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July 9, 2008 I hope you like the new summer look! I just wanted my class to know I was thinking of you, and hope that you're having a really fun summer so far! I'll be going to Europe soon, and will post pictures when I return, so check back! June 20, 2008 I wanted to thank everyone for the wonderful class gift and individual gifts you all gave me at the end of this year. It was very generous! How many teachers can say that their students bought them a dinner in Paris??? That's how I will be spending the gift card- when I go to Europe! I also wanted to give another tearful goodbye to my wonderful students. I know I've told you many times already, but I will really miss you. I was holding back tears today as I said goodbye. You'll always have a place in my heart, so please come back and visit me often! Have a wonderful summer!!! Good luck in 4th grade- you're more than prepared now! June 14, 2008 Check out the Memories page- I added new pictures from Fun Day!!! June 13, 2008 Today we had the honor of having Rocco Fiorentino come and talk to us. This 11 year old boy is one of the most inspirational people I've ever seen! Visit his website to learn more about him and hear him sing! http://www.musicbyrocco.com/ June 3, 2008 Congratulations Michael on finding Beary! June 2, 2008 Hi everyone! I can't believe it's June and we only have a few short days left together! I'm getting so sad! I hope you enjoy this last page I put together for you all. If you scroll down, you'll see two new boxes- Online Summer Enrichment and 2007-2008 Memory Page. The Online Summer Enrichment is in place of a summer packet. There are tons of printables, activities, websites, games,and downloads to keep you busy and challenged all summer! The Memory Page is where all of our memories will be kept for years. It will always stay on the "Archives" page, which is on the "Students" page. You'll always have a place in my heart, and on my website! May 22, 2008 The last book order of the year has been opened for ordering! Take advantage now- orders are due on May 30th! May 1, 2008 No one found Beary this month on the website, so I'm going to leave him in the same hiding spot for the month of May! He's hiding...go seek him and get a free homework pass! April 11, 2008 Who wants to see Mrs. Gold dance??? If you do, I'll be tap dancing in Montgomery Township's production of "Anything Goes" at the high school on May 10th! I hope you'll come and support all the teachers! April 8, 2008 Parents, I want to talk for a minute about the cursive writing that your children have been learning. We started in September and finished in February. From February to the end of March, the kids had a choice of writing in print or in cursive. I stressed to them that the more they practiced cursive, the better they would be, and the easier it would be for them to write fluently in cursive. Some of them took that option, others didn't. Now that it's after spring break, you may have noticed that everything is now to be written in cursive. I know that some of the kids are getting frustrated by the amount of time it's taking them to do the writing. In class- I expect everything to be in cursive. I also expect it for homework....HOWEVER...if it's taking them hours, PLEASE STOP THEM and have them write in print! It is not my intention for them to have hours of homework each night. I feel very strongly that family time, extra-curricular activity time, and relaxation time are very important. The same goes for homework. If your children are having trouble with a concept or if the homework is taking more than an hour to complete- STOP THEM and write me a note! I'll be happy to help them in class. Now, there are a few exceptions. Sometimes things are not finished in class and are sent home to finish for homework. In this case, I do need it finished and along with the homework, it may take longer than the normal allotted time. Also, in terms of long-term projects or assignments in which I've given a few days for them to complete...if I've given a few days, this means that I am aware that it may take them a bit longer to finish this, which is why I've given so much extra time. Work with your child to split up the assignment and do a little bit each night. If they save it until the last minute, it will take them hours for sure! Thank you for your support in helping them with their homework. If you ever need me at any time, I'm only an email or phone call away! April 4, 2008
Annual
School Board Election & Budget Vote
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 7:00 a.m.— 9:00
p.m. Absentee ballot applications available at: http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/_pdffiles/absenteeballot.pdf April is board election and budget vote time! On April 15th, you will have the opportunity to take part in decision making that will impact our entire school community and the educational program we provide for our children. Students throughout the district are also invited to participate in the democratic process along with children across the country involved in Kids Voting USA. Students will learn about civic education, citizenship, and can join you in having an authentic voting experience at the Princeton Elks on April 15. Through this process, Villagers named our bluebird, Blazer (2006) and selected four additional pillars of character (2007)! This year students will choose a motto for our school! Each class submitted a recommendation. We then selected the top five to be placed on the ballot. Student voters who come out on April 15 will have the opportunity to choose ONE motto from the list below. The winning motto will serve as a message of inspiration for our school community.
Blazer Says, “Be Your Best at VES!” March 19, 2008 Congratulations Anooj, on finding Beary! March 18, 2008 As of now, the district will be closed on April 21st and May 23rd to make up for the two days we have not used. May 22nd is a school day. March 3, 2008 Parents- two weeks from now are OPTIONAL CONFERENCES. At this time, you would have heard from me if I wanted to schedule a meeting with you. If you didn't hear from me, assume that your child is doing a great job and is right on or above third grade level! Report cards will be sent home next Friday, so you'll get more specifics about your child's progress through that. If you still wish to meet with me regarding a specific question/topic, please contact me as soon as possible. March 2, 2008 Beary is hidden for the month of March. No one new found him for February, so I am awarding Ally with a free homework pass. Good luck in March! February 20, 2008 Parents, today we started a short unit to prepare the children for the NJASK testing, coming up the week of March 10th. I will be sending home a sample packet and information at the end of next week, but in the meantime, on the Parent Websites page there are a lot of great links having to do with NJASK prep, samples, and information for you and your children. February 19, 2008 No one's found Beary yet....it's almost the end of the month! Don't forget to VOTE NOW- new questions for Parents and Students! Please be honest, no silly answers please! February 13, 2008 Hi everybody! I'm sure you're wondering where I am, and what's going on. Well, I am really sick, but nothing to worry about- I will be back in great shape on Tuesday after the long weekend! My doctor told me that I had to stay home this whole week because I just can't stop coughing. I am SO SORRY that I'm going to have to miss the Valentines Day party. I am so sad about this, because I know what a wonderful thing it is that you're doing to show caring for the homeless on this special day. However, I want you to have a great time, and I want you to know how proud of you I am. Enjoy your long weekend, and I'll be back on Tuesday morning. I miss you all! February 5, 2008 Looking for something exciting and challenging to do over the summer? Then check out Montgomery Township's SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM! I am teaching a class called MATH GAME CRAZE scheduled for the first and fourth weeks of July. The link above includes the brochure with course descriptions, dates, and fees. The description of MATH GAME CRAZE is below.
"Hey kids- imagine a typical math lesson in your
classroom. Take away the teacher’s lesson, take away the
Math Journal page you always have to work on, and what
are you left with? An entire class period devoted to
MATH GAMES!!! That’s right- this is an entire class
where you get to brush up on your math facts, and have
fun while learning! You’ll get to play your favorite
classroom math games such as Multiplication Baseball,
Multiplication Bullseye, Factor Bingo, and more! Each
day, you’ll get to play a minimum of 2-3 new math games
in our classroom. Then, we’ll go to the computer lab
where you’ll have time to play online math games! We’ll
end our days with a “Math Challenge Power Hour” where
you’ll get to solve challenging brainteasers to keep
your mind working over the summer! If you enjoy math
games, challenging yourself, and having fun, this class
is for you!" I was very excited to learn this morning that I was nominated for Somerset County's Teacher of the Year! I don't know (and can't find out) who nominated me, but I wanted to say thank you for the support of the parents out there! I don't care if I win- the nomination itself just made my day- forget that- it made my year! January 24, 2008
Some of you have inquired about the Homelinks answer key
that I recently referred to, reminding you and your
children that you should be checking Homelink answers in
the key each night. There is a family letter plus the
answer key before each chapter of Homelink pages, but I
just found a website where you can just print everything
out and keep it as a reference. Here are all of the
Parent Letters and answer keys for the entire year! January 23, 2008 Parents, you'll be receiving a letter soon regarding our upcoming Character and Caring Party (AKA Valentines Day Party). This party is very special to me because each year we make this party about caring for others on Valentines Day. There is a homeless shelter called SHIP (click for more info) in Somerville, where we send bagged lunches and care packages to each year on Valentines Day. Our party is all about packing up the lunches, decorating the bags to make them festive, making cards to send Valentines cheer, and just letting them know we care. Our party this year will be in the morning (so that we can have enough time to get the lunches to Somerville by noon) so we've decided to make it a PJ party, with breakfast served! We're asking for a $5.00 donation per child (due by Feb. 1st) to cover the cost of putting the bagged lunches together. Thanks for your support of this very special activity! January 7, 2008 Be on the lookout for the New Years Around The World information, being sent home today! This is an OPTIONAL project, assigned by the PTA, however I hope that all children will participate. Each child will create a poster that compares their New Years traditions and celebrations with that of our assigned country of Spain! Children will create posters to be hung up, and then at a special New Years Around The World PARTY on Feb. 1st (7-9pm), they'll get to go on a "Worldwide Scavenger Hunt" where they'll learn all about traditions of other countries! It's going to be a blast. The information sent home today will give you more detail, so look out for that! January 4, 2008 I'm desperately in need of hand sanitizer, baby wipes, and paper towels!!! These kids are too clean for me!!! :) January 2, 2008 There are 2 field trips scheduled for January! The first is a trip to the high school to see the winter concert! This will be on the 14th and we will NOT need chaperones. The second trip will be on the 31st and will be to Rutgers Museum of Agriculture, to learn about the Lenape Indians. We WILL need 2 chaperones for this trip. Permission slips will be sent home this week, so be on the lookout! If you know of an outstanding teacher (past or present, you can even nominate one of the Specials teachers) that you'd like to nominate for Teacher of the Year, here is the information. Congratulations to Noah for finding Beary so quickly! December 21, 2007 We had a great party today! Thanks to the room moms and helpers for planning such a great time! Thank you all for the generous class gift that you gave me! I promise to spend it on something wonderful over the break, and I'll be thinking of you all! Have an enjoyable, relaxing, and well-deserved break and holiday! See you in the new year! 2008 here we come! December 13, 2007 Parents, I just want to thank you for your generosity during this last month. First of all, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping us with the Young Scholars. I'm sure it was helpful having your children do good deeds to earn the money, but it was your money that helped our class to raise over $300 for a child in need. Because of you, we were able to give this little girl and her family a huge pre-prepared Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. In addition, the only things she wanted on her "Wish List" were an I-pod and a cell phone. Well guess what? I was able to get her both! I wish I could be there to see this little girl open her presents on Christmas morning. I also wanted to thank you for your contributions towards our Classroom Store- to be held next week. I am heading out to the store this weekend to purchase the items. I'm sure it will be very successful- all due to your generosity. It's been such an amazing year so far with your children, this is the best gift that I could ask for. They are just so well-behaved, hard-working, and kind, it makes my job a pleasure to do! A friend said to me the other day, "You're about the only person I know who really loves her job." And she's right. I'd like to take this time to wish you a wonderful holiday season with your family and loved ones, and a healthy, happy new year as well! December 3, 2007 Congratulations Ally on finding Beary! November 20, 2007 I'm sure that you all received the letter that went home last week about the "Young Scholars" program that we take part in here at VES. This is a wonderful experience for all who take part in it. Within the next week, our class will be assigned to raise money for a specific child whose family can't afford a Christmas dinner and presents this year. Our goal is to raise enough money to purchase this family a turkey dinner from Wegmans, along with gifts to make their Christmas a merry one this year. Montgomery children can help by doing good deeds around the house/neighborhood, and earning money for those deeds. The money will then be donated to the Young Scholars Institute to go towards their Christmas this year. Anything that you can do to help will be greatly appreciated. All money is due to me by Dec. 14th. November 19, 2007 With report cards coming out in about a month, I thought I'd clarify for you what Beginning, Developing, and Secure grades are. Secure: Student consistently performs the skill and is able to understand the concept to the level of communicating orally and in writing. Student has also met with success in the application of the skill/concept. The learning goal has been mastered. Developing: Student is able to perform the skill and is able to understand the concept with some success while requiring teacher assistance as well. Has some fluency with oral and written communication and may continue with manipulatives. The learning goal is a work in progress. Beginning: Student is struggling and requires consistent teacher support. Manipulatives should be an integral part of the instruction and assessment. Has had limited or no success in completing the skill/concept. The learning goal will require more time and additional practice for comprehension. The learning goal may also be new to the student or grade level. November 11, 2007 Today I've added MORE challenges to my website!!! I didn't think I could put anymore on here, but I found something that I just couldn't pass up. On the "Fun and Challenging Learning Adventures" page (on the "Students Page") there is a new section called "Printable Challenges". It's kind of like extra credit...kids can earn Bonus Bucks for correct answers, but the best part is that it's tangible work that you can print out if you're looking for more for your children! I hope you find it useful! Also, don't forget about the "Monthly Activity Calendar" that I link to (also on the Fun and Challenging Learning Adventures page.) It has great monthly learning activities for kids! November 6, 2007 Congratulations to Jacqueline- she found Beary for the month of November! October 31, 2007 Parents (especially moms), you will all appreciate this! Click HERE! Be patient, as it takes about 1-2 minutes to load. October 26, 2007 Book orders have been submitted. They should arrive within 3 weeks. I will be sending home a notice....NOVEMBER 1st is CANDY DAY! Students will bring ONE piece of candy to school the day after Halloween, and use it to participate in activities throughout the day! October 17, 2007 Book orders will be sent home tomorrow. They should be ordered online. Read here for more information! Book orders are due on October 26th. Note: I'm not sure that the Scholastic Software brochure is available online as an option. I will look into this on Monday, as I will be out on Friday, October 19th. Please be patient, and check back early next week for that option. Sorry for any inconvenience. Update: I did not send home Software orders this time- sorry for any confusion. I will send home software orders next time. October 16, 2007 The kids were all excited- today we received a package from our California pen pals! We received a framed picture of them, some other pictures, a book about California, and of course, our letters! I'd really love to reciprocate throughout the year and send a small gift each time we write to our pen pals. If anyone sees any "New Jersey" type gift such as magnets, key chains, T-shirts, pens/pencils, books, etc...we'd be so excited to put it into our care packages! If you don't see anything "New Jersey-ish" I'd also accept random books, a bag of candy, or little trinkets for kids that they may enjoy. Right now, I'd love to find a kid's book on New Jersey- if anyone sees any that look interesting, it would be much appreciated if you could pick it up! I do have a link to our Pen Pal Page. It's on the Our Classroom Page, under Projects. Here's the link so that you can check it out: Pen Pal Page October 11, 2007 I have a few important announcements.... First, our Early Dismissal time has changed from 12:35 to 12:15. Please make a note of this time change, as there will be early dismissal days coming up November 2-7. Second, I will be sending out conference request forms this week. Please mark your top 5 choices and I will do my best to accommodate your schedule. I will send you a confirmation within a week, so be on the lookout. Conferences aren't until November 2-7, but you know me...I'm the early bird! Finally, I wanted to make sure everyone was aware that VES will NOT be having a Halloween parade this year. We WILL be participating in UNICEF, having a Halloween Readers' Theatre assembly, as well as parties on Halloween day! Montgomery Township, however, WILL be holding a Fall Festival Parade on October 27th for ages 12 and under at the MHS Cougar Stadium! A backpack flyer will be sent home soon. October 3, 2007 I'm so happy to see some families/kids taking advantage of all the extra things I offer on my website. Congratulations to the Koota family who has completed the first Family Math Challenge! Congratulations to Marissa and Caroline who are already Addition Math Wizards. And congratulations to Stephanie, Michael, Jacqueline, and Noah who are already in the Mastery Club Hall of Fame! October 2, 2007 Our Spanish teacher, Seniora Goris, would like you to see her website: Click HERE! October 1, 2007 I'd like to welcome two student teachers from The College of New Jersey: Ms. Bellfiore and Ms. Andres! They will be with us every Monday until the end of November! Welcome! Congratulations to Chinmay who found Beary so quickly!!! September 29, 2007 In the past, I've printed out monthly calendars from a wonderful site called Reading is Fundamental. These calendars have reading activities for each day of the month, and are fabulous and fun for kids! However, because I offer so many "extras" already, I'm just going to let you know about this website and allow you to print it if you're so inclined. There's also a link permanently on the Students Page, under Fun and Challenging Learning Adventures. The link is called Activity Calendars. I highly recommend it! September 28, 2007 Monday, October 1st, will begin our first week of spelling. In order to go through the new homework procedures and routines with the kids easily, I will be giving EVERYONE the same spelling list- just for this one week only! Next week, the kids will be placed in their appropriate groups with their appropriate leveled words! September 27, 2007 Parents, it was so nice meeting all of you at Back to School Night! Thanks for coming out! I really appreciate your kind comments, and am looking forward to a wonderful year with your kids! I hope to see you often this year! September 18, 2007 5 Tips to promote responsibility: 1. Never do for children what they can do for themselves. Take time to teach them how to do things independently. Assist with homework, but don’t take over. 2. Give children household responsibilities. Assign simple tasks like taking out the garbage or clearing the dishes. Work up to more complex jobs like washing dishes. Make sure they—not you—pick up after themselves. 3. Post a weekly list of chores. Use pictures for young children and have a place for each child to check off completed tasks. After you check your child’s work, place a star or sticker on the chart. 4. Don’t remind, nag, scold or complain when children don’t do their chores. Explain what’s expected and the consequences of not doing what’s expected. Allow consequences to happen.
5. List activities that are allowed
after work is done—a snack, outside play, television,
computer time. This will motivate your child to complete
tasks quickly. This also keeps a balance between work
and play.
September 7, 2007 We have two nut allergies in our class this year. It is important that there is avoidance of this food in order to prevent a life-threatening allergic reaction. We are asking your help to provide the student with a safe learning environment. Any exposure to nuts may cause a life-threatening allergic reaction that could require emergency medical treatment. To reduce the chance of this occurring, we are asking that you avoid sending any food containing nut products to school with your child that will be eaten as a snack in the classroom. If your child has eaten nuts before coming to school, please be sure your child’s hands and face have been thoroughly washed before coming to school. If at any time during the school year you plan to send in food for the class, please contact me (or the parents of the child with the nut-allergy) first to discuss appropriate snack options. Thank you so much for your support! August 20, 2007 Welcome new third graders! I can't wait to meet you! I hope that you're ready for a fun-filled learning adventure this year! I'd love for you to send me an email and introduce yourself! Hopefully you're working on getting your supplies ready for the first day of school. Some of you may have questions about putting together your "Blue Bird Binders" so please click here to read the simple directions. You can always email me if you have questions, or wait until the first day of school and we can put them together there. ***Important...notebooks DO NOT go inside of the binders! Also, in my letter you may have read about "tickets" that you can earn this year. I have wonderful news! Over the summer I have developed a new system called a Classroom Economy where you can earn Classroom Cash, instead of tickets! Make sure to visit the new Classroom Economy page to read more about it! There's so much in store for you this year, that I can't begin to write it all here, so take a look around the site and see what fascinating things await your third grade year!
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