Mrs. Moran's Classroom Connection

The Terra Nova Test and the In View Test(Cognitve Test) will be administered next week starting on Monday, March 1st to Friday, March 5th. This Friday the student will take a practice test for each test. It is not graded. They are given so the students get an idea of the actual test. These practice tests will be sent home on Friday so that you can see the format of each test. These tests are not a part of your child's report card.

The schedule for the week will be:

Monday- Cognitive Test
Tuesday and Wednesday - Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics
Thursday- Social Studies
Friday- Science

Our "special classes" will still be scheduled next week. They will be a nice break from the tests. We will still have snack time next week. Please send snacks that will fuel the brain.

Because of so much testing next week, homework will be light. Please make sure your child gets plenty of rest because it can be tiring. Also if you could send No.2 pencils and erasers, that would be great. They will need a book to read if they finish the test before the allotted time. It would be great for them to read a book they will be using for their next book report. There is plenty of time given for each test so the students shouldn't feel rushed.

I know the students will do their best and will do well on the tests. Please stress to your child to look over their choices and to take their time to complete the tests. NO RUSHING ALLOWED!

These holidays are coming too soon for me. On Friday the students can bring some treats to share, if they would like to, and they can bring their Valentine cards to pass out to each other. Dr Stritch has asked the faculty to plan their Valentine's activities for 2:00. Therefore we will not have a party that day but I will bring a treat for the students. The students always like receiving their special cards and I know they will enjoy sharing them with you.

Mrs.White is enjoying all of the children. They have been very kind and respectful to her.
She is teaching Reading and Social Studies now, and will add on another subject next week .
I had to speak to the students today about their loud talking. I told them privileges will be taken away if they continue. They are a great bunch of kids but they talk too much. Besides that, everything is going well. We will finally start multilplication next week. Please make sure your children continues studying their facts.

I hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day and remember we have a day off on Monday! Yeah!!

Today the students received a copy of the book report format. I thought I would put it on my blog so you can refer to it in case you misplace the format sent home.

The students will be required to write four book reports for third grade. The dates listed are when the book reports are due:

First Book Report- Friday, January 29th- Printed on loose leaf paper

Second Book Report- Friday, February 26th- Written in cursive on loose leaf paper

Third Book Report- Friday, March 26th- Written in cursive on loose leaf paper

Fourth Book Report- Friday, April 30th - Typed in computer class (Rough draft needed on April 30th)

Name_____________________________ Date_____________________
St. Linus__________________________ Grade 3 Room 8

Book Report

Title:_______________________________________________________________

Author:_____________________________________________________________

Characters:__________________________________________________________

Summary:

The summary should be written as if you are retelling the story in words. It should include several details from the story so that anyone reading it should be able to understand it and feel as if they read the story too. After you have written a lengthy summary, include a paragragh as to what you liked best about the story.

The cover should be creative. You can draw and color your cover or find any other ways to decorate it. Please do not scan the cover of the book from your printer.

Parents should not write these book reports but you can help your child with their writing skills and with their creativity. This is a new skill for the children, so they probably will need some assistance. After four book reports, you will be surprised how the students become great little authors.

Christmas vacation is almost here and the students are filled with joy. We have been busy practicing our Christmas song, "Dancing Around the Christmas Tree" You will be so proud of them when you see them. They have put so much effort into their number and we've all had so much fun practicing together. I hope it will be memorable for them as it will be for me. They are just a great bunch of kids. I told them to smile and sing their best! The Christmas performance will be on Wednesday, December 16th at 7:00PM. Bring your cameras and video recorders that night. You don't want to miss it!

On Friday we will have our Christmas party. It will begin at 12:30 and we will make sundaes and play some games. In the morning I am planning to show a Christmas movie.

I know we have been doing Math timings for addition and subtraction, but it is now time to start practicing Multiplication flashcards. If your child does not have a set of these, they might want to ask Santa Claus for them. Also after Christmas, we will be working on telling time. It seems that many students need to brush up on this skill. This chapter also includes elapsed time, so if you could quiz your child on this it would be great.

At the end of January a book report will be due. Over Christmas break, maybe your
child can begin reading a chapter book. I will send home the format for the book report when the students return to school.

Many of the students need to replenish their supplies. Many of their dry erasers are drying out and some cannot seem to find their rulers, scissors, pencils, and even red pens. If you could ask your child what they are missing I would really appreciate it.

Finally we are adding a new member to our class starting January 4th. It is not a student but it is a student teacher. Her name is Mrs. White and she attended St. Linus School just like I did. She is a mother of an eleven month old baby boy and even though it will be difficult to leave her child she is really looking forward to meeting all the children. I know I will have a hard time sharing my great bunch because they just mean so much to me but I know it will be great for all of us. Mrs. White will be with us until the end of May.I know you will all like her.

The second quarter ends on January 15th.

I hope you and your family have a blessed and joyful Christmas. Enjoy the holidays and get some rest!

Merry Christmas,
Mrs. Moran

The ghosts and goblins are excited and ready for Halloween. I can't believe it is already here!
I haven't asked each child what they are planning to be for Halloween but I bet they will all have great costumes.

On Friday, the students should wear their costumes to school and they can keep them on during the day. Please make sure they don't bring anything that looks like a weapon. I know sometimes this is part of the costume but it is best to leave it at home. Grades K-3 wil be parading along Lawler Avenue about 8:15, so if you would like to see all the students in their costumes come see us on Friday. I hope it is not raining that day. Remember to bring your cameras!

Our Halloween party will begin at 12:30. There will be games to play, treats to eat and an art project to complete. The students can bring a treat to pass out, but it is not mandatory. We have 24 students in our class. It should be a fun day for everyone. I already know I will be going home with a headache, but it won't be the first time.

Friday will be the last day of the first quarter. I know it has been a big transition from second grade, but I think the students have done a great job making this transition. I know it can be hard remembering all their books, but they are doing better each day. Last week was a week filled with lots of tests, but sometimes we just end chapter at the same time.

In Math we are sailing along adding three and four digit numbers The students seem to understand these concepts butI still see a problem with remembering their math facts.
I think it is time for math timings. A letter will be sent home tomorrow explaining how to do math timings. I think this is the best way for students to master addition and subtraction facts without using their fingers. They also learn to recite their facts quickly which will help them gain confidence with upcoming math skills. Please gather all your addition and subtraction flashcards because you will need them for this ongoing assignment.

Red Ribbon week has started and the students were given a red ribbon to be worn all week in school. There are activities for each day and on Thursday the students should wear red.

If you have any question or concerns please let me know. Have a great Halloween! Thanksgiving is next!!!

Well I can't believe September is over and we are in the blustery days of October! I guess its time for the students to start wearing warmer coats and hats to school ,especially if this weather remains cold. I have told the girls they can wear flannel pants to school or they can at least put them on before we go out for recess.

About two weeks ago the students wrote beautiful cards to Monsignor Cardiff thanking him for all he has done for us and for St. Linus. They were very heartfelt cards and written through the eyes of a child. You would have been so proud of their kind words. Although Monsignor was not able to read them on his own, someone did read them to him. I am sure he had a beautiful smile on his face as he heard each of them. Monsignor was in the school often last year riding his scooter around and visiting with the students.The children had a great love and respect for him. He will be truly missed.

Halloween and Christmas are coming soon-too soon for me! At Open House I was going to ask parents if they would like to help with the Halloween or the Christmas party but I felt it was just too soon to ask for help. The beginning of the school year is such a busy time for all of us and besides I was just meeting many parents for the first time. Now with Halloween and Christmas approaching I guess I need to start thinking about this. At the beginning of the year Mrs. Gallagher kindly offered to help. I would need someone to help organize the party (Halloween or Christmas) and some helpers for each holiday. If you can't help, I understand. Our lives are all too busy! I have lots of ideas because I have always organized the parties myself. I don't mind doing them again but the kids like when their parents are a part of their fun. Please just think about it and let me know if you are interested. Just send me a note or an email!

I am just really enjoying this year and I love my class. We are just a "happy little family".
Thank you for everything.

Mrs. Moran

Thank you parents for sending me this sweet group. The first week was great! I have enjoyed getting to know your child and I hope they have enjoyed getting to know me. I know its going to be a great year!

Last week we had some children who went home sick. As your child may have told you, I am checking to make sure everyone washes their hands with soap. We always wash our hands before snacktime, before lunch and when we come in from recess. I had to send some of the students back to the bathroom last week because they did not use soap! A poster was sent to every class instucting the students to sneeze or cough into their sleeve or into a piece of tissue, instead of using their hands. Hopefully with all these safeguards we can have a healthy year.

This week we will be getting underway with all our subjects. Mrs. McGovern will be teaching all the students Science and I will be teaching them Social Studies. These classes will be taught Monday through Thursday. The students will be changing rooms for these subjects.

As I mentioned in my first letter, the student will have homework Monday through Thursday. I don't assign homework on the weekend. It is " family time." In third grade, three missing homework assignments in a quarter leads to the child remaining after school the following day with me until 3:30. If your child is missing an assignment, I will let you know in their assinment tablet . If there are three missing assinments, I will call you to make arrangements. If there is a problem that your child cannot complete the homework, please send me a note. I am trying to teach the students responsibility.

Please feel free to contact me with any problem or just anything great to share. I am very approachable and would love to communicate through a note, an e-mail or by phone. I look forward to meeting all of you at Open House.

Thank you for all these "sweethearts" that I get to teach. I especially want to thank you for all you do for your child. I can tell they are truly loved and cherished.

P.S. If your child wants to contibute candy to our reward bucket, that would be great! Just nothing with peanuts or peanut butter.