Tuesday, September 28, 2010

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.

Monday, September 27, 2010

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

Friday, September 24, 2010

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.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

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.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

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.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

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.

Monday, September 13, 2010

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!

Thursday, June 03, 2010

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/

Thursday, May 27, 2010

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

Monday, May 24, 2010

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.

Friday, May 21, 2010

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

Thursday, May 20, 2010

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

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

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

Monday, May 17, 2010

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.

Monday, May 10, 2010

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

Friday, May 07, 2010

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!

Thursday, May 06, 2010

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!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

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.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

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.

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

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.