I wanted to let you know, those of you who have students that attend reading groups with Ms. Lynette, Ms. Kathy and Ms. Jamie, our reading specialists, their groups are coming to an end for the year.  They are gearing up to prepare for end of year reading assessments.  Please know that we will continue to work hard in the classroom, but your child will not be receiving this additional instruction.  I stress the importance of keeping their momentum going and ask that you all make certain you are focusing time outside of the classroom to read aloud with your child.  These habits are so important as we start into the summer months.  Students will often fall behind quickly, if they are not reading regularly during the summer months, especially those students who are still learning how to read.  Once your child reaches a third grade reading level, they are no longer learning to read, but reading to learn.  Our country library has a wonderful summer reading program with lots of incentives to keep students reading over the summer.  Also, if you have a tablet and are interested in purchasing some reading apps, I would be happy to show you the leveled reading books we use in the classroom that are available for tablets.  Thanks for your support and happy reading!

Reminder, Wednesday afternoon the third graders have their language arts Sage Test. Please help them pack a healthy lunch that includes protein and insure they get a get nights sleep. They may bring a small snack and a water bottle into testing.  Thanks.

The third grader have been working hard on their own small group plays.  Parents are welcome to attend their performances.  The first group will be this Friday at 9:30 in the gym.

4 Billy Goats Gruff,

Jack and the Beanstalk

Hansel and Gretel

The second group with be May 1st in the gym.

Rumplestiltskin

Cinderella

Puss in Boots

Please ask your third grader which play they will preforming.

Last day to order yearbooks is April 28th.

Order Your Yearbook Now – Just follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit www.memorybook.com/parentpay
Step 2: Enter your pay code “75924” and click next
Step 3: Buy a yearbook for $25.00 or with personalized name for $30.00
Order online through: April 28, 2015 EST
If you have any questions about ordering your
yearbook contact tearagalbraith@gmail.com – our school’s yearbook advisor

Just a reminder that tomorrow is early out at 1:00 p.m.

Families, please remember to have your child complete their 20 minutes of reading every night!  Your child does not take home formal homework worksheets, but is expected to be focusing on their reading everyday.  I can already see a decline in the students who started the year strong, reading daily, and are no longer completing their regular reading.  It is noticeably different when a student is reading outside of the classroom.  Now is a good time now to set up those routines for summer break.  If you have not yet gotten into a routine, it is not too late.  Reading over the summer is so important to maintain the work they have accomplished during the school year.

Spring pictures are tomorrow.  Only those students who bring packets will have their pictures taken.

Tomorrow is the last day to turn in Original Work artwork.   Thank you for your help in contributing to this classroom fundraiser.  The money will greatly benefit our classroom. Our hope is to purchase a classroom globe and other needed materials.

Yesterday, your child brought home a packet with a piece of their artwork.  This is a fundraiser that benefits each classroom.  You may choose to order items printed with your child’s artwork and all profits go directly to our classroom. (Great for mother’s and father’s day gifts.)  You may use the artwork they brought home, or you may use a different piece they have already made, or they can make a new one.  The only criteria is that the artwork must be flat and on a standard size piece of paper.  Thank you in advanced for you support.

Parents, we want to let you know about a change we have made in our classroom.  Sometimes you really never know how students will return from Spring Break.  In years past, they come back refreshed and ready to work, this year our last two morning work cycles have been less then desirable.  In order to reinforce all the hard work they’ve put in this year, and to finish the year strong, we have decided that if a student is not completing their morning work or are being a distraction in their environment, they will call home at recess.  They will receive three warnings before they make their phone call. This may also happen in the afternoon if needed. We had a discussion this afternoon as a class and we had a work cycle redo to practice what the expectation will be going forward.  The students did beautifully, and the bunnies were able to be out of their cage and roaming while the students worked quietly and focused.  The students are aware of what the expectation is and were able to experience what a peacefully learning environment feels like.  Thank you for your support in our efforts to provide the most positive learning environment.  Be aware that a phone call home might happen, but our class goal is, of course, to have no calls home.

Thank you so much!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable break.  We are back and working hard.  I have posted April’s home project on our home project page.  I know we are still trying to finish up presentations from March.  We had a mad rush at the end of the month, so we hope to finish those presentations in the next couple of days.  I would like to encourage students to avoid waiting until the last day.

Third graders are scheduled for their language sage test on Wednesday, April 22nd, in the afternoon.  They are also scheduled for Monday, May 11th, for their math test.  Please make certain your child is in attendance these days.  It is difficult to make arrangements for make-up testing.  Please continue to help your child, by drilling them on their multiplication math facts.  The faster they know these, the easier their application will be.

Parents, unfortunately, I feel that is important for me to remind of the importance of having our students to school on time.  In recent weeks, we’re having an increase in students coming to school late.  They’re missing critical group lessons and it’s difficult to find the necessary time to repeat them.  I have three grade levels for individual group lessons on top of giving each child their own individual lessons.  I value every student’s education and want for them to be successful, but need support in making this happen.  I understand illness and occasional appointments, but beyond this makes it difficult for all members of our classroom.  Thanks for your understanding.