Newsletter and Website for Mrs. Emerson's Class Has Moved!

http://aces3rdgrade.weebly.com/

Testing Volunteers Needed

We are in serious need of volunteers to help proctor our End of Grade Tests (EOGs).  Eligible volunteers include anyone over 18 who is not currently enrolled in a k-12 public school (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, neighbors...)  Proctors serve as assistants to test administrators, they are basically a second set of hands in the room to help make sure everything runs smoothly.  Volunteer proctors will need to attend training sessions prior to serving as a test proctor and register as a volunteer.  Proctors will need to report to testing sessions at 9:15AM and should plan to be available until 12:30PM (although some sessions may end earlier).  Please note: for test security reasons, family members may not volunteer in their child's grade level.  We are in need of proctors for the following dates/grade levels (while we need volunteers all dates, 5/26, 5/27, and 6/3 are currently the greatest needs):

Thursday, 5/26-3rd Grade, 5th Grade 

Friday, 5/27-3rd Grade 

Tuesday, 5/31-5th Grade

Wednesday, 6/1-5th Grade

Thursday, 6/2-4th Grade

Friday, 6/3-4th Grade

 

Proctor training will take place Tuesday, 5/17 and Thursday, 5/19 from 9-10AM and 2:30-3:30PM (volunteers need to only attend one session...if you are not able to attend training these dates, we can work out another time).

Please contact our testing coordinator, Christy Bigelow (cbigelow@wcpss.net or 919-694-0555) with questions or to volunteer!

First Annual Abbotts Creek Field Day! A Note From Mrs. Sunday:

Our 1st Annual Field Day is right around the corner.  This will be a fun event filled with games, fitness, and celebration!  Classes will work through 14 activities mostly outside.  PreK-2 will be from 9:30-12:10 and 3-5 will be in the afternoon from 12:40-3:20.  It will most likely be a warm day so please have your child wear: Athletic shoes(no crocs, sandals, or flip flops) , shorts, hat (optional), and a T-shirt..  Please have your child put on sunscreen before school.  Because we have a few water events, it may be a good idea to bring a change of clothes.  Since it will most likely be warm, students should bring a water bottle so that they can stay hydrated.  Please label your child's water bottle with their name.  We will have a water station where students can fill up their water bottles.  

In order to make this day a success we need a lot of volunteers.  If you are interested in helping on on June 7, 2016 please use the following link to sign up:http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4eaaab2da6ff2-aces/ You must be a registered volunteer. (You must have signed up in the library to be a volunteer.)  If you have not done this, it takes about 10 working days to be approved.  If you have any questions please email me at 

rsunday@wcpss.net.

TenMarks Assignments

These are not required but I have added some assignments for practice on elapsed time and measurement on TenMarks. I am also giving students their username/passwords for ixl.com today for additional review of skills.

Newsflash!

April 29, 2016 Newsletter

Reading:

We started EOG review this week. Students are working in groups. The students in the groups take turns being the facilitator. Ask your student about the work they’ve been doing. (See picture to the right on the Twitter feed.) We will continue meeting with reading groups, to read and discuss vocabulary. They are working on assignments independently on Google Classroom to show comprehension of their book.

Language/Writing:

The class is finishing up their fractured fairytales. They are publishing their final copy by typing or making books with illustrations. Some have been finishing and sharing them on their SeeSaw accounts. Next we will begin informative writing by doing state reports.

Math:

Our Team Time groups in third grade have been working on elapsed time. We began our measurement unit yesterday and will then start EOG review. We will follow the same format for math review as we are for reading review by using groups. I also have a trial subscription to ixl.com to practice math skills for the EOG. I have found it to be a good review method in the past. I will send the students' usernames and passwords home. There are language arts skills, but in my opinion the math is better and worth their time more than the language arts skills.

Science:

We will begin our science plant and soil unit on Wednesday.

Important Dates:

May 4th -  SSA (Single Subject Acceleration) Deadline (Information located SSA website www.wakeacceleration.weebly.com or contact Mrs. Argent kargent@wcpss.net)

May 26 and 27 (Thursday and Friday) - EOG TESTING

May 30 -  No School

June 3 - EOY Third Grade celebration 12:05 (more information to follow)

June 7 - Field Day

Reminders

Happy rainy Tuesday! 

• Please remember that individual pictures will be tomorrow. Class pictures will be Monday April 25th. 
• Science fair is tomorrow night from 6-8
• Class play, "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" is Friday 1:40-2:20 (If your child has a speaking part please have them practice so they are comfortable with their lines)

Have a good evening!

April 8, 2016 Newsletter

It has been a busy week back! The kiddos have made an excellent transition back.

Report cards are coming home today. If there is anything you would like to discuss, please let me know and we can set up a conference.

Reading:

We will be reviewing standards previously taught. We are working on fiction standards this week and will be focusing on nonfiction next week.

Language/Writing:

Students are having a wonderful time reading fairy tales and learning about the elements of a fairy tale. We are also comparing fractured, or adapted fairy tales. The fun will continue when they get an opportunity to create their own adapted fairy tales. They will be using an organizer to help them plan their elements.

Math:

We are finishing up our fraction unit by solving real world problems that involve fractions.  

Social Studies:

Students will understand the structure of our three branches of government. Students will explore the relationship local government has to the community, as well as citizens to their community.

Information From Mrs. Argent:

Single Subject Acceleration (SSA) is the practice of assigning a student to a higher-grade level (in one subject) than is typical for the purpose of providing access to appropriately challenging learning opportunities. SSA is an accelerative practice that allows students to show mastery of the content of a course without having taken the course.  Students who participate in SSA are typically performing  significantly above their peers.  Parents and/or teachers can nominate the child to skip a grade level of content in either Language Arts OR Mathematics.   Nomination forms will be available at ACE’s front office or through the online site listed below during the traditional schools' nomination window (April 20th- May 4th).  For more information, please refer to the SSA website www.wakeacceleration.weebly.com or contact Mrs. Argent (kargent@wcpss.net).

Important Dates:

April 8 - Report Cards

April 13 - Science Fair 6-8

May 26 and 27 (Thursday and Friday) EOG TESTING

Welcome Back!

Looking forward to a great week of meaningful learning!

Just a reminder that we have Case 21 testing for  reading on Tuesday, April 5 and math on Wednesday, April 6. Please make sure your student is rested and arrives to school on time. We will begin testing at 9:30.

March 17, 2016 Newsletter

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope you are enjoying this beautiful weather. Have a safe and happy Spring Break.

Reading:

Students will be presenting their Biography in a Bag reports next week. When we return from Spring Break we will be reviewing previously taught concepts and skills to practice in EOG style format. Test-taking strategies will also be taught using the RUNNERS strategies. Students have been exposed to this strategy in class and during TEAM Time. Context clues will be reviewed each week with both narrative and informational texts along with vocabulary lessons. Asking and answering questions for both types of texts will also be practiced.

Language/Writing:

We are finishing up our biographies. It is my hope that the students will be able to type up and publish their biographies as a Google Document. When we return we will be revisiting all genres of writing.

Math:

I’m really impressed with how well the students have been doing with fractions. One of the more difficult things for some of them has been partitioning shapes and number lines into equal parts. Today we played a fun game in pairs practicing fractions and using what we’ve learned about equivalent fractions. We will continue comparing fractions next week and when we return from break. Students are being assessed throughout this unit on their understanding of concepts taught. Again, I recommend students completing Tenmarks.com assignments at home for practice on fraction standards taught in class. It is not required but it is encouraged. Here are some links to videos showing some concepts taught.

Comparing Fractions Using Number Lines

Comparing Fractions With a Number Line, Fraction Bar and Fraction Strips

Social Studies:

We will be working on a study guide for our History of NC and Wake County unit tomorrow and reviewing it Monday. We will have an assessment Tuesday on the unit. The study guide will come home to review Monday night.  

Important Dates:

March 25-April 1 - Spring Break

April 5-6 - Case 21 Reading and Math on Q3

April 8 - Report Cards Come Home

April 13 - Science Fair 6-8

March 1, 2016 Newsletter

Reading:

We will be learning about text structure. Students will learn about how sentences and paragraphs are logically connected. We will be looking at cause and effect, sequence, comparing and contrasting.

Language/Writing:

Students selected from a list their top 3 choices for biography research. This week they were assigned one of their choices. They are using Discovery Education to access websites, articles and videos about their person. Students also will be using books to gather information. They are using an organizer to collect and organize research notes. Students will write a biography report sharing their information.

Math:

We began our fraction unit last week. Students will be using area models and number lines to explore fractions. For more information on the fraction unit, please refer to the “Math at a Glance” on my website under “Helpful Documents”.

Science: We are learning about the first inhabitants of North Carolina. Students have been watching videos and reading articles about the Tuscarora Indians. They made posters to share information learned. We will begin learning about the early settlers and their impact on these Native Americans.

Raz Kids Homework - Please remind your child to read each night a book on the Raz Kids website for our class. Mrs. Emerson's Class Login

A great way to keep up with your child’s reading comprehension skills is to follow your child's progress on the website. You can see which books have been read, send messages, and review activity using the Parent Access area. Simply log in as your student, click the "Parents" link in the upper right, register, then follow the log-in instructions emailed to you.

Science Fair - Anyone wanting to participate in the Science Fair that will be super fun still has time to get in their form. Mrs. Brinchek has extra forms outside of her classroom.

Important Dates:

March 1 - Interims come home

March 1 - Milton’s Spirit Night (Six Forks location) 5:00-10:00

March 2 - Mordecai Historic Park Field Trip

March 4 - Early Release Day 1:15

Dr. Seuss Spirit Week Starts Tomorrow!

Wear your favorite hat day as part of Dr. Seuss Spirit Week. Do you have a Dr. Seuss inspired hat? See Mr. Hamilton's website for more information on spirit week. 

Mr. Hamilton's Weebly      

February 17, 2016 Newsletter

Thank you for all the thoughtful goodies for Valentine’s Day. We all had a great time. Thank you to Mrs. Sandburn for organizing and to the families that sent in the snack items.

Reading:

We are reviewing point of view in a text and how to distinguish our own point of view from the  characters or the narrator. We will be examining text structure in nonfiction text. Students will be able to identify text structures such as: cause and effect, sequence, and problem solving.

Language/Writing:

The class is finishing up their mysteries. They were given organizers for all the different elements of mystery writing to help them plan their mysteries. We have conferenced and learned to edit and revise with a partner. Some students have even been typing up their final drafts. Next week we will begin researching and writing biographies.  

Math:

We are finishing up our unit this week on area and perimeter. We will begin our fraction unit by understanding fractions using number lines and area models. Students will then explore equivalent fractions and compare fractions. For more information on the fraction unit, please refer to the “Math at a Glance” on my website under “Helpful Documents”.

Science: Students are finishing up their Changes in Matter unit with Ms. Peck. They will be completing a study guide and have a test on Friday. We will begin our social studies unit next week on the history of Wake County.

Important Dates:

March 1 - Milton’s Spirit Night (Six Forks location) 5:00-10:00

March 2 - Mordecai Historic Park Field Trip

March 4 - Early Release Day 1:15

Note from Ms. Brinchek

February at home challenge:

What can you do with..... an aluminum can?

To participate in this home challenge, you will need to create something (anything) using an aluminum can! You can use any additional  materials in your creation! The only rule is to BE CREATIVE!

I am more than willing to come up to 4th & 5th grade classrooms any day except Thursdays during the time of 3-3:45 to participate in your presentations! Just let me know! 

Thanks for helping create future scientists & engineers!

ps. SAVE THE DATE FOR THE ABBOTTS CREEK SCIENCE FAIR- APRIL 13TH 6-8PM, IT'S GOING TO BE AWESOME!!!! MORE DETAILS COMING SOON 

We Earned 200 Gators - Time to Celebrate

In order to celebrate the students' wonderful ACES behavior, the class voted on having a Pajama Day (optional...not every one loves to wear pjs to school). Also, the class will be given special permission to chew gum. I will have sugar free options to chew. If you would like to help contribute to the gum supply, please send some in this week. Our Pajama/Gum day will be this Friday.

January 25, 2016 Newsletter

I hope your kiddos have enjoyed the winter fun weekend we had! 

Report cards will be sent home when we return to school. Please keep the report cards at home but return the envelope signed.

Reading:

We are beginning a mystery genre unit. We will be learning about the elements of a mystery. Students will continue to analyze character actions and traits and how they contribute to the development of the story. We will also learn how illustrations contribute to the mood of a story and give meaning to the words by conveying things about the characters.

Language/Writing:

Students are taking what we learn about elements of the mystery genre to create their own mystery. We are using graphic organizers to help plan our mysteries. Also, students are studying a mentor text to see how a mystery is developed.

Math:

Students will understand the meaning of area and perimeter and be able to solve real world problems involving area and perimeter. We are learning how to find the area and perimeter of rectangular shapes. They will also learn how to decompose a rectilinear shape to find its area and perimeter. I have added TenMarks assignments online if students need extra practice at home.

Science: Our class is working with Mrs. Peck (Mrs. Croy’s sub) to learn about changes in matter. They will be doing great experiments involving solids, liquids and gases.

Please return field trip permission slips for our trip March 2 to Mordecai Historic Park. It is important to have a lunch count for the cafeteria several weeks before our trip. Attached to the blue permission form, there was a white sheet asking if your child would need a bagged lunch from the cafeteria or be bringing one from home. We will be eating lunch when we return.

Important Dates:

Jan. 29 - Cereal Box Book Project Due

Jan. 29 -  Principal Chat 8:00 AM (note to be sent home)

Feb. 12 - Early Release 1:15

March 2 - Mordecai Historic Park Field Trip

Newsletter 1-6-16

January 6, 2016 Newsletter

Welcome Back and Happy New Year!

Thursday, January 7, your child will be getting a yellow school assignment slip. It will be the “official” notice of your child’s school assignment for the 2016-17 school year.

Reading:

Students are using a “box and bullet” strategy to identify the key details in an informational passage and use those details to determine the main idea. I am doing mCLASS assessments with the students to assess their reading level midyear. You will get a report to see your child's progress in a few weeks.

Language/Writing:

After researching their planet,  students organized their facts into categories. They are now writing rough drafts,conferencing with me, revising, editing and will soon publish the final copy.

Math:

We are using data to create picture graphs or bar graphs. Students are also answering questions to show understanding of graphs. We will begin area and perimeter next week.  

Science: We are finishing up our science unit with research on constellations.

Please see below the message from Ms. Brinchek.

This month's at home challenge:

What can you do with..... a pencil!

To participate in this home challenge, you will need to create something (anything) using a pencil! You can use any additional  materials in your creation! The only rule is to BE CREATIVE!

I am more than willing to come up to 4th & 5th grade classrooms any day except Thursdays during the time of 3-3:45 to participate in your presentations! Just let me know!

Thanks for helping create future scientists & engineers!

Important Dates:

Jan. 15 - End of 2nd quarter and EARLY RELEASE 1:15

Jan. 18  Holiday/MLK Day- No School

Jan. 19 - Teacher Workday- No School

Jan. 22- Report Cards Sent Home