Spelling Words for December 10-14, 2007

Sitton Words:
1. soon
2. story
3. since
4. white
5. ever
Content Words:
6. Christmas
7. holiday
8. season
9. perimeter
10. area
11. angle
12. center
13. radius
14. diameter
15. geometry
Challenge Words:
16. approach
17. approve
18. glory
19. magnificent
20. meek
21. prompt
22. revive
23. tradition
24. watchful
25. wreckage

Standards and Essential Questions for the Week of December 10-14, 2007

These are the standards that we have planned for the week. The state department is asking us to post the standards in our classrooms. Our essential questions and lessons have to match the standards. I know that I have too many this week, but I am experimenting with this new format. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Reading- What are non-fiction text conventions? What are conclusions? How can I practice fluency? What are idioms?
{LA.3.ELA3R1.c} Reads third-grade text at a target rate of 120 words correct per minute.
{LA.3.ELA3R2.d} Identifies the meaning of common idioms and figurative phrases, and incorporates them into oral and written language.
{LA.3.ELA3R3.h} Interprets information from illustrations, diagrams, charts, graphs, and graphic organizers.
{LA.3.ELA3R3.o} Uses titles, table of contents, and chapter headings to locate information quickly and accurately and to preview text.

Writing- How can I publish a piece of writing? How can I use strong verbs and adjectives to enhance my writing?
Spelling- Unit 14
Vocabulary- Unit 9
Grammar- What is figurative language? What are verbs?
{LA.3.ELA3R2.b} Uses grade-appropriate words with multiple meanings. (GA Performance Stds )
{LA.3.ELA3R2.d} Identifies the meaning of common idioms and figurative phrases, and incorporates them into oral and written language. (GA Performance Stds )
{LA.3.ELA3W1.c} Writes text of a length appropriate to address the topic or tell the story. (GA Performance Stds )
{LA.3.ELA3W1.f} Begins to use specific sensory details (e.g., strong verbs, adjectives) to enhance descriptive effect. (GA Performance Stds )
{LA.3.ELA3W1.g} Begins to develop characters through action and dialogue. (GA Performance Stds )
{LA.3.ELA3W1.h} Begins to use descriptive adjectives and verbs to communicate setting, character, and plot. (GA Performance Stds )
{LA.3.ELA3W1.i} Begins to include relevant examples, facts, anecdotes, and details appropriate to the audience. (GA Performance Stds )
{LA.3.ELA3W1.n} Publishes by presenting an edited piece of writing to others. (GA Performance Stds )
{LA.3.ELA3C1.l} Uses common rules of spelling and corrects words using dictionaries and other resources. (GA Performance Stds )
{LA.3.ELA3C1.n} Writes legibly in cursive, leaving space between letters in a word and between words in a sentence. (GA Performance Stds )

Math- What is geometry?
{MA.3.M3M3.a} Understand the meaning of the linear unit and measurement in perimeter.
{MA.3.M3M3.b} Understand the concept of perimeter as being the boundary of a simple geometric figure.
{MA.3.M3M3.c} Determine the perimeter of a simple geometric figure by measuring and summing the lengths of the sides.
{MA.3.M3M4.a} Understand the meaning of the square unit and measurement in area.
{MA.3.M3M4.b} Model (by tiling) the area of a simple geometric figure using square units (square inch, square foot, etc.).
{MA.3.M3M4.c} Determine the area of squares and rectangles by counting, addition, and multiplication with models.
{MA.3.M3G1.a} Draw and classify previously learned fundamental geometric figures and scalene, isosceles and equilateral triangles.
{MA.3.M3G1.b} Identify and explain the properties of fundamental geometric figures.
{MA.3.M3G1.c} Examine and compare angles of fundamental geometric figures.
{MA.3.M3G1.d} Identify the center, diameter, and radius of a circle.

Essential Questions for December 3-7, 2007

Reading- How do you read and follow directions for a recipe? What are conclusions? We will review the reading skills of main idea, facts, inferences, context clues and sequence. Guided Reading groups will read the story My Greatest Wish. Non-fiction conventions will continue to be covered using the Georgia Weekly Newspaper.

Writing- What are some elements of poetry? We will discuss rhyme, meter, stanza, syllables, patterns. The students will write their own version of the 12 Days of Christmas or Chanukah. We will also begin to write Twas the Night before..... using different versions of the story.

Spelling- Unit 13

Vocabulary- Cumulative Review of Units 1-8

Grammar- What are subjects and predicates?

Math- How is multiplication related to division? What is geometry? What are different types of angles? What are the different types of lines? What are 2D and 3D shapes? What are real life examples of geometry?

Science- What is a microscope used for? What is the proper way to use a microscope? What are the parts of a microscope?

Social Studies- What are rural, suburban, and urban communities?

Health- What is the right thing to do?

Character Education- How can we show gratitude? The students will write a literature response to Silver Packages describing what gratitude means.

Spelling Words for December 3-7, 2007

Spelling Words
1. night
2. picture
3. being
4. study
5. second
6. December
7.
8.
9.
10.
Bonus Words
11. Hanukkah
12. Chanukah

Essential Questions for November 26-30, 2007

READING- What are biographies? Guided Reading Groups will read different biographies of famous people

WRITING- How can idioms add voice to your writing? What traits do you look for when scoring voice in writing? What text conventions do writers use in biographies?

SPELLING- Sitton Unit 12

VOCABULARY- Review Units 5-8, Quiz on Friday will be cummulative for Units 5-8

GRAMMAR- What do different idioms express as figures of speech?

MATH- How is multiplication related to division? What is geometry? What are the different types of triangles? What are the different shapes that you need to know in Geometry?

SCIENCE- What are the seven wonders of Georgia? Partner Salt Dough Map activity in class on Friday

SOCIAL STUDIES- What is government?

HEALTH- What are different ways that help you stay healthy?

CHARACTER EDUCATION- How can you provide service to others? What are some useful, usable, and required duties that you provide to others?

Spelling Words for November 26-30, 2007

Sitton Words:
1. mother
2. light
3. country
4. father
5. let
Content Words:
6. important
7. November
8. product
9. factor
10. geometry
11. angle
12. side
13. edge
14. vocabulary
15. review
Challenge Words:
16. challenge
17. multiplication
18. divisor
19. dividend
20. quotient
21. symmetry
22. quadrilateral
23. scalene
24. isoceles
25. right triangle

Important Events

Tuesday- Barnes and Noble Night
Wednesday- Ron Papaleoni Water Conservation Program
Thursday- Thanksgiving Feast at 12:00
Friday- Dress like your favorite character for Spirit Day

Essential Questions for November 12-16, 2007

Reading- How do you find important facts in non-fiction resources?
Writing- How do you take notes? How do you summarize information?
Grammar- What are homophones?
Spelling- Unit 11
Vocabulary- Unit 8
Math- What are the 6 times tables?
Science- What is conservation?
Social Studies- Who were our Founding Fathers?
Character Education- What is patriotism?

Spelling Words for the Week of November 12-16, 2007

Sitton Words
1. need
2. far
3. hand
4. high
5. year

Content Words
6. founding
7. father
8. thankful
9. Thanksgiving
10. country
11. veteran
12. military
13. service
14. honor
15. patriotic

Vocabulary Words
1. actual
2. brink
3. chill
4. conquer
5. fortunate
6. fury
7. intend
8. pattern
9. vibrant
10. wit

Water Conservation

Go to this cool website to check your family's water usage!http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/sq3.html

Essential Questions for October 29-November 9, 2007

Reading- Ahyoka and the Talking Leaves- Cherokee Historical Fiction chapter book- What is historical fiction? What are the story elements? What are non-fiction text conventions?
Writing- What is informative writing? How do you research for information in an encyclopedia? What resources do we have for research online? How do you take notes? Why should you use a graphic organizer?
Grammar- What are subjects and predicates?
Spelling- Unit 10
Vocabulary- Unit 7
Math- What is multiplication? What are strategies that can help me master my 4 times tables? How is multiplication related to addition? What are the properties of multiplication?
Science- What is conservation?
Social Studies- Who were the Cherokees and how were they important to the founding of Georgia?
Health- Why are drugs unhealthy?
Character Education- What is school pride? Why is it important to keep our school clean? How does taking care of your school’s environment effect your achievement and success?

Spelling Words for October 29- November 2, 2007

Sitton Words
1. almost
2. live
3. page
4. got
5. earth
Content Words:
6. Halloween
7. pride
8. clean
9. fire
10. appreciate
11. thank you
12. sincerely
13. conventions
14. school
15. conference
Challenge Words:
16. ability
17. avoid
18. bashful
19. brief
20. compete
21. consider
22. delightful
23. honor
24. reflex
25. remark

PTSA UPDATES FOR OCTOBER 22-26, 2007

Bus Driver Appreciation Day- Monday, October 22- PTSA will be presenting our wonderful drivers with a small token of appreciation

Red Ribbon Week- October 22-26
Monday- Students will receive a red Drug Free bracelet. They should wear it all week.
Tuesday- Hugs not drugs. The students will be allowed to bring in their favorite stuffed animal.
Wednesday- Put a cap on drugs. The students will be allowed to wear a hat.
Thursday- Team up against drugs. The students will be allowed to wear their favorite sports team attire.
Friday- Wear Red- The students should wear as much red as possible.

Wall of Honor for Veteran's Day- Please return the request form to let us know how many scrolls you will need for your family

Last Day of Stampede to Read is on Friday, October 26th

Book Fair this Week in the Media Center

Donuts with Dads on Tuesday Morning in the Media Center

Yearbook Orders due ?

Square One Art Fundraiser in November

Moms in Touch- contact Moms In Touch- Larissa Sagastume- 770-590-4251

Community Outreach Project for rice, beans, and canned goods end on ?

Sally Foster Online Fundraiser Available @ www.sallyfoster.com, credit to Ford by entering our account number- 500004

Every Wednesday- Chick-fil-a Biscuits

Every Friday- 9:00-10:15- Love and Logic

Essential Questions for October 22-26, 2007

Reading- What details need to be included in a response to literature?
Writing- How do I edit, revise, and publish my five paragraph essay? How can I start my sentences in different ways?
Grammar- What are pronouns? (again- did not cover last week because of field study and early release)
Spelling- Unit 9
Vocabulary- Unit 6
Math- What is multiplication? What is an array and how does it represent multiplication? What are some strategies that will help me learn my 3's?
Science- What is weathering and erosion?
Social Studies- Who were the Cherokee Indians?
Health- Why is important to say no to drugs?
Character Education- What is honor? How do you develop a sense of what is right, just and true? What is a privilege?

Spelling Words for October 22-26, 2007

Sitton Words:
1. four
2. head
3. above
4. kind
5. began
Content Words- others will be generated by students on Monday
6. multiplication
7. array
8. honor
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Challenge Words:
16. ancient
17. climate
18. cling
19. custom
20. decay
21. disturb
22. expose
23. perform
24. remote
25. timid

Spelling Words for October 15-19, 2007

Sitton Words
1. once
2. animal
3. life
4. enough
5. took
Content Words
6. Georgia
7. regions
8. landforms
9. soil
10. clay
Challenge Words
11. accuse
12. clever
13. coast
14. delicate
15. explore
16. imitate
17. pierce
18. rare
19. symbol
20. triumph

Essential Questions for October 15-19, 2007

Reading- How do you infer? How do you identify the main idea in a paragraph? How can visualization strategies help you comprehend a story?

Writing- How do you write a response to literature? What is the structure of a five paragraph essay? How do you vary sentence beginnings? How can you stretch a sentence?

Grammar- What are pronouns?

Spelling- Unit 8- http://school.elps.k12.mi.us/donley/classrooms/berry/room17/spelling/unit8/index.htm

Vocabulary- Unit 5- http://www.sadlier-oxford.com/vocabulary/levels_color.cfm?sp=student&level=green#wordscramble

Math- What is multiplication? What strategies can help me learn my multiplication facts? What are multiplication strategies?

Science- What plants and animals are found in the regions of Georgia? What are the different types of soils? Earth Lesson on Wednesday

Social Studies- What are the regions of Georgia? What landforms are found in the different regions of Georgia? What are the main rivers and mountains of Georgia? Environmental Field Study on Monday

Health- What is nonverbal communication? Why is it important to make positive choices? What are some ways that you can accept responsibility for your actions?

Character Education- What does accountability mean? How can you be responsible for your decisions and actions? How can you be dependable to others?

PTSA UPDATES

Reflections Entries are due on October 10th- Students may submit entries in six arts areas: Literature, Musical Composition, Photography, Visual Arts, Dance/Choreography and Film/Video Production. Student entries must have an Official Entry Form.
THEME: I can make a difference by….
If you have any questions, please contact Marianne Mabry, mabes89@comcast.net.

Pine Straw orders due by October 8th- Just $4 a bale, 7 bale minimum- delivered week of October 22

Family Movie Night will be next Saturday, October 13th at 6:30. PTSA will continue to take pizza orders and payment through next Thursday. Please make checks payable to Ford PTSA. If you are unable to make next week and need a refund for your pizza payment, please contact Polly Losure atllosure@bellsouth.net.

Stampede to Read

Thank you to Mrs. Dunbar for being our Reading Parent. The students are doing well with Stampede to Read, but we need to start racing with our minutes instead of galloping! ???? is leading the class with ??? cards. Way to go Mustang Reader!!

Math Challenge

Join Peggy Pepper for a Math Challenge on Fridays!

Can you do 30 computation facts in one minute?

Are you a Math Wiz?

The math challenge will be held on Friday afternoons in the small cafeteria. Students must complete 30 single digit computation facts in one minute. K,1st, and 2nd will be working on addition and subtraction and 3rd, 4th, and 5th will do multipication and division. If the students master both operations, they will receive a certificate and a coupon. They will also be entered in a math challenge drawing.

It is so important to master your basic facts! I challenge you to participate!

Food For Friends

Oct. 8-Nov. 2

Community Outreach and Ford 4th grader Reilly McDurmon are having a food drive called Food For Friends. We will be collecting dried beans and rice for people in parts of Central America hurt by hurricane Felix as well as canned foods and boxed dinners for our local community.

There is a basket in the room for all the goods we collect. The class that donates the most items will have an ice cream party at lunch courtesy of 4th grader Reilly McDurmon who is leading the drive.

Let's see if Mrs. McAuley's class can take the prize! What a great way to reach out and help others!

Spelling Words for October 8-12, 2007

Sitton Words:
1. feet
2. land
3. side
4. without
5. boy

Content Words:
6. October
7. football
8. season
9. pronoun
10. girl

Challenge Words:
11. autumn
12. strategy
13. integrity
14. cheerfulness
15. positive
16. attitude
17. multiplication
18. numeration
19. dinosaur
20. fossil

Essential Questions for October 8-12, 2007

• Reading- What strategies help me comprehend chapter books? Assign Beverly Cleary Book Report for October.
• Writing- How can I vary my sentence beginnings?
• Grammar- What are pronouns?
• Spelling- Unit 7 and Individual Spelling lists based on pretest and dictation errors
• Vocabulary- Review Units 1-4
• Math- What is elapsed time? How do you tell time to the minute? How are addition and subtraction related? What are the 2's times tables?
• Science- What are fossils?
• Social Studies- What are the seven continents and five oceans?
• Health- What can I do when I am stressed?

Testing Snack Schedule

Essential Questions for September 24-28, 2007

READING- Ramona Quimby, Age 8, What reading strategies can you use when reading a chapter book? (Connections, Questioning, Visualization, Vocabulary, Comparing & Contrasting, Character Traits, and Cause & Effect) What reading strategies can you use to be successful during standardized testing?
WRITING- How can you use varied sentence structure to enhance your writing? How can you use transitional words to organize your writing?
GRAMMAR- What are the different types of nouns? How can you use an apostrophe?
SPELLING- Unit 6
VOCABULARY- Unit 4
MATH- How do you add and subtract using greater numbers? How can you determine elapsed time on a schedule? What are some problem solving strategies? What computation strategies do you use to solve basic multiplication facts?
SOCIAL STUDIES- With Mrs. Miller-
HEALTH-
CHARACTER EDUCATION-

Spelling Words for September 24-28, 2007

Sitton Words:
1. until
2. form
3. food
4. keep
5. children
Content Words:
6. test
7. computer
8. quiet
9.
10. concentrate
Challenge Words:
11. border
12. certain
13. clasp
14. depart
15. fierce
16. journey
17. observe
18. superb
19. treasure
20. wisdom

Read for the Record Campaign

Thank you to Andrea Hunt for donating The Story of Ferdinand to our class! We are so excited about participating in this reading campaign tomorrow. On September 20th, our class will be reading this book to support literacy in America. For more information regarding this organization, please refer to their website at http://www.readfortherecord.org/site/PageServer.

Conferences

I would prefer to conference with you sooner, rather than waiting until January. There are a few options available for you. If you would like clarification on the progress report or if we are concerned about your child's academic progress, then we can meet next week. The options are listed below. Please let me know what you prefer by email and we can set a time and date.

Before School- meet at 6:45-7:15
During Planning- 10:35-10:55 or 10:55-11:15
After School- Monday, Tuesday, or Friday from 2:30-2:50, 3:00-3:20, or 3:30-3:50

If your child is doing well, I would like to wait to meet after the IOWA and COGAT scores come in so that we can discuss your child's results and progress at that time. Please contact me if you would like a conference before then and we will schedule a time to meet.

Curriculum Highlights for September 17-21, 2007

Reading- Ramona Quimby, Age 8, Beverly Cleary chapter book study
Writing- Responding to literature
Spelling- Sitton Unit 5, Synonyms and antonyms
Grammar- Nouns
Vocabulary- Chapter 3
Math- Addition and subtraction algorithms
Science- I will be teaching Mrs. Miller's students science for the next four weeks.
Social Studies- Mrs. McAuley's students will go to Mrs. Miller's class for Social Studies for the next four weeks.
Health- Character Education-

Spelling Words for September 17-21, 2007

Sitton Words:
1. world
2. going
3. want
4. school
5. important
Content Words:
6. friend
7. character
Challenge Words:
8. atmosphere
9. brillant
10. convince
11. endure
12. glance
13. harsh
14. plunge
15. precious
16. swift
17. unite

Frequently Asked Questions about Math Compacting

We will be using the Compacting Instructional Strategy in math this year. Listed below are some frequently asked questions about the Compacting Instructional Strategy. We are excited about the learning opportunities this strategy offers our students.

How can my child compact?
Your child will compact if he/she has mastered a high percentage of the objectives in the unit. We look at pretest scores based on the entire third grade. If your child compacts, he/she will go to the extension teacher during math time. Your child will receive instruction and challenging extensions.

What is compacting?
Compacting is a three step process: (1) assess what the student knows about the material to be studied and what the student still needs to master (2) plan for learning what is not known and excuse the student from what is known (3) plan for time to be spent in extended or broadened study.

What is the process of compacting?
Before each math unit, teachers will administer a pretest to each student. The results of the pretest will determine the most appropriate placement of the individual student. Placement will either be in the concept, regular or extension classroom.

What are the benefits of compacting?
Compacting recognizes a large reservoir of knowledge.
It satisfies a students hunger to learn more about topics.
Independence is encouraged.
Compacting eliminates unnecessary drill and practice.
Compacting addresses the needs of individual learners at various levels.

Should I be concerned if my child does not go to the extension classroom?
No, your child has not experienced many of the objectives on the pretest.

Will the pretest count towards my child's math grade?
No, the pretest is only used to assess prior knowledge before the unit begins.

September 11th

On September 11th, we will be celebrating Our Great Democracy. Please have your child wear red, white, and blue clothes to school in honor of this day.

We will be using the curriculum, “Our Great Democracy," that was donated by the Modern Woodman of America. 3rd grade appreciates the grade level donations that were made by Mr. ______ . Thank you also to Mrs. Birkbeck for ordering these wonderful materials for our team. Please refer to the letter that will come home on 9-11-07 for more information about this program and organization.

We will be learning about how our democracy provides citizens with protection through the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and amendments. We will discuss the duties that citizens have, which include voting, jury duty, paying taxes, and military duty. Finally, we will honor America by showing our pride with the Flag, Pledge of Allegiance, wearing patriotic colors, singing the National Anthem, and by honoring the military. A mini research project will research quick facts about our Founding Fathers and past Presidents.

We will also be writing letters from America to a friend of mine who is a soldier in Irag. His name is Scott Keeney and he flies Black Hawks for the US Army. If you have a special soldier in mind that you would prefer that your child write to instead of Mr. Keeney, just provide the name and address and he/she can write to them.

This preview of Democracy will be in honor of September 11th. More information and instruction about our Government will follow later in a Social Studies unit of study.

Spelling Words for September 10-14, 2007

Sitton Words- Unit 4:
1. often
2. together
3. asked
4. house
5. don't

Content Words:
6. September
7. United
8. States of
9. America
10. red
11. white
12. blue

Challenge Words:
13. igneous
14. sedimentary
15. metamorphic

Essential Questions for September 10-14, 2007

Reading- What are the story elements of traditional literature? What theme or message is the author trying to convey? How can you compare and contrast different literature? What connections do you have to the text? How can predictions and prior knowledge help with comprehension? What are context clues? How do you skim and scan for quick facts?

Writing- What are the traits of word choice? How can your five senses enhance the word choice in your writing? Does your writing have an engaging beginning? How do you write a response to literature? How do you take notes- bulleted list? How can you design a trading card on an important person from history? What are the rules of letter writing?

Grammar- What are singular and plural nouns? How do you spell plural nouns? What are some irregular spellings of plural nouns? What are synonyms and antonyms? How do you use an encyclopedia to locate information?

Vocabulary- How can I use the words in Unit 2 in my everyday vocabulary?

Spelling- How can dictionaries and thesaurus help me with spelling?

Math- How does math compacting work?- Refer to math compacting letter that will come home on Monday. What teacher will my child have for math?- Listed on math compacting letter that will come home on Monday. What will my child be learning in his/her math class? Refer to objectives will come home on Monday.
Our class will be using algebra to explain number relationships and balance equations. We will also start addition and subtraction with regrouping.

Science- What are the three types of rocks and how are they formed?

Social Studies- What is Democracy? Did you know that they have added another ocean? We will have to “throw out” the original seven continent and four ocean grades because they are now obsolete! We will continue to work on the continents and oceans during morning work.

Health- We will have our first guidance lesson with Mrs. Charette on Wednesday from 9:30-10:00.

Character Education- What is honesty and how is it connected to integrity?

PTSA Memo- Kroger Card

Dear Parents,

It’s time to re-register your Kroger Card with Ford Elementary for this year. Please take the attached letter to Kroger the next time your shop there to register your KrogerPlus card with Ford. Last year we only had 39 families registered. Let’s see if we can make a BIG improvments on that for this year!

For more information, log on to http://www.krogerearningpluslearning.com/.

Thank you for your support! This is a VERY easy way to earn money for our school!
Ford Elementary PTSA

PTSA Update- Box Tops and Tyson Labels

Remember to turn in all your Box Tops & Tyson Labels! All submissions should be in an envelope or Zip-Lock bag with the teacher’s name and grade noted on the outside. Please deposit them in the new Pink Box in the front lobby. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Ford PTSA Discount Card

Ford PTSA Discount Cards
$20 each

Approximately $19 for each card sold comes back to Ford PTSA to support our programs for the students and the classrooms!

The Discount Card is good for as many times at each merchant as you wish through
July 31. 2008.

If you visit each participating merchant just once, you will get a savings of
OVER $100 in discounts!

2 cards will go home with each student on Friday, September 7th.
You need to return payment for the cards or the cards themselves by
Friday, September 28th.

Additional cards will be available through each class’s Fundraising Parent.

Sell these cards to everyone you know – relatives in the area, neighbors, church friends, sports friends….

Who doesn’t like a great discount every now and then???
Go to www.fordptsa.com and click on the discount link to see a sample copy of the card.

Open House Agenda

OPEN HOUSE AGENDASeptember 6, 2007
1. Welcome: Thank you for coming!
2. Who are our VIP's?
a. Room Moms- Mary Hughes, Kim Barfield, and Mary Kalafut
b. Earth Mom- Karen Lindsley
c. Art Dad- Chris Kalafut
d. Fundraising Parent- McCullough
e. Reading Parent- still a need
3. What opportunities do I have to work in the classroom?
a. Classroom Volunteers- Monday- Thursday from 9-10 to work on specific reading skills with students, prepare classroom materials, work one-on-one with a student, or help Mrs. McAuley with procedures
b. Mystery Readers- Friday's from 11:40-12:00- read aloud to the class- book will be provided unless you have a special one that you want to share with the class
4. If you have not joined PTSA or signed up for the PTSA newsletter yet, PLEASE DO SO ASAP!
5. Take your quiz! You will be graded by your child!
6. Please look through some of these materials: Writing Journal, Math Journal, Vocabulary Book, Art Sketch Book, New Math textbook, Junior Great Book, and the Newspapers that are published in the hallway.
7. Your child would appreciate a quick note in their writing journal. It would be a nice surprise for them to find when they open it to do their work next time.
8. What does a typical day look like for my child? Daily Schedule- see attached
9. What are Ford’s School Improvement Goals?- see attached
10. What are Georgia’s Performance Standards?- see attached
11. Reading- Guided Reading, small group and whole group instruction, Specific Reading Skills- Facts, Main Idea, Context Clues, Inference, Sequence, and Conclusions, chapter books, book reports, literature circles, and Junior Great Books
12. Reading requirement= Four 15 minute periods per week- Initial log and keep in their binder. I check these for minutes every Monday. This requirement is part of the Reading Portfolio for Third Grade. I am very impressed with the amount of reading that the students are completing at home. Many of them are also diligent readers at school who use their time wisely during the day.
13. Reading: We will have Guided Reading groups each day of the week. Mrs. Hebert and Mrs. Ferguson will also be teaching small groups during this time. The books for each group will be based on the student’s instructional level.
14. Accelerated Reading goals will be made for each nine weeks. There will be a special reward for the students who meet their AR goals each nine weeks.
15. Sitton Spelling: - We will be following the county-adopted Sitton Spelling program. The goal of this program is to help your child become proficient in using high frequency words correctly in all of his/her writing. Each week we will introduce five new words and use them to practice patterns that apply to spelling. These are their core words, and will become their No Excuse Words. On Thursday, a pretest will be administered in order to generate the student's spelling words for the following week. The dictation sentences will be one of the post tests that will be administered on Friday as a spelling grade. The Sitton dictation sentences continually recycle previous high frequency words that the student should already know.
16. Individualized Spelling Words: A Sitton Review will be administered each Thursday as a pretest for the following week. The words that a student is unable to spell on the pretest will be added to his/her spelling list in their agenda for the following week. These words become the spelling words that the student needs to learn for the spelling test on Friday. For the remaining words, each student will choose pattern words, content words, or challenge words based on their ability level. The blog will list the words from which the spelling lists will be generated. Partners will administer the spelling tests on Friday. Please refer to your child’s agenda for their individualized spelling list for the week. Each student will have 10-15 words each week.
17. Language Arts- writing- journals, Writing Process- Prewriting, drafting, editing, revising, publishing, 6 + 1 Writing Traits- Ideas, Organization, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Voice, Conventions, & Publishing, Grammar- Parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, Daily Oral Language, Vocabulary, and cursive handwriting
18. Math- number sense, addition, subtraction, time, measurement, geometry, data and statistics, multiplication, division, and a huge emphasis on problem solving
19. Math Compacting: There is a new Math curriculum, which will affect the previous Math Compacting model. There is a unit of study for each of the nine weeks. Compacting will take place the last few weeks of the unit. You will be notified if this occurs. The letter will let you know which group your child will be placed in and which teacher they will be working with for extension, regular, or concept placement.
20. Math Facts: Each week your child will take a 7 minute/100 problem math facts quiz. To progress to the next level (+,-,x, /), they must achieve 90% accuracy. To become a Math Buster, they must work towards 100% accuracy. Please practice these basic math facts as often as possible. We will also practice multiplication facts with Super Star Math.
21. Science: Scientific Process Skills, Scientific Method, Experiments, Microscopes, Rocks and Minerals, Fossils, Soil, Magnets, Heat, and Georgia Habitats & Organisms.
22. Social Studies: Maps skills, communities, landforms, citizenship, government, economics, Georgia history, Native Americans (Creek and Cherokee). Mrs. Miller will be teaching Social Studies to the students for four weeks of the semester during integrated studies. We will continue to supplement the Social Studies curriculum in our classroom during guided reading and with map skills during Morning Work.
23. Health: Classroom Guidance, Safety, nutrition, growth and development, disease prevention, family living, personal health, mental health, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
24. Technology in the classroom- computer lab, lap tops, internet use, resources to use at home, and Blog
25. Character Education
26. Monthly Projects at Home- Book Reports, Research Projects, ect.
27. New and improved teaching strategies that are expected to be implemented in Ford classrooms this year- More manipulatives, less worksheets, instruction that is based on the Georgia Performance Standards, differentiation strategies, extension opportunities for students who show mastery of content on pre-assessments, essential questions that guide lessons, cooperative groups, partners, choices, project based assessments, Books of the Month, and the Principal's Monthly Challenge
28. What is inclusion? How can collaborative teaching benefit my child? What are some of the ways that Mrs. Hebert and Mrs. Coalson will be used in the classroom during instruction?
29. Million Dollar Store- How much can you spend? How do you earn money? How can your child earn a million dollars when you volunteer?
30. School Wide Discipline- “Give me Five”, BUGS tickets, after school detention
31. Lunch: 12:00-12:30- Breakfast= $1.00, Lunch= $1.60, Adult Lunch= $2.50- Please notify the lunchroom in writing if your child is not allowed to purchase “extras.”
32. Specials: 10:15-11:15- PE every other day- PE, Music, PE, Art, PE, and Writing Lab- Students must wear tennis shoes for PE and Music!
33. Snack: 9:00- Healthy, easy to handle snack and water bottle
34. Weekly information, curriculum/essential questions, homework, specials schedule, and upcoming events are updated on the blog each week.
35. Agenda and Homework Binder: This should be taken home and returned each day. The Agenda is where we record our homework. Please initial it each day to acknowledge your awareness of your child’s homework and behavior updates. The Homework folder has a pocket for homework (Bring back to school) and a pocket for graded papers, school info., PTSA notes, etc. (Keep at Home). Please look at your child’s binder every day. Homework should take between 30-45 minutes for reinforcement and practice. Please assist if needed and go over your child’s homework with them daily.
36. Behavior: McAuley Constitution- Classroom Rules, Behavior will be noted on the agenda with an “X” and a statement about the behavior. Please initial and discuss what needs to be done to avoid a reoccurrence. Three “X’s” in one week will result in the loss of the Friday Community Celebration or X-tra Activity.
37. Money: Payments for book orders or field trips: EXACT amount in the money envelope, please- Make checks payable to Ford Elementary.
38. Report Card: Four 9-week periods- Sample attached with letter explaining how grades are determined for each subject, general homework is not graded
39. Early Release Dates= September 19, October 17, February 6, March 4
40. Standardized Testing- COGAT- September 26-27, 2007- Mental AbilitiesIOWA- October 1-5, 2007- Achievement TestCRCT- April 23- May 2, 2008- Criterion Referenced Test- Must pass Reading in 3rd Grade
41. Conferences will be held in January from the 22nd to the 28th. The students will be dismissed two hours early. Please know that I am available to schedule a conference with you anytime before or after school, or during planning. Phone calls and emails are other avenues to pursue in order to keep in touch about your child. Academic Updates or progress reports will be sent home on each student at the 4 ½ week mark of each quarter. Report Cards will come home after the end of each nine weeks.
42. End of the 4 1/2 Weeks- Progress Reports sent home- September 17, November 16, February 8, April 23
43. End of the 9 Weeks- Report cards to follow after these dates- October 25, December 21, March 14, May 23
44. Field Trips:High Touch– High Tech- Magnets–Georgiology- Hands-on experimentsFive Part Environmental Program- 3 Field Studies at Ford and 2 Field Studies at Heritage Park- Partnership between Cobb County Schools, Chattahoochee Nature Center, and Cobb County ParksVulcan Rock QuarryPerforming Arts Field Trip- scheduled by the county
45. Transportation Changes: If your child will be going home a different way than normal, please send a note. For your child’s safety, I must have written permission. Transportation changes CANNOT be made over the phone or fax, unless it is to go to ASP. It is a good idea to pay the $10 annual registration fee and keep a $7 balance on your child’s ASP account for emergency purposes. No one will be allowed to stay unless they are prepaid. If you don’t ever use it, you can ask for a refund at the end of the school year. ASP is a pre-pay program only.
46. Safety: In order to maintain a secure building administration requires all visitors and volunteers to sign in at the office, and get a badge that is to be visible at all times while in the building or cottages. Also, cottages must be accessed through the school building. To maximize instructional time a scheduled appointment time is imperative. Students should not to be checked out after 2:00 pm.
47. Parking: Teachers have been assigned numbered parking spots this year. PLEASE do not park in any of the numbered spots. There is a section labeled for parent parking in the upper lot.
48. Attendance: Perfect Attendance means no absence, tardy, or checking out early during the day. If your child is absent from school they must have a note upon return to school with reason for absence. It is very important that your child come to school on time (7:50). We begin our academic day immediately following announcements.
49. Birthdays: If you would like to send in birthday treats, they must be precut, ready to serve single snacks. They will be served during lunch time ONLY. There will be no food other than light snacks served in the classrooms. This is a Cobb County Policy.
50. Medicine: All medication must have a letter of permission and dosage. This does include cough drops.
51. Communication: Please feel free to discuss any concerns you may have. You may contact me through voice mail at 678-594-8092 or through email at andrea.mcauley@cobbk12.org. My blog also has helpful information that will help you stay current with classroom procedures. http://mcauleyapples.blogspot.com/
52. Questions and Open Agenda

OPEN HOUSE IS THURSDAY AT 6:30!

Essential Questions for September 4-7, 2007

Reading- What are the different types of traditional literature? What are the story elements of traditional literature? What is the main idea and where can you find it in a story? What connections do you have with the literature?
Writing- What are different ways to start a sentence? What is the main idea of your paragraph? What are the steps of the Writing Process?
Grammar- What are the different types of nouns? What are common and proper nouns? What are singular and plural nouns? What are irregular nouns? What are possessive nouns?
Spelling- How do you use a pronunciation key? How do syllables help you with spelling? How many vowels and consonants are in your spelling words?
Vocabulary- Finish Unit One and Start Unit 2
Math- Unit 2- How can you compare and order numbers? How do you round numbers? We will also continue to review place value.
Science- What scientific process skills are you using in an experiment? What are the layers of the earth? How are rocks and minerals connected? How can you model the layers of the earth?
Social Studies- What is an atlas used for?
Health- Guidance with Mrs. Charette
Character Education-

Spelling Words for September 4-7,2007

Sitton Words:
1. few
2. those
3. always
4. show
5. large

Content Words:
6. rocks
7. minerals
8. core
9. crust
10. mantle
11. earth
12. geology

Challenge Words:
13. connection
14. challenge
15. prediction
16. traditional
17. literature

Vocabulary Practice

We are beginning Unit 1 of our Vocabulary Book this week. The Vocabulary Workshop website provides some helpful practice!

http://www.sadlier-oxford.com/vocabulary/levels_color.cfm?sp=

Sitton Spelling Website

Try the Sitton Spelling Website! The activities will help you study high frequency spelling words. We are currently working on Unit 2.
http://school.elps.k12.mi.us/donley/classrooms/berry/room17/spelling/unit2/index.htm

Spelling Words for August 27-31, 2007

Sitton Spelling Words- Unit 2
1. below
2. saw
3. something
4. thought
5. both

Pattern Words- long vowels
6. between
7. right
8. write
9. road
10. rode

Content Words- Math
11. hundred
12. thousand
13. numeration
14. place
15. value

Challenge Words- Vocabulary- Unit 1
16. active
17. bargain
18. gasp
19. loyal
20. resource
21. sensitive
22. struggle
23. value
24. vary
25. wander

Essential Questions for August 27-31, 2007

Reading- What are main ideas? What connections do you have with the text? How do you defend yourself with evidence from the text in a shared inquiry discussion of literature? What is your DRA level? What is your AR level and goal for the first nine weeks?
Writing- Why is it important to indent? How do you write a three paragraph essay about your weekend? What was an important event in your life? What are the steps of the writing process? How do you write a caption or brief summary of an event? Why do we have advertisements?
Grammar- What are common and proper nouns? What are singular and plural nouns? What are irregular nouns? What are possessive nouns?
Spelling- What are long vowels? What are some words that have the long i and long o pattern? What are the spelling patterns for plural nouns?
Vocabulary- What are synonyms, antonyms, and homophones? How are words associated?
How will we use our new vocabulary book?
Math- What is numeration?
Science- What are the properties of minerals? How can you test the properties of minerals? What are the layers of the earth? How can you model the layers of the earth?
Social Studies- What resources are available in the classroom to help you with map skills?
Health- Why is it important to drink water?

Smile- Picture Day is Tuesday!

Spelling Words for August 20-24, 2007

A Sitton Review will be administered each Thursday as a pretest for the following week. The words that a student is unable to spell on the pretest will be added to his/her spelling list in their agenda for the following week. These words become the priority words that the student needs to learn for the dictation spelling test on Friday. The Sitton dictation sentences continually recycle previous high frequency words that the student should already know.

Each student will also be assigned pattern words, content words, or challenge words based on their ability level. The blog will list the words from which the spelling lists will be generated. Partners will administer the spelling tests on Friday.

Please refer to your child’s agenda for their individualized spelling list for the week. Each student will have 10-15 words each week.

Sitton Spellling Words for Week 1:
1. along
2. while
3. might
4. next
5. sound

Short Vowel Words for Week 1:
6. math
7. seven
8. pick
9. shop
10. much

Content Words for Week 1:
11. third
12. grade
13. student
14. school
15. teacher

Challenge Words for Week 1:
16. Mrs. McAuley
17. Mrs. Hebert
18. Mrs. Coalson
19. North America
20. South America
21. Africa
22. Asia
23. Europe
24. Australia
25. Antarctica

Essential Questions for August 20-24, 2007

Reading- What are facts and details? How do you show evidence for your answer to a comprehension question? What are main ideas? Which reading group will I be in?

Writing- How do you vary sentence beginnings? How do you write three paragraphs about your weekend?

Grammar- What are the four types of sentences?

Vocabulary- How will I be using my new vocabulary book? What reading skills will I be using with the vocabulary book?

Spelling- What patterns do short vowel words have?

Math- What is place value? What are the forms of numeration? How do I use base ten blocks to represent numbers? What is the value of a number? What are some problem solving strategies that I can use? Why is it important to know your basic facts?

Science- What is the scientific method? What scientific process skills are used in experiments?

Social Studies- What is your place in space? Do you know the continents and oceans of the world?

Health- What happens when you break rules?

Character Education- Respect for others

Essential Questions for August 13-17, 2007

Reading- What kind of reader are you? What are some specific reading skills? What am I going to learn in 3rd grade this year?
Writing- Who are you? What are your favorite things? What did you do over your summer vacation? What does a good writer look like?
Spelling- Why is knowing how to spell words correctly important?
Grammar-What are the rules of an address format? What should your notebook paper look like when you turn it in? How do you use margins?
Vocabulary- How can learning new vocabulary help us in 3rd grade?
Math- What are some math facts about you? What am I going to learn in math this year? What basic facts do I know? What are some strategies that good problem solvers use? How do you use a math book? How do you write problems on notebook paper?
Science- What is a scientist? Why are safety rules important with experiments? What is the scientific method?
Social Studies- Why do we need a McAuley constitution? What is your place in space?
Health- What is a healthy snack? Why is it important to wash your hands? How do rules keep us safe?
Character Education- Self Respect

Fundraising Parent Needed

Our class needs a PTSA representative to be the Fundraising Parent. The meeting has been changed to Tuesday, August 28th at 9:30. Our Discount Card Fundraiser is going to start the week of August 28th. The Fundraising parent will be more of a "record" keeper for our class to keep track of how many discount cards each child sells. Please let me know ASAP if you are interested. Thank you!

Wednesday

Homework- Read and complete 100 subtraction facts to practice computation

It is very important to continue practicing basic facts so that memorization can occur. There is not much time for counting in 3rd grade. The basic facts are needed to build understanding of more challenging concepts in math.

We took our Math Pretest today for the first nine weeks. The information from this test will allow me to form flexible math groups based on their mastery level of each concept that was on the pretest. This test was not for a grade. The purpose was to see what the students already know and then plan instruction based on the data. I will share the pretest with you at Open House.

It has been fun getting to know the students with their Me Bags. We will be using them for a writing activity on Friday.

Spelling and Vocabulary will begin next week. Please make sure you have purchased the Vocabulary Book from the School Store.

The Art Sketch Books are in. If you pre-ordered, your child will label their sketch book and take them to art class tomorrow. If you still need to order one, print the order form from the PTSA website. They are $4.50.
http://www.fordptsa.com/store%20order%20form.htm

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Tuesday

We had another great day! I am so thankful to have such a well behaved class. I am impressed with their academic achievement and good manners! I apologized for the delayed update. There are problems with updating my blog at school, so I have to wait until I get home. A work ordered has been placed, so hopefully there will be a solution soon.

Homework for Tonight= Return address format and 5 math problems to practice putting math problems on lined paper. Continue to record reading minutes and work on All About Me Bags.

Thank you for signing agendas. I appreciate your support! :)

PTSA Memo

August 13, 2007

Dear Ford Families,

The Ford PTSA would like to welcome you back to another year at Ford. We hope you’ve had a wonderful summer and are ready to get back into the swing of school and routines.

Please go to our PTSA website www.fordptsa.com. It is in the process of being updated. However, there you will find 2 things that you may need now:

1. School Store Information and Order Form – if you were unable to get everything that you need from the School Store, please go the School Store link, print off a form, fill it out, make your check payable to Ford PTSA and send it in an envelope with your child to school marked “School Store”. PTSA volunteers will fill your order and take it to your child’s classroom as soon as possible.

Please note that EVERY child, Kindergarten through 5th grade needs to order a sketch book for art class for $4.50. This was a late addition and some people may not have gotten the message about this. These are NOT currently in stock, but will be delivered as soon as they arrive!

Kindergarten parents – each kindergarten class is ordering their own t-shirts for their class. These are on the order form as New Spiritwear for $10. Each kindergarten class will be getting a different color. You just need to make sure that we have your child’s name, teacher and size of t-shirt that you would like for your child to have. Speak to your child’s teacher if you have any questions regarding t-shirts.

2. PTSA Membership Forms – go to the Membership link on the website to download a form for this. Your membership in Ford’s PTSA automatically gives you membership in Georgia PTA and National PTA. Aside from being part of a national organization that exists to promote the education and well being of children – there are also some benefits that you get from being a member of PTSA. These can also be viewed on this link! The first class to obtain 100% student membership will get a special treat this year. Mayor Tommy Allegood of Acworth has agreed to have lunch with this class! When making a membership payment, please make your check payable to Ford PTSA and place that with the form in an envelope marked “Membership”.

We thank you so much for the enthusiasm and support that we’ve seen so far this year from our Ford Parents! We would like to invite you to sign up for any of our committees that we have posted on the bulletin board by the cafeteria. You will find SEVERAL opportunities for you to get involved and we welcome you to get plugged in somewhere! These are listed on our web site as well.

Our Open Houses will be on Tuesday, September 4th and Thursday, September 6th. Please check the calendar link on the PTSA website to see which grades are on each night. We will have a short PTSA meeting before the Open Houses and will be voting on our Budget for this year. Please bring your PTSA membership card to vote!

We look forward to getting to know as many of you as we can this year! Please contact us with any questions or concerns that you may have!

Sincerely,

Jane Swanson President billjaneswan@bellsouth.net
Wendy Chiaravalloti VP chia1121@aol.com
Natalie Rutledge VP natrutledg@yahoo.com
Michele Miller Treasurer millemi@bellsouth.net
Polly Losure Secretary atllosure@bellsouth.net

First Day of School

We had a wonderful first day of school! It was fun to get reacquainted with each other and get to know our new students. The students got to find out about me with My All About Me Bag. It was fun sharing my family with them. I cannot wait to see what the students share about their lives. It was helpful for me to list out each category on a card and it was also helpful to practice the night before I presented. The All About Me Bags can come in any day, Tuesday-Friday.

Thank you so much for all the donations! I appreciate the extra notebook paper, tissues, paper towels, baggies, soap, sanitizer, and Dum Dums. We could use a few more boxes of tissues, hand soap, sanitizer, Dum Dums, and Smarties. Thank you so much for your generosity.

We were unable to go out to recess due to the heat index. However, the students were pleased with indoor recess. The Fall Festival Game Basket followed them from last year, so they were happy to see some familiar activities. One thing that I forgot to request was playground equipment. Used balls from your garage make them very happy. I am always amazed at how much children like to play with balls!

Ask your child if they can remember all of the student's names with the alliteration game. This would be fun to play at the dinner table tonight! We also started cursive and multiplication today. The students were very excited about getting their agenda organized. Most of our day was spent on procedures.

I am turning the parent volunteer names to PTSA in the morning. The only volunteer parent that we are lacking is the Fundraiser Parent. Please let me know if you are interested.

More to follow tomorrow....

Welcome to Our Third Grade Class!

PTSA Memo

If you haven’t already, please go to www.fordptsa.com and register your email address into our PTSA email system. This will ensure that you’re getting all of the communications from PTSA. Our website is in the process of being updated, but you can access the calendar link on the home page to see the programs that are planned for this school year as of right now.

Ford PTSA School Store- Sneak a Peek Price List

Proceeds from the school store benfit PTSA and school programs at Ford.

Kindergarten Rest Mats=$20.00
Vinyl Folders(K, 1, 2, 4 and 5)=$2.00
(each grade has certain colors they are requiring which will be posted at Sneak a Peek)
4 color pens (1st – 5th) w/ Ford Logo=$2.00
Magic Rub Erasers (1st & 2nd)=$.50
Primary Composition Books (1st)=$3.00
Recorders (3rd, 4th & 5th)=$7.00
Vocabulary Books (3rd, 4th, & 5th)=$10.00
Music Folders w/ Pencil (3rd, 4th & 5th)=$1.00
Ford Drawstring Backpacks! NEW!!!=$5.00
Ford 07 Spiritwear T-shirts NEW!!!=$10.00
Ford Car Magnets=$5.00
“Y” Ties shoelaces=$4.00

Donations

electric pencil sharpener
hand sanitizer
baby wipes
paper towels
hand soap
tissues
baggies- sandwich, quart, and gallon size
notebook paper
Smarties
Dum Dums
Thank you for your generosity!

Optional Supplies

Dry Erase markers
Small supply box for desk
Ruler
Small calculator
Erasers
Small pencil sharpener for desk (no batteries- too noisy)

Supply List

200 count wide rule notebook paper
1" three ring vinyl binder with pockets
2 - 100 count wide ruled composition books
12 #2 pencils
5" scissors
3 pocket folders
Glue
4-color pen (red/green/blue/black)
1 box of 16 crayons
1 black Sharpie pen
1 yellow highlighter
*Vocabulary Book
*Recorder

* Can only be purchased at Ford's School Store.

Sneak A Peek

August 9, 2007
8:30-9:30- A-F
9:30-10:30- G-L
10:30-11:30- M-R
11:30-12:30- S-Z
Yellow Limo Shuttle Available from Brookstone Country Club and County Line Methodist Church

Cafeteria Information

Breakfast= $1.00
Lunch= $1.60
Menu
Meal Pay