Homework for Thursday, May 19, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Dear Parents:
If you have questions or concerns about the Salem History Project, please phone 503-399-5548 to speak with Miss LaMarche. She’s at Forest Ridge all day Mondays and Thursdays, and in the morning on Fridays.

Dates to Remember:
Friday, May 20 Down by the Riverside
Friday, June 10 Willamette Heritage Museum (Jason Lee House, Parsonage, and Boon House tours, one-room school house experience, Kalapuya Indian presentation/activities)
Assignments—I can’t emphasize enough how important the weekly writing assignment is! Please be sure your child does it!
Child (with parent assistance) Writing: Tell about ONE of the activities you participated in at Down by the Riverside. It could be the morning hog fuel spreading, “Think Like a Botanist”, “Think Like a Zoologist”, “Think Like an Ornithologist”, or “Think Like an Entomologist”.
Write a topic sentence, 3-6 detail sentences, and a conclusion. If you need an outline form, it’s on our Blog site.
Working and 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 Hamster from Room 144” 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 with some of the reading, if necessary.

Don’t forget to help your child to remember to read 30 minutes each evening 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:
Practice multiplication math facts online. Use the link “Multiplication Quizzes”. Check your child’s progress. Print a copy of your child’s preassessment quiz for him/her to turn in.

Poetry Contest Winners! They Are Published Poets!

The Calm River

A calm river with
fish jumping
over your bumps. A calm
river behind the rocks. The beautiful
plants in the water. Floating
down the river. Me in
the warm water. It is very
shiny. I smell the flowers
around you. River do you
ever slow down then go
fast again? Do your chuckles
impress people? I feel beautiful
because your river
shows my reflection in the water.
Why?
Why?
Why?
You are beautiful.
I cry.

By Alyssa Richardson

River River
River
River
Feel my shiver
In your fog
I walk my dog
In the morning
DEW
Splashing
In the
Water
Woo hoo!
Look in the
Water it’s an
Otter
Up in the sky
Hear a hawk
Cry
River
River
Feel my shiver
Walking by the
Willamette
River.
By Aharon Garcia

A River holds…
life…
memories…
peace…

by Michael May

Life
Life
Runs
Down
Me
Like
Your
Water
Hand
To
Hand
We stand
and say
This is
Our
River.

By Hannah Williams

Contract for Salem History Project

SALEM PROJECT LEARNING CONTRACT

I, ___________________________,

plan to do the following Salem Project activities:
Project number PROJECT
DESCRIPTION Points
Possible Actual Points Earned












I am working for a total of at least 120 points. My project will be completed on or before June 1, 2010. I will do a neat, accurate job using my best effort. I will use correct spelling and complete sentences. I will work on my activities a little each week and I will not wait to do them at the last minute.


Student signature: ________________________________________

Witness signature (parent): __________________________________

RETURN THIS SHEET TO SCHOOL BY: Wednesday, May 11, 2011.

Salem Project Choices

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. Create a comic book about the history of Salem. It needs to have at least ten cells. All ten cells need to have dialogue. (50 points)

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

22. Put one of your completed projects (take pictures of it or make a PowerPoint) from above on Voicethread.com . Our username is: ryan_ginny@salkeiz.k12.or.us . Our password: student. Or create your own voicethread and send me the address. (30 points)

Websites (They are posted 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!

Salem Unit Information Sheet

May 5, 2011



Dear Third Grade Parents,

We will begin our Salem-at-Home-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 part of the project is to be done at home. All projects are to be completed by June 1. All third graders will be going to the Mission Mill Museum for an all-day field trip on June 10. This will give the students a first hand look at the Jason Lee House, the Boone House, the Parsonage and learn about the Kalapuyans and what school was like in the mid 1800’s.

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 1 deadline 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 me at school.
(503) 399-5548.

Please return the first page of the attached project entitled Salem Project Learning Contract by Wednesday, May 11.


Sincerely,
Kaila LaMarche


Have fun!

Homework for Thursday, May 5, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Dear Parents:
Miss LaMarche will be teaching the entire week next week. If you have questions or concerns, please phone 503-399-5548 to speak with her. She has assigned Salem projects for the students. The information sheets are attached.
Assignments—I can’t emphasize enough how important the weekly writing assignment is! Please be sure your child does it!
Child (with parent assistance) Writing: Which of the Salem projects do you plan to do? Why did you choose the ones you did?
Write a topic sentence, 3-6 detail sentences, and a conclusion. If you need an outline form, it’s on our Blog site.
Working and 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” 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 with some of the reading, if necessary.

Don’t forget to help your child to remember to read 30 minutes each evening 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:
Practice multiplication math facts online. Use the link “Multiplication Quizzes”. Check your child’s progress.

If your child hasn’t met the state standard in math (If your child can’t tell you, please give me a call!), please go over the list of vocabulary words (on our classroom Blog.). There are two websites that have most of the word definitions. Click on the link “Math Definitions” and “Math Definitions (Harcourt)” on our classroom blog. Students should look up the words they don’t know. Writing definitions and/or pictures will help them to remember.

Paragraph Outline

Paragraph Outline -

Math Vocabulary

Math Vocabulary List -

Homework for Wednesday, April 27, 2011

I’m sending this home early this week because of “Bring Your Child to Work Day” and no school on Friday.
Due Date: Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Dear Parents:
This week, Miss LaMarche began teaching the Salem history unit. There will be a list of home projects, for students to choose from, that will be coming home next week.
Assignments—I can’t emphasize enough how important the weekly writing assignment is! Please be sure your child does it!
Child (with parent assistance) 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?
Write a topic sentence, 3-6 detail sentences, and a conclusion.
Working and 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.

Don’t forget to help your child to remember to read 30 minutes each evening 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: All students will be retaking the math state assessment next week. (It was postponed from this week, due to students participating in “Take Your Child to Work Day” on the day we were scheduled to take it!) Please use the list of vocabulary words, that I sent home last week, that may be on the state assessment (I will put the words on our classroom Blog.). We’ve been reviewing the words at school. Please go over the list with your child. There is a website that has most of the word definitions on it. Click on the link “Math Definitions” and “Math Definitions (Harcourt)” on our classroom blog. Students should look up the words they don’t know. Writing definitions and/or pictures will help them to remember.

Homework for Thursday, April 21, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Dear Parents:
If you haven’t received a flyer about bringing an item for our class basket (sports theme), please ask your child about it. Our classroom contact person is Darcy May at Woodburnbowl@yahoo.com. Thank you to the families who have donated! Donations need to be in by tomorrow, April 22!
Assignments:
Think about your favorite year of school. Explain why it was your favorite year. Write a topic sentence, 3-6 detail sentences, and a conclusion.
Working and 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.

Don’t forget to help your child to remember to read 30 minutes each evening 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: All students will be retaking the math state assessment next week. Attached is a list of vocabulary words that may be on the state assessment. We’ve been reviewing the words at school. Please go over the list with your child. There is a website that has most of the word definitions on it. Click on the link “Math Definitions” on our classroom blog. Students should look up the words they don’t know and look them up. Writing definitions and/or pictures will help them to remember.

Homework for Thursday, April 14, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Dear Parents:
If you haven’t received a flyer about bringing an item for our class basket (sports theme), please ask your child about it. Our classroom contact person is Darcy May at Woodburnbowl@yahoo.com. Thank you to the family who donated a tennis racket! Donations need to be in by April 22!
Assignments:
Your brother or sister (IF you are an only child, you may write it for your mom or dad) 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.
Working and 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.

Don’t forget to help your child to remember to read 30 minutes each evening 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: The homework packet has a practice sheet that has similar questions to the math state assessment.

Homework for Thursday, April 7, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Dear Parents:
If you haven’t received a flyer about bringing an item for our class basket (sports theme), please ask your child about it. Our classroom contact person is Darcy May at Woodburnbowl@yahoo.com. She’ll let you know what she still needs.
Assignments:
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.
Working and 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…” 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 30 minutes each evening 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: The homework packet has a practice sheet that has similar questions to the math state assessment.

Homework for Thursday, March 31, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Dear Parents:
Please make sure your child completes ALL the assignments and returns them by Wednesday, April 6. Thank you!
Assignments:
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 or video characters!
Working and 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” 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 30 minutes each evening 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: The homework packet has a practice sheet that has similar questions to the math state assessment.

Online Help with Math

One of our parents purchased a membership to and incredible mth website, and I've seen remarkable improvement in their child's math understanding. The site uses Oregon state math standards. The student who is using it, says it's fun, too! I'll add it to our links.
http://www.ixl.com/math/standards/

Homework for Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Dear Parents:
Please make sure your child completes ALL the assignments and returns them by Wednesday, March 30. Thank you!
Assignments:
Family Writing: We all have things we like to do with our friends or family. Think about something you really like to do with your friends or family. Why do you really like to do this thing? Explain what you like to do and why you like to do it.
Working and 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 End of a Volcano Tale” 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 30 minutes each evening 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: The homework packet has a practice sheet that has similar questions to the math state assessment.

Homework for Thursday, March 10, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Dear Parents:
Please make sure your child completes ALL the assignments and returns them by Wednesday, March 16. Thank you!
Assignments:
Family Writing: Read one short story or finish up a chapter book at your reading level. Retell the story to your parent. Fill in the summary sheet that’s attached. Proofread your paper carefully.
Working and 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” 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 30 minutes each evening 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: The homework packet has a practice sheet that has similar questions to the math state assessment.

Homework for Thursday, March 3, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Dear Parents:
Please make sure your child completes ALL the assignments and returns them by Wednesday, March 9. Thank you!
Assignments:
Family Writing: Everyone has jobs or chores. Tell the importance of one of these jobs or chores. First, brainstorm the importance of one of these chores. Then, go through your list and choose three really strong reasons why this chore is important. Next, think what your topic is, and write a topic sentence. Write a detail sentence about one of your brainstormed reasons. Write another sentence about that same reason, backing up your answer with a specific example. Do the same with the next two reasons. Finally, write a concluding sentence. You should have a total of 8 strong sentences. Proofread your paper carefully.
Working and 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” 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 30 minutes each evening 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: The packet includes a quilt pattern for multiplication practice and a practice sheet that has similar questions to the math state assessment.

Homework for Thursday, February 24, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Dear Parents:
Please make sure your child completes ALL the assignments and returns them by Wednesday, March 2. Thank you!
Assignments:
Family Writing: Think of the ideal job for you when you grow up. Brainstorm all the reasons you can think of that explains why this is the ideal job for you. Go through your list and choose three really strong reasons. Think what your topic is, and write a topic sentence. Write a detail sentence about one of your brainstormed reasons. Write another sentence about that same reason, backing up your answer with a specific example. Do the same with the next two reasons. Write a concluding sentence. You should have a total of 8 strong sentences. Proofread your paper carefully.
Working and 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” 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 30 minutes each evening 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: There is a practice sheet for fractions in the packet.

Homework for Thursday, February 17, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Dear Parents:
Assignments:
Family Writing: Brainstorm all the reasons you can think of that explains why Forest Ridge is the best school to attend. Go through your list and choose three really strong reasons. Think what your topic is, and write a topic sentence. Write a detail sentence about one of your brainstormed reasons. Write another sentence about that same reason, backing up your answer with a specific example. Do the same with the next two reasons. Write a concluding sentence. You should have a total of 8 strong sentences. Proofread your paper carefully.
Working and 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 and Math:
We’re skipping the regular reading and math assignments this week. Instead I would like for you and your child to spend some time going over the math vocabulary on our website (http://forestridge.salkeiz.k12.or.us/). There is a game posted for you to play with your child. Students do not need to know the averages, mean, mode, and median.

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.

Homework for Thursday, February 10, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Dear Parents:
Check out our Blog site! There’s a vocabulary entry to help with the math state assessment. At the bottom of our classroom Blog page, you can subscribe to our Blog, so new postings will show up on your Google homepage.
http://forestridge.salkeiz.k12.or.us/

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.

Working and 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.
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:
* Check out the “Math Vocabulary for State Assessment” on our Blog site. Learning these vocabulary words will help your child do better on the state math assessment! Some of the words will be new to your child. Remember they are a list for grades 3-5. Use the vocabulary words in a game. Pause after each question for thinking or discussion time. With the right answer, your child can roll the dice and advance on any game board.
*Multiplication practice sheet is attached.
* Math problems—Calculators may be used for the math problem sheet, especially for # 9 and #10. The sheet is attached.
*Continue playing the games, Capture the Fraction and Fraction Fish. The directions and game cards are attached to the packet.
*Continue playing the game “Fraction Card Game” that I sent home awhile back.
*Continue playing the 2 math games that I sent home earlier this year, “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”.

Valentines:
*Students are to make a valentines holder out of recycled materials at home. It needs to stay at home until Monday, February 14. Valentines for every child (attached is a student list) may be brought to school on Monday, February 14.

Japanese Guests Visit B1!

Current Moon Phases

I've added a new 'link' to the current moon phase.

Homework for Thursday, February 3, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Dear Parents:
The first state reading assessment is next week! At this time, we’re scheduled for Thursday.
Check out our Blog site! There’s a vocabulary entry to help with the math state assessment. At the bottom of our classroom Blog page, you can subscribe to our Blog, so new postings will show up on your Google homepage.
http://forestridge.salkeiz.k12.or.us/

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. Working and 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.
Websites: http://www.heifer.org/ (Explore this site. The other links I added are from this website.
http://www.youtube.com/HeiferInternational
http://www.heiferinvite.org/heifercards/interactiveposter/index.html

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.
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:
* Check out the “Math Vocabulary for State Assessment” on our Blog site. Learning these vocabulary words will help your child do better on the state math assessment! Some of the words will be new to your child. Remember they are a list for grades 3-5. Use the vocabulary words in a game. Pause after each question for thinking or discussion time. With the right answer, your child can roll the dice and advance on any game board.
* Math problems—These are mostly area and perimeter questions. Encourage use of a table for #1. It’s OK to use a calculator on #3, if needed. Review: perimeter—distance around a figure
Area- how many square units are inside the shape (the amount of space a figure or shape occupies)
*I’m sending home 2 new games, Capture the Fraction and Fraction Fish. The directions and game cards are attached to the packet.
*Continue playing the game “Fraction Card Game” that I sent home awhile back.
*Continue playing the 2 math games that I sent home earlier this year, “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”.

Valentines:
*Students are to make a valentines holder out of recycled materials at home. It needs to stay at home until Monday, February 14. Valentines for every child (attached is a student list) may be brought to school on Monday, February 14.

Raptor Visit January 2011

Homework for Thursday, January 20, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Dear Parents:
There’s a new entry just below this one that will help with the math state assessment. At the bottom of our classroom Blog page, you can subscribe to our Blog, so new postings will show up on your Google homepage.

Assignments:
Family Activity and Writing: Write one paragraph about Martin Luther King. Include a topic sentence, 3-6 detail sentences to support the topic sentence, and a concluding sentence. I’ve been reading a story about Martin Luther King to the class. Last Friday we will saw 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 and password (It's on the paper copy I sent home with students on Thursday, 1/20/11) Under “search”, key in “Martin Luther King”. The internet is another source of information. Students can also learn about him from you. Working and 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.
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:
* Check out the “Math Vocabulary for State Assessment” on our Blog site. Learning these vocabulary words will help your child do better on the state math assessment! Some of the words will be new to your child. Remember they are a list for grades 3-5. Use the vocabulary words in a game. Pause after each question for thinking or discussion time. With the right answer, your child can roll the dice and advance on any game board.
* Math problems—These problems are a bit different than the previous ones I’ve sent home. A calculator may be used to solve these problems. They are larger digit problems than what we’ve worked with in the classroom.

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

*Continue playing the game “Fraction Card Game” that I sent home last 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.

Thank you!
Ginny Ryan

Math Vocabulary for State Assessment

Math Vocabulary from Ginny Ryan on Vimeo.

Learning these vocabulary words will help your child do better on the state math assessment! Some of the words will be new to your child. Remember they are a list for grades 3-5. Use the vocabulary words in a game. Pause after each question for thinking or discussion time. With the right answer, your child can roll the dice and advance on any gameboard.

Homework for Thursday, January 13, 2011

Due Date: Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Assignments:
Family Activity and Writing: Reuse something that you’d normally put into the trash or recycling bin. Write a paragraph telling what the object is and how you reused it. Be sure the paragraph has a topic sentence, 3-5 supporting detail sentences and a conclusion. Working and 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.
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.

*Before vacation, I sent home instructions for making fraction cards at home. Do the suggested activities at home, “Ideas to Try at Home”.

*On the backside of this letter are directions for a game, using the fraction cards. The direction sheet is called “How to Play the Fraction Card Game.”

*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.

Homework for Thursday, January 6, 2010

Due Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2010

Assignments:
Family Writing: Write a letter to someone. It could be a thank you note for a gift, or just a friendly letter. There are 5 parts to a friendly letter (Heading—date, Greeting—Dear ________, Body—what you want to say-indenting paragraphs, Closing—Sincerely, Yours truly, Your friend, Love, and the Signature—your name. Be sure you use “Friendly Letter” format! I will return it with no marks on it, so it can be mailed or given to the 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, “Soccer Blues”, 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.

*Before vacation, 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.

Free Nature Kids' Class

Second through fifth graders can learn about the industrious little pika that lives high in Oregon’s mountains, and how it is being affected by our changing climate in a FREE after-school class offered by the Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center. Children will learn about how pikas survive in their rocky homes during harsh winter conditions, what they eat, and their role in the food chain. The class is taught by Bobbie Snead.

The class for second and third graders is on Thursday, January 13, 2011.
The class for fourth and fifth graders is on Thursday, January 20, 2011.

The classes run from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Straub Environmental Learning Center, 1320 A St. NE, next to Olinger Pool, near North Salem High School.

The class is free but registration is required. To register, call Alexandra at 503-391-4145 or register at alexandra@fselc.org.

The class is part of the Nature Kids series sponsored by the Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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)

Book Character Dress-Up Day 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.

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

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.

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.

Jog-a-thon 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.

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).

Curriculum Night Agenda

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.

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.

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

Have a Great Summer!

Field Day 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

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

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.