New writing…

We continue to write … a lot!  Check out the new page on the right bar of information.  It has the title Antartica.  I have shared a few writings.  These are student written and edited! Enjoy!

Cursive!

Seriously, we are just about finished with the alphabet lower and upper case.  The children are now extected to complete their spelling homework in cursive!  We are using Handwriting Without Tears.  THe website is http://www.hwtears.com/.  Check it out if you want more information!

dum, dum, da-dum…(please sing that outloud!)

It has happened…there is head lice in our building.  I am talking to your kids about it briefly…mostly discussing hygenine ideas.  It is probably coming from baseball hats adn helmets..yipee.  Below is the letter from the principal and the counties guidlines!

Happy head checking!

June 1, 2009

Dear Parents,

Head Lice has been reported at Beverly School.  Attached to this letter is information from the Oakland County Health Department.  This will help you identify symptoms and suggest necessary measures for prevention.

If you have any questions, please call the school office.

Sincerely,

The Principal

Head Lice Information

Several years ago the Michigan Department of Education working cooperatively with the Michigan Department of Community Health issued a manual for schools on how to handle cases of head lice.  Here is a link to the complete manual:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Final_Michigan_Head_Lice_Manual_103750_7.pdf

Included in the manual is information for parents to help them treat and prevent cases of head lice from both occurring and spreading.

After careful consideration all schools in BPS have begun to fully comply with the recommendations in the manual.  This compliance will result in a change to our procedures for both identifying and handling cases of head lice.  I have met with our nurse from the Oakland County Health Department to review our new procedures.  She is confident that they are appropriate.

The basic theme of these changes is that head lice should be viewed as a medical condition.  Schools do not identify or treat medical conditions.  The treatment of medical conditions is to be done by a physician.  Here are the key points:

• Schools will no longer conduct random head checks of students.
• Parents have the obligation to report cases of head lice to the school office.  (This is true for all communicable diseases.) 
• Once a case of head lice has been reported to the office, the office will send home with all students in that classroom notification that a case of head lice has been reported.
• When a case of head lice has been identified in a classroom the rest of the students in the classroom will not be checked by school staff.  Parents have the responsibility for checking the heads of their children.
• In order for a student to return to school after a case of head lice the office staff will conduct a head check of that student to check for both active head lice and nits.  If no lice are noted and nits are beyond .25 inches from the scalp the student(s) will be readmitted.  Nits beyond .25 inches from the scalp are not viable in terms of producing further head lice.
• If a student is found during the school day to have either lice or nits the parents will be contacted and asked if they are willing to pick up their child from school.  If they decline, an appropriate, alternate education setting will be found for that student.
• The best way to prevent the spread of head lice is for parents to regularly check the heads of their children.

The office staff is trained at helping parents with head lice issues.  We will be happy to provide resources and to assist parents if they are struggling with this issue.  The Oakland County Health Department is also available to assist families if needed.  If you have any questions, please contact the Health Department via email www.oakgov.com or at 248-858-1280.

Such a Bummer…

Dear Beverly Families,

Due to the weather, the Link’s Banquet has been cancelled for today, Wednesday May 27^th.  We are so sorry.  This was an extremely difficult decision to make, we know how much everyone enjoys this event.

The Principal!

Ask your kids about their super cool picture frames that were made by the links!

Break out the WHITE SHOES…

Memorial Day has come and gone and that means summer is almost here.  My mom told me yesterday, “It’s time to break out the white shoes and pants!”  Does she realizes her grandchildren touch me all day?  Is she aware that your sweet children touch me all day?  I think I’ll stick with color and dark!  Thanks Mom for the lesson…I know I should teach this in school! Why do they leave such things out of the curriculum?

On to our super busy week…

We are really packing it in this week and next! 

LA:  We have a few more stories in our anthology.  The theme is smart solutions.  We have successfully finished another book club.  Now we are on to another novel.  There are two going in our room, “Sarah, Plain and Tall,” and “The Hundred Dresses.”  The kids are really enjoying the independance and the stories!

Math:  I sent home the last chapter test on Friday.  I will add it to the assignment book today, again that they need to be returned signed by a grown up tomorrow.  If you feel nice ask about it…if not they will have to be responsible!  We will be taking our end of the year test on Wed.  Check out the reviews this week!

Science:  Great excitment in life cycles.  Our crickets didn’t make it, but we still have meal worms, beetles, milkweed bugs, and butterflies.  They are SUPER COOL!  (especially if you are 9!)

Social Studies:  There is still a bit of Michigan history to cover.  We are motoring through and learning a lot!

A huge THANKS to the many parent volunteers who helped with Field Day. It was a great success and a good time was had by all!  

HAve a great week!

A Cool Tool!

There is a cool site for word play.

www.wordle.net

We checked it out at school.  I told them they could use it for their words five times!!  As with any site I always recomend adult suppervision as someone could add things to the site that you are not comfortable with!

This week and next…

A few quick updates for this week…

Your kids are being honest…there is no spelling homework this week!  It is a review week and I am giving them the chance to practice in their own way.  Let’s see how it goes!  

Life Cycles are happening in this room…lots of cycles!  We have seen eggs, larve, pupa and now a few adults.  There are beetles, meal worms, chrysalis, and more.  Feel free to visit with your child if you are missing out on the fun!  

Grade Reports…I am in a bit of a tough spot.  I want the kids to be held responsible for their homework, classwork and projects.  When it comes to homework, they are held responsible in the classroom and I am sure at home.  I have had a lot of requests to send home a variety of homelinks, old spelling lists, etc.  Here is where I am with this idea…this makes you and I responsible for the work.  A great way to hold kids responsible is to have them come up with a plan.  It should be a plan that targets the issue…not bringing homework home, not doing it a home, not turning it in. I would to hear the plan and I will help too if there is a school part, like reminding turn in.  For an individual assignment or two…I am not going to send each one home.  I promise it works!  The number of missing assignments is getting much better.  We do check them in EVERY day!

Next week…

Math test on Tuesday!  We are going to be doing a little skipping around for the next week after that.  I want to make sure we review all of our topics for the end of year math text.  We will complete the last math unit as well….so much fun to come!

The rice bag question…

Not hard to make at all.  Think pillow  X2 and a bag of rice.  Hard is 28 kids and a sewing machine!  That said,  I think it was one of the the most fun or in kid terms the “funnest” thing I have done this year.  Each kid had a different excitement, however, each unasked told me a reason their person was going to love it!  You all have a lot of reasons! hehe! 

Thanks for sharing your kids…they make me smile just thinking about their darling faces as they spilled rice for the custodian to clean up! 

She’s Back!

So they work again…my stupid eyes that is.  These headaches are really a treat!  Sorry I have been out of touch..I am working hard on figuring it all out and finding a fix!

A HUGE THANKS!  

The flowers, cards, treats, kind words and beautiful pictures have been so amazing this week!  I am so touched by your thoughtfulness!!!  Your kids are the best part of my job…THANK YOU for sharing them with me!

Important things on the horizon…

Friday..new progress reports coming home!

Larva…We have a lot of Larva …3 kinds at least 200.  Stop by if you are looking for some fun~

Fast Facts…AAAAHHHH!!!!  Push has come to shove, math is getting harder and kids that have not mastered their facts are really struggling.  KEEP PRACTICING!!!!  Fast Fact again tomorrow and next week!  Ice Cream Party coming soon!

The South Pole…What is more awesome that emailing someone at the South Pole?  We got too do this yesterday.  A friend of my Mr. K’s is currently there as a chef.  He keeps a blog and also shared a lot of pictures.  We emailed Keith yesterday and we are awaiting his response.  The connection they have for internet is sometimes an issue when used for non- research reasons.  Let’s hope the satelite is up and running tonight!

Bad Blogger…Sick Blogger

I promise that I am not ignoring you!  Some of you may know that I suffer from sever complicated migraines…yipeee… I have since I was in elementary school.  I can go a  very long time without a headache and then I can get one everyday for a week or longer. The headache sucks but not as much as the loss of vision and numbness in my hands and face or the need to leave work, meetings, fun stuff and kid things! Thank goodness for my husband! Yes, I have tried every diet, preventative medication, pain medication and trick I can find!  I am on a new medication…again!  Thanks for being patient!  I am not trying to ignore you…I am in the process of responding to emails and get papers back to you!  If you need information tonight…email me to call you or call my cell if you have the number!  As long as I can continue to be headache free today and coherent…grr..I should be available!

Thanks for your understanding.  

Your challenged teacher! 

And so I laugh…

I must admit that their are many things that make me laugh through the course of the day.  Here are a few examples…

*there are three girls who have managed to do over a weeks worth of Meal worm observations without touching them.  (thank goodness for the gross boys who love them)

*The man who was spray painting markings on the field outside our window in the rain…serious rain.  I am sure they will stick!

* The kid who says, “This is my favorite part of the day!” only to realize that he has miss read the clock!

*The child who is sure that someone has stolen their lunch.  Now mind you if it was better than the PBJ I brought I might have thought about it.  The child was holding it in their hand, waving it around in exclamation and had no idea!!

I hope that made you laugh!

Our Week:

Reading: New theme: Voyagers.  Super cool traveling stories!

Math: more fractions, mixed numbers, and improper fractions

Science: BUGS..eeew but they are ours!

Social Studies: Tests coming home tomorrow!

Have a great week!

FYI..

This is coming home in yoru child’s backpacks today! 

April 16, 2009

MULTI-AGE INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Dear 3^rd and 4^th Grade Parents,

Dr. Stephen Palmer, Curriculum Director Birmingham Public School, Kim O’Rourke and I would like to invite all interested third and fourth grade parents to an informational meeting regarding the implementation of a 4/5 Multi-age classroom for the 2009-10 school year.  The meeting will be on Thursday April 23^rd at 7:00 pm, in the Beverly Media Center.  At that time we will be presenting an overview of “What is a Multi-age Classroom”, sharing our vision and plan and allow for a question and answer period. 

We hope to see everyone Thursday evening.

Sincerely,

Dr. Stephen Palmer

Mrs. Martella

Mrs. O’Rourke

They Have Arrived…

I know that you are wishing you were a third grader again…especially with our newest class members.  We recieved 200 Creepy Crawlie Meal Worms!!

The class is very excited about our delivery.  So far we are enjoying watching them crawl in their new habitats.  Each student has their own vial with at least one meal worm in it!  Ask your child if their larva has a name? What does it eat?  What might it turn in to??

Enjoy the pictures ..they are our first meeting with our sweet insects!

***Social Studies TEST tomorrow!***

A Note from Earth Com.

Beverly School celebrates
 the Four R’s
   Reduce
   Reuse
   Recycle
   Read
  

Beverly Elementary and its Earthwise Committee will celebrate Earth Week (April 21-25) 

Monday-Turn off TV night
Tuesday-Walk to School
Wednesday-Earthday Pledge and Assembly
Thursday-No Trash
Friday- “Lights out” and raffle for Recycling Books

All Week-Penny Drive for an Endangered Species-

Vote for your favorite and we will announce the winner on Friday

 Hosting a student Book Swap

  Any student who would like to donate a used book will then be able to swap
for a book of their interest to take home.  Students can donate a single book or up to a maximum of five books.  Each book donated will also earn the student a ticket for our Earth Week celebratory raffle to be held on Friday, April 24th.  The raffle will consist of $5 gift cards to Target donated by the Earthwise committee.   
 

 Student book donations will be collected in the morning of Thursday, April 23rd in the front lobby.  The books will  then be sorted, organized  and displayed in a fashion to support different reading levels and interests.  Participating students will be invited to select their swap books on Friday,  April 24th .  We hope that each child will donate at least one used book they have read this year in order to participate.  By participating
in Earth Week activities, we encourage students to make a difference in their school, home and community.  Any books that are left over will be used first to help build and restock Beverly teacher’s classroom libraries, with the remainder donated to Focus: Hope of Detroit.  Thank you for your support, Beverly staff and students will benefit immensely through your efforts. .

Also during the month of April we will be collecting used CROCS-please deposit them in the bag labeled for Crocs and we will send them back to the company for Recycling

Thank You the Earthwise Committee

Today…

We were super busy today!  Here are a few things you should know about tonight!

In your child’s backpack…

There is a permission slip for riding the bus to teh music rehersal at Groves.  Pleas return this asap!  There is a math test to be signed and returned.  This test went much better!!! There were a lot of A’s…  Way to go third graders! Everyone is being asked to bring home their Social Studies book…test on Thursday!!  There is a review to go with it!  There are new homelinks, spelling and we should be filling oout our reading logs!!

We also had a great chance to share our stories with Mr. I’s class.  We got a few ideas to improve our writing as we get started on Biographies!

The below message is about BASE!  Sign up if interested.  Contact me if you need this parents contact information!  (I didn’t want to broadcast it since we are on the web!)

Dear Parents,

This email is to let you know we still have space available in our BASE Karate class that begins on April 21. If you are interested in signing your child up for this class, please contact Mrs. T as soon as possible. Our BASE flyer can be accessed on our Beverly website on the front page if you need class description or information. The class will meet on Tuesdays for 6 weeks with a cost of $30.

Have a great Monday!

Hannah Montana …the movie

So, yesterday Jack-O (my 5 year old) announces that he thinks we need to go on a “date” and see Hannah Montana.  His little friends have been discussing this and they all want to go.  I don’t really mind her, we have seen her in concert, but I hesitated because I wasn’t sure that I needed him repeating things from the movie..you all know what I mean.  

I broke down with 3 girlfriends, 5 friends and a theatre full of screaming tweens.  I will now admit that the movie was not only cute…it was APPROPRIATE!!!  I know your kids are a bit older…however, there was no language, behavior you have to explain to your 9 year olds, weird things, etc.  It even had a positive message!  

If your kids ask…it is really worth the visit to the movies.  You may want to wear your UGGS and leggings if you really want to fit in though.  I was a bit out of place!

Enjoy your last few moments of children…then it is back to the normal grind!  

“Gear” Up!

So while I hate to admit it…break is half way done as of this after noon…hmmm!  It is hard to believe that!  I hope everyone is enjoying a restful break full of tropical weather.  It is NOT tropical here and I am a bit bitter (cold) about this white stuff on my grass.  What part of spring does this snow not get???

I wanted to give you the plan for next week! I have always hesitated to do this…because any good classroom plans are constantly changing…and it feels so “stuck” when I write about it!

Reading: Biographies!  Third graders love to learn about other!

Writing: Biography of a friend and some autobiography work…hope you have some good family secrets to share!

Math: Starting unit 8…new homelinks coming your way.  PRACTICE FACTS!!!

Science: Life cycles…yipee lots of bugs coming my way!

Social Studies: TEST ON THURSDAY!!!  We will be spending a lot of time reviewing and getting ready.  Look for those reviews to come home and get ready to learn all about the War of 1812!

We will  also be taking he district Language Arts assessment.  This is no something to study for.  This is simply a chance to compare third graders across the district.  We will do this in the next two weeks. There will be reading and comprehension questions and some response questions as well.  It is longer than our regular end of selection quizzes, however, it involves similar skills.

 Enjoy the rest of your vacation!  

An old Green Chair?

and one that is sideways at that…if only I could understand all of this blog world posting! 

This chair is on loan to us from Mr. I from 4th grade.  Ask your child why it is important and where it is from??  We each had a chance to read in this very chair today!  We are eagerly working on a writing piece to share with you.  I hope it will all be finished and on its way home by Friday!

DON’T FORGET…

Conferences are tomorrow and you need to bring your children with you!!

Battle Fun

We had a great time this morning!  Check out the pictures and enjoy how much fun we all had.  Thanks to all of the parents who volunteered to help! 

Comments made by our class…

#13 says, “the battle was teh best thing I’ve done in third grade besides rockclimbing!”

#26 says, “It was fun answering the questions with my team!”

#17 says “I loves running and getting the answers.”

#14 says “the battle was a great experience.”

#1 says, ” I really liked to see all the people win and cheering everyone on.”

#18 says, “Battle of teh books was the best reading activity I’ve ever done.”

#21 says “We earned a good reputation today.”

#9 says, “It was fun for everyone who either won or lost!”

#19 says, “It was a great competition.”

#25 says, “I liked when my team worked together!”

#10 says, “I liked that we got to do it with the other class!”

#11 says, “Even though I lost, I still had a fun time with all of my friends.”

YIKES…

We were writing our addresses and most of the class was unable to complete this…YIKES!  I know that writing letters and mailing is a little less used these days, however this is a very necessary skill.  When you have a minute can you help your child with their address.  By third grade each student should be able to write their full address.

Thanks!

The foot bones connected to the …

Bones have been the source of a ton of Science fun!  We have learned where some bones are, what their function is and how many there are!  Our class especially enjoys the Hannah Montanna Bone song “and that’s no fibia.” HM.  

Ms. O’Bryan is a student at Oakland University.  We have had the pleasure of her coming in to spend time with us on Mondays.  Ms. O’Bryan taught a super science lesson on the functions of bones.  She also brought really cool bone models that really sparked the interest of our third grade super scientists.  

Enjoy the pictures!

Call to Battle!

Next Thursday is our Battle of the Books!  We are need of a few volunteers.  The battle will begin at 9:30 and should be completed by 11:00.  The jobs needed are listed below.  All are welcome to come and enjoy the fun!  We are having a lot of fun reading, teaming, cheering, and creating!  

Help Needed…

Score Keeper

Runner

Answer Organizer

Adder-upper  (technical I know)

General Supporter!

Please let me know if you are available!  Thanks to those wo have already expressed interest.  We are going to have a really great time!

she listens… sometimes!

There have been many requests for immediate feedback in your child’s performance.  In transitioning to 4th grade…we are moving from paychecks to progress reports.  The kids will get their work back much quicker this way.  Please check those mail folders!  I will periodically be sending home progress reports.  I will continue to send home tests with a sign and return request.  

Have a great weekend!

A few sleepless nights…

So I have been pondering some recent emails and events in our classroom and I must admit they have made for some sleepless nights!  You know how you worry about your own child and how a silly spelling test can make you very concerned, a sad comment made by a friend or a forgotten treat in the lunch box can cause a restless night?  Well, I am seeming to have many of these lately.  

While I am the mother of two perfect…ok, ok, close to perfect children, I am often kept up not only because of the above mentioned reasons in my own house but also in your homes.  I worry when your child has hurt feelings, no money in their lunch account, doesn’t have a snack, hasn’t turned in homework, doesn’t have warm enough boots, gloves, and hats, didn’t do well on a test, hasn’t read enough battle books, can’t pass a multiplication test, doesn’t feel well, has a sick parent/grandparent, cries and can’t say why, was teased by a friend, forgot their permission slip, and a million more reasons!  

Most importantly I want all of our families to know how many great things are happening in our world!!

10 kids are on Battle of the Books teams!

We are getting closer to our multiplication fast facts goal!  

Lansing was an amazing trip with very well behaved kids!

16 power points in the making for Animal Research!

206 bones in an adult body…we are fascinated with these facts!

1 letter left to earn an extra recess!

28 moodle accounts that the kids love to use! 

6 kinds of insects coming in the next few weeks!

1 new math unit…lots of story problems!

2 Days in May..our new story this week!

1,000 more things I could say…

28 AMAZING kids who are learning and growing each day!

Thanks for sharing your kids!  The sleepless nights are worth it when I see such amazing things in the faces of your children!  Thanks for sharing the joy, excitement, worry, and satisfaction of teaching and enjoying your kids!

Student Led Conferences

Please see the note below.  It has also been sent home in your child’s mailbox!

It’s Conference Time!

March 2009

Dear Parents,

This Spring, you will be invited to take a highly active role in your child’s education by participating in Student-Led Conferences. During Student-Led Conferences, students reflect upon their learning and share what they have accomplished and their plans for improvement. It is another opportunity for students to take ownership of their work and consider their goals for the future.

This year we are scheduling 30-minute blocks, with four families in a room at a time.  Each student will lead their family through several stations, showcasing different aspects of their school experience.  The first 10 minutes you sign up for is reserved as a station with the teacher.

Conferences will be held on Wednesday April 1st from 1-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.  Thursday, April 2nd is reserved for pre-arranged parent teacher conferences. Sign-up sheets will be posted outside of the main office.

We look forward to sharing this time and celebrating the incredible work your child has done this year!

Sincerely,

CK

March is Reading Month

Have you stopped by Beverly latley? Our fish pond is really growing! Last week 454 fish were turned in to the pond.  Mr. Iatrou adn Mrs. O’Rourke have really put together a fantastic program this year.  Keep encouraging those readers! Fish are due tomorrow for this weeks raffle!

A Few Pictures from the Capital!

Our Week…

It has been a very busy week in 3rd grade!!  Here are a few highlights….

MOODLE: WE LOVE IT!!   It is so cool.  In grown-up terms it is a fancy message board.  In kid terms you can talk to you teachers and classmates and they talk back…yipee! This week we are getting to know all about it and in the coming weeks we will be completing homework on it, assignments in class, and lots of discussions!! Ask your child to help you check it out!

Lansing:  What a great trip!!  It was my first trio and I was thankful to have seasoned teachers and parents along!  We will be sharing the highlights with you at conferences!  Did you take pictures??  I would be happy to upload them with million I took.  I will put it in a shared account to allow everyone to view and print if they want. Thanks!

Check back for pictures…my laptop didn’t like the 5,000 on it!  I am going to work on it tomorrow! 

Have a great weekend!

BRRRR….

Tomorrow morning we head to Lansing…BIGHT AND EARLY!!  

It is supposed to be cold…very cold!   There is a bit of walking involved.  Please, please, please, make sure your child is dressed warm.  I did talk about it today, however, they need hats, gloves, scrves adn a very warm coat!!

Don’t forget a lunch that can all be trashed and to be at school by 7:45!  We are all going to have a great time at the Capital and the Historical Museum!

A Big Thanks from the USS Mahon

Dear Third Grade Students,

We received a large shipment of goodies from the happy crafter’s of room 207.  Everyone sends their thanks for the class’ gift and thoughtfullness. It means a lot to the crew to know that people at home are still thinking about them.  Everyone was happy to get a treat and everyone is enjoying great water.  

Thank you,

Lt. Brown

USS Mahon

March is Reading Month….

Have you heard….March is reading month??  Have you heard we are fishing for great books?  How cool that it is during the Battle while we are reading like crazy!?

This year the kids are reading as many books and filling out fish.  The fish will be posted on our the landing to the steps in the common area.  The landing has been transformed in to a pond…and it is cool!!  Ask your kids about the great skit and snack!

A huge thanks to the whole committee…this is going to be so much fun!!