back!!!
It has been a great (if hot) beginning of the year. We are excited to start new routines, curriculum and make new friends.
This month we are in our Drama residency. Our class has been divided into 2 groups, and both groups meet with Ms. Amy, our new drama teacher, each day. Their performance is September 21st at 6:30. Call time is 6:00pm.
We are starting our work into our Portland History unit. We will be making our own history museum in our classroom- look for details coming soon as to when it will be open for families.
Please reach out if you need anything!
It has been a great (if hot) beginning of the year. We are excited to start new routines, curriculum and make new friends.
This month we are in our Drama residency. Our class has been divided into 2 groups, and both groups meet with Ms. Amy, our new drama teacher, each day. Their performance is September 21st at 6:30. Call time is 6:00pm. 
We are starting our work into our Portland History unit. We will be making our own history museum in our classroom- look for details coming soon as to when it will be open for families.Please reach out if you need anything!
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
May
Dear Families, May 2, 2017
We are in the midst of a wonderful unit on the history of Portland.
We have been tasked with creating a museum showing important people, places and events in Portland’s history and we’ll even have a gift shop! This will raise funds for 3rd grade activities. The student curators are working hard on researching information on their individual or team topics, and they are looking ahead to creating their exhibits in the museum.
With that said, if you have any supplies that might be useful for making dioramas, models or small statues- we could use the donations!
I don’t want all your recycling to end up in my room, but in talking to your student you might discover something useful to send from home.
Our museum will open on May 19th. We are planning on having it open during the afternoon/evening of the PTA’s ice cream social (expect more information on that in the coming days). Please mark this on you calendar! It is a time to come join the community, participate in STEAM activities (science technology engineering art math) and come tour the museum.
Please come if you can and explore your student’s work.
Sincerely,
Ms. Van Clock, Mr. Guron, Mrs. Neal
Friday, March 10, 2017
March
Spring is coming!!!
Math-
We are finished with the multiplication and division unit, and are starting on larger addition and subtraction. You will notice students working with and practicing problems like 467-538 and 4,238+3,981. Even though we are finished with the multiplication unit, we are still working on our times facts. Please continue to help you student practice and master their times tables. We are still working on them in class!
Reading- We have finished our informational reading unit and starting a unit on reading about characters and understanding character development.
Writing- We are finishing our unit on persuasive writing, and about to start a unit on creative fantasy writing.
Bridges- We are getting close to the end of the bridge instruction. We are going to be building Popsicle bridges in class the week of March 20-22, and weight testing March 22-23. Please see the sign up for volunteers needed as we will need several adults to help with the hot glue guns. If you have any questions about the speech to be written at home, and how your student can get resources to help- please let me know!!!
Math-
We are finished with the multiplication and division unit, and are starting on larger addition and subtraction. You will notice students working with and practicing problems like 467-538 and 4,238+3,981. Even though we are finished with the multiplication unit, we are still working on our times facts. Please continue to help you student practice and master their times tables. We are still working on them in class!
Reading- We have finished our informational reading unit and starting a unit on reading about characters and understanding character development.
Writing- We are finishing our unit on persuasive writing, and about to start a unit on creative fantasy writing.
Bridges- We are getting close to the end of the bridge instruction. We are going to be building Popsicle bridges in class the week of March 20-22, and weight testing March 22-23. Please see the sign up for volunteers needed as we will need several adults to help with the hot glue guns. If you have any questions about the speech to be written at home, and how your student can get resources to help- please let me know!!!
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
February
Hello Families,
Math: We continue to work on multiplication. Please keep practicing math facts at home! You can practice digitally on FrontRow or Multiplication.com
Reading: We are almost finished with our unit on reading informational texts. Right now we are focusing on biographies which are informational texts written in a narrative form. We have also spoken extensivly about being critical thinkers when consuming media. How can a traditional informational text- think a book about frogs, for example- give facts in a way that lead or color the reader?
Writing: We are working hard on a long persuasive letter or speech. Some students are writing about wanting new playground equipment, fixing our lead pipes, or giving more recognition to our custodian or lunch ladies.
Social Studies/Science: Bridges!!! Bridges!!! Bridges!!!! We are well into our unit on Portland's Bridges. The information packet on the bridge project went home two weeks ago. If you have questions come see me!
Other: We have guest speakers on Tuesdays from HEART. Ms. Claire is teaching a unit entitled "Fostering Empathy" which promotes and practices interpersonal skills.
We have Reed College Critical Practice Institute volunteers coming every other Tuesday to work on Calligraphy with our students.
Ms. Moore is back to coming once a month to work outside in the garden. We loved having her come do the Cinderella unit with us!
Today we had a one time visit from the RedCross which spoke with the students about emergency preparedness. Please ask your student about their emergency pillowcase and help your family make a plan using the booklet they took home.
Math: We continue to work on multiplication. Please keep practicing math facts at home! You can practice digitally on FrontRow or Multiplication.com
Reading: We are almost finished with our unit on reading informational texts. Right now we are focusing on biographies which are informational texts written in a narrative form. We have also spoken extensivly about being critical thinkers when consuming media. How can a traditional informational text- think a book about frogs, for example- give facts in a way that lead or color the reader?
Writing: We are working hard on a long persuasive letter or speech. Some students are writing about wanting new playground equipment, fixing our lead pipes, or giving more recognition to our custodian or lunch ladies.
Social Studies/Science: Bridges!!! Bridges!!! Bridges!!!! We are well into our unit on Portland's Bridges. The information packet on the bridge project went home two weeks ago. If you have questions come see me!
Other: We have guest speakers on Tuesdays from HEART. Ms. Claire is teaching a unit entitled "Fostering Empathy" which promotes and practices interpersonal skills.
We have Reed College Critical Practice Institute volunteers coming every other Tuesday to work on Calligraphy with our students.
Ms. Moore is back to coming once a month to work outside in the garden. We loved having her come do the Cinderella unit with us!
Today we had a one time visit from the RedCross which spoke with the students about emergency preparedness. Please ask your student about their emergency pillowcase and help your family make a plan using the booklet they took home.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Valentine’s Day is approaching! We will have a small celebration in the classroom in the afternoon of the 14th. We will pass out cards and have a healthy snack. Many students like to make homemade cards or decorate store bought cards. If your child chooses to participate, please remind them to make cards for everyone. I’ve included a class list so that students’ names can be spelled correctly. Please help me support district policy in promoting healthy eating, and leave the candy and sweets at home. If a child brings candy, they will be allowed to pass it out, but we will not eat candy at school. We have 20 students in the classroom.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
As I look at the weather forecast for the rest of this week, I worry about missing more school!
As the news outlets erupt with more and more news from around the country, our students have more and more questions about what is happening. Third graders hear a surprising amount of media coverage, and don't always know how to interpret it. Please make sure you are talking with your child about what is going on, and explain what you believe and understand.
To help you with that process, I have made a new page on our website listing the questions students are asking me. My goal is to update that page weekly with the questions being asked.
Also know that this week, coincidentally, our reading curriculum asks us to teach that there is bias in non-fiction texts. We are practicing reading behind the text to understand what the author's opinion is, and to then be able to form our own opinions.
If you have questions for me please feel free to e-mail, call, or come in person.
As the news outlets erupt with more and more news from around the country, our students have more and more questions about what is happening. Third graders hear a surprising amount of media coverage, and don't always know how to interpret it. Please make sure you are talking with your child about what is going on, and explain what you believe and understand.
To help you with that process, I have made a new page on our website listing the questions students are asking me. My goal is to update that page weekly with the questions being asked.
Also know that this week, coincidentally, our reading curriculum asks us to teach that there is bias in non-fiction texts. We are practicing reading behind the text to understand what the author's opinion is, and to then be able to form our own opinions.
If you have questions for me please feel free to e-mail, call, or come in person.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Phew! What a month we've had!
I hope the weather falls into a normal pattern for us. I have been missing the students and am itching to get back to routine.
Math: We are starting our unit on multiplication. Please please please practice those math facts at home! One big indicator for math success is whether or not a student knows their multiplication facts. A great way to get kids to practice is to have them make their own flashcards. Please let me know if you need note cards or paper to make flashcards with.
Writing: We have been trying to finish publishing our informational books. This week we will try to finish typing them. Our next unit is on persuasive writing- be ready for students to practice their persuasive skills on you!
Reading: We are part way into our unit on reading informational texts. Students are practicing becoming experts on different topics and talking about and synthesizing their learning from reading.
Social Studies: We have started our bridge unit!!!! We are so exited to start learning about Portland's Bridges. I will send home information about the individual projects and expectations around that in a couple of weeks. They won't be due until after spring break. Please start to talk to you student about the bridges you use. And when you are downtown notice the bridges and how they are each built at unique times in history with unique constraints and problems.
Garden: This month we have the opportunity to have Ms. Moore, our garden teacher, here each Tuesday. She is leading the students in lessons where we read a multi-cultural version of Cinderella, taste food from that region of the world, and discuss the plants and food from that region. At the end of the unit, we'll make plans for our spring garden based on the foods we've tasted this month. Watch for recipes to head home each week in January!
I hope the weather falls into a normal pattern for us. I have been missing the students and am itching to get back to routine.
Math: We are starting our unit on multiplication. Please please please practice those math facts at home! One big indicator for math success is whether or not a student knows their multiplication facts. A great way to get kids to practice is to have them make their own flashcards. Please let me know if you need note cards or paper to make flashcards with.Writing: We have been trying to finish publishing our informational books. This week we will try to finish typing them. Our next unit is on persuasive writing- be ready for students to practice their persuasive skills on you!
Reading: We are part way into our unit on reading informational texts. Students are practicing becoming experts on different topics and talking about and synthesizing their learning from reading.
Social Studies: We have started our bridge unit!!!! We are so exited to start learning about Portland's Bridges. I will send home information about the individual projects and expectations around that in a couple of weeks. They won't be due until after spring break. Please start to talk to you student about the bridges you use. And when you are downtown notice the bridges and how they are each built at unique times in history with unique constraints and problems.
Garden: This month we have the opportunity to have Ms. Moore, our garden teacher, here each Tuesday. She is leading the students in lessons where we read a multi-cultural version of Cinderella, taste food from that region of the world, and discuss the plants and food from that region. At the end of the unit, we'll make plans for our spring garden based on the foods we've tasted this month. Watch for recipes to head home each week in January!Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Happy December,
I apologize for the strange substitute situation last week. I have a plan in place so this doesn't happen in the future.
Last week we finished reading aloud The One and Only Ivan. It was a powerful and emotional book.
We are getting ready for a field trip to Reed College on Dec 7th.
Math: This unit is all about geometry. We are learning a lot of new vocabulary. Please ask your student about quadrilaterals, congruent, polygon, and perimeter.
Writing; We are finishing our unit on writing non-fiction books. Students are looking forward to publishing their work. Ask them about their topic.
Reading: We ended our unit on reading mystery books, in celebration the students did a wonderful job teaching what they have learned to a 2nd grade class. We are launching our unit on reading non-fiction text and discussing the differences of reading a novel or story and of reading expository text.
Science: We have been doing STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) challenges this month. Last week we did a building challenge where students needed to build a cup tower, but without touching the materials with their hands. This week they were able to see what scientists face when cleaning an oil spill. Next week we will problem solve with paper airplanes that carry 'cargo' across a designated line.
I apologize for the strange substitute situation last week. I have a plan in place so this doesn't happen in the future.
Last week we finished reading aloud The One and Only Ivan. It was a powerful and emotional book.
We are getting ready for a field trip to Reed College on Dec 7th.
Math: This unit is all about geometry. We are learning a lot of new vocabulary. Please ask your student about quadrilaterals, congruent, polygon, and perimeter.
Writing; We are finishing our unit on writing non-fiction books. Students are looking forward to publishing their work. Ask them about their topic.
Reading: We ended our unit on reading mystery books, in celebration the students did a wonderful job teaching what they have learned to a 2nd grade class. We are launching our unit on reading non-fiction text and discussing the differences of reading a novel or story and of reading expository text.
Science: We have been doing STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) challenges this month. Last week we did a building challenge where students needed to build a cup tower, but without touching the materials with their hands. This week they were able to see what scientists face when cleaning an oil spill. Next week we will problem solve with paper airplanes that carry 'cargo' across a designated line.
Friday, November 4, 2016
November is upon us!
Dear Families,
Social Studies
We are very excited to continue studying our democratic process. Next week we will be sending home 'take home' ballots, for you to vote in our mayoral campaign on Monday. Please take some time to ask your child about what we have been doing to make our campaigns happen. Please see the links for each precinct (classroom), to see the positive campaign videos the students made.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Please connect with your classroom teacher to sign up for a conference time if you have not already done so. Conferences are Nov 9 and 10. I will try to get our conference sign ups posted soon as well.
Recent Assemblies
Last week we had a 'Tarter Patrol' assembly preformed by Oregon Children's Theater
Today we had Ed Edmo, a Native American storyteller, come share some legends that he heard from his grandfather when he was growing up near Celilo Falls.
Other events
We had vision screening today with our school nurse.
Our Halloween Parade was a lot of fun. To the parents who got pictures: can you send me copies so I can post them?
Upcoming field trip
We have a field trip to Reed College's Cooley Art Gallery. Mrs. Neal on Dec 6 in the morning. Mr. Guron on Dec 7 in the morning. Ms. Van Clock on Dec 7 in the morning.
Dear Families,
Social Studies
We are very excited to continue studying our democratic process. Next week we will be sending home 'take home' ballots, for you to vote in our mayoral campaign on Monday. Please take some time to ask your child about what we have been doing to make our campaigns happen. Please see the links for each precinct (classroom), to see the positive campaign videos the students made.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Please connect with your classroom teacher to sign up for a conference time if you have not already done so. Conferences are Nov 9 and 10. I will try to get our conference sign ups posted soon as well.
Recent Assemblies
Last week we had a 'Tarter Patrol' assembly preformed by Oregon Children's Theater
Today we had Ed Edmo, a Native American storyteller, come share some legends that he heard from his grandfather when he was growing up near Celilo Falls.
Other events
We had vision screening today with our school nurse.
Our Halloween Parade was a lot of fun. To the parents who got pictures: can you send me copies so I can post them?
Upcoming field trip
We have a field trip to Reed College's Cooley Art Gallery. Mrs. Neal on Dec 6 in the morning. Mr. Guron on Dec 7 in the morning. Ms. Van Clock on Dec 7 in the morning.
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