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.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
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.
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
Monday, June 08, 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Monday, June 01, 2009
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Practice 8’s flashcards
Math sheet
Work on book report
Book Reports are Friday June 5th!
Field day:
Forest Ridge needs your help. If you are able to volunteer to run an activity contact the school or sign up in the lobby.
Class Store:
Our last class store is upon us. If you have anything you would like to donate please send it with your student. We got some great stuff for May's store. Here are some ideas: water bottles, side walk chalk, treats, drinks, summer fun toys....all of these things can be a $1.00 or less. Please don't feel like you have to spend a fourtune. If you have anything at home to get rid of we'll take that as well.
Read 20 minutes
Practice 8’s flashcards
Math sheet
Work on book report
Book Reports are Friday June 5th!
Field day:
Forest Ridge needs your help. If you are able to volunteer to run an activity contact the school or sign up in the lobby.
Class Store:
Our last class store is upon us. If you have anything you would like to donate please send it with your student. We got some great stuff for May's store. Here are some ideas: water bottles, side walk chalk, treats, drinks, summer fun toys....all of these things can be a $1.00 or less. Please don't feel like you have to spend a fourtune. If you have anything at home to get rid of we'll take that as well.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Lots of Information
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Practice flash cards
Math sheet
Year Book Time
The youngest person/only child is bringing home a blue year book form home today, along with Thursday Thoughts. If you would like a year book fill out the form and return the form and $5.00 by June 3rd. Year books will be delivered on Monday June 8th.
Lost and Found
Make sure the lost and found is checked for lost items. On June 15th all unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity.
Field Day
Field Day is June 12th! Volunteers are needed to help run the activities. If you are interested there is a sign up sheet in the lobby.
Summer Library Hours
The library will be open during the following hours:
Wednesdays from 10-11: June 17,24 and July 1,22,29, August 5th is return only
Read 20 minutes
Practice flash cards
Math sheet
Year Book Time
The youngest person/only child is bringing home a blue year book form home today, along with Thursday Thoughts. If you would like a year book fill out the form and return the form and $5.00 by June 3rd. Year books will be delivered on Monday June 8th.
Lost and Found
Make sure the lost and found is checked for lost items. On June 15th all unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity.
Field Day
Field Day is June 12th! Volunteers are needed to help run the activities. If you are interested there is a sign up sheet in the lobby.
Summer Library Hours
The library will be open during the following hours:
Wednesdays from 10-11: June 17,24 and July 1,22,29, August 5th is return only
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Multiplication sheet
Practice 8’s flash cards---test next Wednesday
Scholastic News Page 8
I received a number of the parent letters back, I sent home yesterday. We will be meeting tomorrow morning. I will do my best to honor your request, but please keep in mind we need your flexibility should we be unable to keep class size equal.
Thank you for your quick responses! You are a great group of parents!
Read 20 minutes
Multiplication sheet
Practice 8’s flash cards---test next Wednesday
Scholastic News Page 8
I received a number of the parent letters back, I sent home yesterday. We will be meeting tomorrow morning. I will do my best to honor your request, but please keep in mind we need your flexibility should we be unable to keep class size equal.
Thank you for your quick responses! You are a great group of parents!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Oregon Studies Weekly crossword (if not done in class)
Work on book report
Reminder:
Book reports are due June 5th. Students should be finishing up their books by now, and starting their projects and speeches. I am so excited to see what the kids come up with.
I also want to remind you about the CD’s I can put together for your student. I can order a CD of pictures through Costco. I have pictures of your student’s 4th grade year. This way your student will have pictures of their friends and themselves. If you are interested the CD’s are $3.00. It is pictures of field trips, class activities and so on. Let me know if you have any questions.
Read 20 minutes
Oregon Studies Weekly crossword (if not done in class)
Work on book report
Reminder:
Book reports are due June 5th. Students should be finishing up their books by now, and starting their projects and speeches. I am so excited to see what the kids come up with.
I also want to remind you about the CD’s I can put together for your student. I can order a CD of pictures through Costco. I have pictures of your student’s 4th grade year. This way your student will have pictures of their friends and themselves. If you are interested the CD’s are $3.00. It is pictures of field trips, class activities and so on. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Important Stuff
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Math Sheet
Practice 7’s flashcards—Test Tomorrow!
Choir Tour:
Choir kids who turned in their permission slips will be on their choir tour tomorrow. They will return around 1:00.
Tonight is the Forest Ridge Choir Concert at 6:30. Kids have to be here at 6:15. Please wear Choir shirts.
Dates to Remember:
May 22nd—Choir Tour
May 25th—No School
June 5th – Book report presentations!!
June 12—Last Kid Day L I’ll miss them!
Read 20 minutes
Math Sheet
Practice 7’s flashcards—Test Tomorrow!
Choir Tour:
Choir kids who turned in their permission slips will be on their choir tour tomorrow. They will return around 1:00.
Tonight is the Forest Ridge Choir Concert at 6:30. Kids have to be here at 6:15. Please wear Choir shirts.
Dates to Remember:
May 22nd—Choir Tour
May 25th—No School
June 5th – Book report presentations!!
June 12—Last Kid Day L I’ll miss them!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Math sheet
Read scholastic news and complete page 8
Behavior Issues:
We have 4 more weeks of school left and I can feel it. I have been noticing issues of name calling, inappropriate language or words, not listening to me, and having little regard for the people around them. This needs to stop. I have had to really crack down on the kids. I do not enjoy being a grumpy teacher all the time. My goal is to have these last few weeks be fun yet educational. However, I can not do the fun things I would like to do if the class is out of control. I will be emailing parents or having the student call their parents if I continue to see such behavior.
Class store:
A few parents have donated things to the class store. Thank you so much! If you can pick up one thing for $1.00 or less to contribute to the store that would really help. I have gathered a few things myself, but still need your help. I know times are tough.....trust me. Just do what you can.
Read 20 minutes
Math sheet
Read scholastic news and complete page 8
Behavior Issues:
We have 4 more weeks of school left and I can feel it. I have been noticing issues of name calling, inappropriate language or words, not listening to me, and having little regard for the people around them. This needs to stop. I have had to really crack down on the kids. I do not enjoy being a grumpy teacher all the time. My goal is to have these last few weeks be fun yet educational. However, I can not do the fun things I would like to do if the class is out of control. I will be emailing parents or having the student call their parents if I continue to see such behavior.
Class store:
A few parents have donated things to the class store. Thank you so much! If you can pick up one thing for $1.00 or less to contribute to the store that would really help. I have gathered a few things myself, but still need your help. I know times are tough.....trust me. Just do what you can.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Math Sheet
Reminder:
Book reports are due June 5th! If you have any questions please let me know.
Class Store:
Our Next class store will be May 29th. Our last class store will be June 12th. Some parents have brought stuff in for the store. Thank you so much. If anyone else can donate a little that would help out so much. I know I ask a lot of you. I really appreciate your help in being able to do fun things with the kids.
Read 20 minutes
Math Sheet
Reminder:
Book reports are due June 5th! If you have any questions please let me know.
Class Store:
Our Next class store will be May 29th. Our last class store will be June 12th. Some parents have brought stuff in for the store. Thank you so much. If anyone else can donate a little that would help out so much. I know I ask a lot of you. I really appreciate your help in being able to do fun things with the kids.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Division sheet
Finish Oregon Studies Weekly crossword from class
With summer coming up I thought I would pass along some of the great websites I have been using, to help your students practice and stay up to date with their basic facts. They all need to really practice!
http://www.mathfactcafe.com/
http://www.multiplication.com/index.htm
http://www.math-drills.com/
http://www.kidzone.ws/
http://themathworksheetsite.com/ This website requires a subscription.
Read 20 minutes
Division sheet
Finish Oregon Studies Weekly crossword from class
With summer coming up I thought I would pass along some of the great websites I have been using, to help your students practice and stay up to date with their basic facts. They all need to really practice!
http://www.mathfactcafe.com/
http://www.multiplication.com/index.htm
http://www.math-drills.com/
http://www.kidzone.ws/
http://themathworksheetsite.com/ This website requires a subscription.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Division sheet
Read Scholastic News ---complete page 8
The end of the year is near and I want to keep you posted on some of the plans I have.
1. Our last class store will be in June. The class gets so excited when its class store time. I am gathering things for it, but could really use your help. If you have any books or toys your kids are done with they would be great for our store. If you would like to buy a little something to donate that works too. The dollar store has some great stuff: bubbles, sidewalk chalk, squirt guns, water balloons, snacks, drinks, gum, decks of cards, candy, stickers, silly string...The kids love little things like that. In the past we have had chips, Capri suns, and other snacks. Those are great too. If you can help out that would be great!
2. On the blog a week or two ago, I mentioned having Costco create a CD of pictures taken this year. I have some pictures I still need to download, and still want to take. If you are interested it is $3.00, and I will make sure your student gets them before the end of the year. I want to wait a little while because of Down By the River, and a few other events I want pictures of. One parent has already sent in the $3.00. Have y This is only if you are interested. If you want one send in the $3.00 and I will put your students name down.
Have a great week! If you have any questions let me know.
Karrie Brown
Read 20 minutes
Division sheet
Read Scholastic News ---complete page 8
The end of the year is near and I want to keep you posted on some of the plans I have.
1. Our last class store will be in June. The class gets so excited when its class store time. I am gathering things for it, but could really use your help. If you have any books or toys your kids are done with they would be great for our store. If you would like to buy a little something to donate that works too. The dollar store has some great stuff: bubbles, sidewalk chalk, squirt guns, water balloons, snacks, drinks, gum, decks of cards, candy, stickers, silly string...The kids love little things like that. In the past we have had chips, Capri suns, and other snacks. Those are great too. If you can help out that would be great!
2. On the blog a week or two ago, I mentioned having Costco create a CD of pictures taken this year. I have some pictures I still need to download, and still want to take. If you are interested it is $3.00, and I will make sure your student gets them before the end of the year. I want to wait a little while because of Down By the River, and a few other events I want pictures of. One parent has already sent in the $3.00. Have y This is only if you are interested. If you want one send in the $3.00 and I will put your students name down.
Have a great week! If you have any questions let me know.
Karrie Brown
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
100 Posts!
I can't believe it, I have completed 100 posts on this blog! WOW!
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Reading sheet
Division worksheet and Multiplication from class
Have a great evening!
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Reading sheet
Division worksheet and Multiplication from class
Have a great evening!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Finish blue math sheet from class—try hard, and do your best.
Summer Birthdays:
A number of kids have come up and asked if they could celebrate their birthday even though its in the summer. I am fine with that. I will leave it up to you and your child to pick a day to celebrate it. Let me know a few days ahead of time. We do birthdays from 2:45-3:00.
Down By The River:
Weather wise I am not sure what will happen. Make sure your child has shoes that are comfortable, and can get a little dirty. Make sure clothes are able to get a little dirty, and are appropriate for the weather. Layering would be a good idea. With our luck it will rain.
Read 20 minutes
Finish blue math sheet from class—try hard, and do your best.
Summer Birthdays:
A number of kids have come up and asked if they could celebrate their birthday even though its in the summer. I am fine with that. I will leave it up to you and your child to pick a day to celebrate it. Let me know a few days ahead of time. We do birthdays from 2:45-3:00.
Down By The River:
Weather wise I am not sure what will happen. Make sure your child has shoes that are comfortable, and can get a little dirty. Make sure clothes are able to get a little dirty, and are appropriate for the weather. Layering would be a good idea. With our luck it will rain.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Family Fun Night Tonight
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Finish blue math sheet from class
Come to Family Fun Night!
I hope to see all of you at Family Fun Night tonight. Abby and I will be here at 6pm and will stay for a little while. It should be a lot of fun!!
Read 20 minutes
Finish blue math sheet from class
Come to Family Fun Night!
I hope to see all of you at Family Fun Night tonight. Abby and I will be here at 6pm and will stay for a little while. It should be a lot of fun!!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Spring Fever!
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Math Sheet
Please remember a Ball Point pen. Each child will need one Thursday and Friday for a special project we are doing.
Spring had Sprung:
Love is in the air here in the C-pod. I have been hearing a lot of talk about “going out” with people and so forth. Surprisingly it’s the boys talking about it. Usually the girls start all of this. Please talk to your student about this. Its inappropriate to be bringing this up at school, and very distracting in class. We have had a few upset kids.
We had a class meeting about the “going out” thing. I encouraged the students to talk to their parents about what dating is, and when they should start. I also told them a little about me, and how I waited a very long time to date. The funny thing is, most of them knew why people date (leading to marriage). I have never had 4th graders into this before. I also stressed how its important to enjoying being a kid. I hope those were ok for me to address. It just seemed to escalate through out the day.
Read 20 minutes
Math Sheet
Please remember a Ball Point pen. Each child will need one Thursday and Friday for a special project we are doing.
Spring had Sprung:
Love is in the air here in the C-pod. I have been hearing a lot of talk about “going out” with people and so forth. Surprisingly it’s the boys talking about it. Usually the girls start all of this. Please talk to your student about this. Its inappropriate to be bringing this up at school, and very distracting in class. We have had a few upset kids.
We had a class meeting about the “going out” thing. I encouraged the students to talk to their parents about what dating is, and when they should start. I also told them a little about me, and how I waited a very long time to date. The funny thing is, most of them knew why people date (leading to marriage). I have never had 4th graders into this before. I also stressed how its important to enjoying being a kid. I hope those were ok for me to address. It just seemed to escalate through out the day.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Homework:
Read 20 minutes
Finish math work from class
Read through Scholastic News complete pg 8
A thought: I have a number of pictures of the class doing things through out the year. I was thinking that if parents were interested I could make CD's of the pictures I have and order them through Costco. They would be around $3.00. Let me know if this is something are interested in. I will order them in June.
Read 20 minutes
Finish math work from class
Read through Scholastic News complete pg 8
A thought: I have a number of pictures of the class doing things through out the year. I was thinking that if parents were interested I could make CD's of the pictures I have and order them through Costco. They would be around $3.00. Let me know if this is something are interested in. I will order them in June.
Friday, May 01, 2009
DBTR
Homework:
Read 40 minutes
Down By The River:
Please make sure your student has brought back the permission slips (there are 2) for Down By The River. I need to make sure I order lunches for kids who need one from school.
Have a great weekend!
Read 40 minutes
Down By The River:
Please make sure your student has brought back the permission slips (there are 2) for Down By The River. I need to make sure I order lunches for kids who need one from school.
Have a great weekend!