Saturday, September 26, 2015

Weekly Update, September 28 - October 9

Good Morning Parents,

Wow!  How time flies!  It's hard to believe that it's time for First Quarter Progress Reports and Parent-Teacher Conferences!

This coming week in Literacy students will continue working on skills in Spelling, Grammar, and Writing.  They will also read informational text, using "Time for Kids" magazine.

In Science students will learn about fresh water and salt water, and ice erosion.  They will complete, (I think), their Landform Projects.  I will give the students a Study Guide for the Final Exam in the Landforms Unit.  They should begin studying right away.  In addition, they will be able to write notes on one side of one sheet of paper, which they may use during the Exam.  They should begin this right away.  I am planning on having the students present their projects the week after this week, and then schedule the Final Exam.  After that, we will begin a new unit on Weather.

Here are some daily reminders for the coming weeks:
On Monday, September 28, signed Reading Records are due.
I will be out of the school to supervise our movers.  I WILL be present for morning and afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Study Guides for the Final Exam in the Landforms Unit will be handed out.
Spelling words will be handed out.

On Tuesday, September 29, writing work is due from the Green Group, my Homeroom.
"Time for Kids" magazine is due.

On Wednesday, September 30, I will again be out of the school, for our real estate closing.
Spelling word definitions are due.

On Thursday, October 1, writing work is due from the Blue Group, my Homeroom, and from the Blue Group, Ms. Gutt's Homeroom.

On Friday, October 2, writing work is due from the Yellow Group, my Homeroom, and the Yellow Group, Ms. Gutt's Homeroom.
Students will take a Language Test.
I will place your child's First Quarter Progress Report in his/her "Take-Home" folder.  Please check it when your child gets home.

On Monday, October 5, signed Reading Records are due.
Spelling words will be handed out.

On Tuesday, October 6, "Time for Kids" magazine is due.
It is Picture Day, so please dress your child accordingly.

On Wednesday, October 7, Spelling word definitions are due.

On Friday, October 9, students will take a Language Test.
It is the PTO Fall Social.


Here are the spelling Words for next week.
Eagles
September 28 – October 2


More Jobs of silent E.
Rules – All syllables must have a vowel so the -e is there as that syllable's vowel.


Spelling Words:
On the Language Test, you must correctly spell five words from this list. On the Language Test, you must also define the word using a complete sentence. The definition must be in your own words. For homework, define all 10 words in complete sentences. Homework is due WEDNESDAY, or sooner, for me to check.


  1. adaptable
  2. adorable
  3. buildable
  4. capable
  5. dawdle
  6. horrible
  7. mutable
  8. obstacle
  9. rectangle
  10. possible

You will be graded on:
Vocabulary: To earn a Level 4 in vocabulary, define the word correctly in a sentence, AND use the word correctly in a another sentence. You must use the same meaning of for the word in your definition and in your sentences.
Spelling: To earn a level “4” in spelling, spell all the words correctly, AND spell all the words in your definitions and sentences correctly.
Conventions: (capital letters and periods) There is no level “4”.
Grammar: To earn a level “4” in grammar, use correct grammar in your definitions and sentences, AND identify the form of the word, (one of the 8 types of words).
Handwriting: There is no level “4”.



Falcons
September 28 – October 2


More Jobs of silent E.
Rules – All syllables must have a vowel so the -e is there as that syllable's vowel.

Spelling Words:
On the Language Test, you must correctly spell five words from this list. On the Language Test, you must also define the word using a complete sentence. The definition must be in your own words. For homework, define all 10 words in complete sentences. Homework is due WEDNESDAY, or sooner, for me to check.


  1. able
  2. bundle
  3. bubble
  4. cable
  5. disable
  6. idle
  7. marble
  8. nozzle
  9. uncle
  10. peddle

You will be graded on:
Vocabulary: To earn a Level 4 in vocabulary, define the word correctly in a sentence, AND use the word correctly in a another sentence. You must use the same meaning of for the word in your definition and in your sentences.
Spelling: To earn a level “4” in spelling, spell all the words correctly, AND spell all the words in your definitions and sentences correctly.
Conventions: (capital letters and periods) There is no level “4”.
Grammar: To earn a level “4” in grammar, use correct grammar in your definitions and sentences, AND identify the form of the word, (one of the 8 types of words).
Handwriting: There is no level “4”.


Hawks
September 28 – October 2


More Jobs of silent E.
Rules – All syllables must have a vowel so the -e is there as that syllable's vowel.

Spelling Words:
On the Language Test, you must correctly spell five words from this list. On the Language Test, you must also define the word using a complete sentence. The definition must be in your own words. For homework, define all 10 words in complete sentences. Homework is due WEDNESDAY, or sooner, for me to check.

  1. acceptable
  2. burnable
  3. seasonable
  4. commutable
  5. decomposable
  6. honorable
  7. negotiable
  8. objectionable
  9. tentacle
  10. unicycle

You will be graded on:
Vocabulary: To earn a Level 4 in vocabulary, define the word correctly in a sentence, AND use the word correctly in a another sentence. You must use the same meaning of for the word in your definition and in your sentences.
Spelling: To earn a level “4” in spelling, spell all the words correctly, AND spell all the words in your definitions and sentences correctly.
Conventions: (capital letters and periods) There is no level “4”.
Grammar: To earn a level “4” in grammar, use correct grammar in your definitions and sentences, AND identify the form of the word, (one of the 8 types of words).
Handwriting: There is no level “4”.



I think that's all the news for now.
Have a great weekend!
Kathy







Sunday, September 20, 2015

Weekly Updates: September 21 - October 2

Good Morning Parents,

It's a beautiful fall weekend and I hope you are able to find time to enjoy it with your families.
THANK YOU to everyone who volunteered to be a room parent for our students this year. I accepted the first two people who volunteered, so our room parents are Shruti Arora and Geetha Veera! I'm sure they will need assistance during the year, so there will be plenty of opportunities for all to participate.

Last week our students met with Ms. Todd, our school counselor, in our classroom, for an introduction meeting. Ms. Todd explained her role in our school, and how students can sign up to meet with her privately, or in a small group during lunchtime.
We had “Teacher Talk” Wednesday evening. Thank you to those parents who attended. I hope the evening was informative and a little entertaining.
Students also visited our Scholars Library for the first time. If you have not signed up to get a library card for your student, please email Ms. Keel directly. She is in charge of the library.

Please sign up for a Parent-Teacher Conferences using signupgenius.com
If no time slot works for you, please email me and we can work out another time.

This coming week in Literacy students will continue to develop skills in grammar, writing, spelling, conventions, and reading informational texts.
Parent References:
Grammar Island, by Michael Clay Thompson
Daily 6-Trait Writing, by Evan-Moor
Time for Kids magazines

In Science students will study different landforms and work on their Landform Projects. All work will be done in class, so don't worry about due dates (which have been extended).
Parent References:
Landform Assignment & Rubric

Here are some daily reminders for the coming weeks:
On Monday, September 21, signed Reading Records are due.
Writing work is due from Blue Group, Moschel's Homeroom.
Spelling words will be handed out. Copies are included below for your reference.

On Tuesday, September 22, Writing work is due from Yellow Group, Moschel's Class and Gutt's Class.

On Wednesday, September 23, spelling word definitions are due.
Writing work is due from Blue Group, Gutt's Class.
I will be out of school for a doctor appointment and a dentist appointment.

On Friday, September 25, students will have a weekly Language Test.
Writing work for Green Group, Gutt's Class, is due.
It is a half-day for students, with Dismissal at 11:25.
Teachers will remain to prepare First Quarter Progress Reports.

On Monday, September 28, signed Reading Records are due.
Spelling words will be handed out.
I will be out of school, supervising movers.

On Wednesday, September 30, spelling word definitions are due.
I will be out of school at a real estate closing.

On Friday, October 2, students will have a weekly Language Test.
I will place your child's First Quarter Progress Report in his/her orange “Take-Home” folder.

I think that's all the news for now.
Have a great weekend!
Kathy

Eagles
September 21 – September 25

More Jobs of silent E.
Rules – Silent E can keep a “u” from being the last letter in a word. Ex: glue
Silent E can keep a “v” from being the last letter in a word. Ex: twelve
Silent E can make an “i” long, AND make a “c” soft, in the same word. Ex: twice


Spelling Words:
On the Language Test, you must correctly spell five words from this list. On the Language Test, you must also define the word using a complete sentence. The definition must be in your own words. For homework, define all 10 words in complete sentences. Homework is due WEDNESDAY, or sooner, for me to check.


  1. reserve
  2. involve
  3. leave
  4. argue
  5. rescue
  6. issue
  7. lice
  8. spice
  9. voice
  10. price

You will be graded on:
Vocabulary: To earn a Level 4 in vocabulary, define the word correctly in a sentence, AND use the word correctly in a another sentence. You must use the same meaning of for the word in your definition and in your sentences.
Spelling: To earn a level “4” in spelling, spell all the words correctly, AND spell all the words in your definitions and sentences correctly.
Conventions: (capital letters and periods) There is no level “4”.
Grammar: To earn a level “4” in grammar, use correct grammar in your definitions and sentences, AND identify the form of the word, (one of the 8 types of words).
Handwriting: There is no level “4”.



Falcons
September 21 – September 25

More Jobs of silent E.
Rules – Silent E can keep a “u” from being the last letter in a word. Ex: glue
Silent E can keep a “v” from being the last letter in a word. Ex: twelve
Silent E can make an “i” long, AND make a “c” soft, in the same word. Ex: twice

Spelling Words:
On the Language Test, you must correctly spell five words from this list. On the Language Test, you must also define the word using a complete sentence. The definition must be in your own words. For homework, define all 10 words in complete sentences. Homework is due WEDNESDAY, or sooner, for me to check.


  1. twelve
  2. give
  3. above
  4. due
  5. blue
  6. glue
  7. mice
  8. dice
  9. ice
  10. twice

You will be graded on:
Vocabulary: To earn a Level 4 in vocabulary, define the word correctly in a sentence, AND use the word correctly in a another sentence. You must use the same meaning of for the word in your definition and in your sentences.
Spelling: To earn a level “4” in spelling, spell all the words correctly, AND spell all the words in your definitions and sentences correctly.
Conventions: (capital letters and periods) There is no level “4”.
Grammar: To earn a level “4” in grammar, use correct grammar in your definitions and sentences, AND identify the form of the word, (one of the 8 types of words).
Handwriting: There is no level “4”.


Hawks
September 21 – September 25

More Jobs of silent E.
Rules – Silent E can keep a “u” from being the last letter in a word. Ex: glue
Silent E can keep a “v” from being the last letter in a word. Ex: twelve
Silent E can make an “i” long, AND make a “c” soft, in the same word. Ex: twice

Spelling Words:
On the Language Test, you must correctly spell five words from this list. On the Language Test, you must also define the word using a complete sentence. The definition must be in your own words. For homework, define all 10 words in complete sentences. Homework is due WEDNESDAY, or sooner, for me to check.

  1. preserve
  2. abrasive
  3. evolve
  4. revenue
  5. tissue
  6. continue
  7. advice
  8. entice
  9. suffice
  10. sacrifice

You will be graded on:
Vocabulary: To earn a Level 4 in vocabulary, define the word correctly in a sentence, AND use the word correctly in a another sentence. You must use the same meaning of for the word in your definition and in your sentences.
Spelling: To earn a level “4” in spelling, spell all the words correctly, AND spell all the words in your definitions and sentences correctly.
Conventions: (capital letters and periods) There is no level “4”.
Grammar: To earn a level “4” in grammar, use correct grammar in your definitions and sentences, AND identify the form of the word, (one of the 8 types of words).
Handwriting: There is no level “4”.







Saturday, September 12, 2015

Weekly Update: September 14 - September 25

Hello Parents,

Happy Weekend to you!
Last week our students completed the Practice BOG Test for Reading Comprehension, and the actual test.  The students were well-behaved and it appeared that they were giving their best efforts. Results will be in soon.

This coming week in Literacy students will receive spelling words on Monday.  Definitions will be due by Wednesday, and the Language Test will be Friday.  Students will also study grammar and develop writing skills.
Parent References:
All About Spelling, Level 3
Grammar Island, by Michael Clay Thompson
Daily 6 Trait Writing, Grade 3, By Evan-Moor

In Science students will continue working on their Landforms Project.  I have had to revise the project, due to time constraints.  Students will NOT be making a 3D Model of their Landform.  If any student wishes to do so, s/he can make a model at home and present it in an attempt to earn a Level "4".  Please remember that no-one can earn a level "4" unless they first earn a Level "3" in an area of study.  Students may do research at home, print it, and bring it to school.  All actual writing must be done in class.
Students will also continue to learn about glaciers and volcanoes.
Parent References:
Landforms Quiz and Answer Sheet.
Graded student assignments.
Student work.

Here are some daily reminders for the coming weeks:
On Monday, September 14, signed Reading Records are due.
Signed Grammar Quizes and Science work is due from my Homeroom Students.

On Tuesday, September 15, Students from Ms. Gutt's Homeroom will take a Grammar Quiz.  It will cover the 8 types of words in the English Language, the subject pronouns, and the object pronouns.

On Wednesday, September 16, our students will visit the Scholars Library for the first time this academic year.
Spelling word definitions are due.
"Teacher Talk" will be from 6:00-7:30 at school.  The administrators will talk about our new Singapore Math program, and Ms. Gutt and I will try to answer your questions about curriculum, grading, discipline, homework, field trips, etc.  I hope to see each of you there!

On Friday, September 18, students will complete a Language Test.

On Monday, September 21, signed Reading Records are due.

On Wednesday, September 23, spelling word definitions are due.  I will be out of the school for a doctor appointment and a dentist appointment.

Friday, September 25, is a half-day for students.  Dismissal will be at 11:20.  Teachers will remain to prepare First Quarter Progress Reports, (already!).

Ms. Bolz asked me to forward this to you.  The date for the headphones has come and gone, but the other information is still valid.

Iliana Bolz ibolz@scholarsacademy.org



Hello parents, This is Mrs. Bolz (the Spanish teacher). Please remind the students to pack headphones on the day assigned in the schedule bellow. Headphones will return home the same day. Also, encourage our students to check my website for video lessons and games. 
Instructions: go to www.scholarsacademy.org click on Academics, click on Teachers Pages, click on Bolz Iliana.

Schedule
2nd grade - Mrs. Bernard
Monday, Sept. 14th

2nd grade - Mrs. Turner
Tuesday. Sept. 15th

3rd grade - Mrs. Gutt
Wednesday, Sept. 9th

3rd grade - Mrs. Moschel
Tuesday, Sept. 8th

I think that's all the news for now.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Kathy


















Saturday, September 5, 2015

Weekly Update: September 8 - September 18

Hello Parents,

I hope you are enjoying this wonderful, long Labor Day weekend.

Parents, our class needs one or two parents to step forward and be our Class Grade Parent.  Your duties will be to coordinate class parties and send out some notifications.  PLEASE volunteer for this very important job!

Last week our students settled in and began to get used to the third grade routine.  We had a practice fire drill, our first Science Quiz, and our first Language Quiz.  I have posted four classes on my Scholars Academy Webpage:  Literacy - Homeroom, Science - Homeroom, Literacy - Gutt's Homeroom, and Science - Gutt's Homeroom.  While I will try to keep the classes on the same assignments at the same time, because of special events, and simply because of the mix of students, one class may be a bit ahead or behind the other.  No matter, both classes will cover the same material.  Due dates will be posted under the appropriate classes.

All students received a NC Landforms Project Assignment and Grading Rubric.  Students will do all work in class.  They have been working on their diagrams, and will finish them during the coming week.  They will also begin their research papers.

This coming week in Literacy all third grade students will take the BOG (Beginning of Grade) Reading Assessment.  We will become familiar with the format of the test, and will practice on Tuesday morning.  The actual test will be administered on Wednesday morning.  Please do not be late.  My homeroom will take a Grammar Quiz on Thursday, and a Language Test on Friday.  All students will continue with writing, grammar, and spelling lessons.
Parent References:
Daily 6 Trait Writing, Grade 3, by Evan-Moor
Grammar Island, by Michael Clay Thompson
All About Spelling, Level 3

In Science students will complete their diagrams for the NC Landforms Project and will begin work on their research papers for the NC Landforms Project.  They will also study glaciers and volcanoes.
Parent References:
Student Notes
Returned Quiz and Answer Sheet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wNOrFy17WE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgktM2luLok

Here are some daily reminders for the coming weeks:
On Tuesday, September 8, signed Reading records are due.
Students will practice the BOG Reading Test.
Students will receive spelling words.

On Wednesday, September 9, students will take the BOG Reading Test.

On Thursday, September 10, my homeroom students will take a Grammar Test on the eight kinds of words, subject pronouns, and object pronouns.
Spelling word definitions are due.

On Friday, September 11, my homeroom will take a Language Test.  There will be an auction using DoJo points.

On Monday, September 14, signed Reading records are due.
Students will receive spelling words.

On Wednesday, September 16, spelling word definitions are due.
"Teacher Talk" is in our classrooms, from 6:30-7:30 pm.  Ms. Gutt and I will attempt to tell you all about our curriculum, procedures, grading, discipline, and anything else that you have questions about.  Please plan to attend.

On Friday, September 18, my homeroom students will have a Language Test.  There will be an auction using DoJo points.

I think that's all the news for now.
Enjoy the weekend!
Kathy