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

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

                                                                                                                                                                                              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

                                                                                                                                                                                             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

                                                                                       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

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

                                                                                                                        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