Homework:
Read at least 15 minutes tonight
Math sheet
Reading sheet due tomorrow! Only 6 people have turned it in so far.


Tomorrow it Character Book dress up day. Please remember this is not a Halloween celebration so if your student wants to dress up it needs to be a character from a book, and they need to book with them.

We will also have our Harvest party tomorrow at 2:15.

Tomorrow is also out class store. If you have anything to donate please make sure it gets to me in the morning. If not we will need more items for our November store.

Tonight is family night at the book fair from 5:30-7:30. Friday is your last chance to snag those books you want! Don’t forget to look at your teachers wish list.


Don't want a lot of candy around the house??? Please send it my way. I use them for random rewards (not an everyday thing).

Homework:
Read at least 15 minutes tonight
Reading homework—DUE Friday the 29th


The next family night at the book fair is Thursday the 28th from 5:30-7:30. What a great way to start your Christmas shopping! Only 59 more days!

Thank you so much to the 3 families who have bought books at the book fair for our class! I have added them to our library, and kids already want to check them out. Getting new books is always exciting!
Also a big thank you to those helping with the Harvest party on Friday! I couldn't have done it without you guys!

Ask your students about the “brain dance” they did today with Miss Hanson.

Homework:
Read for at least 15 minutes tonight
Reading worksheet due Friday the 29th

Book Fair is now open. Kids can buy before and after school. There are also a few family nights. Tuesday 5-7PM and Thursday 5:30-7:30PM. Come check out the great books. Don’t forget to use the 5 finger test as you and your student are choosing books to buy. Also don’t forget to check out the teacher wish list.

Character Book dress up day is the 29th. Remember your student needs to have the book that goes along with their character.

Thanks to all of you who have brought in items for our class store. The kids are so excited about buying them. Our Next store is October 29th. If you still want to bring things in that would be great.

Extra Candy:
Since the store shelves are currently stocked with Halloween candy and back-to-school snacks, I am making an appeal to parents to buy a bag to send to class. If you are able to contribute, it will be greatly appreciated. Please remember that this is an OPTIONAL donation. I will use it for little rewards every now and then. Or…After Halloween if you have extra candy you want to get out of your house please send it my way.

Homework:
Read at least 15 minutes per day

Important dates:
October-
25-29 Book Fair
29 Book Character dress up day
Jog-a-thon prize party


Jump rope club starts Wednesday, October 27th

In the Forest Ridge gym
8:15-8:45 am
Every Wednesday

Ask your kids what we did with Starburst today!

Speeches went great! I will try to get grades back to you by Monday the 25th.

Homework:
Read for at least 15 minutes
Reading sheet due tomorrow
Speech due tomorrow
Math sheet

Thursday thoughts and other papers coming home today. This is a check backpack alert! :)

Multiplication facts:
Please, please, please practice multiplication facts with your students. We are getting into the harder ones (6,7,8,9….) and students need to have these in their heads. I will try to have them make flashcards, but it takes a lot of class time up. If you have flash cards at home use them.

Book Fair:
October 25-29th is the BOOK FAIR! Your students will have a preview of the book fair Friday morning and will come home with a wish list. Teachers also have wish lists. Please check out my wish list and donate a book to our class library. I am low on some reading levels so I will pick books that are truly needed in our class.

Speeches will begin at 9:30 Friday morning. If you are interested in coming to watch please let me know so I have chairs ready for you. I will also make sure students with parents watching go first in case you have to jet off to work afterwards. I am not sure how long it will take us to get through with the speeches, so make sure if you want to come to show up at 9:30.

Homework:
Reading sheet—Due Friday the 22nd
Speeches ---Due Friday the 22nd
Read at least 15 minutes tonight

Today we had a guest speaker. He talked about what life was like for Mountain men in the past. Ask your student about what they learned.

October 25-29th is the BOOK FAIR! Your students will have a preview of the book fair Friday morning and will come home with a wish list. Teachers also have wish lists. Please check out my wish list and donate a book to our class library. I am low on some reading levels so I will pick books that are truly needed in our class.

Miss Hanson will be starting a Native American unit next month. It’s a great follow up to our Lewis and Clark unit.

The Jog-a-thon assembly is this Friday at 2:30

Speeches will begin at 9:30 Friday morning. If you are interested in coming to watch please let me know so I have chairs ready for you. I will also make sure students with parents watching go first in case you have to jet off to work afterwards. I am not sure how long it will take us to get through with the speeches, so make sure if you want to come to show up at 9:30.

Homework:
Read at least 15 minutes tonight
Spelling is coming home. Have student practice those words
Speeches coming up at the end of the week. Make sure students have their speeches done, practiced and ready to present by Friday the 22nd.

What is your child doing at school?

Social studies: Lewis and Clark

Science: a few Inquiries

Math: Multiplication and division

Writing: Personal Narratives

Reading: Realistic Fiction, building our reading stamina and making sure we all have “just right” books. I am also testing in the DRA this month.

Homework:
Read at least 15 minutes
Reading sheet
Speech--Due 10-22-10

Homework:
Read at least 15 minutes
Work on speech---Due October 22
Reading sheet—Due this Friday

I know that weekends can crazy and busy, but its so important to have your student read every day. Right now its only 15 minutes, as the year goes on, the minutes will increase.

We have been working on setting and characters in reading. As you read with your student ask them questions about who the characters are, and if they can give some descriptions of the characters. Also have them describe the setting in the story.


Please remember to bring in Jog-a-thon packets. We still need help with Jog-a-thon stuff. See Terry Ponds email for more information.

Book Fair starts October 25th -29th!
Each teacher creates a wish list. It’s a great way for you to add to our class library!

Homework: Read every day for at least 15 minutes

Many students are not turning in their salmon colored reading sheet. Students have a week to get that turned in. Each student should be able to turn it in on time. Remember parents can help.

Today students will be bringing home their first major speech project. Students will be expected to be prepared to give speech October 22nd.

Remember no school tomorrow

Homework:
Read 15 minutes or more
Reading sheet--- Due Thursday October 7th

For the month of September the class read a grand total of 9088 minutes at home. That is awesome! Keep up the good work! We decided to set a goal for October. Our goal is to read a total of 10,000 minutes in October.

Thank you so much to the two families who brought stuff in for our class store. The kids are so excited to earn money and make purchases. If you are able to donate to our class store this month please bring something in before October 28th. The September store was wiped out clean, so I am starting to collect more things. Remember, items can be gently used, or new. There is no need to spend more than a dollar on each item.


I know today is Monday, but students are coming to school really tired. Please make sure they get enough sleep at night.

Don’t forget to start thinking about what to be for Character Book dress up day October 29th! For the first time I actually have an idea for myself!

In the classroom:

Social studies:
We are going to start a Lewis and Clark unit pretty soon.

Math:
Multiplication

Writing:
The writing process

Reading:
Monitoring comprehension
Story elements

Homework:
Read 15 minutes each night

A new Reading log is coming home tonight. It is blue. We are going to continue our goal of 15 minutes each night. Students have been really successful with 15 minutes. If your student reads longer than 15 minutes please have them write down how many minutes they read. I love to see how long students read.

The Jog- A-Thon was a huge success. Your student will probably hit the sack early tonight! Now its time to collect money and get the packets turned in.

Homework:
Read 15 minutes
Math (if students did not finish it in class)
Reading sheet ---due Friday, 10-1-10

Reminders:
Picture day tomorrow!

Jog-a-thon is Friday the 1st. Collect those pledges!
Make sure your student is wearing something appropriate for running.

In math we have been working on multiplying by 4’s. Quiz your students. Have them show you the double, double strategy they learned.

HOmework:
Read 15 minutes
Reading sheet--Due Friday October 1

Homework:
Read 15 minutes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Students are bringing home corrected math papers today.

Monday will be the first time I send home the reading sheet for homework. It will be due Friday October 1st.

Be sure to ask your student about “leaving tracks” as they read.

Homework:
Read 15 minutes
math (unless finished in class)

Remember to get those Jog-a-thon pledges! Great prizes await students of all ages!

Ask your student about the fantastic story teller that was here today.

Homework:
Read 15 minutes

I am so proud of each student who read this weekend. It is such an accomplishment! Thank you parents as well!

Please remember to have students bring back their books each day. They read them at school too. My goal is to have students read the same book at home and at school. That way they are not reading two different books at one time.


Don’t forget to come to the parent curriculum night tomorrow from 6-7. This will give you information on what I will be teaching, and class expectations.


Toys:
Toys are not allowed in class. I have noticed the little bracelets shaped like animals or other things have been a distraction in class. I have taken many away. Please make sure your student keeps the toys at home.

Math:
We are currently working on multiplication. If you have flashcards at home please practice the 2’s and 3’s with your student. We will have a little quiz on Friday.

Spelling:
Today we did a 5 word preview. I am sending home the list today. If your student missed a few words please practice them at home. Forest Ridge does not do the traditional send a spelling list home. We are using the Rebecca Sitton program. This program teaches the kids about vowels, patterns….etc.

Homework:
Read for 15 minutes
Finish math sheet


Not every student will have math homework. Some finished it in class. Their homework is, or should be in a blue Forest Ridge folder.

Today was the first day of Technology. Make sure to ask your student what they learned about Internet safety. Your student also explored a new website that can be used at home.

www.tumblebooks.com
Username: salemkeizer
Password: salem


Picking a Just Right book:

Often parents come up to me and ask what level of books their child should read. Well, here is a little trick if you are at the library or book store.
Have your student read a page out of the book. If they miss 4-5 words on that page then the book is too hard. If they miss around 2 words then the book is JUST RIGHT. If they miss 1-2 words then it may be too easy. I would rather have a child read a book that’s too easy, than too hard.
It is extremely important that your child read a book that is at their JUST RIGHT reading level. They will not grow as readers if the book is too hard.
Don’t be afraid to ask your student to tell you about the book they are reading. That will help you gage if they comprehend the book as well. If they are not able to tell you a summary, or they say they forgot, that’s a read flag telling you the book is too hard.

Volunteers:

At open house many of you expressed wanting to help in the classroom. I am so thankful for such involved parents. I want to get a better handle on our routine before I start having people come in and help. I will send out an email later in the month. Currently I just need your help with building our class store. I have a reward system in my class where the kids are able to earn money for turning in homework and positive behavior.
However, they can also lose money for behavior in the class. At the end of the month we have a class store where students can buy items with the money they have saved. Unfortunately I can’t always buy a ton of stuff for the kids to buy each month. I will be relying on you to contribute a little if you can. In the past parents have bought items from the Dollar Tree, Capri suns, bags of mini candy bars, school supplies, items from their house they no longer use, or want. There is no need to spend a lot of money. Even if each student brought in one or two items our store would be set for September 30th. This is completely voluntary, but if you can please bring in some items for our class store.

Introducing Miss Hanson

To the parents of C3,

My name is Katie Hanson, and I am the student teacher in Mrs. Brown’s classroom this semester! I’m a senior at Corban University, and working to become an elementary teacher. While still a full-time student (taking classes Tuesday and Thursdays), I will be in the classroom Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

A few things about me. . .
- Born and raised in Salem
- Graduated from South Salem High School
- I love sports! I played soccer and basketball through high school, and I’m currently in the middle of my senior soccer season at Corban.
- Upper-elementary grades (4th and 5th) are my favorite because the students have such a fun sense of humor!

This semester is the precursor to my full-time student teaching in the Spring. These first two months at Forest Ridge I will be getting to know the students, and teaching some lessons here and there. Come November, I will be teaching a three-week social studies unit that I’m starting to prepare now. This is a busy time of putting together lesson plans and doing my own coursework, but I’m really excited for this time to be in the classroom and learn from Mrs. Brown! I’ve only been with your kids for several days so far, but I can already tell that I’m going to have so much fun with them! Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it to the Parent Night because my soccer team will be gone in Arizona until the 22nd. Hopefully I will get another chance to meet you all!

Here are some great sites for division practice. Trust me, everyone needs to work on their multiplication and division facts.

http://www.math-drills.com/division.shtml

http://www.mathsisfun.com/worksheets/long-division.php

http://www.dadsworksheets.com/

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math: graphing

Corrected papers are coming home tonight. Make sure you check backpacks to see your student’s outstanding work!

Thursday Thoughts and a few fliers are coming home as well.

Please remember ALL library books are due TOMORROW May 28th.

Please make sure students do not bring toys to school. They can bring them on Fridays for our Friday Free Time, but they need to stay in their backpacks until its time for the free time. Having toys is very distracting to everyone.

Attention 5th Grade Parents:
A red half slip of paper is coming home tonight. Please read through it carefully.

Have a great night!
Karrie Brown

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math: Graphs—most kids finished in class


Tomorrow is the 5th grade field trip to Fisherman’s bend. Please wear appropriate clothes and comfortable shoes. Students will go on an outdoor hike.

Choir field trip is May 28th

Remember May 26th is the last day for book orders.

ALL library books are due back my May 28th. Mrs. Loyd needs them all back by the 28th so they can do inventory. I believe the library will be open this summer. I will get back to you with more information.

Today was awesome. I hope you can attend next year. This is a really neat field trip for the kids to go on. Everyone worked really hard and had fun at the same time. I will send or post pictures when I can. A parent who attended will send them to me (my camera pooped out).

* Last year I created a CD of pictures I have taken of the class through out the year. The kids and parents really liked them. If you are interested in receiving a CD full of class pictures they are $3.00. I do them at Costco because I don’t know how to down load them on a CD from my computer.

* I have also received some things for our class store. They are mostly girl items. If you are able to bring in boy items that would be great. I have talked to the class about it and told them they could bring in toys they don’t play with any more. They need to check with parents first.

* Many students have expressed that they are going to be ordering books from the LAST book order of the year. Please make sure orders are in be May 26th. I want to make sure we get the books in before school is out.

* Reminder to all 5th grade parents: 5th grade field trip on Tuesday, May 26th.

Have a great weekend!

Karrie Brown

Homework:
Read 30 minutes

Tomorrow is DBR. I gave a check list to each student of what to bring. The only thing that was not on the list (of course) was a water proof jacket in case it rains (which it probably will). We will be going rain or shine!

I also wanted to let you know, May 28th is when ALL Forest Ridge library books need to be turned in. There will be no more check out.

I would also like you and your student to look around your house for any books that belong to me. They will most likely have a pocket in the back, and my name in the book.
Starting in June I am going to ask the kids to not take them home any more. I hate to do that, but I need to do “inventory.”

To all 5th grade parents, we still need people to help out with the recognition on June 14th. Don’t forget to send your 5th grader with $2.00 as well.

Have a great night,
Karrie Brown

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Graphing—most kids got it done in class

June 14th will be our last class store. If you are able to donate anything for the kids to buy I would really appreciate it. Some things we need are: Juice boxes, snacks of any kind and whatever else you would like to contribute. I know this is a busy time of year, and for some expensive. Even if each parent bought one item that would really help.

May 26th is when I will be ordering books. It is our last book order of the year! Take this opportunity to make sure your students have great reading material for the summer.


Dear 5th Grade Families,

5th grade recognition night is coming fast! As we are going over all of the details, we are finding holes in areas that we need your help with. Here are some areas we need help with:

1. Decorate gym at 3:15 on June 14th. 12-15 parents are needed. Teachers will not be at school during this time. One of these parents needs to be in charge of arranging baby photos, of which the students will already bring in. Another parent will need to hang kids posters, of which will already be completed. If you are willing to take on this responsibility please contact Sara Koenig at koenig_sara@salkeiz.k12.or.us.

2. We need 10 flower bouquets. In the past, it has been easiest for one parent to do this. If you are willing to take on this responsibility please contact Karrie Brown at brown_karrie@salkeiz.k12.or.us.

3. We need one parent to pick up 20 balloons and table cloths (the roll of plastic table cloths works best). You will be reimbursed. Please use our colors. They are school colors: burgundy, blue, green. If you are willing to take on this responsibility please contact Sara Koenig at koenig_sara@salkeiz.k12.or.us.

4. This year the 5th grade gift is building an arbor for our Naturescape. We would like each student to bring in $2.00 for the gift, and we need parents to help guide the students building the arbor. If you are able to come help students build the arbor please contact Kyle Jorgensen: jorgensen_kyle@salkeiz.k12.or.us


So far these parents have a job:
Elizabeth Beazizo: picking up forks, plates, napkins, and cups in school colors.
Marci Hill: buying 4 ½ sheet cakes from Costco. Each cake should say: “ Congratulations 5th Graders” in school colors.
Deann Garcia: punch
Program: Emily Loyd
Flowers: Mrs. Walling

Thank you so much for helping this be a memorable night for your children!

Karrie Brown
Kyle Jorgensen
Sara Koenig

Homework:
math- graphing
Read 30 minutes

Tomorrow Whiteaker comes to talk with all 5th graders. 8th graders will be coming in to give our 5th graders the ins and outs of middle school.

May 21st is Down by the River Side If I emailed you, please make sure permission slips are in.

May 25th 5th grade field trip

May 26th Our last book order of the year is due. This is your last chance for a great deal on books!

May 28th ALL library books are due. NO more check out.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
multiplication--some kids got it done in class

Today we had a guest speaker talk to us about Waste Free Lunches. Each student took home a paper describing how they can pack a waste free lunch. If they fill out the pledge and turn it in to me, they could win a Laptop lunch box!

Scholastic Book orders are also coming home. It will be our last book order of the year.

Have a great night

Homework:
Read 30 minutes each day this weekend.

Don't forget to come help out tomorrow May 8th. We need people who know how to put a Big Toy together, and to help out in the nature scape.

If you are at all able to help out our class for Down By the Riverside I could really use your help.

Have a great mothers day!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Practice Cool Country speeches

Come to Family Fun Night!!

Lots of permission slips and information going home today!

Have a great evening!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math--Mean, Median, Mode, Range

May 6th is our Family Fun Night! We have some great stuff for our Baby Basket. I have had one person bring in money, and I will pick up something. I love to shop, so if you just want to bring in a couple of dollars I can pick something up.
ALL ITEMS for the theme basket are due by APRIL 27th

Remember, Cool Country speeches should be ready to present May 7th

Please remember to turn in permission slips for the Oregon History Museum, and the Zoo.

Sorry about the no posting. Things get a little crazy every now and then.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes-- reading logs are due today
Math-- story problems, some kids got it done in class

Please make sure your student has pencils. I swear the kids eat them!

Baby items are still needed! We just got a beautiful story book, a memory book, a towel and some wash cloths. Please bring in more items.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math—geometry


Reminders:

Book orders are due April 9th.

Our theme basket for Family Fun night is “Baby, Oh Baby.” Please bring in any NEW baby items. I sent a list out through email and there is a list on the blog under April 5th.
All items need to be in April 27th.
May 6th is Family Fun Night.
The class whose basket has the most people who want it will get something special! Let’s make this basket the BEST one!

Reading state testing is today and tomorrow

Math state testing is April 13th and 14th.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math- points, lines, angles (some kids finished in class)



May 6th is our Family Fun Night. With every Family Fun Night each class creates a basket to be auctioned off that night. Our auction basket theme is “Baby, Oh Baby.” We need to fill our basket up with baby items: clothes, formula, diapers, wipes, baby food, toys, burp cloths, binkies, onesies, bottles, sippy cups, bibs, baby lotion, baby soap and shampoo…..that sort of thing. Target and Walmart are great places to shop for these items. All items need to be in by April 27th.


Don’t forget book orders are due April 9th. Remember you can order online.


We will start our second round of Oaks testing this month. Reading Oaks will be April 6th and 7th.
Math Oaks will be April 13th and 14th.

Corrected papers are also going home today. This would be a great day to check backpacks.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes---Reading logs due tomorrow
Math--ploting points

Cool countries are due Tomorrow the 31st.

Homework:
Read for 30 minutes
Math—Geometry

April 15th we will be having a Multiplication/division quiz (some kids have moved on to division) please practice with your students.

Scholastic order forms are going home today. If you want to order books please have the orders to me by April 9, 2010. Remember, you can order online. Each time a parent orders online I am able to order a free book for our classroom library. The kids love new additions to the library. If you do not order online checks are the easiest ways for me to make the payment. Cash is fine too, but if you can, checks are the best.

For those I did not conference with, I am sending home a parent handbook with strategies for Multiplication and Division basic facts. If this works great, do what works best for your family and student. I am just passing along information I have.

Homework:
Read everyday of spring break. Reading logs are going home today, and a log from the library is coming home to keep track.

Students are also bringing home their Cool Country Report. Much of the work they need to get done is from the internet. We have had a number of class days to work on them. I would like them to all be done my March 31st. We will then work on a speech the students will make.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes---Reading logs are due
Math: ordered pairs---find the mystery picture

When we come back from Spring Break we will be measuring angles. Please make sure your student has a clear protractor. It’s much easier to measure angles if they can see through the protractor.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Find an interesting article in the newspaper or magazine you would like to respond to in your writing journal.


Field trips coming up:
May 14th, we will be going to the Oregon History Museum.

The permission form will come home within the next couple of weeks. If you'd like to chaperone, please let me know. We're planning to pull out on the bus at 9:15 and be back at school at 2:00.

If you would like to chaperone and already have a completed background check form, you should be fine. If you have not completed one, but would like to go, contact the office (503-399-5548) as soon as possible to request those forms. It takes several weeks for the background check to be clear, so you'll want to get that ball rolling. If you have done a background check, but it was 5 or more years before the date of our trip, it will have expired. This especially affects you parents who may have done the background check when an older sibling was in kinder or first grade. I can check your expiration date if you would like.

Another event to put on your calendar is our Down By the Riverside trip to Willamette Mission State Park. That will be Friday, May 21st.

We are working on planning a trip to the zoo at the end of the year. Those plans are tentative at this point, but we're hoping to book the trip for Friday, June 11th. Stay tuned for more info on that soon.

Homework:

Read 35 minutes –Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Remember there is no school on tomorrow March 12th. I will be slaving away at my computer putting grades on report cards…..please feel sorry for me. :0)

Next week is a short week for students. March 18th and 19th there is no school.

Spring Break is from March 22-26. Kids come back the 29th, all rested and ready to learn some more!

homework: Read 30 minutes

Math--Most kids got it done in class

Homework:
Read 30 minutes—reading logs due tomorrow
Math: area—most kids finished it in class.

Thank you so much for getting the Human Development slips and conference slips back to me. I am still missing a few. Please make sure you check backpacks.

Library books are due tomorrow (3-10-10)

We will be having a multiplication/division timed test the 11th.

No School on the 12th

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math: Perimeter


Book Fair:

March 1st-5th is our spring Book Fair! This is a chance to add to your home libraries. I encourage students to find “Just Right” books for themselves during this time. This is also an opportunity to add to our classroom library. Many of the books in our class library have been purchased by me, so any time I can wrangle in a donation or two I advertise! J All teachers have a wish list of books they feel will enhance their classroom libraries. Please feel free to chose a book from that list and donate it to your student’s classroom. The kids love getting new books. I have had some kids battle it out to get to the new books I have brought in.
A fl yer will go home today.

Book Fair Hours:
Before School 8:30-9:15
After School 3:00-4:00
Tuesday Evening: 5:00-7:00
Thursday Evening: 5:30-7:30

Homework
Read 30 minutes
Writing---If I sent it home with your student
Math—Accelerated math if I sent it home with your child

Homework:

Read 30 minutes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday


Important dates:
March 1- Slightly Illusional, Author visit
Book Fair starts
Parent Club meeting 6:45, Child care is provided

March 2- Read Across America

March 5- Book Fair ends

March 12- Grading day, NO SCHOOL

March 18-19 Spring Conferences

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math—subtraction with borrowing
Practice for the science fair

Reading logs (My Soap Box):
Last week only 12 out of 28 kids turned in their reading logs. There are some kids who have not turned in a reading in the last 5 weeks. I am hoping that even though they have not turned in a reading log, they are reading. That is the most important thing to me. I understand that it can be a pain in the neck to fill these out. Maybe your family can develop a homework system. The most important thing is, your child is reading a “just right” book everyday for 30 minutes. I have noticed that some kids are only reading for 30-45 minutes a week. Those are the kids who need the reading the most. If your student is below grade level in reading, the only way to move up is to read.

Science Projects are DUE TOMORROW!!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math---most kids got it done in class

Homework:
Read 30 minutes—Reading logs are due tomorrow
Math—Multiplication

I am going to start sending home less homework. I am hoping this will improve the amount I get back from students. Because I am sending less homework home, I do EXPECT it to get done and be turned in. I understand it’s hard as a parent to get kids to sit down and do the homework (my time is coming sooner than I think). It’s only going to get harder once middle school hits. If you have any concerns about this change in the homework, let me know.

FYI

This Thursday is Science Night! Gilbert House is bringing some great activities for families to do together.

If you listen to 105.1 the Buzz in the mornings you will know about the “Valentines Day for the CCA” It’s a fundraiser for the Children’s Cancer Association. You can help this Thursday by ordering a pizza from any Papa Murphy’s. A dollar of what you spend goes to the CCA. Plus Papa Murphy’s have the heart shaped pizzas available only $7.99.

Speaking of Valentine’s Day….Make sure your student has a box ready to collect their Valentines in. They can bring them in Feb. 11th and 12th!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
math: mean,median, mode

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Subtraction sheet
Work on science fair project –Due the 18th

We are going to start working on a little bit of cursive. By 5th grade they need to be able to read it.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math

A few reminders:

No school Feb. 1st—Teacher In-Service

Book orders due Feb. 4th. Don’t forget you can order online and help your student’s class earn free books.

Don’t forget to have student earn money through reading or chores for the Heifer Project.

Multiplication/division test on Friday!!!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes-- reading logs due tomorrow
math: range

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math: Mean, Median and Range

We start our first round of State Math tests tomorrow. Students will be given 3 opportunities to pass the test. We just finished our 1st round of reading. I am very pleased so far with the results. If you have any questions please let me know.

Book orders are due Feb. 4th. If you can order online that would be great. Our class gets a free book with every online order!

Remember Science Fair Projects are due Feb. 18th!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math: Multiplication

A lot of stuff is going home today. Each student is bringing home their science fair informational packets and poster board. They are also bringing home: Thursday Thoughts, book orders, Heifer Project materials and reading logs.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding any of this information.

Tomorrow (1-22-10) is the last day to order T-Shirts!
Dear Parent,
I have exciting news. You can now place your Scholastic Book Clubs orders online!
Browse all the great monthly Book Club selections at low prices and order online. Plus, our class earns a FREE Book every time a parent orders online.
Here's how it works:

1. Use the information below to access the Scholastic Book Clubs Web site.
2. Browse the titles with your child and place your order with your credit card.
3. Your order will come to me, and your credit card payment will go directly to Scholastic's secure server. There's no need to send money to school.
4. After I submit the entire class order to Scholastic, your order will be delivered to our classroom for your child to take home.
To get started, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password in the sign-in fields on the right side of the page. Note: You do not need to create your own user name and password.
www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
User Name: mrsbrownc3
Password: brownc3
Ordering online is the most convenient way to use Scholastic Book Clubs. You can order anytime, right up until the online order due date. You'll also get instant access to over 500 additional titles plus online-only specials and discounts.
And don't forget: Every time a parent places an order online, we earn a FREE book for our classroom library!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Karrie Brown
P.S. If you do not order online, paying with checks is the easiest for me. If you cannot pay with a check, that’s fine you can send cash.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes---reading logs due tomorrow
Multiplication sheet


Attention 5th grade parents,

JGEMS charter school is beginning its recruitment process for students entering the 6th grade in the fall of 2010. JGEMS is a charter school, which means it is a public school with the Salem Keizer School District. This is a GREAT school and would be a wonderful opportunity for your child to attend while they are in middle school. Mrs. Koenig has had students attend this school in the past and they always come back and tell her about how much they love it! There is no fee, but they choose the class through a lottery process. Also, here is there website if you are interested: http://www.jgems.net/index.php

If you are interested in attending a meeting to learn about this school, please email me back and I will send home a brochure with your child regarding program details, information meetings, and other important dates. I will be sharing this with my class on Tuesday. Also, mark your calendar for Feb. 18th, at 6:30pm in the Waldo Library (this is there required Information Meeting for all interested parents and students).

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Division
Practice flashcards—test on Friday

Reading logs were due today. Only 5 came back!

No TV Week:
January23-29

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Science: Atoms
Math: reducing fractions

Science Fair:
Its that time again! The Science Fair will be Feb. 18th. Information and poster board will be sent home January 21st. No need to panic just yet. But if you want to get a jump start of looking for that perfect science experiment now is the time.

Field Trip:
Just a reminder, we will be seeing Kiss Me Kate at McNary High School. Please remember to drop your student off at McNary at 8:45 AM. All 4th and 5th grade teachers will be there to meet the kids. If you are choosing not to have your student come they are still expected to be at school. They will be with Mrs. Randal.

On January 15th we are having a multiplication basic fact test. Practice, practice, practice.

January 21 and 22 we will be starting the first round of the State Reading Test. Students will have 3 chances to pass. Please make sure students come to school well rested and have full tummies.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Division math sheet


If your student has not returned their McNary Play field trip form please make sure they get it in as soon as possible.

We are running out of tissue. If you are able to bring another box, I would really appreciate it.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math sheet
Fact and opinion sheet

Class Store:
Our next class store is coming up at the end of the month (Jan.29). If you have any thing you would like to donate I would really appreciate it. I have a few things I picked up over the break.

Homework:
I have noticed the same kids over and over again not turning in their homework. I hate to do this, because it takes away from my planning time, but I am going to take away recess each time a student does not turn in their homework. They will have to complete it during that time. I hope this encourages those students to start bringing their homework back. I am also hoping to change this plan, so I can have my planning time back. I am brain storming some ideas with other teachers.

We are going to a play January 20th! Here is the permission slip that will be sent home on Thursday.

Forest Ridge fourth and fifth grade students will be taking a field trip on Wednesday, January 20th, 2010. We will be visiting McNary High School in Keizer to see the musical comedy play, Kiss Me Kate. The curtain will go up at 9:00 a.m. promptly.

Here is what will need to happen differently on that day:

PLEASE DROP YOUR FOURTH OR FIFTH GRADE STUDENT AT MCNARY HIGH SCHOOL AT 8:45 A.M. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20TH. YOUR STUDENT IS TO MEET HIS OR HER TEACHER IN THE COMMONS. The commons is the room they will be in after walking through the front doors- no chance of getting lost. PLEASE BE ON TIME!

It is our hope that all 4th and 5th graders will be able to attend the play. However, any students who do not come to McNary that morning, are to come to Forest Ridge at the regular time to do morning activities in room C-4. Children attending the play will be transported by school bus to the school in time for lunch.

This field trip is FREE!

Because of limited seating at the play, we are not taking chaperones on this trip.

We are looking forward to this exciting opportunity!

Mrs. Kerr Mrs. Brown Mrs. Randall Mrs. Koenig Mr. Jorgensen

Homework:
Read 20 minutes—Reading logs due tomorrow
Division worksheet
Fact and Opinion sheet


Play:
Missoula Montana Children's Theatre Company is in town this week producing a children's play "Princess and the Pea". There will be two performances on Saturday at Claggett Creek Middle School. 3pm and 5:30pm Adults $8
There are a number of students from Forest Ridge in the play. Come support our kids!

Fun Things to do in January:

*KEIZER ART ASSOCIATION
cartooning: Tuesdays, Jan. 5th-Feb. 2nd $50 for 5weeks ages 7-12
take this class if you like to draw, laugh, and share cartoon stories
kids clay class: Saturdays, Jan 30th-Feb. 2nd 11-12pm 4 weeks $40 Ages 6-15 or older!
creating projects from clay and fire in a kiln
Register for classes at www.keizerarts.com or call 363-5667

*LANCASTER MALL KIDS CLUB
Thursday, January 7th 6-7pm Free Make a Snowman

*BULLWINKLE'S FUN CENTER
Family Fun Friday! Jan. 9th 5-9pm $10 gets you unlimited laser tag, max flight, kidopolis, and more!
Must call and reserve spot @ (425) 228-7300 X13

*LOWES BUILD AND GROW KIDS CLINICS
Saturday, Jan. 9th Coin Bank
Saturday, Jan. 23rd Tic Tac Toe 10-11am Free Register @ Lowes.com

*MISSION MILL FAMILY DAY
Saturday, Jan. 9th Potato Stamp Cards Free 11-1

*NORTHERN LIGHTS THEATRE DOUBLE PLAY SATURDAY (Play, Movie, Pizza, Snacks)
Saturday, Jan. 9th $11 Doors open 11:45 Play: Princess and the Pea
Movie:TBA

*STRAUB ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER (1120 A Street NE Salem)
Nature kids Classes Free Call to RSVP 391-4145
Wednesday, Jan. 13th "Watersheds" 2nd & 3rd graders
Wednesday, Jan. 20th "Watersheds" 4th & 5th graders 4-5:30 pm

*SALEM PUBLIC LIBRARY NO TV WEEK JAN 23-29 SLEEPOVER!!!
THE GREAT LIBRARY CAMP IN!!!!! Lots of FUN!!!!! Come find a comfy spot with us=)
Step 1: Submit your pledge to turn off your T.V for one week @ www.salemlibrary.org YOU CAN DO THIS!!!
Step 2: Make your reservation by calling 588-6088
Step 3: Keep your pledge and do not turn your t.v on Jan. 23rd-Jan. 29th
Step 4: Arrive at the Library Friday, Jan 29th at 6:30pm Bring your sleeping bag, pillows,etc. and get ready for a fun night of games, crafts, snacks, door prizes, and more!

*MICHAELS
Saturday, Jan. 30th Valentines Day Frame $1 12-2pm

Happy 2010

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Division worksheet

Our tissue supply is running low. If you are able to contribute more tissue that would be great! The sniffle monster has been around.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes---Reading logs due tomorrow!
Math sheet---Two sided


Over the break I will be sending home a reading record sheet. Each day students need to read 30 minutes and record the name of their book and the pages they read.

We will be having a Christmas party on the 18th (my daughter turns 2 that day! I can’t believe it!) If you would like to bring a treat for the kids let me know.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes --New reading logs are coming home tonight.
Math

Homework:
Read 30 minutes--last day to turn in this weeks reading log
Everyday fractions, decimals and percents

Strategies for Parenting a Reader
Here are important reading strategies students can use before, during and after reading:
BEFORE Reading:
§ Predict what the book is about from the title or pictures.
§ Set a purpose for reading. Ex. I am going to read this book because I want to learn more about animals.
§ Take a picture walk through the book. Ask, What is happening in the pictures?
§ Establish a Routine: Similar to discipline, play time, and any other daily activity in a child’s life, reading should be a fun routine that engages a child each day.
DURING Reading:
§ Ask your child questions to monitor comprehension. As children learn to read, they are not only engaging in the plot of a story, but they are also learning how a book is held, how pictures align with the story and that words carry meaning.
§ If your reader is having a difficult time try these strategies:
o Use finger to point under each word to keep track of where you are reading
o Use beginning sounds to figure out words
o Use ending sounds to figure out words
o Use pictures on the page to help figure out a word
o Use word chunks (_at, _ack, _ight)
o Look for a smaller word within the word
o Read to the end of the sentence. Sometimes the word thatmakes sense pops right up!
o Make a prediction of what is happening in the story
o Reread the sentence or passage to increase understanding
§ While reading ask: "Does it make sense?" "Does it sound right?" "Do the letters match the sounds?" If the answers are yes, go on reading. If not, go back and try the process again.
§ Read books over and over again so your child feels confident in reading the story by them self!
§ Most importantly, when reading with your child remain positive and encouraging. Your support and optimism plays an integral role in your student’s willingness become a lifelong reader.
AFTER Reading:
§ React to the reading by making connections, ask: “What other story is like this one?” “Have you felt the same away as a character in the story?” “Did something similar happen to you?” “Does it help you think about something in real life not directly connected to you?” Summarize & talk about the sequence of events in the story to boost compreh

Homework:
Read 30 minutes---Reading logs are due
4th grade finish science, do your best with finding the answers it may be challenging
Multiplication sheet—4’s, will need crayons.

It has been very cold as you probably all know. I have noticed that many kids are not wearing a coat, just a sweat shirt. I understand at this age it can be a battle to get kids to wear coats. Please continue to encourage them to wear a coat.

Homework:
Reading 30 minutes
Subtraction math sheet, Multiplication work sheet

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Context clues sheet (for kids that stay in my class for reading).
Cheer for the Beavers!

Canned Food Drive:

The canned food drive is under way. If you are able to donate cans or food, please make sure it is non-perishable. Make sure food has not been opened. Last year there were 16 jars of half eaten peanut butter donated. All cans need to have a label, no silver cans. Kids are also welcome to bring hygiene products, diapers, baby food, new books and toys.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math sheets—7’s multiplication and clocks
4th graders have a vocabulary project to complete. Due Dec. 8th

Students should be showing you their planners to sign every night. They get paid bonuses during random planner checks. They never know when Mrs. Brown will have a planner check.

5th graders need to dress warm and wear comfortable shoes for their field trip tomorrow.

Book orders are Due Friday the 4th. I will be placing the order around 9:30 Friday morning. I want to make sure I get it in soon, so books will come on time. This time of year always makes me nervous!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes—reading logs are due tomorrow
6’s math sheet, time
Context clues sheet

A few of you are wanting to know how to order books on line. Here’s what to do:
Go to www.scholastic.com/parentordering

Class User Name: mrsbrownc3

Password: brownc3

Homework:
Read 30 minutes every day!
Book report
Come to conferences


Conferences

Please remember, conferences are Monday and Tuesday. If at all possible please have your child attend too. It is good for them to here how well they are doing, and what they need to work on.

This would also be a great week to check up on your student’s supplies and what they need. Pencils are always a need here.

Book orders are due December 4th. If you want to bring them in during your conference that would work too!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes--reading logs are due tomorrow
Telling time to the quarter hour

I sent home a few Scholastic Book orders for your students. Books make great Christmas gifts! If you want to order online I sent the instructions home as well. If you do want to order books as gifts for your kids email me and I will let you know what I need from you. Orders are due December 4th. I think that will give them enough time to get to us before we leave for Christmas Break.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Time sheet

A fun website:
Northpole.com is a great website for all the kids in your family. It has fun learning activities and you can even write a letter to Santa!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes Friday, Saturday and Sunday

It felt so weird without the 5th graders here today. I can't wait to hear all about thier trip!
I really enjoyed hanging out with just the 4th graders today.

Have a great weekend!

Homework:

Read 30 minutes
Telling time math

Thursday Thoughts are coming home today.
Reading logs are coming home today.
A baggie to recycle crayons is coming home today.

5th grade field trip tomorrow. 5th graders need to be at school by 7:45.

First I need to apologize for not staying on top of the blog. The last few days have been a bit crazy after school with meetings. I usually do the blog through out the day, but usually get it posted at the end of the day.

Remember, no school tomorrow

Homework:
Read 30 minutes Tuesday and Wednesday---Reading logs due Thursday
Telling time worksheet, multiplication worksheet

Supplies:
Please make sure your student has plenty of pencils. Students are starting to say they are out of pencils. I only have so many to lend out.

Conferences:
Conferences are coming up fast! They will be November 23 and 24th. Yesterday I sent home a conference confirmation form with your student. Please make sure you look at the date and return the bottom portion to me ASAP. I don’t have too many slots open, so if you need to reschedule let me know. I would also like to stress how important it is for your student to attend the conference as well.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes. Reading logs need to be turned in Thursday if they were not turned in today.
Multiplication

Math:
We are working on telling time and elapsed time in math. Whenever you can please have your student tell you what time it is on a regular clock (no digital).

Picture retakes:
Tomorrow is picture retake day. If your student was absent they need to get their picture taken for our class photo. If you did not like your child’s pictures please bring back the picture packets and they can have retakes.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Multiplication math sheet

Everyone in class needs to practice their multiplication facts. Please practice with flashcards each night. There is also a great web site multiplication.com that has games and practice sheets for kids.


Parent Teacher Club tonight 6:45pm

Reminders:
Reading logs and library books are Due Wednesday the 4th

No school the 6th

No school the 11th

Conference the 23rd and 24th

No School the 23rd-27th

Homework:
Accelerated math
Read 30 minutes

Books Fair:
The book fair is here! As your students are looking for books to purchase they can also look at my “wish list.” I wrote down some books that we need in our classroom. Students can donate these books to our class library if you are able to.

Flu:
Please make sure you encourage students to wash their hands often, cough into their elbows, and stay home if they are sick. Every day I have the kids wash with anti-bacterial soap and we wash our desks with disinfectant after school.

Organization:
Organization is a life skill that every child in this class needs to work on. You can help at home by making sure your student has their student planner and their homework folder at school everyday.

October 30th:
Character book dress up day is coming up. Please make sure if your student dressses up they have a book to go along with their costume. Remember this is character book dress up.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes—new neon orange reading logs were sent home today
Work on speech and be ready to present tomorrow!


Can you believe its conference time already!!
Today I sent home an important conference paper. This paper lets you know when conference times are. You will then need to select a time that is best for you. Please make sure you give me your top three choices. I will do my very best to choose a time that will work for you. If you do not send the conference form back, I am assuming you don’t mind where I stick you in the schedule.

Book Fair:
The Book Fair is here! Come enjoy great selections of books with your kids. It starts October 26-30.
Family Night is are Tuesday 10/27, and Thursday 10/29 6pm-8pm.

Homework:
Reading 30 minutes—turn in reading logs
5thgrade—ocean paper
Everyone needs to work on speeches—ready by Friday!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math sheet
Work on speeches---Be ready to present this Friday!

Hello,

I am Nancy Ornee (Miss O to the kids) and I will be working in the classroom with Mrs. Brown for about 5 weeks. I am in the MAT program at George Fox University and am in the Student Teaching part of my program. I have been with Salem/Keizer Schools for 13 years, as an Instructional Assistant, and decided to get my certification to teach math at the middle school level. I have two grown children, and 5 grand-children and am not as young as I look! I hope to be a benefit to your child’s class.

I’m halfway through my first day here and am already enjoying your children. They are a great bunch of kids and I look forward to learning from them and helping them to learn!

Nancy Ornee

Homework:
Read 30 minutes—New Green Reading Logs are coming home today.
Multiplication sheet—5’s

Thursday Thoughts are going home today.

Reminder: Speeches should be ready to present by October 23rd! It’s about a week away!

Beach Trip:
The 5th graders are bringing home a permission slip for the beach field trip. Please read over carefully. Chaperones are $5.00.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes--Turn in reading logs if not turned in today
Math sheet

Class Store:
The class store will soon be upon me. This is when students who have earned money with good behavior, turning in homework, and class jobs can buy some fun stuff as a reward. I have bought a few things from the Dollar Tree and two parents have donated this month. If you are out and about and can pick up 2 or 3 things that would be great: juice boxes, fruit snacks, granola bars, candy, individual sized bags of chips.....whatever you think kids would like.

Harvest Party:
On October 30th its character book dress up day and I think it would be fun to have a "Harvest Party." If any one wants to help with this, or plan it let me know. I would love the help. It doesn't have to be a huge thing, maybe a craft or two, a game, a movie..... and lots of candy. If you can help by bringing in a bag of candy to share with a class of 25 that would be great!
I know money is tight with everyone, but if we all work together it will be fun! I used to be able to do this on my own, but with diapers, and all that stuff its a lot harder :0).

Field trip:
Permission slips for the pumpkin patch are slowly coming in. Please make sure your student turns it in with $3.00 by 10/28/09. If there is no permission slip turned in, the student has to stay at school. Parents volunteering please make sure to turn in $3.00 as well, and I will give more information at a later time.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes—Reading logs Due Tomorrow!
5th grade: map work sheet, finish making map from class
4th grade: Lewis and Clark sheet
Multiplication sheet


Due Tomorrow:
Library books
Reading logs

Due October 15th:Jog a Thon packets

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Work on speech—Due October 23rd

Please make sure Pumpkin Patch permission slips are coming in. If you want to volunteer please make sure you mark the slip, and you need to pay $3.00. I would like to have at least 2 more volunteers. It’s going to be a fun and educational trip! The only down side is, parents will have to car pool or meet us there. We only have one bus for three classes.

I have been tracking the books orders and they should be here sometime this week! YAHOO!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes--Reading Logs go home today

The kids did a great job at the Jog-A-Thon! I am so proud of how hard they worked. I will try and post pictures on the blog this weekend.

Thursday Thoughts, reading logs, and other papers are going home today.

Your student was able to see 5 Marine players from the Presidents Own today. So cool! Have them tell you all about it.

Have a great weekend!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes—Reading logs were due today, but can be brought in Thursday if needed
Math: Comparing numbers


I am sending home Pumpkin Patch permission slips home today. If you emailed me about being a volunteer please indicate you want to be one on the permission slip form. Chaperones will also need to pay $3.00. The good news is you get a pumpkin! J

I am also sending home information about your students first speech of the year! I will also email you that information.

Please remember tomorrow is the jog a thon. Make sure your student is wearing appropriate clothes and shoes.


Reading logs:
I have noticed that some students are not reading every day for at least 30 minutes. It is so important for kids to read for at least 30 minutes or more a day. Even for higher readers. I also ask for students to be honest about how many minutes they have read. If they did not read that day then don’t mark it. Thanks for your help.

Congratulations to all of the 5th graders! They all turned in their reading logs on time today! They have earned a Free Homework Pass!

Homework:
Read 3o minutes
Finish math from class--Not everybody will have math tonight

Important dates:
Oct. 7th--Walk, Bike, ride day
Oct. 8th--Jog a thon
Oct. 9th-- No School
Oct. 15th-- Jog a Thon Packets with money are due
Oct. 22nd-- Jog a Thon Prize assembly
Oct. 23rd-- After Dark Party
Oct. 28th-- Pumpkin Patch field trip--Permission slips will go home this week.
Oct. 30th--Character Dress up day, Harvest party.

We Made it to October!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes---New Reading Logs are coming home today. They are cream colored
Math sheet


Thursday Thoughts are coming home today along with other flyers. Students should also be bringing home corrected papers.

Spelling words: We are using the Rebecca Sitton spelling program through out the whole school. There is not a set list of words student need to study. We work on vowels, and sounds and other techniques of spelling. There are 5 words I would like to have the kids study. They may be easy to some kids and harder for others. Please work with your student on these 5 words. We will have a spelling review October 8th.

wind, behind, cannot, letter, among



Math Help:
We have been working on multiplication and place value in math. If you do not have a set of multiplication flash cards at home, now is the time to get them. I think the Dollar Tree has some. Please set aside some time to practice with your student. We have been working on the 2’s, 3’s and just started the 4’s.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes---Reading Logs Due TOMORROW
Math sheet

Some reminders for September 30th:
Math Whizz Due tomorrow
Picture day tomorrow
Book Orders due tomorrow
Library books due tomorrow


Last Friday I passed out some registration forms to some of the students to take home. Please fill these out and return them to school ASAP. It’s very important that we have updated information.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes--- new Read At Home (RAH) reading logs are coming home today. They are green.
Math sheet 3’s multiplication

Jog-A-Thon
Today we had the Jog-A-Thon Assembly. All of the kids are really excited about the prizes they can earn from their pledges. The Jog-A –Thon packets are going home today so keep a look out for them.

Class Store:
Our first class store is coming up on Wednesday September 30! I need your help in making sure there are fun and yummy things for kids to purchase with the money they have earned. If you are able to donate some inexpensive items to our “Class Store” please send them by Wednesday the 30th. The Dollar Tree is a great place to pick up a few items: Juice boxes, bags of chips, silly little toys, pencils, and pens…whatever you can bring in or think of. I really appreciate your help!

Book Orders:
Book orders are due by September 30th. Remember you can also order online! Our classroom can earn one free book with every order made online. So far we have one book we can add to our class library.

Picture Day:
Picture day is also September 30th!! WOW! There is a lot going on that day! If you want to order pictures please make sure packets are brought in on the 30th. Even if you are not going to order pictures your student will have their picture taken so they can be in the class photo.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math sheet---if not done in class
Reading sheet for students in my reading class


How to Choose a Just Right Book:
Look at the cover
Read the title and the author
Read the blurb in the back
Flip through the book
Read the first page
Use the 5 finger rule
0-1 fingers----too easy
2-3 fingers----Just Right
4-5 fingers----too hard.

Parents, I ask you to do this with your student each time they choose a book to read. If they are reading books that are too hard for them, they will not become better readers. They will become frustrated and not enjoy reading. I know some kids are feeling discouraged because they can not read the big chapter books some of the other students are reading. In order for them to be able to read those big chapter books they have to work on the level they are currently at. If we do not work as a team, students will not make much progress.


Reading Logs:

Students turned in their reading logs today. Nine students out of 25 did not turn in their reading logs. If your student still needs to turn in their reading log they can bring it tomorrow. New Reading logs will be sent home tomorrow (Thursday).

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math Sheet


Picture day is September 30th!
I am sending home a picture packet today. Please do not send any money or the packet back until September 30th. I don’t want to run the risk of loosing itJ.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes—remember to use the reading logs
Math 2’s sheet


Field Trip:
October 28th we will be having out annual Pumpkin Patch Field trip. If you are interested in coming and being with a group of kids please let me know.

Reminder:
Library books are due tomorrow

Book orders are due September 30th. Remember you can order online and we will earn a free book for the class.

You are able to buy Math Whizz until October 1st. Please take advantage of this great program and opportunity.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
This is using our new and improved reading log for the week. Kids bring them to turn in to me on Wednesday. A new reading log will be sent home on Thursdays.

I sent home book orders today. We talked about ways to earn books (helping out around the house, babysitting….). If you would like me to recommend books for your child I would love to help. I am still getting to know them as readers, but I can sure try and help. I know how to look up levels of books.
You can also order the books online. I have sent home a letter explaining how to do so. I will also include it in this blog entry. For every order I get online we get a free book for our classroom! This will help me to provide more book choices for the students. I buy a lot of books for the class, so it will also save my wallet… he he he. Book Orders are due Sept. 30th. I will order all of the books that afternoon.

Dear Parent,
I have exciting news. You can now place your Scholastic Book Clubs orders online!
Browse all the great monthly Book Club selections at low prices and order online. Plus, our class earns a FREE Book every time a parent orders online.
Here's how it works:

1. Use the information below to access the Scholastic Book Clubs Web site.
2. Browse the titles with your child and place your order with your credit card.
3. Your order will come to me, and your credit card payment will go directly to Scholastic's secure server. There's no need to send money to school.
4. After I submit the entire class order to Scholastic, your order will be delivered to our classroom for your child to take home.
To get started, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password in the sign-in fields on the right side of the page. Note: You do not need to create your own user name and password.
www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
User Name: mrsbrownc3
Password: brownc3
Ordering online is the most convenient way to use Scholastic Book Clubs. You can order anytime, right up until the online order due date. You'll also get instant access to over 500 additional titles plus online-only specials and discounts.
And don't forget: Every time a parent places an order online, we earn a FREE book for our classroom library!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
KARRIE BROWN

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Math sheet

A change in reading slips:

Forest Ridge is starting a school wide at home reading program. Each Thursday, students will bring home a bookmark/reading log to track their reading at home. This will help encourage kids to become better readers and promote reading outside of school. I started the year off with the reading slips, because we wanted to introduce the new reading program to students all at once Friday (tomorrow) at a school wide assembly. We want to pump them up and get them excited about reading. So please note the change in their reading slips tomorrow.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Multiplication sheet


Today I am sending home a form for Math Whizz: the Online Tutor. I would like all of my students to have this wonderful program available to them. I have seen great growth in students from last year. It is $50.00 for a year. If you ordered it from the web site it would be $19.99 a month. Ordering it through the school is a much better deal. If the price is a bit shocking, just think about how much money you spend renting video games or buying video games. This is an educational tool that is also fun. Students usually beg to do it in class.

Homework:

Read 30 Minutes
2’s Multiplication sheet
5th grade choir kids have in class work to do
Bring decorations such as: stickers, pictures to decorate Writers Notebooks with


Being Absent:
When your child is absent they are still expected to read for 30 minutes each day and bring in a reading slip. Any other homework and/or class work that is missed will be sent home to finish at home.

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Finish addition worksheet from class

A Bit of House Keeping:
1. Please remind student’s that planners and homework folders are due back at school every day.

2. I still need a few Emergency Closure forms

The Second Day!

Homework:
Read 30 minutes
Bring $5.00 for planners
Make sure students have 4 different colored spiral notebooks by Monday Sept. 14th.


Important papers:
Important papers are being sent home with our messengers (the youngest student in the family or the only student in a family). Please make sure to go through them and sign or fill out the ones that need it. Thursdays are the days when Thursday Thoughts go home, and corrected papers go home.


Harry Potter:
This summer I read the first three Harry Potter books. I absolutely fell in love with them. I know and understand that some parents are not fans of these books. I would like to begin reading the first Harry Potter book next month. Please let me know if you are opposed. I know some parents are worried about the magic in the book. I had my doubts too, but I would never read something I thought would be inappropriate in my class. These are great books. However, if there are a number of people who would not like me reading them I will change my choice.

A New Year

We are off to a great start! I have really enjoyed spending the day with the students. This should be a great week!


Homework:
Read 30 minutes.
Parent volunteer form
Parent contact information
I would really like these two forms to be filled out and brought back tomorrow

Mistake with planners:

The student planners the 4th and 5th graders are to have are actually $5.00. When they were ordered the price went up from last year. I was unaware of this until this morning. If you have already paid the $3.00 please send $2.00 when you can. Otherwise please send $5.00 with your student sometime this week for a student planner.

I would like each student to have a Student Planner By Friday the 11th.

Students will be bringing home a classroom informational packet today. Some parents took them home yesterday at Open House. Here is a copy of it:

September 2, 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I wanted to take a few minutes to introduce myself, and tell you a few things to get us started this week.

A Little about Myself:
My name is Karrie Brown. I grew up in Salem, Oregon and attended Western Baptist College (now Corban College) for my Bachelors, and Masters Degree. This is my eleventh year teaching. My husband and I live in Silverton with our 21 month old daughter Abigail, and our 3 year old Black Lab Bailey. If you ever have any questions or concerns please call me at 503-399-5548 or you can email me, brown_karrie@salkeiz.k12.or.us.

During open house I will be collecting as many email address I can to keep an open line of communication open. It is usually best to contact me through email. Sometimes it is hard to reach me by phone because of meetings and such. I do return phone calls as soon as possible, but email is a lot faster. I also send out a lot of classroom information through my classroom blog http://forestridgefalconsc3.blogspot.com/. Homework assignments will also be posted each day on the blog. It is so important for me to get information to you, so please check your email and our blog.


Lunch and Snack:
Since our lunch does not start until 12:10, I am allowing students to bring a simple healthy snack to munch on during class. Please keep these snacks easy, not too messy, and of course healthy. No cookies or candy.

Students are also welcome to bring water bottles to class. Only water is allowed in the bottle, no juice or pop.

Supplies:
2 glue sticks
Pencil sharpener
4 spiral notebooks of different colors or pictures
Protractor
Crayons
1 package of notebook paper (they can either give it to me to share, or keep in their desk)
Please do not have your child bring a binder. They will not need them in my class.
These supplies are in addition to the schools.

Student Planners: All of the 4th and 5th grade students will be using student planners this year. These planners will cost $3.00. This is a great way to keep track of your student’s homework assignments, and communicate with the teacher. It also prepares them for Middle School.

Classroom Rules:
Always tell the truth no matter what.
Obey all teachers
Include everyone
Raise your hand
Use your common sense.

At Forest Ridge we want our students to feel safe in the classroom. In order to do these rules need to be followed. We want the students at our school to Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful,

Consequences:
First warning is name on the board
One check by name misses part of recess
Two checks notice of concern or a call home
Three checks all of the above
*Any inappropriate behavior that is a constant everyday thing may require a meeting with the parents.

Classroom Management

I have fake Ms. Hughes (my maiden name) money. Students will be able to earn this money by turning in homework, good behavior in class and class jobs.I want this to be a real world learning experience for them. They will need to pay rent for the space they live (their desks) and will be fined for inappropriate behavior. I am going to set up a banking system so they can learn to plan ahead and save money. This will be a topic of many discussions. I am sure regulations will be added to this. I did this with my first class at Lake Labish and it really got them thinking about how money works, what their parents have to deal with each month and so on. It was a great thing! I am hoping that kids will understand if they don’t perform and do their jobs then they will not get paid. At the end of each month I will have a store for the kids. This is where your help is needed. If you have any old toys, or games or books…..and you want to get rid of them, send them my way. I can sell those things at the store. If you would like to buy snacks or anything for me to sell that would be great as well. Here are some suggestions for snacks if you need them: Capri suns, individual bags of chips, candy, or anything you think is good. If you want you can check with me if you have a question. School supplies would also be good. I am going to go to the dollar tree and see what they have. Student will be able to but 2 things each. I know I ask a lot from you guys, but with out you I could not do it! I really appreciate all of your help and the willingness you all have! I think this will be really fun for the kids.Homework is one way they can earn money. For everyday they bring their homework back they will earn $5.00. They can earn $25.00 a week on homework


Electronics/phones and Toys:
I do not allow electronics, phones or toys in the classroom. If there is a need for a cell phone then the phone needs to be turned completely off and given to me at the beginning of class. When school is out I will give it back, and the students can not turn them on and talk to people until they are out of the building. Last year I had a few kids bring electronics and phones and they either lost them or they were stolen. If electronics are brought then they will need to be given to me as well, and I will pass them out at the end of the day. It is best to leave those things at home. However, I do understand if a phone is needed.

Book Orders:
Once a month I try and send out Scholastic Book Club order forms. This is a great way to get great titles for your child at a very reasonable price. I have even started ordering for my little one! The date for when the order forms are due will be on the back, and if you send a check make it payable to Scholastic Books. With each order I receive points. With those points I can buy free books for our classroom. Not only are you buying great books for your kids, you are also helping to build a better classroom library for them.

Thursdays:
I will try and send corrected papers home every Thursday along with Thursday Thoughts. Just know that Thursdays would be a great day to go through your child’s backpackJ.

Birthdays:
Birthdays can be celebrated in the class. I prefer the last 15-20 minutes of the day. Please let me know 2-3 days in advance before the party.

Here is a look at the curriculum we are using at Forest Ridge

LITERACY

The comprehensive literacy model used in the classroom to teach reading includes the following components: purposeful instruction, modeled reading, shared reading, guided reading, and 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: TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, and THURSDAY. Students need to wear shoes and clothing appropriate for P.E. participation.




MATH

The core math program for Forest Ridge is Investigations. This program uses a lot of hands on activities, and working with others. Students seem to enjoy working with manipulative.
Math facts work (primarily through math games) and math problem-solving will occur on a regular basis.

A supplemental program is our “Every Day Counts” calendar math. Many concepts are introduced and reinforced at this time. These activities are done each morning, so it is important that your student arrive at school on time so they do not miss this part of math.


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.

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 kids will use journals, writers notebooks, and word processing.



Thank you for your time,



Karrie Brown