Thank You!

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for being such supportive parents.  Mrs. Holmes and I are truly appreciative for the kind words, classroom donations and book fair books! Your giving impacts our classroom in amazing ways. Thank you for all you do! :)

Holiday Pictures

Tomorrow! Students may take pictures with Santa... or without! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone has a safe holiday!

No School Wednesday, Thursday or Friday! 

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 a previous email that I sent out with 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. 

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.

From Coach:

If your child is interested in earning an extra foot token for the Marathon Kids program, Scanlan Oaks Elementary is having their Reindeer Fun Run on Dec. 4^th.  Please visit the website below to find out more details or to register online.  J

The Sugar Land Turkey Trot is scheduled for Thanksgiving morning.  I will be there to cheer on the kids. 

http://www.soepto.org/

Mad Science Announcement!

This Thursday, the 18^th is the LAST Mad Science for this session.

Social Studies Study Guide: Community Helpers

Test Friday!

You will need to be able to identify the description for the following community helpers.

1.       Laws:  Tell people what they can and cannot do.

2.      Mayor and the City Council:  Make laws to keep the community safe and clean.

3.      Public Works Department:  Take care of streets, bridges, stoplights, water and sewer pipes.

4.      Planning Department:  Give permission for new buildings.

5.      Fire Department:  Rescue people from dangerous places, give medical care to people who are hurt, and put out fires.

6.      Public Library:  Provides a quiet place for people to read books, magazines or newspapers.  They also has music, artwork and computers for people to use.

7.      City Manager:  Makes a plan for how to use the city’s money.  This plan is called a budget.

8.      Parks and Recreation Department:  Makes sure the parks are clean and safe.

9.      Police:  Help to keep people safe by catching people who break the law and by stopping crime before they  happen.

10.  City Clerk:  Keeps important records for the community.

Facts to Know

1.       Communities are growing and changing all the time.

2.      Our community has people who work hard to keep it running smoothly and makes is a safe place to live.

Be able to…

List other people who help in our community, besides the ones listed above.