Our Lady of Guadelupe

We celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

week of 12/10

No new Spelling words or Reading story test this week.  We are at the end of Unit 2 in Reading so we are taking our End of Unit Benchmark tests this week.  There is no way to study for these tests.  I am seeing how well the students can apply the strategies learned throughout the unit.

Religion test chapter 10 next Monday.

We are taking our timed multiplication tests regularly.  Students will move on to the next level when they score 29/30 or 30/30 on the tests.  No make-ups are given for these tests.  If a student is absent, out of the room, or unprepared for the test when it starts, he/she will have to retake that test next time.

Next Friday, December 29th, we will have a classroom Christmas party.  I will collect money to order pizza and there will be a signup sheet on the classroom door for any contributions.  We will be decorating Christmas cookies in class.

11-29-12

If you have not returned your green family survey, please do so ASAP!  These are an important part of our accreditation process and your opinions are highly valued.  

Upcoming:

Math test chapter 4 on Tuesday, 12/4

Third grade is reading at Mass on Friday, 11/30.  Please join us if you can. 

11-13-12

Native American projects are due next Wednesday!  If you are planning on not coming next Wednesday, 11/21, please send the project in early.  Grades will be affected by lateness.

We are collecting toiletries for the homeless in travel or small sizes.  We need the following:  soap, shampoo, deodorant, combs, tube socks.  Please bring in any donations this week or next week.

Native American Project Directions

Here is a copy of the directions for the Native American project that was assigned on Friday, October 26th.  There are examples in the classroom.  Parents are welcome to come and look.  I have the paper for the book in the classroom.  Students are responsible for gathering the supplies they want to use to make the home model.  

Name______________________________

Native American Project due Wednesday, November 21^st at 8:00 a.m. 

You are going to research a tribe.  Your project will include a mini-book and a 3-D home model.  This is an at-home project.  Homework will still be given in class, so make sure that you do not wait until the last minute!

Directions:

1.    Choose a tribe of American Indians that lived in California from this list.

Yurok                                      Yokuts

Hupa                                       Luiseno

Wiyot                                     Kumeyaay (Ipai)

Pomo                                      Cahuilla

Miwok                                    Mojave

Costanoan                              Maidu       

Esselen                                    Washo

Salinan                                    Chumash

Gabrielino (Tongva)

2.    Make a mini-book about your tribe.  First, write down 5 questions from the list below on the mini-book table of contents.  Find the answers to the questions.  Look on the internet and in library books.  When you find the information, you are going to write the answers on the corresponding page in the book.  Please have your answer be more than just one sentence.  It should be one paragraph (3-5 sentences long).  Include a topic sentence and interesting details about each topic.  For example, write the answer to question one on the first page.  Illustrate (draw a picture) each page using the information on that page. Pictures must be colored and show effort and detail. Please see the sample in class if you have questions

Questions to choose from:

Where did the ____________ live?  (Be specific!)

What did the ___________ eat?

What did the ______________ wear?

What was the ______________ religion like?

Who was the ______________ leader?

What were the ______________’s tools?

What were the jobs for the men, women, and kids in the __________ tribe?

What was the ______________’s home like?

What are some special religious beliefs for the _______________?

What is life like today for the _______________ tribe?

**You can also make up other questions if you wish that will give information about the tribe.  Check   with Ms. Danforth if you are not sure.**

3.    Create a model of your tribe’s home—just 1 home, not a village! The entire model that you bring in should be about the size of a half sheet of paper, no larger than 8in. x 5 in.

·       If you have any questions, please ask!  There is a sample inside the classroom. 

·       Neatness, correct spelling, and effort count!  Take pride in your work!

·       Be sure not to copy words straight out of a book or website.  Read the book or website, and write the information in your own words.

·       Have your parent help you proofread.

·       Students do all the writing and artwork.  Parents, please do not do the writing for your student!  It will have to be redone.

GRADING

Mini Book 5 questions are answered completely and correctly.  Answers are 1 paragraph long (3-5 sentences) and include interesting information.  Answers are written neatly and each page is illustrated with detail and effort.  Table of Contents corresponds with answer pages. Cover is decorated, has title and author (student) name 10 points for each answer page—Cover, table of contents, and 5 content pages=7 pages 70 points

Home Model 3-D model is made and accurately shows tribe’s home.  Directions were followed—one home, no larger than 8 x 5 inches. Shows effort and detail. Student knows what materials were used by the tribe to make the home and can explain the home to the class. 30 points

Week of 11-5

Upcoming:

Math chapter 3 test next Thursday
Social Studies chapter 3 test next Tuesday, November 13.

Tuesdsay, November 6th is election day!  Students may wear red, white, and blue free dress for $1.

Friday, November 9--no school.  Teachers have an inservice.
Monday, November 11--no school--Veteran's Day.

Thank you to all the parents who donated food and supplies to our Halloween party!

Week of 10-22-12

Halloween party sign up is on the classroom door if you would like to contribute.

November lunch menus went out this week and need to be returned by this Thursday, 10/25.

Wednesday, 10/24 is "Think Pink Wear Pink" day for $1, supporting breast cancer research.

This week, we are doing our Unit 1 review in Reading.  That means, we are taking our Unit 1 test and there are no Spelling words. 

Students can send their friends Halloween pencil grams for $1.  The pencil grams will be delivered on Halloween.

Week of 10-15

Upcoming--Religion test chapter 5 next Monday, October 22nd.
Halloween pencil-grams will be on sale for $1 next week.  Students may buy pencil grams for their friends at recess.  

We have started our unit on Native Americans that lived in California.  There will be an at-home project assigned next week to research a tribe, write a mini-book, and build a shelter.  Be on the lookout for these directions next week.

Congratulations to the third graders for filling the marble jar again!  I appreciate their excellent behavior. 

Does anyone have legos that their children are not using?  I would love some donations of legos.  The students love building with these on rainy-day recesses.  

Week of 10/8/12

Coming up:

This Thursday--Religion chapter 4 test
Next Monday (10/15) Math chapter 2 test

We are continuing to add and subtract numbers with 2, 3, and 4 digits.  This requires accurate computation.

In Social Studies, we are beginning Unit 2 and will be learning about Native Americans that lived in California.

We are starting to learn cursive!

Halloween is coming soon!  I have heard costume plans; the students are very excited.  Just a few reminders: Students may wear their costume to school.  We have a costume parade in the shrine at 8:30 for any parents who want to join us.  If your student does not want to wear a costume, he/she must wear the school uniform.  (It is not a free dress day.)  Scary costumes are ok, but weapons of any kind are not allowed.  I will put a sign-up sheet on the door for a Halloween party.

Week of 9-24

Still testing!  Please try to be on time and avoid absences.

Religion chapter 3 test on Friday.

Some third graders will be reading at church on Friday.  Please join us at Mass at 8:30 if you can!

Week of 9-17-12

Science test chapter 15--moved to Friday.  We need a little more time to review this week.  Chapter 15 is about Earth patterns--day and night, seasons, phases of the moon, constellations.

ITBS testing--this week and next week.  This is our annual standardized testing.  Things you can do to help your child has a positive experience (and in general for school!):

• Ensure your child gets adequate rest.  
• Eat breakfast!
• Encourage your child to do his/her best.
• Be on time and avoid unnecessary absences.
• Encourage your child to participate in the Mission Marathon walking/running program.  Exercise increases oxygen to the brain, which helps with mental sharpness! 

Because of ITBS testing, we will not have Spelling tests or new Reading stories, as we will be testing during the Language Arts time block.  There will be no Spelling homework.  There will be other homework assigned.

Green music sheets went home last week to be returned by this Wednesday, 9/19.  On the green paper, please mark your preference for violin, cello, or choral music instruction.

Artwork for Education permission slips went home on Friday.  Each child needs to return it in order to participate in the program.  You are not obligated to purchase anything.  We are in the process of designing Christmas pictures that will be made into holiday cards.

Week of 9-10-12

Upcoming--Math chapter 1 test next Monday, 9/17
Social Studies chapter 1 test on Tuesday
Religion chapter 2 test on Wednesday
Science test chapter 15 next Wednesday, 9/19

ITBS testing begins next week!  This is our annual standardized testing.  Please, do your best to avoid tardiness or planned absences during this important time.  These tests allow us to see students' strengths and weaknesses.

Please remember that hot lunch cannot be ordered the morning of.  Lunches must be preordered using the monthly calendar.

Remember--reading log needs to be completed every night and will be checked on Monday mornings.  

Week of 9/3/12

Short week!

Don't forget--NO SCHOOL this Friday, September 7th for Carnival set-up.

Because of the short week, there will be no new reading story. Our spelling words will be a review of long vowel patterns.  We will use the time in class going over reading skills and strategies and getting used to our reading group rotation, and reviewing long vowel patterns.

Upcoming:

1. Social Studies test on chapter 1 next Tuesday, September 11.  Look for a study guide in the Social Studies workbook.  To help review, reread the chapter, look at the workbook, and answer the questions on p. 39 of the text.  
2. Religion test next Wednesday, September 12. 
3. Picture Day is on Thursday.  

I hope everyone enjoys the carnival!

Week of 8/26

Upcoming this Week:

• Rounding to 10s and 100s quiz on Monday
• Religion chapter 1 on Thursday 
• Reading story test on Friday 
• Spelling test on Thursday and Friday
• Back to school night on Tuesday 

8-17-12

Welcome to 3rd Grade!

We had a great first two days back.  It has been fun getting to know our new and returning students.

Parents, textbooks are coming home to be covered next week.  Please keep an eye out for them and help your student get them covered.

Summer Reading and Supply List

Summer Reading Assignment for Incoming 3^rd Graders

Due: The first day of school, Thursday, August 16

Directions:  Read at least one fiction from the following third grade book list.  During the first week of school, we will complete a book report on that book. 

I am attaching a reading log to keep track of all the books you read over the summer.  Reading is extremely important and should be done every day.  I encourage you to visit your local library and participate in their summer reading program.

Keep track of the books you read on the reading log.  I will collect the log on the first day of school.

If you have any questions, please contact me at my email: adanforth@saintanneschool.com

BOOK LIST:

 Christopher, Matt. Zero’s Slider

Zero discovers that he can throw a slider when there's a big bandage on his injured thumb. One of the Peach Street Mudders series.

Haas, Jessie. Birthday Pony

When Jane receives a pony named Popcorn for her birthday, she must learn how to tame her newfound friend.

Livingstone, Star. Harley

Harley the llama does not get along with other llamas, so he becomes a guard llama.

McDonald, Megan. Judy Moody series

Judy has a unique way of looking at the world.

McDonald, Megan. Stink series

Stink Moody, younger brother of Judy, always seems to get himself into some funny situations.

Nixon, Joan Lowery. Gus & Gertie and the Missing Pearl

Arriving for a vacation on Holiday Island, penguins Gus and Gertie stumble into a hotel full of Bad Guys.

Greene, Stephanie. Owen Foote series

Owen and his friends play soccer, build a treehouse, and find ways to get money in this series.

Harper, Charise. Just Grace

Misnamed by her teacher, Just Grace prides herself in being helpful and understanding. One of a series.

Hurwitz, Johanna. Oh No, Noah!

Noah tries to impress the kids he meets when he and his family move to a new house.

Mills, Claudia. How Oliver Olson Changed the World

Afraid he will always be an outsider, Oliver finally shows his parents that he is capable of doing great things.

McKissack, Patricia C. Scraps of Time series

Grandmother Gee tells her grandchildren stories about African-American ancestors.

Osborne, Mary Pope. Magic Tree House series

Eight-year-old Jack and his seven-year-old sister, Annie, travel through time on exciting adventures.

Pennypacker, Sara. Clementine series

Eight-year-old Clementine gains several unique hairstyles and helps her father banish pigeons from their apartment building.

Ryan, Pam Munoz. Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride

A fictionalized account of the night Amelia Earhart flew Eleanor Roosevelt over Washington, D.C. in an airplane.

****PLEASE HAVE SUPPLIES BY THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!****

Third Grade Supply List

Personal items, will be kept at desk—Please label all personal items

1                                  Large sturdy backpack

1                                  Reusable lunch box (even if you plan on ordering hot lunch, snack needs to be in a lunch box)

2                                  Composition notebooks (Not spiral)

1                                  1 subject spiral notebook

1                                  Regular size glue stick

1                                  Box of crayons, 24 count only

12-24                           #2 pencils with erasers

4                                  Folders with pockets

2                                  Soft, large erasers

2                                  Red ball point pens

1                                  Sturdy zippered pencil pouch (no boxes)

Community items, will be shared—Please do not label community items

2                                  Large boxes Kleenex

2                                  Large boxes of hand or surface wipes

1                                  Elmer’s Glue All, 4 oz bottle

1                                   Bottle hand sanitizer with pump, 10 oz or large

Optional supplies

Personal pencil sharpener with a cup to collect the shavings

4 stretchy book covers to cover large text books

·         Space is limited.  PLEASE do not send extra supplies.  They will be sent home.

·         Supplies will need to be replenished when they run out. 

June 5th

Important June Dates:

June 12th--Native American project due!!  This includes the 3-D model and the mini-book which has a cover, table of contents, and answers at least 5 questions.

June 15th--field trip for Marathon Runners ONLY.  Permission slips must be returned.

June 20th--Activity Day.  Teams are posted.  Check the bulletin board outside of 3rd grade to find out what team you are on and what colors to wear on that day.

June 22nd--LAST DAY!  Noon dismissal.

Native American Project

This website has some great pictures of Native American homes as ideas for the project model.  Remember, it should be about the size of a half sheet of paper.  Not all of the tribes on this website are California tribes.  Read carefully to look for your California tribe.

http://www.greatdreams.com/native/nativehsg.htm

May 18th

Our Social Studies project was assigned today.  It is due June 12th.  

Students will research a California Native American tribe.  They will create a mini-book and a 3-D home model. This is an at-home project.  Please ask your student for the directions.  Students have the directions, a cover page, table of contents page, and the paper for the mini-book.  

There is a sample in the classroom.  Come and take a look if you have any questions. 

Week of 4-30

Our field trip to the Getty Center is on Tuesday, May 15th. Please sign the yellow permission slip that went out on Monday. The number of chaperones that can come is unlimited. Please let me know by May 7th if you will be joining our class. We are starting our Math chapter on dividing larger numbers. Multiplication practice is still needed.

4-22-12

Tomorrow, 4-23, students may wear Earth colors to celebrate Earth Day.  Those include brown, green, and blue. 

Upcoming tests:
This is a review week for Reading, which means we will have our Unit 5 tests.  There will be NO new Spelling words or Reading story.
Religion chapter 17 is on Wednesday.
Math chapter 10 test is on Friday.

Science Fair  projects are due this Thursday, April 26th.  I hope to see lots of third grade families at the Science Fair and Art Fair this Thursday evening!

4-18-12

Don't forget--Science Fair is next Thursday. The project is due the morning of April 26th. Students need to present and explain their project or experiment in class.

Religion test chapter 17 next Wednesday.

We now doing 2 and 3 digit multiplication. Students need to still practice their basic facts.

We are out of hand sanitizer. If you could, please send some in! Thanks.

Week of 3-26-12

I will be out of the classroom on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I have been assigned to be on a WASC team to evaluate another school. I will be back on Friday.

Don't forget--Science Fair is on April 26th. The project is due on that morning!

Social Studies chapter 9 test is next Tuesday, April 3rd.

Next week is Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday on this coming Sunday. We will be attending confessions sometime this week and will pray the Stations of the Cross on Friday.

We are out of hand sanitizer. If possible, please send in another bottle. Thanks!!

Week of 3/19/12

We are out of hand sanitizer. Donations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

The Scholastic Book Club March flyer went home last Friday. If you want to order, please return the order form with a check made out to Scholastic Book Club (NO CASH) by this Friday, March 23rd. If you want to give online ordering a try (it's really easy and convenient), visit www.scholastic.com/bookclubs and use our activation code: HBT62. Also included was information about Storia, which is Scholastic's e-reader. It is a free application to download, and you can shop Scholastic.com for e-books. It is a great way to take books with you on your laptop and ipad.

Religion chapter 15 test on Friday.

Make sure you are working on your Science Fair project. It is due April 26th. If you need any help or suggestions, please email or come see me.

week of 3-12-12

The Book Fair is under way in our hallway. It will continue until Tuesday. It is a great place to buy books!

The Science Fair will be held on April 26th. Each student needs to contribute a project. Directions and suggestions were handed out in class last week. A student may do an experiment and bring in a tri-fold display board with information (see the handout for suggested layout) OR a student may do a research-type written report and build a model. If you have any questions, please stop by and see me. This is an at-home project.

In Math, we are learning about measurement (chapter 3). Included in measurement are time, inches, feet, yards, miles,ounces, pounds, cups, quarts, pints, gallons, liters, milliliters, centimeters, and meters. A way to help with this tricky unit is to have students tell time on an analog clock, and tell elapsed time--"what time will it be in 30 minute?" or "how much time has passed since 7:45?" Students can help out with measuring when cooking. Simply paying attention to packaging (ounces, liters, pounds) is a good way to make real world connections to this subject.

Lastly, we are down to our last box of Kleenex. Please, if you could help us out, send in a box or two!

Thanks!

Week of 2/2712

This week is a review week in Reading. That means: no new spelling words, no new reading story.

We have a Math chapter 8 test on Friday, 3/2 and a Religion chapter 11 test on Thursday.

2-9-12

Next week we have our biography presentations! These are always a fun project for the presenter and the audience. Some reminders:

PRACTICE!! You should know your speech--either memorize it or have notes written, not the complete speech. Practice speaking loudly and clearly. Convince us that you are actually that person. Rubrics were handed out in class to help you know exactly what you need to do to receive an O.

Presentations will be from 11-12. Change into your costume at recess. Parents are very welcome!

Monday: Rahul, Madelyne, Megan, Kaylah, Jerrell
Tuesday: Jack, Alexus, Raymond, Amelia, Lupita, Allison
Thursday: Emily, Vincent, Christopher, Sha'da, Isabella, Ari, Sam, Karla
Friday: Rohan, Ashley, Frida, Maya, Illeana, Marissa, Aaliyah, Victor

There will be no new Spelling test or Reading story next week because the presentations will be during our Language arts time.

Tuesday is Valentine's Day! Students may bring Valentines as long as they bring one per student.

Week of 1-30-12

Monday--Wear blue and yellow to celebrate St. Anne spirit!

Thursday--Our winter music concert at 7 pm. Students need to wear dark bottoms (pants, skirts) and white shirts. No jeans or sweats please!

Tests this week

Monday--Religion chapter 9

Thursday--Math chapter 7

DON'T FORGET--Social Studies biography report will be due the week of Feb. 13th. Directions went home on Jan. 20th. Don't procrastinate! Do a little bit each day.

Week of 1-9-11

No new Spelling words or Reading story this week. We are at the end of the unit. That means we will be taking our Unit Benchmark tests during Reading and doing a little more Grammar and Phonics this week.

Religion ch. 8 test on Friday.
Math ch. 6 test on Friday.
Social Studies ch. 7 test on next Thursday. Look for a vocabulary chart and study guide to review with. (Chapter 7 is p. 252 -- 283)