Conferences Coming, Cool iPads, and Character Counts Week Ahead!

Wow!  Where does the time go?  October is almost half over already.....time is just flying by.  The students are so busy during the day that they don't even realize when it is lunch time or time to go home.  That's a good thing!  It always amazes me though how quickly time goes by.

With that being said, parent-teacher conferences are approaching.   A note will be sent home next Monday sharing a time and date that have been designated as your conference for your 3B student.  This is a similar format to the past and hopefully works for everyone.  Please take a moment to look if the date and time set work for you to attend your child's conference. If it is fine, please sign and return the sheet stating so.  If we need to reschedule to a different date and/or time, please sign and return the sheet stating so but also give me some times and/or dates that work better.  I will then respond with other options until we get it all finalized.  Parent-teacher conferences are the last full week of October on Monday, October 24th, and Thursday, October 27th.  There is no school on Friday, October 28th.

Last week I commented that I would be sending the math tests that were done last week home with the students.  I have decided to hold onto them until parent teacher conferences to discuss them and cover some information.  I will also be holding on to the students' science tests until conferences as well.  Just wanted to let everyone know that.

We have been lucky to have some iPads in our classroom this past week.  I am working on a grant to get some to permanently stay in our 3B classroom, but for now, we will share the ones the district has.  I have my personal one that I also let the students use at various times.  Needless to say, they are loving using them!  We have done a few apps in math titled "Rocket Math" and "Mad Minute" as well as some apps that go with our Everyday Math series.  I also used one to show pictures of some "gross" stuff we have been reading about (hopefully your child shared what we read about mites..yuck!) through an app titled "Mini-Monsters".  They LOVED looking at these microscopic creatures and being grossed out!  I have posted a few pictures of some of the students working on the iPads this week.  Great learning!

Next week is Character Counts Week!  I am sending home a note today that covers each day and what the students can wear to celebrate.  It is a great week of being reminded of the importance of having good character.  Can't wait to see all the great hats, crazy socks, and school colors!  Take a look at the note from Mrs. McCabe to explain what the focus color is and activities for next week!

Thanks again to all the parents, relatives, and friends who are commenting on the student blogs!  It is amazing how their faces light up when they check their blog to read all the comments!  Thank you and keep it up.  Soon, students will be able to blog from home as well or before school.  More on that later...

Remember to keep reading for Book-It.  We don't have lots of homework in 3B, just a few things here and there, so it is important for the students to continue building their reading skills and strategies by reading at home.  If you have questions or concerns, feel free to call me.  Remember that even books they are reading for Title 1 or from Mrs. Watt count towards Book-It.  Students can also take books from our classroom library home to read as well....So, keep reading!

Have a super week and enjoy the sunshine!