Tests Friday!

Book Fair!

This year we have some fantastic new features for our book fair. Please pass along this information to your parents. Thank you for your help and support.

Parents,

Schiff Elementary is excited to announce that our Scholastic Book Fair is also available ONLINE @ http://onlinebookfairs.scholastic.com/

(Select – Texas; Missouri City; Jan Schiff Elementary School)

The online book fair will be available from 11/4/11 through 11/24/11

Schiff Elementary will receive credit for all items purchased online.

Orders will be shipped to the school free of charge.

With the help of their parents, students may send wish lists and eCards to family and friends.

Teacher wish lists may also be viewed at this website.

Our book fair homepage may be viewed at: http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/cptoolkit/publish/schiffelementary

Thank you for your support of our library.

Jill Wolosonovich, Library Media Specialist

Announcements!

Unicef boxes are due Thursday! Our goal is to raise 5 dollars per kid. We can do it! View the history behind Unicef here: http://teachunicef.org/explore/topic/trick-or-treat-unicef




Also, we are asking that you send empty 2 liter bottles for our LAFF night science lesson. It's going to be a blast!

Weather Test Friday

Hurricane	An intense group of spinning storms with winds up to 150 miles per hour.
Tornado	A spinning funnel of air that drop down from a severe thunderstorm.
Blizzard	An intense winter storm with winds of 35 m.p.h. or higher with falling snow.
Drought	A period of time in which less precipitation than normal falls.
Weather	The condition of the atmosphere at any given time in a particular location.
Temperature	A measure of how hot or cold something is.
Atmosphere	The blanket of air that surrounds the Earth
Wind	The movement of air relative to the surface of the earth.
Rain Gauge	A weather tool that measures the amount of rainfall in a given period of time.
Compass	A weather tool that uses the Earths magnetic poles to determine direction, North, South, East, and West.
Wind Vane	A weather tool that is used to tell which direction the wind is traveling.
Types of Precipitation	Rain – form of precipitation that falls to the ground as a liquid. Sleet – form of precipitation that falls to the ground as small pieces of ice. Snow – form of precipitation that falls to the ground as ice crystals. Hail – form of precipitation that falls to the ground as large chunks of ice.

Prefix Review- Test Tomorrow!

From Coach:

From: Marathon Kids <marinda@marathonkids.org>

Date: September 28, 2011 4:51:06 PM CDT

To: marinda@marathonkids.org

Subject: Register Now! Kick Off Celebration Oct 15!

Reply-To: Marathon Kids <marinda@marathonkids.org>

Having trouble? View this message on our website.

Greetings Houston Area Marathon Kids! Register online at http://mkids.convio.net/site/R?i=D-vNCltxwMQqYxEdoxQBXg by Friday October 7 to earn your       Teacher Shirts! Save the date for the free October 15 Kick Off Celebration at University of Houston Tellez Stadium! Request buses now and send home the Kick Off Flyers!              (English, Spanish)  Marathon Kids Registration If you need a Teacher Packet, please email info@marathonkids.org. Please include your name and mailing address! To register online, follow these easy steps: Go to http://mkids.convio.net/site/R?i=7aScFUZuhEIFpXyvpkDYKQ, select Teacher Login Select your City, School District, and School/Family Enter your password: your school/family name in all lower case letters. Once logged in, enter your contact information and the number of students participating from your school. Order your Teacher Shirts! (limit of 5 per school) Scroll all the way down and click the 'submit' button to SAVE your info. That's it! Kick Off Celebration: Saturday, Oct 15 at 10:00am at U of H Tellez Stadium Request buses now and send home the Kick Off Flyers (English, Spanish) to parents this week! This event is free to families, teachers, and children. Children who attend run their first ceremonial laps around the track, and earn free rewards! The event lasts about 1 hour and 30 min. Event is rain or shine, and participants should dress for activity! It is not a mandatory event, but attendance is encouraged! Volunteers Needed: sign up at http://mkids.convio.net/site/R?i=GNTSt3QRKZIyVGuMTd5xNg. Need more info? Go to http://mkids.convio.net/site/R?i=bX3j6ekBUsNbb3L0lAXNKA OR http://mkids.convio.net/site/R?i=aNzxxmpGdXJiYjhoqQKyEg for updates! We look forward to seeing you Saturday, October 15th at U of H! If you have any questions please let me know. Thank you for all you do for your students, each day. Sincerely, Marinda Reynolds National Program Director Unsubscribe | Forward to a Friend | Visit our web site  Marathon Kids © 2011 All rights reserved.

Marinda Reynolds

National Programs Director
512/477-1259
http://www.marathonkids.org/g

...a 16 year old, evidence based, global collaboration of families running/walking and making healthy food choices

Our Mission:   Marathon Kids is a free, six month, running/walking/nutrition and gardening program for K-5th graders most vulnerable to type 2 diabetes and sedentary lifestyles.  We build joyful community around children and are quickly accepted into public, private and home schools as a free, innovative celebratory fitness program, resonating with the child...and with the child's family.  The child develops the love and habit of moving through space and carries forward the power of muscular, nutritional and psychological well being.

4 min video:  http://www.youtube.com/user/MarathonKids

www.facebook.com/MarathonKids
www.twitter.com/MarathonKids

Moon Landing Project

This is the last weekend to work on your moon landing project!

The Moon Landing Project is due Tuesday September 27.


Here is what I will be looking for on the presentation portion.

“Where Were You?” Project

Oral Report                        Poster

Body Language              ____                      Organization      ____

Eye Contact                   ____                      Neatness           ____

Pacing                           ____                      Timeliness         ____

Voice                             ____                                 

Quality of Information    ____                       GRADE             ____

Math Fact Practice

It is very important that students know their math facts! So, for math fact practice with no tears I have set up a Reflex Math account. Students log in and I can track their math fluency.
The games are fun and they love it!


Go to reflexmath.com 
click on the launch button on the top right corner of the screen.
the login is a.pustejovsky
click on their homeroom teacher
click on their name  
and type in the password


You will have to email me for their password. 


Log on,
Log in, 
And practice those facts friends!

Sentence Types and 1st/3rd Person Anchor Charts- Tests Tomorrow!

Addition Test this Wednesday

Includes:


Adding 3 addends 


Addition with regrouping


Estimation 


Adding 3 digit numbers 


Adding 2 digit numbers  


Be Ready!

Writing Grades

Understanding the Writing Grades

I hope this will help any confusion regarding writing grades.

On the "Fun in the Sun" paper, I took two grades.


1. Notebook- Students worked on this paper for 3 weeks. I graded them on the writing process and the steps we did together as a class. There was a specific rubric for the notebook that enabled me to see that students had completed the writing process. 

2. The actual paper- I used the TAKS writing rubric to grade the paper. TAKS scores writing with a 1-4. Here's the scale in grade form.
1- 65
2-75
3-85
4-95 

As always, shoot me an email if you have questions. :)

Texas Reader's Club and Accelerated Reader

Texas Reader's Club and Accelerated Reader

I would say this is the most popular question topic from parents that I receive. Just wanted to post frequently asked questions.  I posted to the right all of the assignments and dates.  Texas Reader's Club is a state wide program; therefore, there are requirements about the different genres kids read.

Ultimately, it is the child's responsibility to take care of AR tests and Texas Reader's Club assignments. When an assignment or test is completed, the child should turn them into my orange basket at school or notify me.  For assignments that require an oral report, students should arrange a time with me the day before to present to the class. They may work on assignments in class when they have time, and I try to allot time on Fridays for this purpose.

We are having great success with our reading programs! So happy to see all the blooming readers out there! :)

What is Accelerated Reading? 

-          Accelerated Reading is a program that uses reading levels and quizzes to track reading progress. 

How does it work?

-          Students will read a book and then take a test on the book. Based on the percentage of questions they got right, they will receive points that will accumulate throughout the year.

How do I know what level my child is on?

-          Earlier this year, your child took an assessment called the “STAR test” when they went to library for outclass.  I transferred the results on the top of your child’s AR reading log that should be in their binder.

What is an AR goal?

-          Based on your child’s STAR test results, I created a reasonable point value goal for them to work toward.  Typically, we will set a new goal each nine weeks; however, because there are only a few weeks left in the current grading period, we will extend this goal until December 17^th.  I have explained to the kids that for every point that earn OVER their AR goal, they will receive an extra sticker on their Great Kid Sheet. :)

Are all AR goals the same for third graders?

-          No. I made the goals based on how the students tested on the STAR test. The point values are on a scale that matches their reading level.

How do I know what an AR book is?

-          There are so many quizzes! Here is a link to search for AR books:  http://www.arbookfind.com/default.aspx

Where does my child take AR tests?

-          Your child may take an AR test in the library after 7:30 in the morning, or in my classroom during workshop time. They may not take AR tests at home.

Can we use AR books for Texas Reader’s Club?

-          YES! I would even encourage your child to pick a book that would earn AR points. Why not double dip the reward? :) Most Bluebonnet books should be AR books as well.

Why should my child participate?

-          Accelerated Reading is a great reading program. It allows your child to read for a purpose, and monitor their progress. It also checks for comprehension and encourages reading for meaning.  It’s fun! The kids enjoy earning more and more points! The more your child reads, the more he or she will grow.

 

Bluebonnet Reading Program:

Bluebonnet books are selected each year. Your child has an updated list in their Wild About Reading Folder.  They must read all books by January in order to attend the party.

Rounding and Adding with a Hundreds Chart

We will be having a math quiz this Friday 9/9 over rounding to the 10's and 100's and adding using a hundreds chart. 


Be Ready!

Order of the Planets

We will be having a quiz on Friday 9/9 over the order of the planets.


Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune


My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Nachos!


Be Ready!

Scientific Method Quiz

Scientific Method Quiz Tuesday 9/6

Addition Fact Practice

Dear Parents,

I have received several questions regarding the daily math facts on the Homework Helper.  In 3^rd grade we are asking that your child practice math facts for 5-10 minutes each evening along with homework.  We will be starting with addition math facts.  I will notify you when we are ready to move on to subtraction, multiplication, division, etc.    

It is up to you how you decide for you child to practice math facts (flashcards, websites, worksheets, etc.).  You may consider getting addition flash cards and quizzing your child (these can sometimes be found at the dollar store or dollar section at larger stores).  There is also a website where you can print your own flashcards (http://www.apples4theteacher.com/math/addition/flashcards/). You may also consider getting addition games or workbooks from a teacher supply store.  There are also some websites which have pages you can print for your child to complete (http://www.superkids.com/aweb/tools/math/add/plus1.shtml, http://mathfactcafe.com/view/default.aspx?t=P).   

Websites:        

http://www.gamequarium.com/addition.html  (this website has many fun ways to practice your basic addition facts!)

http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-3 (several skills are found here, choose the skill we are currently working on and solve the problems)

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.  

From Coach:

DON’T FORGET YOUR

SNEAKERS!

Please put your son or daughter in TENNIS SHOES

on the days they will be coming to Physical Education.

We prefer that students either wear rubber-soled

shoes (tennis or athletic shoes) or bring a pair to wear

                          during physical activity, this includes recess.

                          If your daughter chooses to wear a dress or skirt, please

                          Make sure she had a pair of shorts underneath on PE days.

J  THANK YOU!  J

Book Orders

Book order forms are going home today. There are two order forms: Arrow and Lucky.  To order, please fill out the back and send a check to school with the order form.  Please do not send cash.

You may also order online. To do so, please visit: http://pcool.scholastic.com/parentordering/login.jsp?ESP=SBC/ib//acq/pcool_slimnav_Parents///nav/txtl////  our activation code is GP4T7

Book Orders are due September 15th. :)

Let me know if you have any questions!

Welcome to Third Grade!

I am very excited about the start of the school year! :)

Summer Reading List

Many of you have asked for reading suggestions for the summer. I would strongly advise that your child read over the summer, and here are a few suggestions:

The Eric Rex Series by Kaza Kingsly

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L’Engle

Heroes of Olympus Series by Rick Riordan

Kare Chronicles Series by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan

The Kronos Chronicles Series by Marie Rutkoski

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Chronicles of Narnia Series by C. S. Lewis

Eragon Series by Christopher Paolini

Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Hamlet Chronicles by Gregory Maguire

Here are some suggestions for girls: http://www.elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/Kids/documents/4girls_000.pdf

Here are some suggestions for boys: http://www.elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/Kids/documents/4boys_000.pdf

If you have questions about reading level, here is a great way to check: http://bookwizard.scholastic.com/tbw/homePage.do  

Fourth graders should be reading on a DRA 40. Books within a 40-50 DRA range will be good for your children. 

Comma Review

Test Thursday, May 19th!

Economy Test!

Test Thursday! :) 

Suffix Review

Test Friday! :) 

Sticky Notes!

No, your children are not lying to you. We prefer to use sticky notes during research. If you have some lying around the house, or if you are able to buy some, please send them to school. We would appreciate it!

Thank you! :) 

Nouns, Nouns and More Nouns!

UNRAAVEL

This is our TAKS strategy. Students should learn by Friday. :)

An example of how it is expected to be used. :)

Poetry

Plural Nouns

Test Friday! 

Invention Review!

TEST TOMORROW! :) 

Possessive Pronoun Review

Test Friday!

Suffix Review!

Test Friday!! :) 

Shark-A-Thon

Items for the baskets are due tomorrow!

Book Orders

Due Wednesday, February 23rd! :) 

TAKS T-Shirts

If you are wanting to buy TAKS T-Shirts, please send money and the order form ASAP! :) Friday morning we are turning in the orders.

Tuesday Folders

In your Tuesday folders:

1. Released TAKS results.

2. Book orders- due next Wednesday.

3. Invitations to tutorials- if applicable.  

IMPORTANT!

Due to the district closing on Feb. 4 because of bad weather, FBISD will hold classes on President’s Day, Feb. 21 

FORT BEND ISD— the district will conduct classes on a regular school day schedule on Monday, February 21, to make up for the missed day of instruction due to bad weather on February 4.  The district regrets any inconvenience this may cause to our staff, students or their families.

As required by the Texas Education Agency, any school district that misses one or two days of school for any reason, including bad weather, must make up the day(s).  Only districts that have been closed for more than two days due to bad weather may apply for a missed instructional waiver day.

Valentine's Day

Our party is Friday! Please send valentines and your classroom item for the party. We are excited! :)

Whoops!

Your children are not lying to you, I forgot to hand out the homework for tonight. Sorry! I will make sure it is passed out tomorrow. Have a good evening! :)

Parent Conferences

First of all, I would like to thank all of you who have willingly schedule an earlier conference!  You have been very flexible and accommodating!

Just a reminder that we will be dismissing school early on Wednesday at 10:45. If you have a conference scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, we will see you then!

Have a great week!

No Mad Science

Also, due to the weather, there will be no Mad Science after school. Thanks!

Early Dismissal Today!

Fort Bend ISD to dismiss students one hour early today!

The following message is being sent to the media, posted to the district website, and sent to parents via the School Messenger call out system:

Due to the prediction of winter precipitation, students will be released one hour early today, Thursday, Feb 3.

School buses will be running for these early dismissal times:

• High Schools will dismiss at 1:30 pm
• Middle Schools will dismiss at 2:55 pm
• Elementary Schools will dismiss at 2:10 pm

All after school activities and meetings, including Extended Day, are also cancelled for Thursday. Fort Bend ISD staff is released one hour early today. However, campuses will ensure an administrator is on duty until all students have a safe way home.

Information regarding school operations for tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 4, will be announced by 8:00 pm tonight.  A call out to parents will begin at that time.  Also check your local TV and radio stations and the FBISD website at www.fortbendisd.com  for updated information regarding Friday, Feb. 4.

Gaggle

I'm sure you have heard your students talk about Gaggle!  Gaggle is a Fort Bend ISD supported student email service that is very safe.  The students have been trained on how to use it, and they will continue to learn from it.  I monitor everything that is sent back and forth to ensure safety. 

One of the neat features of Gaggle is an Internet locker that the kids can use. They can work on projects at home and save them to their Internet locker. This will be great! Many of our kids love to work on PowerPoint projects.  Gaggle will help students in their writing because it will force them to communicate in writing.

I am very excited for our students to begin this journey!

Please email me if you have any questions!

http://www.gaggle.net/