Friday, December 17, 2010

Homework for Thursday, December 16, 2010

Due Date: Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Dear Parents:
Check out our Blog site! At the bottom of our classroom page, you can subscribe to our Blog, and new postings will show up on your Google homepage.
http://forestridge.salkeiz.k12.or.us/

Assignments:
Family Writing: Family Writing: Family Writing: Write a an expository story (informing) about what you did during your vacation. Start with one to three word clusters, telling about 1-3 separate things you did. Write an introduction (separate paragraph) to your story, then the 1-3 paragraphs (with 6 detail sentences each) about the 1-3 different things you did. If you write more than one paragraph, the last sentence in each paragraph should be written so that the paragraph flows smoothly into the next one. Write a conclusion at the end of the story. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
Language arts homework, “New York City’s Gem”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.
Don’t forget to help your child to remember to read and to bring the RAH (Read at Home) folder back to school each day. If you don’t have time to read one evening, please still sign the card with 0 minutes written in.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Last week I sent home instructions for making fraction cards at home. Do the suggested activities at home, “Ideas to Try at Home”. Keep the cards in a safe place at home because later during our fraction unit I will send home some games to play. The games will be sent home after vacation!

*Continue playing the 2 math games that I’ve sent home, “Multiplication Pairs” and “Count and Compare”. Please play these often at home. It will take a lot of practice!

*Continue playing the math game I sent home earlier, “Cover 50” at least once a week.

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Homework for Thursday, December 9, 2010

Due Date: Wednesday, December 15, 2010


Check out our Blog site! At the bottom of our classroom page, you can subscribe to our Blog, and new postings will show up on your Google homepage.
http://forestridge.salkeiz.k12.or.us/

Assignments:
Family Writing: Family Writing: Brainstorm some characteristics of a good friend. Fill out the form for writing a paragraph. Then write the paragraph “What Is a Good Friend?” Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
Language arts homework, “Once a Pie Man, Always a Pie Man”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.
Don’t forget to help your child to remember to read and to bring the RAH (Read at Home) folder back to school each day. If you don’t have time to read one evening, please still sign the card with 0 minutes written in.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*I have sent home instructions for making fraction cards at home. Do the suggested activities at home, “Ideas to Try at Home”. Keep the cards in a safe place at home because later during our fraction unit I will send home some games to play.

*Continue playing the 2 math games that I’ve sent home, “Multiplication Pairs” and “Count and Compare”. Please play these often at home. It will take a lot of practice!

*Continue playing the math game I sent home earlier, “Cover 50” at least once a week.

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Homework for Thursday, December 2, 2010

Due Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The last day for bringing gifts (books, pencils, packages of paper, cash) to school for Mr. Ellis to send to Sierra Leone to help the school children there is this Friday, December 4.

Check out our Blog site! At the bottom of our classroom page, you can subscribe to our Blog, and new postings will show up on your Google homepage.
http://forestridge.salkeiz.k12.or.us/

Assignments:
Family Writing: Work with your child to write a goal. Make a list of why the goal will be helpful and 3 things that will need to be done to achieve the goal. Then write the topic sentence stating the goal and why it’s a good goal. Next write at least three detail sentences stating the things that will need to be done to achieve this goal. Concluding sentence restates the goal and tells how your child will feel after the goal is achieved. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
Language arts homework, “The Pie Man”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.
Don’t forget to help your child to remember to read and to bring the RAH (Read at Home) folder back to school each day. If you don’t have time to read one evening, please still sign the card with 0 minutes written in.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Math quilt for extra practice in multiplication is in the packet this week.

*Continue playing the 2 math games that I’ve sent home, “Multiplication Pairs” and “Count and Compare”. Please play these often at home. It will take a lot of practice!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Homework for Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Due Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Check out our Blog site! At the bottom of our classroom page, you can subscribe to our Blog, and new postings will show up on your Google homepage.
http://forestridge.salkeiz.k12.or.us/

Assignments:
Family Writing--Write about 1-3 rooms in your home. Each room you write about should be a complete paragraph with topic sentence, at least 3 details and a concluding sentence or a transition (so the story flows from one idea to the next smoothly) into the next paragraph. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.
Be sure your child writes on the topic and turns it in next week!!

Literacy:
Language arts homework, “Peppers”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.
Don’t forget to help your child to remember to read and to bring the RAH (Read at Home) folder back to school each day. If you don’t have time to read one evening, please still sign the card with 0 minutes written in.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Math quilt for extra practice in multiplication is in the packet this week.

*Continue playing the 2 math games that I’ve sent home, “Multiplication Pairs” and “Count and Compare”. Please play these often at home. It will take a lot of practice!

*Continue playing the math game I sent home earlier, “Cover 50” at least once a week.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Homework for Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Due Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Check out our Blog site! At the bottom of our classroom page, you can subscribe to our Blog, and new postings will show up on your Google homepage.
http://forestridge.salkeiz.k12.or.us/

Assignments:
Family Writing: Write something in which you are thankful for about your family or the world around you. You can add your own voice to it, by including your feelings into the paragraph. Include a beginning, middle, and ending. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.
Be sure your child writes on the topic and turns it in next week!!

Literacy:
Language arts homework, “Dreaming of the Harvest”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.
Don’t forget to help your child to remember to read and to bring the RAH (Read at Home) folder back to school each day. If you don’t have time to read one evening, please still sign the card with 0 minutes written in.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Math quilt for extra practice in multiplication is in the packet this week.

*Continue playing the 2 math games that I’ve sent home, “Multiplication Pairs” and “Count and Compare”. Please play these often at home. It will take a lot of practice!

*Continue playing the math game I sent home earlier, “Cover 50” at least once a week.

Friday, November 05, 2010

Homework for Thursday, November 4, 2010

Due Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Assignments:
Since Thursday, November 11 is Veteran’s Day and Friday, November 12 is Progress Report writing day for teachers, be sure homework is turned in on Wednesday, the regular due date!

Check out our Blog site! At the bottom of our classroom page, you can subscribe to our Blog, and new postings will show up on your Google homepage.
http://forestridge.salkeiz.k12.or.us/

Assignments:
Family Writing--Tell what your Halloween was like by writing a short personal narrative. You might describe some of the things you observed with your senses (taste, sight, smell, feel, hear). You can add your own voice to it, by including your feelings into the paragraph. Be sure you have a beginning, middle, and ending. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.
Be sure your child writes on the topic and turns it in this week!!

Literacy:
Language arts homework, “Planting Dreams”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

Read 30 minutes. Don’t forget to help your child remember to bring the RAH (Read at Home) folder back to school each day. If you don’t have time to read one evening, please still sign the card with 0 minutes written in.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Continue playing the 2 math games that I’ve sent home, “Multiplication Pairs” and “Count and Compare”. Please play these often at home. It will take a lot of practice!

*Continue playing the math game I sent home earlier, “Cover 50” at least once a week.

Supplies for Sierra Leone

This summer Mr. Ellis had the amazing opportunity to go to Sierra Leone, West Africa. He was able to instruct teachers on how to teach reading and writing. While Mr. Ellis was there he was shocked by the conditions these teachers had to work in. They have little to no supplies (like books and paper) to help their students learn.

As we are giving thanks this year for our many blessings, let’s take the opportunity to give to others. Join the school supply and penny drive! The penny drive will raise money to purchase leveled reading books for Sierra Leone.
Bring your pencils, pens, flash cards, and crayons and your pennies to your classroom by Tuesday, November 30th .

Here are a few facts about Sierra Leone:
Literacy Rate – 31% of the population is able to read and write


School life expectancy :
female: 6 years (2001)

Friday, October 29, 2010

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Homework for October 28

Due Date: Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Assignments:
Speech: Students need to be prepared with their character speeches on Friday. See last week’s parent letter or visit our classroom blog for more information.

Family Writing: Tell about a fun event or holiday that you have participated in. What made it fun? Describe one thing about that event or holiday.

Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
Language arts homework, “Smokey the Bear”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

Read 30 minutes. Don’t forget to help your child remember to bring the RAH (Read at Home) folder back to school each day. If you don’t have time to read one evening, please still sign the card with 0 minutes written in.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Continue playing the 2 math games that I’ve sent home, “Multiplication Pairs” and “Count and Compare”. Please play these often at home. It will take a lot of practice!

*Continue playing the math game I sent home, “Cover 50” at least once a week.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Free Family Environmental Lectures!

October 28, 2010

Author/Illustrator Nan Woodman

Running with Whales

Nan Woodman, author and illustrator for National Geographic, kicks off the 2010-2011 Lecture Series with a talk about "seeing through the eyes of whales" using National Geographic Crittercam. Crittercam is a device worn by wild animals allowing scientists to see into their world without human interference, to study animal behavior and gather environmental data. Woodman, a Crittercam team member, will show and talk about the lives of humpback whales monitored using the device.





November 18, 2010

Jessica Pautsch

Eko-Trek Tours

Innovative grassroots initiaves are rapidly emerging as our collective understanding of environmental sustainability deepens. Eco Trek Tours recognizes the importance for the exchange of ideas behind these initiatives, and serves to identify and showcase these initiatives through meaningful and relevant tours for youth. Eco Trek has established a social venture model that cultivates community, creates a strong sense of place, and fuels a movement towards environmental sustainability.



January 27, 2011

Paul Ries

Green Infrastructure Networks of Woodlands, Wetlands and Grasslands



February 24, 2011

Dr. David Montgomery

Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations



March 17, 2011

Steve Amen

Oregon Field Guide: Highlights from the Show



April 28, 2011

Amy Korst

Low Impact Living



May 26, 2011

Allison Hensey

Oregon Environmental Council's Healthy Food and Farms Program

Homework for October 21

Due Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2009

Assignments:
Family Writing and Speech:
Write notes on cards to tell about what book character you are planning on dressing up as on Friday, October 29. Include (one card for each topic): Who My Character Is (include book and author), A Short Retell of the Book (Think of 8 key points), Anything Else I Want to Share About My Character, What I Like Best About My Character (I’ve provided 4 note cards for the task). You may pretend you’re this character during your speech. Be prepared to present to the class on Friday. This will count as the first speech for the year. I will be scoring on:
*Students will be scored on:
1. Having a beginning (Grab our interest!!), middle, and an ending …the more interesting the better!
2. Using correct grammar.
3. Use descriptive language.
4. Giving the audience eye contact and appropriate body gestures.
5. Speaking loud enough for the audience to hear.
6. Use your voice as a tool in storytelling.
5. Keeping the body from fidgeting.

Writing and working on speeches together encourages your child to see you having fun, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
Language arts homework, “Thunder and Lightning”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

Read 30 minutes. Don’t forget to help your child remember to bring the RAH (Read at Home) folder back to school each day. If you don’t have time to read one evening, please still sign the card with 0 minutes written in.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Continue playing the 2 math games that I’ve sent home, “Multiplication Pairs” and “Count and Compare”. Please play these often at home. It will take a lot of practice!

*Continue playing the math game I sent home last week, “Cover 50” at least once a week

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Free Environmental Classes Offered

Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center, 1320 A Street NE, Salem, is offering classes; "Sustainability: Solar Power" on Thursday, October 14, "Watershed Ed" on Thursday, November 11, "Geology" on Thursday, January 13, "Invertebrates" on Thursday, February 10, "Birds" on Thurday, March 10, "Temperate Rainforests" on Thursday, April 14, "Native Plants" on Thursday, May 12, and "Oak Savannah" on Thursday, June 9. All classes are from 4-5:30 and space is limited. RSVP at 503-391-4145 or email fscel@fselc.org. Their website is www.fselc.org if you would like more details on classes.

Timez Attack

One of my former students gave me this website link: Timez Attack. I added it to our links. He was very excited about it! He told me it's a great one for practicing multiplication facts. It involves downloading it to your computer. There seems to be a free and a paid version available.

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Homework for October 7

Due Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2009

Assignments:
Family Writing:
Think about an exciting experience or event that you would like to share. Write a personal narrative about it. Consider creating a mood of suspense, humor, or fantasy. Tell what happened and how you felt.
Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
Language arts homework, “One Tent…What Next”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

Read 30 minutes. Don’t forget to help your child remember to bring the RAH (Read at Home) folder back to school each day. If you don’t have time to read one evening, please still sign the card with 0 minutes written in. That’s ok once in awhile!

Math:
*On Tuesday I sent home the arrays to finish. They should have been finished, cut up, and brought back to school in a plastic bag. They are needed for the games below. If your child returned them to me, they were returned today with the homework packet.

*I’m sending home 2 math games with instructions that we’ve been playing in school, “Multiplication Pairs” and “Count and Compare”. Please play these often at home. It will take a lot of practice!

*Continue playing the math game I sent home last week, “Cover 50” at least once a week.

Friday, October 01, 2010

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Homework for October 30

Due Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2009

Assignments:
Family Writing:
Try to use all of the spelling words from the preview list that I sent home on Tuesday (below, saw, something, thought, both) in a story that makes sense. Choose any topic. The story needs a beginning, middle, and ending. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
Language arts homework, “How to Pitch a Tent”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

Keep building up the reading time for this month from 15 to 30 minutes each day. Don’t forget to help your child remember to bring the RAH (Read at Home) folder back to school each day. If you don’t have time to read one evening, please still sign the card with 0 minutes written in. That’s ok once in awhile!

Math:
Your child needs to continue working on memorizing the addition facts. Help with this would be appreciated. Soon I will be checking to see which facts your child still needs to work on.

* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*I’m sending home a game, “Cover 50” with instructions. Please play the game with your child several times a week to reinforce multiples in helping with multiplication and division.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Homework for September 22

Due Date: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 (Picture Day!)

If you didn’t have the opportunity to visit during the “Curriculum Night” (Parent Information Night), I put my presentation on the Blog. Remember the Blog and links are a resource to you as well as to your child. (http://forestridgec4.blogspot.com)

Thank you to the 10 families who worked with their child on last week’s family writing activity. You will see the gains your child makes in his/her writing!

Assignment:
Writing:
Write a thank you note to someone who recently did something nice for you. (I’ll return the letter without any marks on it, so you can give it to the person!) State your reason for writing the letter. Explain in detail what effect his/her action had. Let him/her know again how much you appreciated his/her efforts. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
Language arts homework, “One Tent, Lots of Stuff”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

Keep building up the reading time for this month from 15 to 30 minutes each day. Don’t forget to help your child remember to bring the RAH (Read at Home) folder back to school each day. If you don’t have time to read one evening, please still sign the card with 0 minutes written in. That’s ok once in awhile!

Math:

* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

Your child needs to continue working on memorizing the addition and subtraction facts. Help with this would be appreciated. Soon I will be checking to see which facts your child still needs to work on.

Your child should know his/her multiples of 2 (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20), multiples of 3 (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30), multiples of 5 (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50), multiples of 10 (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100).

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Correction About Homework

On an earlier parent letter and Blog, I wrote the wrong day when homework comes home. I'm so sorry for the confusion. Homework comes home on Thursdays and is due back the following Wednesday.

Tonight there is a short and fun math homework assignment that will help us with tomorrow's math class. The paper is due back, tomorrow, Friday, September 17.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Homework for September 16

Due Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Family Writing:
Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. I’d like to encourage you and your child to write together. Write about something you did together. Tell a short story using setting (time and place), characters (example: you and your child—See if some personality can come out in the story!), and plot (simple problem and solution) Next, use details to make the story more clear and vivid. Finally, end with a satisfying conclusion. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Reading:
Language arts homework, “Two Boys, Big Plans”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

Keep building up the reading time for this month from 15 to 30 minutes each day. Don’t forget to help your child remember to bring the RAH (Read at Home) folder back to school each day. If you don’t have time to read one evening, please still sign the card with 0 minutes written in. That’s ok once in awhile!

Math:
Your child needs to continue working on memorizing the addition facts. Help with this would be appreciated. Soon I will be checking to see which facts your child still needs to work on.

* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

Thursday, September 09, 2010

Homework Letter for September 9, 2010

Dear Parents,
Regular homework will begin next week Wednesday. Please do the following things between now and next Wednesday:

1. For math, please practice addition and subtraction flashcards about 10 minutes each day. If you don’t have flashcards, you can download them from the link on my blog site (http://forestridgec4.blogspot.com) or send me an e-mail (ryan_ginny@salkeiz.k12.or.us), and I’ll be sure your child receives a set.
2. Explore the different websites for math on our blog site (http://forestridgec4.blogspot.com).
3. Tomorrow we are decorating our “Writer’s Notebooks”. Your child has been asked to bring copies of photos of favorite things. Favorite words, words of things he/she likes to do, or expressions can be written on a computer and cut up.
4. Don’t forget to have your child read 15-30 minutes a day. Your child is to return the clear plastic book folder with the filled out reading log (kept inside the folder) each day.
Thank you!

First Days of School

Parent Information Letter

WELCOME!
We have Kaila La Marche, a student teacher from Western Oregon University with us off and on through most of the year. She’s exited to learn and work with us. I know we’ll all benefit from her time at Forest Ridge.

Blog Site
Please check our classroom blog site frequently. I updated it at least weekly. The weekly parent note that comes home on Thursday is posted on the blog. I also take pictures periodically and post them. It’s also a great resource for both students and parents with the links that I’ve entered on it. If your child needs extra help, has a high interest, or needs/wants to practice a skill in a specific area, check out the links!

School Website: http://forestridge.salkeiz.k12.or.us/
Our Classroom blog site: http://forestridgec4.blogspot.com/


BIRTHDAYS

Parents are welcome to help celebrate their child’s birthday by bringing treats or a book to share to school. Please e-mail, call, or send a note with your child if you plan to do so. Birthday celebrations are generally held fifteen minutes before dismissal (3:00 pm).

BOOK ORDERS

Order forms will go home approximately every month. If you are interested in ordering books, please return your payment and completed order form. Remember to make checks out to SCHOLASTIC BOOKS, not Forest Ridge School! Book orders generally take 2 weeks to arrive.


HOMEWORK

Math homework is to work on math facts for about 10 minutes daily until mastered. My blog site has links to many different sites for practice. Flashcards are also a great way to practice the facts. Students need to begin with addition and subtraction the first couple of weeks of school, and then we’ll begin multiplication. I will also be sending a sheet home with a set of multiple choice questions that represent the types of questions that are asked on the state assessment that will be given in January for the first time. This will come home on Thursday and be due back on the following Wednesday.

Math games will be sent home periodically. Keep the games at home in a safe place for practice throughout the year. Reviewing the games periodically after a new game is sent home is an excellent idea! Practice the games several times a week. Your child will need an adult or older sibling to play the games.

Thursday I will assign a writing topic for a family writing activity. I’ve found that the students, who with their parents, participated in the weekly writing activity, showed remarkable gains in their writing. The family writing activity is due the following Wednesday.

A weekly language arts homework page will be assigned on Thursday and is due the following Wednesday. It is similar in format and skills to the Oregon Third Grade Reading Assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

Approximately every 6 or 7 days a spelling homework sheet will come home. It is a review of the spelling concepts we’ve been working on. The sheet will help your child with the spelling check-up the following day. The spelling homework sheet is due the day after it is assigned.

Each day your child will bring home a book in a clear plastic folder with a “Read-At-Home” (RAH) log. This folder with the log card and book is due back the next day. Each student is expected to read for 30 minutes daily. Please sign the card with the number of minutes your child read each day. The card must be signed, or the child will be asked to call your home in the morning to ask for your assistance in reminding him/her to return the folder, book, and book log the next day.

Occasionally, other homework or “special projects” will be assigned. The due dates for these assignments will be indicated.


LIBRARY

We will have one scheduled library checkout time per week on WEDNESDAY. Please make sure that your child returns his/her books on TUESDAY, as that is the policy of the library.


LITERACY

The comprehensive literacy model used in the classroom to teach reading includes the following components: purposeful instruction, modeled reading, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, and word study. The students will be using a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction texts throughout the year. There will be an emphasis on helping children find “Just Right” texts to be successful readers who increase their reading skills all year long.

P.E.

Your child will be attending P.E. class 3 days each week: MONDAY, TUESDAY, and FRIDAY. Students need to wear shoes and clothing appropriate for P.E. participation.

MATH

The core math program is Investigations. We supplement with Number Corner which complements Investigations well with lots of practice and games. Many concepts are introduced and reinforced during Number Corner.


SPELLING

The Rebecca Sitton Spelling and Word Skills program will be used. Instead of a “spelling list” going home each Monday with a test to follow on Friday, in class there will be daily work and instruction which is research-based to ensure that students learn to spell for writing. That is, to spell words forever, not just for a test. Assessment will occur in class, and students will bring home words they have not yet mastered. These words can be worked on at home and will continue to be used in the lessons at school.

SUPPLIES

You and your child are responsible for getting the necessary supplies to school. Please check with your child occasionally to make sure he/she has wide ruled notebook paper, #2 pencils (not mechanical), and erasers. Three ring binders are NOT needed in third grade. Pee Chee type folders with pockets at the bottom are GREAT place for neatly storing notebook paper in desks.

WRITING

The students will be provided instruction in many modes of writing, including narrative, imaginative, expository, and persuasive. We will focus on the structure of sentences, paragraphs, and multi-paragraph papers. Purposeful instruction will include modeled writing, shared writing, guided writing, and independent writing. The students will use writers’ notebooks and word processing.

VOLUNTEERS

I’ll let you know when I have a schedule ready. You might e-mail me with times that you are available if you get anxious to help!

You will get to work with individuals or very small groups of two to three students or perhaps help me prepare or organize materials.

Remember that all volunteers need to have a completed criminal background check on file with the office BEFORE volunteering. (This will apply to chaperoning field trips later in the year as well.)

You can reach me at:
503-399-5548 or e-mail ryan_ginny@salkeiz.k12.or.us
Mrs. Ginny Ryan

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Salem By Malia

Salem
Salem is a beautiful place,
A river runs through it, at a nice slow pace.
At Riverfront Park the carousel we ride,
When I ride it I feel so much pride,
Each horse looks like it's almost alive!
Another fun place is the Gilbert House,
We learn and we play and we run about.
The Capitol Building stands tall and proud,
The Golden Pioneer reaches for the cloud.
Bush Park is beautiful and it's fun to see.
The Mission Mill Museum and its history.
So now you see there's so much to do,
I hope you'll come and think so, too!
By Malia

Saturday, June 05, 2010

Pond's List of Summer Activities!!!

*Als Garden Center: Sat,June 5th 11:00am $5 register @ (503)981-1245
"Plant your own Herb Garden" Woodburn


*TODAY!!! June 5th Free RV and Tent camping at Oregon State Parks Day Use Fee waived! Go enjoy a park!

*Michaels Craft Workshops: Sat, June 5th 10-2 Free, Create a Book for Dad
Sat, June 12th 10-2 Purchase a frame, then make a "camo" frame for your Dad
Sun, June 13th 1-3pm Purchase a coffee mug, then decorate it for Dad
Thurs, June 17th 6-8pm Free Make Dad a colorful Duct tape wallet!
Friday, June 18th 6-8pm Purchase T-shirt, then Decorate for Dad or Grandpa!
Sat, June 19th 10-2 Free, Make Dad a special one of a kind card
Sat, June 26th 10-2 Free Family Event, 4th of July Patriotic Project


*Riverfront Carousel: Come celebrate the Carousel's 9th Birthday!
Sat, June 5th Free cake and coldstone icecream at noon(while supplies last)
Food vendors, card making contest and more!


*Salem Library: Sign up for the Summer Reading program starting June 8th!
www.salemlibrary.org Summer programs on Mondays at the West Salem Branch and Tuesdays and the downtown Library! Too many to list! The favorite, Reptile Man coming 2pm Monday June 21st to West Salem, and Tuesday, June 22 Downtown
Call 588-6301 Lego parties, Sandcastle building, and much more!


*ODFW: Free Fishing weekend! Ever wanted to fish, crab, or go clamming? No licenses needed this day~ volunteers there to assist your kids with fishing at the following locations: Champoge 10-3
Detroit Lake Hoover Area 9-3
Silverton Reservoir 8-1



*Craft Warehouse: Sat, June 12th 1-4pm Free Make n Take Design your own card


*Mission Mill: Family Fun Saturday, June 12th 11-1pm Free "Leather Crafting"
Free Admission for Dads on Fathers Day


*Lowes Build n Grow Kids Clinics: Sat, June 12th 10am "Picture Frame" Free
Sat, June 26th 10am "Monster Truck" Free
Register at Lowe.com


*Gilbert House: Friday, June 18th 11-1pm Miniature County Fair! Popcorn, make your own ice-cream, crafts, games etc. Free with admission


* Northern Lights Theatre: Double Play Saturday Sat, June 19th
Doors open11:45, starts 12:15 $11 Movie, Play , Pizza, Drink, Snack
Play: Grasshopper and the Ants
Movie:TBA
July 10th: Puss in Boots
August 14th Jack and the Beanstalk


*FROGTOWN: An interactive stage performance with performers singing from a musical storybook! Saturday, June 26th 1-4pm McNary High School
$10 pp or $35 for a family of four(advance ticket prices)
All proceeds benefit ShrinersHospital


*World Beat Festival: June 26th, 27th Riverfront park comes alive with cultural booths, food, displays etc!


*Kidical Mass Family Bike Ride: Sunday, June 27th Coming to Keizer !
Time and place TBA


*Volcanoes Stadium: Sat, June 26th Kids get in Free if wearing their 2010 Awesome 3000 shirt! Gates open at 6pm, Meet the players at 6:30, Game starts 7:05
For more info (503)390-2225
Mondays are Kids Nights Free Admission for all kids 12 and under
Valid, Monday June 28th, July 5th and August 16th
Email JWalker@Volcanoesbaseball.com for a coupon



Kelley's: Cooking Camps Two being offered this year! Very fun Camp if your child is interested in cooking! Ages 8-12 Cost $89 Discount if you sign up for both camps
Call (503)378-1793


*Marion County Fair: Friday, July 9th kids wearing 2010 Awesome 3000 shirt get in Free!
Thursday, July 8th Unlimited rides for $15 (Must pre buy wristband July 1-8th at Fair office) Friday, July 9th Two unlimited ride wristbands for the price of one $22($11 each) Must purchase on site, and be present to place on wrist.


*Palma Ciea Pool: Looking for Swimming Lessons this summer? Look no further ~ great lessons, outdoor pool, $35 for two weeks for non-members- or become a member and get a discount! Call (503) 390-9697 for more info!


*Borders Read 10 books this summer and get one Free from Borders! Pick up forms at the store!




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Every Tuesday: June 22 - August 31
FREE OMSI Summer Series
Join us 5:30pm-7:30pm every Tuesday evening through August 31, near Sports Authority for a fun evening of hands on activities and learning for children 12 and under.


June 22, Physics & Engineering I:
Students build bridges using kinex and/or catapults out of popsicle sticks.
June 29, Life Science (Insects/Microscopes):
Focus on insects, using stations from our popular program "Bug Me!," microscope stations, and featuring live insects.
July 6, Chemistry (Polymers) I:
Students will measure and mix ingredients and create gooey & slimey concoctions, and more!
July 13, Space Science: Students make their own rockets and star finder.
July 20, Earth Science (Geology): Hands-on geology stations.
July 27, Life Science (Zoology): Live reptiles, and bats and/or whales hands-on stations.
August 3, History & Archaeology: Science of Lewis & Clark stations; "Prehistoric Dinosaur Puzzle" program.
August 10, Chemistry (States of Matter) II: States of matter focus, including additional chemistry activities.
August 17, Physics & Engineering II: Track & ball rollercoasters and other engineering challenges.
August 24, Science Sampler Day: OMSI's "Greatest Hits." A mix of science disciplines explored through hands-on activities.
August 31, Brainteasers: Logic & problem solving puzzles, touch tables.

(Please Note: Specific activities within topics may be subject to change at the instructor's discretion. Children are to be accompanied by an adult at all times)


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June 22 - August 25
REG's FREE Family Film Festival is Now Showing!
Regal has planned a fun-filled summer of select movies for kids and parents and has proudly offered this free summer fun since 1991. Selected movies start at 10:00am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets for the 2010 Free Family Film Festival are exclusively available at select theatres' box office on the day of the show. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity.

6/22/2010 - 6/23/2010: Tale of Despereaux (G), Coraline (PG)
6/29/2010 - 6/30/2010: Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (G), Astro Boy (PG)
7/06/2010 - 7/07/2010: Charlotte's Web (G), Planet 51 (PG)
7/13/2010 - 7/14/2010: Rugrats The Movie (G), Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs (PG)
7/20/2010 - 7/21/2010: Rugrats In Paris (G), Kung Fu Panda (PG)
7/27/2010 - 7/28/2010: Wallace and Gromit (G), Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (PG)
8/03/2010 - 8/04/2010: Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (G), Monsters Vs. Aliens (PG)
8/10/2010 - 8/11/2010: Doogal (G), Hotel For Dogs (PG)
8/17/2010 - 8/18/2010: Muppets From Space (G), Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)
8/24/2010 - 8/25/2010: Muppets Take Manhattan (G), Aliens In The Attic (PG)



An exciting new summer recreation opportunity for Keizer youth is coming to three neighborhood parks in 2010. This first-year trial program will run 3 days per week for 9 weeks between mid-June and mid-August.

One day per week in each of 3 Keizer parks, trained staff members from Boys and Girls Club will lead neighborhood children in outdoor activities ranging from informal sports and games to nature study and art projects. The program will be open to Keizer area children in grades 1 through 6. Registration will be requied, and although the program itself is free, participants will be asked to purchase the $5 annual Boys and Girls Club membership; scholarships will be available.

Over the years, largely through their utility bills, Keizerites have made small donations designated for recreation. Until now, the City has not offered any recreation opportunities except an annual one-day skate park event. Currently amounting to about $3,000, these funds will allow the City of Keizer to contract with the Boys and Girls Club of Salem to staff the trial project.


Summer 2010 Schedule
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Bob Newton Park -- Tuesdays
June 22, 29
July 6, 13, 20, 27
August 3, 10, 17

Claggett Creek Park -- Wednesdays
June 23, 30
July 7, 14, 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18

Willamette Manor Park -- Thursdays
June 24
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
August 5, 12, 19

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Pajama (or Comfortable Clothes) Day Tomorrow (6/4/10)!!!!

Students voted overwhelmingly to have a pajama party tomorrow for their reward for good behavior instead of a free recess. I agreed IF they wear appropriate clothing that covers them modestly. I think warm-up suits are fine to wear, if you aren't crazy about the pajama idea. One stuffed animal may be brought to school, but no blankets. It would be best if comfortable shoes are worn. The day will be a normal school day where our focus will still be on learning!

Homework for June 3, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, June 9, 2010

You are invited to see our two plays, “Two Pigs, a Wolf and a Mud Pie” and “Cinderella Outgrows the Glass Slipper” on Tuesday, June 8 at 9:30 a.m. in our classroom (B1), AND at 10:15, you’re also invited to the music room to see the students’ shadow show of “Peter and the Wolf”.

Assignments for this week:
*Family Writing:
Write a paper convincing me that I should read a particular book to my students next year. It can be a book that I read to you, a book you read to yourself or your parent read to you this year. Be sure you let me know why this would be a good book to read aloud to third graders. Include what you liked most about the book. Also include what the setting, characters, plot, and climax were.
Speeches:
Students need to prepare their animal/plant speeches. They may use their VoiceThread to view their PowerPoint. http://voicethread.com Username: ryan_ginny@salkeiz.k12.or.us Password: student
The PowerPoint presentation will be used during the speech, so preparation for the speech needs to be done with the Voicethread volume turned off! Students need to practice clearly stating the topic of each slide in a sentence with three detail sentences and a transition to the next slide. The conclusion of the slideshow can be done on the last picture slide. A brief flash of the bibliography and picture credits will be fine. Eye contact, pacing, and voice are important. Speeches begin on Monday!!!
Literacy:
Students are to make sure their parts in the play we’ve been working on are memorized. Students may take their plays home, but must bring them back to school each day.
*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned. Ask your child to retell important parts of the story that were read that day.

Salem History Long Term Project:
A list of project ideas was sent home, and they are to be completed at home. I’d like for your child to choose among this list of projects or create a project idea of his/her own. Fill out and turn in the sheet titled “Salem Project Learning Contract” by May 19. By June 9, all projects should be completed. We’ll be sharing the projects in class beginning June 9. If you need materials for projects, please let me know.

Math:
Multiplication timed tests have slipped again! Students need to be working on their facts at home! I provided a sheet for practice last week. Please continue working on this. The sheet does not need to be returned. It’s great for practice at anytime (even during the summer!).

* Multiplication problems—Have your child continue to work with the multiplication flashcards that were made. Practice and memorize a few problems each day. Keep reviewing the ones learned from the previous day. Work everyday for about 10 minutes.

Science:
Do “Discovery Student Center with Assignments”, a link on our Blog site. Please have your child complete the “Animal” assignment on the site, if you have internet access.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Homework for May 27, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Don’t forget to return permission slips for Mission Mill Museum (plus $5.00).

Assignments for this week:
*Family Writing and Literacy:
Canceled for this week! Instead, students are to make sure their parts in the play we’ve been working on are memorized. Students may take their plays home, but must bring them back to school each day.
Salem History Long Term Project:
A list of project ideas was sent home, and they are to be completed at home. I’d like for your child to choose among this list of projects or create a project idea of his/her own. Fill out and turn in the sheet titled “Salem Project Learning Contract” by May 19. By June 9, all projects should be completed. We’ll be sharing the projects in class beginning June 9. If you need materials for projects, please let me know.

Thanks to the parents who have already taken their children on great field trips around Salem, collecting information! The students came back to school on Monday, excited to share what they saw and learned.

Math:
Multiplication timed tests have slipped again! Students need to be working on their facts at home! I’ve provided a sheet for practice. The sheet does not need to be returned. It’s great for practice at anytime (even during the summer!).

* Multiplication problems—Have your child continue to work with the multiplication flashcards that you made. Practice and memorize a few problems each day. Keep reviewing the ones learned from the previous day. Work everyday for about 10 minutes.

Science:
Do “Discovery Student Center with Assignments”, a link on our Blog site. Please have your child complete the “Animal” assignment on the site, if you have internet access.


*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned. Ask your child to retell important parts of the story that were read that day.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Salem Project

We will begin our Salem Project this week. This project is to be a fun-filled learning activity for both you and your child. We will be learning about our community and the history of the Salem-Keizer area. This project is to be done at home. All projects are to be completed by June 9. All third graders will be going to the Mission Mill Museum for an all-day field trip on May 28th. This will give the students a first hand look at the Jason Lee house.

Please help your child select several activities from the attached packet. His/Her goal is to earn a minimum of 120 points in order to receive a “4” grade. Consider turning in completed projects as you go instead of waiting until the June 9 to turn them all in at once. Remember, the actual number of points earned will be based on the quality of the work. Students will be sharing finished projects with their classmates.

If you have any questions, feel free to call or e-mail us at school.
(503) 399-5548 or ryan_ginny@salkeiz.k12.or.us

Please return the first page of the attached project entitled Salem Project Learning Contract by June 19.

Have fun!!

SALEM PROJECT CHOICES

1. Pretend you are a trapper in Oregon around 1835. Write a letter to your family in the East. Describe what you see, where you went, and what you do. (30 points)

2. Create a model of early Salem. Build it how you think it may have looked. (50 points)

3. List 5 facts about the Kalapuya Indians. (10 points)

4. Make a Salem timeline that shows some Salem “firsts”. (30 points)

5. Write and illustrate a story that describes what happened to Salem’s capitol buildings. (30 points)

6. Visit Jason Lee Cemetery near “D” and 17th streets. Draw a sketch of the Jason Lee Memorial if it is available. You may wish to include rubbings of the tombstones. (30 points)

7. Write a poem or song about Salem. It must have at least 12 lines (3 verses). (40 points)

8. Create a game about Salem. The game must include places in Salem now and at least 10 questions about Salem. (50 points)

9. Make a crossword puzzle about Salem. (Teacher will provide graph paper.) Your puzzle must have at least 10 words and clues. You must also turn in a copy of the answers. (30 points)

10. Make a word search about Salem. It must have 15 hidden words. (Teacher will provide graph paper.) You must also turn in a copy with the answers. (20 points)


11. Create a travel poster about things to visit in Salem. You must include at least 5 important places to visit. (40 points)

12. Visit Bush House located at 500 Mission St. There is a small admission fee. Write a one-page report about the things that you saw there. (40 points)

13. Visit the Capitol Building. Write a one-page report describing what you did and what you saw there. (40 points)

14. Visit Gilbert House located between Center and Marion Street bridges, access off Front Street. There is an admission fee. Write a one-page report about what you saw and did there. (30 points)

15. Interview a person 70 years old or older. Find out how life was different when they were young. Write a paper comparing life then with life now.
(70 points)

16. Make a collection of newspaper clippings about Salem. Put them on a poster or in a booklet. Write a sentence to tell what each clipping is about. You need to collect at least 8 clippings. (40 points)

17. Collect information about Salem. Make a display. (Check out the Visitor Association at 1313 Mill St. or the Visitor Center at Mission Mill.) (40 points)

18. Take photographs of important places in Salem. Put them into a notebook or photo album. Write sentences telling what each one is and why it is important. You need to include at least 8 different places. (70 points)

19. Create an ABC book about Salem. Each page should have the letter, a sentence about that place, and a drawing or photo. (70 points)

20. Put your project on Voicethread.com . Our username is: student@fr.com . Our password: student. Or create your own voicethread and send me the address. (30 points)

21. Suggest a project of your own! (Points to be determined)

Websites (I’ve posted them under “Links” our Blog):
http://www.salemhistory.net/
http://www.oregonlink.com/about_salem.html
http://www.salempioneercemetery.org/history.php
http://www.el.com/to/salem/
http://www.cityofsalem.net/Pages/home.aspx
http://www.google.com/search?q=salem+oregon+history&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7GGLD_en&prmd=b&tbs=tl:1&tbo=u&ei=yvfqS8DwJ4LWsgPQoOH1Bw&sa=X&oi=timeline_result&ct=title&resnum=11&ved=0CFgQ5wIwCg


** PLEASE REMEMBER **
The actual number of points earned on each activity
is based upon the quality of the work

Homework for May 13, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Don’t forget to return permission slips for Mission Mill Museum (plus $5.00) and Down by the Riverside. I need to get the lunches ordered by May 14 for Down by the Riverside and by May 21 for Mission Mill Museum.

Assignments for this week:

I’ve added a link, “Discovery Student Center with Assignments” on our Blog site. Please have your child complete the “Animal” assignment on the site, if you have internet access.

Complete Habitat Booklet and write a paragraph (Check each item off as you go!):
___1. Complete “Crack the Code”.
___2. Choose and do one of the three activities from ”My Habitat”.
___3. Write a paragraph about what you did, and what you expect the outcome will be.
___4. Do the two pages titled, ”What Happens Next in Habitat?”
___5. Do the maze, “Help the Wildebeest Migrate”.
___6. On the answer to “Ask Maxine”, circle the topic sentence. Underline the details to support the topic sentence.

Long Term Project:
We’re beginning our study of Salem History this week. I’m sending a list of project ideas to be completed at home. I’d like for your child to choose among this list of projects or create a project idea of his/her own. Fill out and turn in the sheet titled “Salem Project Learning Contract” by May 19. By June 9, all projects should be completed. We’ll be sharing the projects in class beginning June 9.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned. Ask your child to retell important parts of the story that were read that day.

Math:
* Multiplication problems—Have your child continue to work with the multiplication flashcards that you made last week. Practice and memorize a few problems each day. Keep reviewing the ones learned from the previous day. Work everyday for about 10 minutes.

Sheep to Shawl

Mission Mill Museum is having a great free event on Saturday, May 15 from 10-4. Sheep-to-Shawl offers a great hands-on activities filled day. You'll get to see how wool is taken from the sheep, combed, spun, and woven into cloth. There are a lot of demonstrations as well as hands-on activities. GREAT FUN!!!

Free Book Opportunity!

I just added a link, "Double Dog Dare--Get a Free Book!" Borders is offering a free book for 10 books read for children under 12. Click on the link to find out more!

Friday, May 07, 2010

Homework for May 6, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Assignments for this week:

I’ve added a link, “Discovery Student Center with Assignments” on our Blog site. Please have your child complete the “Animal” assignment on the site, if you have internet access.
*Family Writing:
If you could change places with another person for a whole day, who would you change places with and why would you choose that person?
Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “Snakes: Love Them or Leave Them?” PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even with some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned. Ask your child to retell important parts of the story that were read that day.

Math:
* Multiplication problems—Give your child 100 multiplication facts. Watch as he/she does the sheet. Make note of the problems that do not come automatically to him/her. Have him/her make flashcards for the ones that are difficult. Practice and memorize a few problems each day. Keep reviewing the ones learned from the previous day. Work everyday for about 10 minutes.

Friday, April 30, 2010

The Plastiki

I've added a link to "The Plastiki", a boat made of plastic bottles. Students read about this boat in their Scholastic News.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Homework for April 29, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Dear Parents:
Thank you to all who donated so generously to our “I Scream, You Scream” basket. Laura has some great ideas on putting it all together. Thanks so much, Laura for volunteering and doing this for us!

Assignments for this week:

I’ve added a link, “Discovery Student Center with Assignments” on our Blog site. Please have your child complete the “Animal” assignment on the site, if you have internet access.
*Family Writing:
You have been asked to write an essay about a day in the life of a third grader. The essay will be placed in a time capsule that will be buried this year. It will not be opened until 2500. What will you write about? Organize your essay and write it!
Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “Why Do Children Take so Long to Grow Up?” PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned. Ask your child to retell important parts of the story that were read that day.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Work on multiplication facts with flashcards at home. Students should be working toward memorizing these. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9 should be the top priority! Let me know if you need flashcards!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Opportunity for Reduced State Fair Tickets

Reading science books can help Salem-Keizer students get into the Oregon State Fair and into the “Days of the Dinosaur” fair exhibit this summer! The Oregon State Fair and the Salem-Keizer School District have teamed up to give students in grades K-5, half-off one child fair admission and half-off one child admission to the “Days of the Dinosaur” exhibit at the fair. Students who read three non-fiction books about science prior to June 1st, and submit their signed “Reading Record” to their school library media teacher, will receive the half-off coupons. The “Days of the Dinosaur”
exhibit at the Oregon State Fair allows kids to walk among over 20 different life-size Animatronics dinosaurs.

Homework for April 22, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, April 28, 2010

On Tuesday we went through one box of Kleenex! I’m afraid the colds/allergies are with us again. If you haven’t donated a box of Kleenex, lately, a donation would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you to the parents who have donated items for our “Fun Night” basket theme, “I Scream, You Scream”. If you still are planning on donating, donations are due by the 27th.

Assignments for this week:

I’ve added a link, “Discovery Student Center with Assignments” on our Blog site. Please have your child complete the “Animal” assignment on the site, if you have internet access.
*Family Writing:
Your brother or sister is having a birthday. Your grandparents have asked for ideas for a present. Write a letter to your grandparents suggesting a gift your brother or sister might like. Before you start writing, think about what the gift could be. Think about why your younger brother or sister would like the gift. Think about how your grandparents can locate this gift. Now write a letter to your grandparents suggesting a birthday gift for your younger brother or sister.
Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “Forest Mammals”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned. Ask your child to retell important parts of the story that were read that day.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Work on multiplication facts with flashcards at home. Students should be working toward memorizing these. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9 should be the top priority! Let me know if you need flashcards!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Homework for April 15, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Assignments for this week:

I’ve added a link, “Discovery Student Center with Assignments” on our Blog site. Please have your child complete the assignments on the site, if you have internet access.
*Family Writing:
Imagine that time travel to the past was possible. Think of where and when you would like to go for a visit. Write an essay telling where and when you would go in the past and explain why you choose to go there.
Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “Too Many Ideas”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned. Ask your child to retell important parts of the story that were read that day.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Work on multiplication facts with flashcards at home. Students should be working toward memorizing these. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9 should be the top priority! Let me know if you need flashcards!

Friday, April 09, 2010

Learning Science a New Way!!

Life Science Assignment

Students can now access their first Discovery assignment online. The link to it has been added to "Links". They need to use their school login and their school password for third grade.

Homework for April 8, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Dear Parents:
OAKS (state) math assessment will be next week.

To prepare for the OAKS math assessment, please go over the math vocabulary on my blog site with your child. You can find it in the 2009 Archives on the right side of the blog page. It’s in the December grouping labeled “Math Vocabulary for State Assessment”.

Thank you to the parents who have sent in tissues. They’ve been GREATLY appreciated!

Assignments:
*Family Writing: We’ve been working on writing fiction stories. Fill in the outline of the story before you begin.
This week’s assignment:
Write a fiction story. Decide a setting (time, place), 2-3 characters (personalities, and what they want), a plot (problem/solution), and a resolution. Also include the climax of the story (the high point of the story, where the problem is FINALLY solved!) Do not write about cartoon characters!
Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “So Many Ideas”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned. Ask your child to retell important parts of the story that were read that day.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Work on multiplication facts with flashcards at home. Students should be working toward memorizing these. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9 should be the top priority! Let me know if you need flashcards!

Friday, April 02, 2010

Homework for April 1, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Dear Parents:
OAKS (state) reading assessment will be next Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon. The following week we’ll have the OAKS math assessment.

To prepare for the OAKS math assessment, please go over the math vocabulary on my blog site with your child. You can find it in the 2009 Archives on the right side of the blog page. It’s in the December grouping labeled “Math Vocabulary for State Assessment”.

Due to a high rate of tissue use lately, our reserves are very low! A couple of students brought in some boxes to help out. If you are able to send an extra box to school, it would be greatly appreciated.

Assignments:
*Family Writing: We’ve been working on writing expository essays. They include an introductory paragraph, 1-3 paragraphs explaining the qualities you’ve selected, and a concluding paragraph.
This week’s assignment: Write 3 - 5 paragraphs explaining how you can create or reuse something from a discarded item or throwaway.
Your class has been studying ways of improving our environment. One of these ways is by recycling items you would normally throw away. This might be an empty paper towel roll, empty milk carton, or an old telephone book. Before you start writing, think about what item you are going to recycle. Think about what new item you are going to create from it. Decide on the materials needed for this project. Think about the clear, step-by-step directions for making your recycled item. Decide how this recycled item will be useful. Now write your 3-5 paragraphs explaining how you will create something new from a discarded item.
Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “And the Next Unit Is…”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned. Ask your child to retell important parts of the story that were read that day.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Work on multiplication facts with flashcards at home. Students should be working toward memorizing these. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9 should be the top priority! Let me know if you need flashcards!

PowerPoint Download

Students have been using PowerPoint during technology time. Many have told me that they wish they had PowerPoint at home to use. I have two download sites for you. They are both free!
To download PowerPoint only:
http://www.presentationmagazine.com/free-powerpoint-download-51.htm

To download Open Source Office:
http://download.openoffice.org/

I'll add them to the "Links" to the right.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

Contest Winners Will Be Published!

Students from our room wrote poems about the Willamette River for a contest sponsored by "Honoring Our River". Madelyn, Jena, Olivia, and Fiona will have their work published in "Honoring Our River: A Student Anthology". They will receive a copy of the publication later in April. Congratulations, students!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Live Video of Owl and Hatchlings

I've added a new link.
http://www.sportsmansparadiseonline.com/Live_Owl_Nest_Box_Cam.html

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Homework for March 17, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Dear Parents:
Due to a high rate of tissue use lately, our reserves are very low! A couple of students brought in some boxes to help out. If you are able to send an extra box to school, it would be greatly appreciated.

Assignments:
*Family Writing: We’ve been working on writing expository essays. They include an introductory paragraph, 1-3 paragraphs explaining the qualities you’ve selected, and a concluding paragraph.
This week’s assignment:
Write a story about what you did during your vacation. Start with three word clusters or a bulleted list, telling about 3 separate things you did. Write an introduction (separate paragraph) to your story, then the 3 paragraphs (with three detail sentences each) about the 3 different things you did. Try to write so the paragraphs flow from one to the next. Write a concluding paragraph.

Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “Volcanoes”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Work on multiplication facts with flashcards at home. Students should be working toward memorizing these. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9 should be the top priority! Let me know if you need flashcards!

Friday, March 05, 2010

The Zax by Dr. Seuss

The Zax by Dr. Seuss from Ginny Ryan on Vimeo.

Homework for March 4, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, March 10, 2010


Assignments:
*Family Writing: We’ve been working on writing expository essays. They include an introductory paragraph, 1-3 paragraphs explaining the qualities you’ve selected, and a concluding paragraph.
This week’s assignment:
Friends are important, but everyone has a different opinion of what makes a good friend. Explain which qualities, in your opinion, make a good friend.
Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “The Great Volcano Debate”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Work on multiplication facts with flashcards at home. Students should be working toward memorizing these. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9 should be the top priority! Let me know if you need flashcards!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Homework for February 25, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Assignments:
*Family Writing: We’ve been working on writing expository essays. They include an introductory paragraph, 1-3 paragraphs explaining the thing you’ve learned, and a concluding paragraph.
This week’s assignment:
We are learning all the time. Some of our learning takes place in school and some outside of school. Write about something you have learned recently and how it has affected you.
Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “A Student’s Journal”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Your child needs to continue working on memorizing the addition and subtraction facts. I gave a quick assessment recently, and most students have slipped in their scores!

*Work on multiplication facts with flashcards at home.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Homework for February 18, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Assignments:
*Family Writing: We’ve been working on writing expository essays. They include an introductory paragraph,, 1-3 paragraphs explaining each activity, and a concluding paragraph.
This week’s assignment:
Imagine that you had no TV, computer, or video games for one week. Think of some activities that you can do instead to keep you busy and out of trouble. Write an essay to explain what you can do to keep occupied in a week of no TV, computer, or video games.
Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “A Teacher’s Journal”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Your child needs to continue working on memorizing the addition and subtraction facts. I gave a quick assessment recently, and most students have slipped in their scores!

*Work on multiplication facts with flashcards at home.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Orthodontist Field Trip February 10, 2010

Homework for February 11, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Assignments:
*Family Writing: Write a summary (about one notebook page) of a favorite book. Tell about the setting, characters, main events (including the plot--problem and solution), and conclusion. Give a person who is unfamiliar with the book an idea of what it is about. Include a beginning, middle, and ending.

Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “Why Soccer”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Your child needs to continue working on memorizing the addition and subtraction facts. I gave a quick assessment recently, and most students have slipped in their scores!

*Work on multiplication facts with flashcards at home.

Friday, February 05, 2010

Homework for February 4, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Assignments:
*Family Writing: Write about the Heifer Project. Explain the importance of the project and how it will help people. Tell about what you are doing to help support our school effort in helping others in the world. Include a beginning, middle, and ending. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “History of Soccer”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for the state math assessment.

*Your child needs to continue working on memorizing the addition and subtraction facts. I gave a quick assessment recently, and most students have slipped in their scores!

*Work on multiplication facts with flashcards at home.

Create:
Each year, Forest Ridge students create a “mailbox” to place their valentines. It’s a fun way to use recycled materials in a creative way for a purpose. Please do not have your child bring in their creation until February 10.

A class list is attached to the parent note for valentines. Please do not send the valentines to school until the 10th!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Homework Tonight!!

We began a new math unit on geometry today. The emphasis is on flips (reflections), turns (rotations), slides (translations), congruent (same size and shaped objects), and area. A parent note will be sent home on Monday, January 25. Attached to the parent note is a homework activity for your child to complete. The homework should be turned in by Tuesday, January 26, because what your child does tonight will help with tomorrow's math.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Homework for January 21, 2010

Due Date: By Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Check out our Blog site! Try out the math vocabulary game that will help in learning and reviewing vocabulary for the state math assessment in mid-January.
http://forestridge.salkeiz.k12.or.us/


Assignments:
*Poetry Speech:
Next week students will be presenting their poems (that they had memorized for reciting this week) within a speech. The introduction to their speech needs to be how and why they selected their poem (a short personal story), their poem presented again with expression, and to conclude, tell how they practiced their poem and the hardest/and or best part about memorizing and presenting their poem to others.

*Family Writing: Write one paragraph on how or why you selected the poem that you memorized. Write one paragraph about how you practiced and memorized your poem and the best/hardest part about memorizing your poem. This information may be used in your “Poetry Speech”, but you may not use the paragraphs during your speech. A note card with a few words on it (like an outline) may be used during your speech. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “Power Snack”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned.

Spelling:
*Dictated sentences to be edited and recopied will be coming home on Friday. They’ll be due on Monday, January 25.

Math:
* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for their first math assessment in late January.

*Your child needs to continue working on memorizing the addition and subtraction facts. I gave a quick assessment recently, and most students have slipped in their scores!

*Work on multiplication facts with flashcards at home.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Lunch at Forest Ridge

Forest Ridge Elementary

GREEN LUNCH TIME

Sustainable Practices



Reach ZERO WASTE!!

Win a Reusable SLURPEE!

Win a pass to the KROC Center!


What is ZERO WASTE?

Zero Waste means nothing is added to the waste stream (garbage).

A way to achieve this for “HOT LUNCH” students is to:

“Take what you want;

Eat what you take.”

Do not take more than you can eat from the self-serve bar. Eat all food, drink all beverage, and throw nothing into the waste stream and you can earn tickets to win a Slurpee or KROC Center pass!


LUNCHES FROM HOME

Please pack as close AS POSSIBLE to 100% Reusable Container Lunches instead of individually wrapped throw away items.











PACKAGING of items is a major use of natural resources such as petroleum products (plastic) that will deplete our fossil fuel reserves and mineral extraction to make aluminum and other packaging materials.

Buy food in bulk and use REFILLABLE/REUSABLE containers instead of disposables, like Capri Sun and other individually wrapped - made for lunch throw away items - that are not recyclable and have to be thrown away into the waste stream.

Thank you for helping us to reduce our carbon footprint and conserve our natural resources for future generations!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Homework for January 14, 2010

Homework for January 14, 2010
Due Date: By Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Try out the math vocabulary game that will help in learning and reviewing vocabulary for the state math assessment in mid-January.

Assignments:
*Poetry Reading: Students need to select a poem that they can memorize and recite with expression. The poem should be about 100-250 words long. Students have had several opportunities to select poetry books at the library. Children should handwrite the poem, author’s and book’s names on paper to give to me when they present their speeches. We’ll begin presenting on January 19.

*Family Writing: Write one to 5 paragraphs about Martin Luther King. I’ve been reading a story about Martin Luther King to the class (Students who go to LRC have missed the story, but have heard us summarize what we’ve learned.) On Friday we will see a movie about him. Here is a link to Discovery (United Streaming) that has several movies about him: http://www.discoveryeducation.com/ . Once you are on the site, sign in with your username: salemkeizer and your password: salem. Under “search”, type in “Martin Luther King”. The Internet is another source of information. Students can also learn about him from you. . Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns.

Literacy:
*Language arts homework, “Mom to the Rescue”, is similar in format and skills to the Oregon third grade reading assessment. It will benefit your child greatly to complete it each week. PLEASE feel free to help your child with it, even on some of the reading, if necessary.

*Read 30 minutes at home each day. The bookmark needs to be filled out and returned.

Spelling:
We’ll be working on prefixes and suffixes, as well as the long i spelling of words (y, igh, ind, i, and i-consonant-e), short e sound being spelled with ea, and the sound of k being spelled with: c, k, ck, qu, and ch.


Math:
*Array cards were sent home before vacation, and were supposed to be brought back for me to check off in my grade book. The games (Multiplication Pairs and Count and Compare) that go with the array cards, were played in class, and need to be reinforced at home.

* Math problems, similar to OAKS (state assessment), are in this packet to help students practice for their first math assessment in late January.

*Your child needs to continue working on memorizing the addition and subtraction facts. I gave a quick assessment recently, and most students have slipped in their scores!

*Work on multiplication facts with flashcards at home.

*Continue playing “Close to 100”. Please play this often at home. It will take a lot of practice! Using a 100 chart could be helpful in adding.