May 19, 2014
Dear Parents,
Last week was an extremely busy week. Thankfully this week things will slow down allowing the students the last bit of school to complete their projects for the units they are currently wrapping up. The second graders are working on a Famous Places informational text. The third graders are completing science experiments and investigations on force and motion.
Please return the students library books they are due this week. On Tuesday the students will have Aimsweb testing, their final progress monitoring probe for reading. On Friday we have our annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast. Please return your sheet if you plan on attending. We need to have a final number by Tuesday. As far as upcoming dates, we do not have school on Monday, May 26th due to Memorial Day and our final day of school is Friday, May 30th, which is a half day. It's hard to imagine that we are so close.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to let me know. Time certainly is flying by, and the students are continuing to work hard.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Friday, May 16, 2014
Sunday, May 11, 2014
May 11, 2014
Dear Parents,
Our week is packed, more days than not have extra activities. On Tuesday the third grade students will attend FHSD Created for Spectra. In the afternoon all of the students will attend an assembly titled Something Ridiculous. Then on Wednesday we have book fair buying at 9:45 at the Buy One Get One Free book fair. Feel free to send money in with your child, or meet us there. They also have opportunities for after school buying, information was sent home last week. On Thursday both grades will be attending field trips, second grade will head to the zoo, and third grade will go to Daniel Boone's home. Finally, on Friday Mrs. Orzel will have a class counseling visit and the third graders have their MAP celebration from 2:00-3:30. Whew! Just explaining all of these changes is exhausting.
The students will continue their research in Earth Science, conducting experiments, reading books and sites, along with creating projects to demonstrate their learning. In math they will work on skills that will allow them to have a solid foundation for next year.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Dear Parents,
Our week is packed, more days than not have extra activities. On Tuesday the third grade students will attend FHSD Created for Spectra. In the afternoon all of the students will attend an assembly titled Something Ridiculous. Then on Wednesday we have book fair buying at 9:45 at the Buy One Get One Free book fair. Feel free to send money in with your child, or meet us there. They also have opportunities for after school buying, information was sent home last week. On Thursday both grades will be attending field trips, second grade will head to the zoo, and third grade will go to Daniel Boone's home. Finally, on Friday Mrs. Orzel will have a class counseling visit and the third graders have their MAP celebration from 2:00-3:30. Whew! Just explaining all of these changes is exhausting.
The students will continue their research in Earth Science, conducting experiments, reading books and sites, along with creating projects to demonstrate their learning. In math they will work on skills that will allow them to have a solid foundation for next year.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Friday, May 2, 2014
May 5, 2014
Dear Parents,
I wanted to take a moment to recognize that the students did a super job during MAP testing! The second grade students have been very responsible during the transition, working independently, and moving through the hallways. The third graders worked extremely hard on the test and always gave their best effort with a super attitude. I could not have asked for a better couple of weeks. The schedule for second grade will be switched one more week, due to the 5th graders taking the science portion of the MAP test. Then things should return to normal.
The third grade students have the career fair on Friday from 9:00-11:00. It's an event they look forward to. They have the opportunity to hear about various careers and interests. The third grade students have their FHSD Creates field trip for Spectra coming up. It will be on May 13th. They will also go with third grade to Daniel Boone's home on May 15th. Then the 16th of May they have their MAP celebration!
Information about the second grade field trip went home this week. The students will go to the zoo on May, 15th. If you haven't sent in the form please do so as soon as possible. All parents are welcome to attend this field trip, but must provide their own transportation.
The big buy one, get one free book fair is coming up. It will take place from May 12th-15th. Our buying day is the 14th. Information about times will be sent home very soon. It's going to be another busy week, but one that is full of learning!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
I wanted to take a moment to recognize that the students did a super job during MAP testing! The second grade students have been very responsible during the transition, working independently, and moving through the hallways. The third graders worked extremely hard on the test and always gave their best effort with a super attitude. I could not have asked for a better couple of weeks. The schedule for second grade will be switched one more week, due to the 5th graders taking the science portion of the MAP test. Then things should return to normal.
The third grade students have the career fair on Friday from 9:00-11:00. It's an event they look forward to. They have the opportunity to hear about various careers and interests. The third grade students have their FHSD Creates field trip for Spectra coming up. It will be on May 13th. They will also go with third grade to Daniel Boone's home on May 15th. Then the 16th of May they have their MAP celebration!
Information about the second grade field trip went home this week. The students will go to the zoo on May, 15th. If you haven't sent in the form please do so as soon as possible. All parents are welcome to attend this field trip, but must provide their own transportation.
The big buy one, get one free book fair is coming up. It will take place from May 12th-15th. Our buying day is the 14th. Information about times will be sent home very soon. It's going to be another busy week, but one that is full of learning!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Sunday, April 27, 2014
April 28, 2014
Dear Parents,
I hope this note finds you well. Last week was a tad chaotic with the change in schedule and MAP testing, but the students handled it beautifully. We will continue this week with the schedule change while the third grade students continue to "ROAR" on the MAP test. Third grade will take the math portion of the MAP on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. When this is complete they will be finished with the MAP test for 2014! WOO-HOO! I am proud of their hard work, and the second graders being cooperative with the schedule change, it truly is a team effort in our class!
If you haven't heard Tommy welcomed a baby brother, Dominic, into his family on Thursday. His mother and little brother are doing well. It was an exciting event at home, but also at school!
If you have any questions do not hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Dear Parents,
I hope this note finds you well. Last week was a tad chaotic with the change in schedule and MAP testing, but the students handled it beautifully. We will continue this week with the schedule change while the third grade students continue to "ROAR" on the MAP test. Third grade will take the math portion of the MAP on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. When this is complete they will be finished with the MAP test for 2014! WOO-HOO! I am proud of their hard work, and the second graders being cooperative with the schedule change, it truly is a team effort in our class!
If you haven't heard Tommy welcomed a baby brother, Dominic, into his family on Thursday. His mother and little brother are doing well. It was an exciting event at home, but also at school!
If you have any questions do not hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Sunday, April 20, 2014
April 20, 2014
Dear Parents,
This week the student's schedules will be much different than normal due to MAP testing. I will do my best to keep things as status quo as possible, and make sure there are opportunities for breaks during the next couple of weeks. The third graders will be testing Tuesday-Thursday in the morning. During the first hour of the testing the second graders will be in Mrs. Parker's classroom working on their reading and spelling assignments. The second hour of testing they will be in their specials (10:15-11:15). When they return we will pick up where they left off. The second graders will have recess and lunch at 12:35-1:25, so they will probably choose to have their snack earlier in the morning.
The third grade students will be taking the Communication Arts portion of the MAP test this week. Only one of the days is strictly timed, the other days the students can take as much time as they need to complete the test. As long as students are making adequate progress on the days that are not strictly timed they have the opportunity to continue working until they are finished. The following week they will have the Math portion of the test. On Monday afternoon they will have the MAP kickoff assembly, where they will hear the theme for the year "ROAR on the MAP!" It's a fun opportunity for the kids to get excited about showcasing their knowledge and make it fun! At the end of each day the students test they have an extra 20-minute recess. I have goals set as far as academics, but depending on how the kids are feeling after the testing will determine how many of those goals we achieve, they are flexible over the next two weeks.
I am looking forward to a great week, if you have any questions let me know.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Dear Parents,
This week the student's schedules will be much different than normal due to MAP testing. I will do my best to keep things as status quo as possible, and make sure there are opportunities for breaks during the next couple of weeks. The third graders will be testing Tuesday-Thursday in the morning. During the first hour of the testing the second graders will be in Mrs. Parker's classroom working on their reading and spelling assignments. The second hour of testing they will be in their specials (10:15-11:15). When they return we will pick up where they left off. The second graders will have recess and lunch at 12:35-1:25, so they will probably choose to have their snack earlier in the morning.
The third grade students will be taking the Communication Arts portion of the MAP test this week. Only one of the days is strictly timed, the other days the students can take as much time as they need to complete the test. As long as students are making adequate progress on the days that are not strictly timed they have the opportunity to continue working until they are finished. The following week they will have the Math portion of the test. On Monday afternoon they will have the MAP kickoff assembly, where they will hear the theme for the year "ROAR on the MAP!" It's a fun opportunity for the kids to get excited about showcasing their knowledge and make it fun! At the end of each day the students test they have an extra 20-minute recess. I have goals set as far as academics, but depending on how the kids are feeling after the testing will determine how many of those goals we achieve, they are flexible over the next two weeks.
I am looking forward to a great week, if you have any questions let me know.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Sunday, April 13, 2014
April
14, 2014
Dear Parents,
Castlio’s
Student Council has extended the spirit days to include this week. We have almost reached the goal and they hope
by extending the spirit days it will allow us to fulfill more wishes. On Monday it will be Crazy Sock day, Tuesday
is Neon Day, Wednesday is Wacky Wednesday and Thursday is Hat Day. Keep supporting this wonderful event by
either making a one time donation or send in the money each day.
The second
graders have been working very hard on their songs and parts for the musical
that takes place this week. On Tuesday
during their specials time they will perform the musical and during this time
anyone can attend. It’s also a great
time to video the performance, because most of the people are sitting on the
floor verses in chairs and moving around.
Then Tuesday evening they will perform for their families. To attend the evening performance a ticket is
required. The tickets went home last
week.
The only
change to this week’s schedule is Friday. We will not have school on Good Friday. Then next week the new MAP schedule begins
where second and fifth grade begin switching for specials/lunch. The third graders will take the MAP test each
morning and the second graders will hang in Mrs. Parker’s class the first hour
of the day. The next few weeks are
challenging as the second graders schedule is different and the third graders
are mentally tired due to testing, so we will take some time each day to take a
break, either outside or inside to encourage all of them through the next few
weeks.
If you have
any questions let me know.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Sunday, April 6, 2014
April 6, 2014
Dear Parents,
The students have been learning about the 7 Habits of Happy Kids. I am hopeful you have heard about the first two habits: Be Proactive and Keep the End in Mind. It has been exciting to witness their transformation in class to put the two habits in effect. This week they will learn about Habit #3, which is put first things first, work then play. One of the lessons will include The Little Red Hen, a great story about doing the work, then reaping the rewards of a job well done.
Our week has a couple of important announcements, the second graders will have Spectra on Tuesday, then third will have Spectra on Thursday. The third grade students will visit the City Museum on Thursday for a Spectra field trip. We will have counseling this week on Friday with Mrs. Orzel. Also, the Student Council students are sponsoring a spirit week, each day a $1 donation for participation in the spirit week will be donated to the Children's Make a Wish Foundation. The spirit days are as follows: Monday-Cardinal's Day, Tuesday-Hawaiian Day, Wednesday-Twin Day, Thursday-Decade Day, and Friday-Disney Day.
I am looking forward to a wonderful week of science with the students! In second grade they are studying life cycles and observing the life cycle of a butterfly. In third grade the students are studying weather and climates around the world. They are documenting the weather in St. Charles and will begin documenting the weather of another part of the world. This information will be used to create graphs and charts for them to analyze various climates during the month of April.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hepburn
Dear Parents,
The students have been learning about the 7 Habits of Happy Kids. I am hopeful you have heard about the first two habits: Be Proactive and Keep the End in Mind. It has been exciting to witness their transformation in class to put the two habits in effect. This week they will learn about Habit #3, which is put first things first, work then play. One of the lessons will include The Little Red Hen, a great story about doing the work, then reaping the rewards of a job well done.
Our week has a couple of important announcements, the second graders will have Spectra on Tuesday, then third will have Spectra on Thursday. The third grade students will visit the City Museum on Thursday for a Spectra field trip. We will have counseling this week on Friday with Mrs. Orzel. Also, the Student Council students are sponsoring a spirit week, each day a $1 donation for participation in the spirit week will be donated to the Children's Make a Wish Foundation. The spirit days are as follows: Monday-Cardinal's Day, Tuesday-Hawaiian Day, Wednesday-Twin Day, Thursday-Decade Day, and Friday-Disney Day.
I am looking forward to a wonderful week of science with the students! In second grade they are studying life cycles and observing the life cycle of a butterfly. In third grade the students are studying weather and climates around the world. They are documenting the weather in St. Charles and will begin documenting the weather of another part of the world. This information will be used to create graphs and charts for them to analyze various climates during the month of April.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hepburn
Sunday, March 30, 2014
March
31, 2014
Dear Parents,
The students are beginning new units this week, finishing
the year off with a strong science focus in both grades. The second grade students will learn to
identify and sequence life cycles of animals and record observations of life
cycles. The butterfly larvae for this
adventure have arrived and will be in the room as soon as the students arrive
on Monday. They will compare and
contrast fiction and nonfiction text, along with using nonfiction text features
to analyze information.
The third grade students will complete their body system
writing while beginning to learn about the geography in the Midwest and
climates around the world. They will use
mathematics and computational thinking to observe and record local weather data
over time and analyze the data to identify day-to-day variations, as well as
long-term patterns.
In math the second grade students are focusing on the
algorithm. They are regrouping in
addition and subtraction using 2 and 3-digit numbers. The third grade students are moving back into
multiplication and division strategies to help solidify their understanding of
inverse relationships.
I hope the students came home talking about developing
the Seven Habits. If not, to give you
some background knowledge I have been in a Leader in Me book study at
Castlio. The book is written by Sean
Covey, Stephen Covey’s son. The premise
of the book is developing leaders in our kids, by teaching the 7 Habits. Over spring break I had the opportunity with
a handful of teachers to visit a school that was a Leader in Me school, it was
absolutely amazing to talk to kindergarten students sharing how they were
proactive, creating win-win situations, etc.
After the visit, I knew this was something the kids deserved to learn about;
it fits perfectly with character education and helping kids become independent
learners, thinkers and leaders. Hopefully
last week you heard about Habit #1-Be Proactive. This week the students will learn about Habit
#2-Begin with the end in mind.
Finally, due to time and the MAP test coming up I have
ended our WIN time with the guest third grade students. The focus during this time will be work
completion, extra practice on any areas that need strengthening and Leader in
Me lessons.
I am looking forward to another fantastic week!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Sunday, March 23, 2014
March 23, 2014
Dear Parents,
Welcome back from spring break to our final quarter of the school year. It's hard to believe we are finishing up the year, when it seems as though we just began. I look forward to the learning that will take place over the next ten weeks or so. The second graders will finish their historical fiction unit this week and have the opportunity to publish their writing. We will not have an opportunity to complete this writing project digitally, but I plan on them creating an "old-fashioned" book. On Monday they will start a science unit on life cycles. This weekend I ordered painted lady larvae, so the students could observe the life-cycle of a butterfly. This unit will be about a month long, studying living things and their characteristics.
The third grade students are working on their health unit. They have currently studied the circulatory system, respiratory system and the digestive system. They have researched and written a couple of paragraphs about each system, along with created a hands on example demonstrating how the systems operate. This week the goal is to complete the muscular system and skeletal system, but we may have difficulty due to Spectra and Wednesday's field trip. Then next week they will finish up with the nervous system. Once they complete this unit they will move into science, force and motion, and magnets.
This quarter bring the MAP test. I will send home the official dates but I believe it begins April 22nd and ends on May 9th. During this time the second grade students switch schedules with the fifth grade students. Their special time during these three weeks will be at 10:15-11:15 and lunch will be at 12:35-1:25. The third grade schedule will not switch. The third graders will take the MAP test in our classroom, beginning first thing in the morning. On the days I give the MAP the second grade students will go to Mrs. Parker's room. I will make sure they have something to work on that goes along with what we are doing in class. They will return to our room at 11:15 when their specials are over. It worked out well last year, it was just a bit hectic, but the kids understood it was due to the MAP test.
This week the third grade students will go on their field trip to Bush Wildlife on Wednesday. The schedule for the rest of the week will stay the same. A final announcement for the second grade parents a note is coming home about tickets for the second grade musical. Make sure you fill that out and return it as quickly as you can, tickets go quickly and are a hot commodity.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Welcome back from spring break to our final quarter of the school year. It's hard to believe we are finishing up the year, when it seems as though we just began. I look forward to the learning that will take place over the next ten weeks or so. The second graders will finish their historical fiction unit this week and have the opportunity to publish their writing. We will not have an opportunity to complete this writing project digitally, but I plan on them creating an "old-fashioned" book. On Monday they will start a science unit on life cycles. This weekend I ordered painted lady larvae, so the students could observe the life-cycle of a butterfly. This unit will be about a month long, studying living things and their characteristics.
The third grade students are working on their health unit. They have currently studied the circulatory system, respiratory system and the digestive system. They have researched and written a couple of paragraphs about each system, along with created a hands on example demonstrating how the systems operate. This week the goal is to complete the muscular system and skeletal system, but we may have difficulty due to Spectra and Wednesday's field trip. Then next week they will finish up with the nervous system. Once they complete this unit they will move into science, force and motion, and magnets.
This quarter bring the MAP test. I will send home the official dates but I believe it begins April 22nd and ends on May 9th. During this time the second grade students switch schedules with the fifth grade students. Their special time during these three weeks will be at 10:15-11:15 and lunch will be at 12:35-1:25. The third grade schedule will not switch. The third graders will take the MAP test in our classroom, beginning first thing in the morning. On the days I give the MAP the second grade students will go to Mrs. Parker's room. I will make sure they have something to work on that goes along with what we are doing in class. They will return to our room at 11:15 when their specials are over. It worked out well last year, it was just a bit hectic, but the kids understood it was due to the MAP test.
This week the third grade students will go on their field trip to Bush Wildlife on Wednesday. The schedule for the rest of the week will stay the same. A final announcement for the second grade parents a note is coming home about tickets for the second grade musical. Make sure you fill that out and return it as quickly as you can, tickets go quickly and are a hot commodity.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Friday, March 7, 2014
March 7, 2014
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe we begin spring break on Thursday! Since our return in January we have seen a multitude of snow days and holidays causing us to have a broken schedule, but we have persevered through. I have been pleased with the progress we have made in spite of the missed days and look forward to seeing the progress the kids make when we return on March 24th.
This week the kids will focus on completing their units or getting very close. The second grade students will begin their historical fiction texts and the third graders will complete their body system research. Some of the third graders will have a cave exhibit available on Tuesday for visitors to check out. Our class will visit from 10:30-11:00. If anyone is interested in visiting feel free to check it out with us.
It was nice seeing everyone this week during parent teacher conferences. If you have any questions let me know.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe we begin spring break on Thursday! Since our return in January we have seen a multitude of snow days and holidays causing us to have a broken schedule, but we have persevered through. I have been pleased with the progress we have made in spite of the missed days and look forward to seeing the progress the kids make when we return on March 24th.
This week the kids will focus on completing their units or getting very close. The second grade students will begin their historical fiction texts and the third graders will complete their body system research. Some of the third graders will have a cave exhibit available on Tuesday for visitors to check out. Our class will visit from 10:30-11:00. If anyone is interested in visiting feel free to check it out with us.
It was nice seeing everyone this week during parent teacher conferences. If you have any questions let me know.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Friday, February 28, 2014
March 3rd, 2014
Dear Parents,
This week I am looking forward to conferences and talking about the projects the students have worked on and the progress they have made. Just a reminder that the quarter hasn't ended due to snow days, therefore a report card will not be available. The current date for students to receive their report cards is on March 28th, barring we do not have anymore snow days. If you have any questions about your conference time or need to make a change let me know.
This week the students have their regular schedule. On Thursday during the 2nd grade Spectra they will have their penguin exhibit. Parents and classrooms are invited to attend the exhibit. The third graders will have the opportunity to visit the exhibit at 10:30, allowing our classmates to showcase their hard work and expertise. On Friday Castlio has the Spring Party for 2nd grade at 1:00 and 3rd grade at 2:00. Also, on Friday our class has counseling with Mrs. Orzel.
It's going to be a great week! If you have any questions do not hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Dear Parents,
This week I am looking forward to conferences and talking about the projects the students have worked on and the progress they have made. Just a reminder that the quarter hasn't ended due to snow days, therefore a report card will not be available. The current date for students to receive their report cards is on March 28th, barring we do not have anymore snow days. If you have any questions about your conference time or need to make a change let me know.
This week the students have their regular schedule. On Thursday during the 2nd grade Spectra they will have their penguin exhibit. Parents and classrooms are invited to attend the exhibit. The third graders will have the opportunity to visit the exhibit at 10:30, allowing our classmates to showcase their hard work and expertise. On Friday Castlio has the Spring Party for 2nd grade at 1:00 and 3rd grade at 2:00. Also, on Friday our class has counseling with Mrs. Orzel.
It's going to be a great week! If you have any questions do not hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Sunday, February 23, 2014
February 23rd, 2014
Dear Parents,
Last week was a
delight! It was so nice knowing that we weren't going to have any weather
concerns. The students were able to go outside at recess (even if it was
blacktop only) and for the most part everyone was feeling much better!
The third graders had a successful wax museum on Friday and were please
to showcase their presentation skills for their families.
This week we have
Spring Pictures on Tuesday and a half-day on Friday. Hopefully you
received the note about upcoming parent-teacher conferences. Please
return the confirmation page as soon as possible. Just a reminder that we
will not have report cards available. I will have student work to show and
if you would like your child to attend they are welcome. I will have a
general idea of grades, but the date has been postponed due to the snow days.
Some reminders are Six
Flags information will be entered tomorrow (Feb. 24th), so make sure if your
child participated in the program to send in the form. On Tuesday spring
pictures will be taken, if you have a background preference send in the form.
The third grade students have a field trip on the 26th of March; please
return the form and money as soon as possible. Yearbook orders are due by
March 1st.
Finally we need some
items for upcoming projects: drink containers with lids (Gatorade type
containers), 2-liter bottles, paper towel tubes and mini-glue sticks. Any
help in any of these areas is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Monday, February 17, 2014
February 16, 2014
February 16, 2014
Dear Parents,
Our time is flying by in the classroom. The kids are working on various projects, but right now their favorite is what they are doing in math. The second graders created a 2-D robot on graph paper, that they are using as plans to build a 3-D model. They are creating, talking, and sharing their ideas, but also analyzing how they could design a robot better in the future. They noticed their plans were not designed for "stand-alone" type robots due to weight, height, and building materials, therefore they would make adjustments in the future for a better prototype. The third graders are currently studying perimeter. This unit led to a discussion about blue prints, drawings, and how this concept is applied in everyday life. They created a blueprint of a house starting with the perimeter. After that portion was designed, they moved inside the house. Inside the home they needed to add at minimum: a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room. They have gotten really creative with their drawings and are now using them to build a model of their blueprint.
This week we have all of our regularly scheduled events such as: 3rd grade Spectra on Tuesday, library and keyboarding on Wednesday, followed by 2nd grade Spectra on Thursday. The third grade students will have a field trip in March on the 26th with Mrs. Rowley's class. They will head to Bush Wildlife for a portion of the day. Information will come home this week regarding the trip, please return the information as soon as possible.
The second graders will begin a historical fiction unit this week. They will complete their personal narratives by creating illustrations and digitally recording their stories via VoiceThread. The third graders are moving into a unit on body systems. They will research the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, skeletal, and muscular systems. In each system they will conduct a project or experiment to demonstrate each of the systems.
Finally on Friday the third graders will have their wax museum from 3:15-3:45. You are invited to attend. They will need to practice memorizing their speeches and if they choose to wear a costume bring that on Friday. Any help from home is appreciated. If you come for the wax museum make sure you do not park in front of the school where the buses load/unload, and if you would like to take your child home when we are done sign out in the office prior to event. The kids are looking forward to this and have worked hard preparing for the event.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Dear Parents,
Our time is flying by in the classroom. The kids are working on various projects, but right now their favorite is what they are doing in math. The second graders created a 2-D robot on graph paper, that they are using as plans to build a 3-D model. They are creating, talking, and sharing their ideas, but also analyzing how they could design a robot better in the future. They noticed their plans were not designed for "stand-alone" type robots due to weight, height, and building materials, therefore they would make adjustments in the future for a better prototype. The third graders are currently studying perimeter. This unit led to a discussion about blue prints, drawings, and how this concept is applied in everyday life. They created a blueprint of a house starting with the perimeter. After that portion was designed, they moved inside the house. Inside the home they needed to add at minimum: a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room. They have gotten really creative with their drawings and are now using them to build a model of their blueprint.
This week we have all of our regularly scheduled events such as: 3rd grade Spectra on Tuesday, library and keyboarding on Wednesday, followed by 2nd grade Spectra on Thursday. The third grade students will have a field trip in March on the 26th with Mrs. Rowley's class. They will head to Bush Wildlife for a portion of the day. Information will come home this week regarding the trip, please return the information as soon as possible.
The second graders will begin a historical fiction unit this week. They will complete their personal narratives by creating illustrations and digitally recording their stories via VoiceThread. The third graders are moving into a unit on body systems. They will research the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, skeletal, and muscular systems. In each system they will conduct a project or experiment to demonstrate each of the systems.
Finally on Friday the third graders will have their wax museum from 3:15-3:45. You are invited to attend. They will need to practice memorizing their speeches and if they choose to wear a costume bring that on Friday. Any help from home is appreciated. If you come for the wax museum make sure you do not park in front of the school where the buses load/unload, and if you would like to take your child home when we are done sign out in the office prior to event. The kids are looking forward to this and have worked hard preparing for the event.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Sunday, February 9, 2014
February 9, 2014
Dear Parents,
This week we have many events planned in addition to our regular schedule. On Wednesday evening, Castlio is having their Family Health and Wellness event. There will be several opportunities for families to experience various wellness stations. There will be a personal trainer for kids, a dance aerobics area, hand washing station and a place to learn about food choices. Please send in the slip if you plan to attend the event.
A reminder that we do not have school on Feb. 14th or Feb. 17th. On Thursday, we will pass our Valentine's since we will not have school on Friday. Since we have had so many broken weeks the third grade wax museum is pushed back to the 21st. It will take place in our class from 3:15-3:45. If you have any questions do not hesitate to let me know.
Yearbook orders are due by March 1st. If you are ordering a yearbook please send in the information as soon as possible. The Six Flags reading logs need to be returned to school by the 24th. The last day to record reading is the 20th of February.
I am looking forward to a great week of school, where we attend each day it's scheduled. :) A teacher can dream right?
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Dear Parents,
This week we have many events planned in addition to our regular schedule. On Wednesday evening, Castlio is having their Family Health and Wellness event. There will be several opportunities for families to experience various wellness stations. There will be a personal trainer for kids, a dance aerobics area, hand washing station and a place to learn about food choices. Please send in the slip if you plan to attend the event.
A reminder that we do not have school on Feb. 14th or Feb. 17th. On Thursday, we will pass our Valentine's since we will not have school on Friday. Since we have had so many broken weeks the third grade wax museum is pushed back to the 21st. It will take place in our class from 3:15-3:45. If you have any questions do not hesitate to let me know.
Yearbook orders are due by March 1st. If you are ordering a yearbook please send in the information as soon as possible. The Six Flags reading logs need to be returned to school by the 24th. The last day to record reading is the 20th of February.
I am looking forward to a great week of school, where we attend each day it's scheduled. :) A teacher can dream right?
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Sunday, February 2, 2014
February 3rd, 2014
Dear Parents,
I hope at home you have heard about the exciting learning taking place in our classroom! The students are creating book report projects like I have never seen! Some students are creating SMART Notebook presentations that have I-Movie's embedded in them. Other students are creating Prezi presentations with animated cartoon's embedded into the actual presentation. Then another student created an amazing looking suitcase depicting the suitcase carried throughout the story Bud Not Buddy that is filled with important objects from the story. The creativity and higher order thinking skills taking place on the projects are amazing and truly demonstrate the student's desire to showcase their knowledge. I LOVE IT!
The third grade students have a big presentation on Friday! They will become the person they researched for a wax museum. We will join Ms. Grosch a second grade teachers classroom inviting parents and family to come visit our museum. The students should have a speech memorized, (that they have written) any props they would like either created at home or at school, and if possible dress in character. Dressing in character isn't necessary, but if it's possible it makes the event even more fun. Everyone is invited and we would love to see you at 3:15 in Ms. Grosch's room.
This week our schedule is the same with two extra additions, one is counseling on Friday and our 3rd grade wax museum. Looking forward to a wonderful, snow free week! (a teacher can dream right?)
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Dear Parents,
I hope at home you have heard about the exciting learning taking place in our classroom! The students are creating book report projects like I have never seen! Some students are creating SMART Notebook presentations that have I-Movie's embedded in them. Other students are creating Prezi presentations with animated cartoon's embedded into the actual presentation. Then another student created an amazing looking suitcase depicting the suitcase carried throughout the story Bud Not Buddy that is filled with important objects from the story. The creativity and higher order thinking skills taking place on the projects are amazing and truly demonstrate the student's desire to showcase their knowledge. I LOVE IT!
The third grade students have a big presentation on Friday! They will become the person they researched for a wax museum. We will join Ms. Grosch a second grade teachers classroom inviting parents and family to come visit our museum. The students should have a speech memorized, (that they have written) any props they would like either created at home or at school, and if possible dress in character. Dressing in character isn't necessary, but if it's possible it makes the event even more fun. Everyone is invited and we would love to see you at 3:15 in Ms. Grosch's room.
This week our schedule is the same with two extra additions, one is counseling on Friday and our 3rd grade wax museum. Looking forward to a wonderful, snow free week! (a teacher can dream right?)
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Hoping for a full week
WOW! The month of January certainly has been challenging to say the least. We have struggled getting our routines and schedule down due to the massive amount of snow/cold days we have endured. I have high hopes that it's about to change very soon, despite the predictions from the Farmer's Almanac and weathermen discussing upcoming snow and bitter cold temperatures. I encourage everyone to cross their fingers that we attend school for 5 straight days this week to help us get back into our routines.
This week we should have a schedule that is typical, there aren't any extra additions or events that are necessary to report.
Tuesday-3rd Grade Spectra
Wednesday-keyboarding & library for all
Thursday-2nd Grade Spectra
This week we should have a schedule that is typical, there aren't any extra additions or events that are necessary to report.
Tuesday-3rd Grade Spectra
Wednesday-keyboarding & library for all
Thursday-2nd Grade Spectra
Monday, January 20, 2014
January 22nd, 2014
Lessons:
Each day's lessons and links are posted on the website for each grade level. It will help keep the students in one central location for their learning. If you have any questions do not hesitate to let me know.
All students have keyboarding on Wednesday's from 3:15-3:45 in our classroom.
Lessons:
Each day's lessons and links are posted on the website for each grade level. It will help keep the students in one central location for their learning. If you have any questions do not hesitate to let me know.
Upcoming Events for the week:
There is no school on Monday, January 20th to celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
Spectra: Tuesday for 3rd Grade, Thursday for 2nd Grade...
Library on Wednesday for all....
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Welcome Back
January 13, 2014
It was so nice to be back to school on Friday! I really missed seeing the students and hearing about their lives. Luckily, we took some time to catch up and eased back into our routine. This week will be reality, mostly getting back on schedule with the exception of the Crider Center coming to do lessons on bullying with the students this week.
There are a few additions to the calendar this week: Wednesday the 3rd graders will take a climate survey, Thursday they will meet with the Crider Center and on Friday 2nd grade will meet with the Crider Center. The Crider Center visits schools to conduct bullying assemblies each year. It's an interactive lesson and the students typically enjoy their message.
Reports cards were sent home on Friday. The report card is yours to keep, but please return the envelope signed; we will use it each quarter. If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact me.
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