Week of 12/12

Odds and Ends:

* A great BIG thank you to all of the families who donated to our food drive. We collected several bags of food! It was awesome! Thank you for helping to make someone's holidays a little brighter this year!

*Another BIG thank you to everyone who donated supplies to the classroom for some upcoming activities. Thank you to the following families: Gustafson, Mantri, Cibulka, Chimino, Padavic, Arce, Fragoso, Kalal, Nichols, Veselak, and Cigrand. Please forgive me if I left someone off of the list. Thank you very much! Your supplies will enrich our lessons!

*Holiday Celebration: We will be watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas in lieu of holiday parties on Friday, December 16th. Since the movie is rated PG, a permission slip was sent home with your child today. Please return the permission slip by Wed. 12/14. Thank you to the following families for providing paper goods, treats, and drinks for our celebration: Hoffman, Cibulka, Messina, Sprandel, and Veselak.

*Paper Recycling Bin: Just a FYI: You can put shredded paper in the bin. It is recommended that you put the shredded paper in a bag, so that it does not blow around when the driver services the bin. Paper or plastic bag is fine.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Mon. 12/12: Evening Holiday Concert: PV band and choir

Bowling 9-11 am

*Wed. 12/14: English: ch 3 Verbs test

*Thurs. 12/15: Science: ch 11 Matter test

Math: Multiplication Test (6's, 7's, 8's: see below for facts to study)

*Fri. 12/16: Spelling: Winter Words test

Holiday Celebration

12/19-1/4Winter Break: See you next year in 2012~

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading: We will focus on story elements, visualizing, evaluating, and non fiction text features as we read a variety of materials. We will focus on non fiction books this week.

*English: We are finishing up our chapter on verbs. We will work on a study guide this week. The test will be on Wed. 12/14.

*Spelling: We will work with winter words this week. There will not be a pretest. The homework will be due on Friday. Students will take their test on Friday as well.

*Science: We are having a blast in science learning all about matter. We have been doing various labs and experiments. We will do some more next week as well. The final test will be Thurs. 12/15. A study guide was sent home this week.

*Social Studies: The students are learning about modern day Downers Grove. We will learn more about fun things to do in Downers Grove and businesses that are located here. We will continue learning about Downers Grove and local government when we return from break.

*Math: We began ch. 6: data and graphing. We will study different types of graphs and practice collecting and organizing data. We will also work on week 6 of multiplication: 6's, 7's, and 8's. Your child should study the following facts (as well as review previous facts from weeks 1-5)

6 x 7 = 42, 6 x 8 = 48, 7 x 8 = 56, 7 x 9 = 63, 8 x 9 = 72, and 6 x 9 = 56. Six new facts to learn! What fun!

Enjoy the weekend!
Mrs. Olsen

Week of 12/5

Odds and Ends

*Thank you for meeting me this week for conferences. It was great to share such positive news with each of you about your child! Please remember you can contact me at any time you have any questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you!

*Quilt Presentation: We were very lucky on Thursday to have Mrs. Vanni present on quilt making and the history of quilt making as an extension to our story this week, The Keeping Quilt. The students enjoyed seeing the book come to life through her samples of quilts.

*Holiday Party: We will be having a Grinch themed holiday party on Fri. 12/16 before we head into winter break. I am looking for parents to volunteer to donate treats and drinks for our afternoon. Please email me if you are interested in helping us out! Thank you! More details about our celebration coming soon!

*Scholastic Book Order: I did not send out paper book order forms for this month, but all of the book orders are available online. If you are interested in ordering any books, please submit your order online by Fri. 12/9. If you would like to order any books as a holiday surprise, please let me know via email and I can hold any books for you to pick up in the office. Thank you!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

* Wed. 12/7: Math: Ch. 5 Telling Time checkpoint

*Fri. 12/9: Spelling: List 10 Test

Math: Multiplication Test: 4's x

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading: We will focus on evaluating and visualizing this week. We will also focus on features of non-fiction text as we apply our reading strategies to various types of non-fiction materials.

*English: We will focus on ch. 3: Verbs. Please look for your child's learning contract in their English folder next week. We will finish this chapter before winter break. The test will be the following week...TBA.

*Spelling: We will work on list 10 this week. There will be a pretest on Monday. The final test and homework will due on Friday.

*Science: We are busy learning about matter. We will focus on the states of matter this week as well as physical and chemical changes.

*Social Studies: We are beginning to study modern day Downers Grove. This unit is in conjunction with ch. 12 of our textbook: local government. We will continue this unit after winter break.

*Math: We are working on the second half of chapter 5: time. We will have a graded checkpoint on Wed. 12/7. We will begin ch. 6: data and graphing. Our multiplication facts for the week are the 4's. A note will be coming home on Monday. We will be making new flashcards for our multiplication facts i-pod! The facts test will be on Friday.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mrs. Olsen

Week of 11/21 and 11/28

Odds and Ends:

I wish you all a relaxing, fun, and happy Thanksgiving break and holiday!
We all have so much to be thankful for.
I am especially thankful for the fabulous students that I am lucky enough to teach this year! Enjoy your friends, feast, and family this holiday season!

*Thank you to Mr. Hoffman, Mrs. Franchi, Mrs. Moy, Mrs. Veselak, Mrs. Cibulka, and Mrs. Messina for chaperoning our Downers Grove Field trip! Despite the chilly weather, we had a very educational and fun day!

* Conferences: An email was sent regarding conference times and dates. If you have not received your conference time, please email me to confirm if the time is still good for your schedule. I am looking forward to meeting with you all to discuss your child's progress in 3rd grade so far! Please remember the conferences last 15 minutes and are back to back, so please try your best to be on time! Thank you!

*Scholastic Book Order: Book order was due today, Fri. 11/18. Please let me know via email if you have a last minute order and I can add it to the order. Thank you!

*Classroom Volunteers: I am looking for additional parent helpers to come in and use a computer to look up books and then label our classroom books with a Lexile score. Please email me for additional details! Thank you!!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Tues. 11/22: Part/Whole Analogies Quiz

*Wed. 11/23- Fri. 11/ 25: No School: Happy Turkey Day!

* Mon. 11/28- Wed. 11/30: Conferences: Please review emailed schedule for time and date.

* Tues. 11/29: Math: Ch. 5 Money checkpoint

*Thurs. 12/1: Spelling: list 9 test

*Fri. 12/2: No School

A LOOK AHEAD:

*Reading: We will focus on character traits and problem solution next week. Beginning 11/28, we will begin to focus on author's purpose and point of view.

*English: We will work on creative writing as we write a short story about Thanksgiving from the turkey's point of view. We will also be starting ch 3. verbs when we return from break.

*Spelling: We will begin list 9 on 11/28. The graded test and homework will due Thurs. 12/1.

*Science: We will continue to work on ch. 11: matter.

*Social Studies: We have finished our Downers Grove history unit. We will focus on present day Downers Grove and ch. 12 on local government.

*Math: We will continue to focus on ch. 5: money. We will take a money checkpoint on Tues. 11/29 and then move onto the second half of ch. 5: Time. Look for a note about our next multiplication facts coming home before break. Thanks for all of your hard work studying the facts. Did your child share their "multiplication" I-pod with you? We will "download" new songs (facts) each week to study and learn! What fun!!

Thanks for checking out our blog this week!

Happy Turkey Day!

Mrs. Olsen

Week of 11/14

Odds and Ends:

*Scholastic Book Order: November book order is due Fri. 11/18. Your online book orders help the classroom earn free books...THANK YOU!

*Downers Grove Field Trip: We are set to go Thurs. Nov. 17th. Please remember to send your child with $5-8 on the day of the trip for downtown DG shopping if you would like to. Watch the weather forecast for the day and dress appropriately! We will walking around outside!

*Conferences: The fall conferences will be held the week after Thanksgiving break for homeroom parents. I sent out an email with the dates and times of the conferences. Please let me know if you have not received this conference confirmation email. Thank you! I am looking forward to meeting with you all to discuss your child's progress.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Fri. 11/11: No school: Veterans Day

*Tues. 11/15: Synonym/Antonym Test

*Wed. 11/16: Social Studies: History of DG review

English: Ch 2 Nouns test

Storyteller Assembly

*Thurs. 11/17: Downers Grove Field Trip

*Fri. 11/18: Math: 5's multiplication test

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading: We will continue to look at character traits, identify problems and solutions, and predict, summarize, and make inferences we read our good fit book buddy books! We are will also continue to work on synonym and antonym analogies. The quiz will be on Tues. 11/15. Then we will begin part/whole analogies.

*English: We are completing our ch. 2 nouns unit. We will take the test on Wed. 11/16. Look for a study guide coming home Monday.

*Spelling: There is no spelling this week.

*Science: We are working on ch.11: Matter. Please ask your child about the objects they need for the physical properties posters we will be making.

*Social Studies: We are finishing up our history portion of our Downers Grove unit. We will have a short graded review on Wed. 11/16. Then we will begin to study modern day Downers Grove.

*Math: We are beginning ch. 5: money and time. Please look in your child's binder for a note about what coins they should bring to school to help us practice counting out change. We will also work on 5's this week in multiplication: only 4 new facts to memorize this week!

Have a wonderful, long weekend!

Mrs. Olsen

Week of 11/7

Odds and Ends

*Downers Grove Field Trip: We are all set to go on Thurs. 11/17. I will be contacting those parents who I will need as chaperons. Thank you to all of the parents who volunteered! I wish I could invite you all, but if you are not contacted by me either by email or phone, you can always meet us for lunch at Giordano's.

*Scholastic Book Order: November book order is due 11/18. Thank you for ordering each month...we are earning books for our classroom library with each online order!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Thurs. 11/10: Math: 2's multiplication quiz

*Fri. 11/11: No School: Veterans Day

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading: We will be focusing on story elements (plot, setting, problem/solution) and character traits as we read a variety of literature and novels.

*English: We started our new unit: ch 2: Nouns. Please look for your child's pretest and learning contract in their English folder to see what skills we will focus on this unit.

*Spelling: We will take a break from the traditional list for the next few weeks as we focus on analogies. We will begin with synonym/antonym analogies and then move to part/whole analogies. There will be a quiz on each type of analogy to be announced. Look in your child's assignment notebook to see when the quiz will take place.

*Science: We began ch 11: Matter.

*Social Studies: We are busy learning about the history of Downers Grove. We have learned about the early settlers in this area and will learn about how the town grew into what we know today.

*Math: We will be working on problem solving this week. We will focus on the strategy of making a table to solve the problem. We will also introduce writing t-charts, where the students writes what they did and why they did it to solve the problem. We will also start a new week of multiplication: the two's! Look for a note coming home with the facts your child will need to memorize this week.

Enjoy your weekend!

Mrs. Olsen

Week of 10/31

Odds and Ends

*Halloween Party: A great BIG thank you to the following parents for all of their help with our awesome Halloween party: Mr. Hoffman, Mrs. Messina, Mrs. Alvarez, Mrs. Padavic, Mrs. Moy, Mrs. Arce, Mrs. Sprandel, and Mrs. Jablonski. Thank you parents who sent in any treats or supplies for the party. The kids had a "spook-tacular" time!

*Rollerskating permission slips are due by Thurs. There is a limited amount of space, so turn it in ASAP.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Mon. 10/31: Happy Halloween! Wear your favorite Halloween t shirt or orange and black!

* Tues. 11/1: Reading: Cliffhanger Vocab Review

*Wed. 11/2: Math: Rounding Review

* Thurs. 11/3: Picture Retakes

*Fri. 11/4: Spelling: List 8 Test

Math: Ch 2 Test

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading: We will continue to discuss cause and effect and synonyms and antonyms. Also, the October Reading calendar is due on Monday. Your child will receive a November calendar on Monday that is due at the end of the month. Remember to sign 20 days that your child read 30 minutes a day to receive full credit. Thank you!

*English: We are finishing up our descriptive writing unit. Your child should be sharing their haunted house descriptions with you this weekend. We will finish our final copies early next week. Next unit: ch 2 Nouns.

*Spelling: We are back to list 8. The pretest is Monday and final test and homework are on Friday.

*Science: We will begin our new unit: ch 11 : Matter.

* Social Studies: We will begin our Downers Grove History study this week. Look for a field trip permission slip coming home this week. If you want to chaperon, it is first come, first serve, so please turn in your permission slips ASAP.

*Math: We will continue to focus on rounding numbers this week. The ch. 2 test will be on Friday, 11/4. Look for a study guide coming home this week. Also, we will begin our multiplication facts. We are going to go through all of the facts in 7 weeks. A note explaining which facts we are focusing on will be sent home at the beginning of each week. Your child will also have nightly multiplication homework in addition to the lesson of the day's homework. The tests will be at the end of every week. The first facts are the "squares" 2x2, 3x3, etc. Thank you for all of your help studying at home!

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Olsen

Week of 10/24

Odds and Ends:

*Thank you to the following parents for helping label our classroom books with Lexile scores: Mrs. Fragoso, Mrs. Alvarez, Mrs. Cibulka, Mrs. Ozgen, Mrs. Sprandel, and Mrs. Kalal. I still have books that need to be labeled, so if you are available, please email me and we can set up a date and time for you to come help. Thank you so much!!!

*Paper Recycling: Did you know that you can help our district earn money by recycling paper here at school? You can bring in any paper (no cardboard please) to the green and yellow bin marked Paper Retriever located in Lakeview's parking lot to be recycled. The more paper we collect, the more money we can earn. The provider of the bin uses the paper to make newsprint, which is then sold to other companies. That is how we are paid to recycle paper. Thank you for your help (and for helping the environment at the same time!)

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Mon. 10/24: Spelling: Halloween Words: no pretest

*Wed. 10/26: Science: Ch 4 Test (moved from Tues. 10/25)

*Thurs. 10/27: English: DOL Quiz #3 (moved from Tues. 10/25)

Early Dismissal: 11:00 am

*Fri. 10/28: Spelling: Halloween words Test

Halloween Festivities: Parade at 1:00 pm

Party at 1:30 pm

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading: We will begin to focus on cause and effect as we read stories from the basal and other materials such as non fiction articles and chapter books. We will also work on synonyms and antonyms.

*English: We will be putting our descriptive writing skills to the test as we write our descriptive paragraphs about our haunted houses. We will take our DOL #3 quiz on Thurs. 10/27, which covers book titles and introductory words.

*Spelling: BOO! This week we will focus on Halloween words with a fun spelling week. There will be no pretest, but homework will be assigned Monday that is due Friday. The test will be on Friday.

*Science: We are finishing up ch 4. The final test was scheduled for Tues. 10/25, but it has been moved to Wed. 10/26. Remember, your child can find our textbook online by going to www.thinkcentral.com. The username is the same code that is used for parent connect. I will include the password in an email to you. This saves your child from having to carry home the textbook to study. Next chapter: matter.

*Social Studies: We are done with our first map skills unit. We will focus on communities and learn more about Downers Grove. A field trip during this unit will be scheduled. More information coming soon!

*Math: We will begin ch 2: rounding and comparing numbers. Today in math we cleaned out our math folders and put the worksheets we don't need anymore into the take home folder. Please look through these papers with your child and recycle or keep the papers at home, but please clean them out of the binder. Thank you! You can help our school earn money by bringing the papers to the green and yellow paper recycling bin (marked Paper Retriever) in Lakeview's parking lot to be recycled. The more paper we recycle, the more money we can earn for our district! Thank you!

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Olsen

Week of 10/17

Odds and Ends

* Scholastic Book Order: I sent home a book order for October. I forgot that this month we have a book fair at school, so if you would like to save your orders for our book fair, that is great! If you still want to order through the classroom order, they are due 10/21. Thank you!

* Weekly Email Reminders: Just a friendly reminder... the office staff will send out a weekly reminder email containing information about upcoming events and happenings here at school. Attached to this email is often the permission slips needed for the events. This is a great tool to use when looking for permission slips or information about school events. Thanks!

*Our picture packets should arrive on Tuesday, October 18th

Our retake day is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 3rd

UPCOMING EVENTS:

* Mon. 10/17: Spelling: List 7 Pretest

*Fri. 10/21: Spelling: List 7 Test

Math: Ch 1 Test

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading: We will continue to work on inferencing as we read good fit books. We will work on word, setting, and character inferences.

*English: We are busy working on descriptive writing. We have discussed color words, similes, metaphors, and we will discuss sensory details, sentence starters, and "hook" (good openings) this week. We will also work on DOL #3: book titles and introductory words.

* Spelling: We are back to spelling this week: List 7. As always, pretest on Monday, and final test and homework due on Friday.

*Social Studies: We are wrapping up our map skills unit. The hemispheres quiz is on Thurs. 10/20. Next unit is a closer look at our community: Downers Grove.

*Science: We will work on ch 4 and discuss how ecosystems are changing and being destroyed. The final test will be Tues. 10/25.

*Math: We will be finishing up ch. 1 as we look at 5 and 6 digit numbers. The students will need to know place value up the 6 digits and know the standard, expanded, and word form for 6 digit numbers. We will review these concepts. The final test is Fri. 10/21.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Mrs. Olsen

Week of 10/10

Odds and Ends:

*Scholastic Book Order: Thank you to all of those who ordered online last month...our class earned lots of free books! The October order has been sent home and will be due Fri. 10/21.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Mon. 10/10: No School: Columbus Day

*Tues. 10/11: No School: Institute Day

*Fri. 10/14: Math: Subtraction Timed Test: Graded

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading: Our continued focus will be on inferring this week as we practice using many reading strategies to improve our reading. The inferences we make will be about text, characters and unfamiliar words.

*English: We are working on our descriptive writing unit: color words, similes, metaphors, sensory words..oh my! We are also beginning DOL #3: Book titles and introductory words.

*Spelling: Due to the shortened week, NO spelling this week!

*Social Studies: We will be finishing up our map skills unit as we study hemispheres.

*Science: We are continuing to learn about ecosystems and living things in chapter 4.

*Math: We started ch 1: focusing on place value up to 6 digits. We will continue to practice our subtraction timed tests. We will grade this test on Friday, 10/14.

Enjoy the LONG weekend and the gorgeous weather!

Mrs. Olsen

Week of 10/3

Odds and Ends:

*Magazine Drive: A BIG thank you to everyone who participated in our fundraiser. Our class was the 3rd top selling classroom! WOW!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Mon. 10/3: Spelling:List 6 Pretest

*Wed. 10/5: English: DOL #2 Quiz
Math: Ch. 4 Test

*Fri. 10/7: Spelling: List 6 Test

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading:We will focus on the reading strategy inferencing. The students will use basal reading stories, supplemental short stories, and possibly novels to extend their practice of understanding what they read. Students will learn new vocabulary words from stories they are reading. We will also continue to work on an extended response where we use ideas from the text combined with our own ideas to answer a question.

*English: We will finish our ME essays and share our bags and paper next week. We will begin a new writing unit on descriptive writing.

*Spelling: We will work on list 6. Pretest on Monday and homework and final test on Friday. Keep up the outstanding work!

*Social Studies: We will continue our map skills unit with hemispheres.

*Science: The students worked in cooperative groups to create amazing ecosystem dioramas! We will continue our study of ecosystems this week.

*Math: We are finishing up subtraction in ch. 4. The test is scheduled for Wed. 10/5. Next up: Chapter 1: place value! We will continue to practice our subtraction timed tests next week.

Have a fabulous FALL weekend!

Mrs. Olsen

Week of 9/26-9/30

Odds and Ends:

*Johnny Appleseed's Birthday: We will celebrate Johnny Appleseed's birthday on Monday, Sept. 26th. A note was sent home with your child about bringing a PEELED, CORED, and SLICED apple to class in a baggie or container on Monday. We will use it to make homemade applesauce. Thank you to the following families for donating our supplies for Monday's celebration:The Nichols family for spoons, the Messina family for bowls, and the Cigrand family for juice! Thanks!

*Magazine Drive: Turn in dates for this week: Tues. 9/27 and Thurs. 9/30.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Mon. 9/26: Johnny Appleseed's Birthday: Send in a peeled, cored, and sliced apple to school!

Spelling: List 5 pretest

*Fri. Spelling: List 5 test

September Reading 30 minutes calendar due: 20 days signed for full credit! You can also turn this in on Monday, 10/3.

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading:Next week we will continue to highlight summarizing and sequencing using materials differentiated for our classroom's various reading levels, and will be extending our knowledge through written responses. We will also assess our third graders on their ability to sequence events from text.

*English: We will work on learning about the 6 traits of writing. We will begin our 5 paragraph essay this week and present the finished product by the end of the week. Your child should be completing the ME bag at home by bringing in 3 items that represent their life and personality to school in their brown paper bag (we started decorating the bags in class on Friday). These items are due on Monday.

*Spelling: This week we will focus on list 5. Pretest will be Monday. Homework and test will be on Friday.

*Social Studies: We will focus on hemispheres, the equator, prime meridian, and poles this week.

*Science: We will continue to work on ch. 4 ecosystems this week.

*Math: We will work on ch. 4 subtraction this week. We will also begin subtraction timed tests. They will be handled in the same way as we did addition. We will spend several days practicing the tests before they are counted as a grade.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Olsen

Week of 9/19-9/23

Odds and Ends:

*Magazine Drive: Your child received a magazine drive packet this week. If you want to participate in this school fundraiser, the turn in dates are Tues. 9/20, Tues. 9/27, and Thurs. 9/29.

*PE - Soccer test "next" Thursday (study guides will go home Monday)

Intramural Games Permission slips will be sent home on Monday. They are due back by Friday. More information can be found on the PE website.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Mon. 9/19: Spelling: List 4 Pretest

*Tues. 9/20: Math: Ch 3 Test

*Thurs. 9/22: Social Studies: Continents and Oceans Quiz

English: DOL #1 Graded Review

*Fri. 9/23: Spelling: List 4 Test

Scholastic Book Orders due: order online or send in check and order to the classroom

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading:Now we will start to put the reading strategies we have learned to great use while reading various types of literature. We will always be reviewing/using all of the strategies, but for the coming weeks we will highly focus on the strategies of sequencing and summarizing. The students will use basal reading stories, supplemental short stories, and possibly novels to extend their practice of understanding what they read. As a third grade we are really highlighting oral and written responses to what was read and will integrate this throughout. We will also work on an extended response where we use ideas from the text combined with our own ideas to answer a question.

*English: We will work on 6 +1 traits of writing this week as we apply it to our own writing. We will work on 5 paragraph essays soon. We have also begun DOL (Daily Oral Language). We practice "editing" incorrect sentences as we learn about convention rules. A study guide will be sent home on Monday for the quiz on Thurs.

*Spelling: We will work on list 4 words this week. There will be a pretest on Monday. The final test will be on Friday and homework will be due on Friday.

*Social Studies: We will continue to work on continents and oceans. The students did research in the computer lab on a specific continent and will be sharing their facts with the group this week. The graded review on the location and spelling of the continents and oceans will be on Thurs. 9/22. We will study hemispheres next.

*Science: We will begin ch 4: ecosystems later this week.

*Math: We will be finishing up ch. 3 this week. We will work on addition word problems and review concepts. The ch. 3 test will be Tuesday. We will continue to practice addition timed tests this week. They will begin to count for a grade on Friday 9/23.

Have a beautiful fall weekend together with your family!

Mrs. Olsen

Week of 9/12

Odds and Ends:

*Science textbook now available online: Our class is signed up and ready to go. Please go to www.thinkcentral.com. Click on science and health. Then click HSP science. Choose Illinois and Center Cass District 66 and Prairieview School. The user name is your student's code when using parent connect. I will email you the password to use. Please let me know if you need any additional help viewing our textbook online!

*Thank you to all of the families who have donated items for our classroom! It is much appreciated!

*Scholastic Book Order: September book orders were sent home this week. The order is due online or to the classroom (please send CHECK only if not ordering online..NO CASH) by Friday, 9/23. Our class earns free books when you order safely online. Thank you!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Mon. 9/12: Magazine Drive Kick off: Look for information packets coming home Monday.

Spelling: List 3 Pretest

*Thurs. 9/15: English: Ch. 1: The Sentence Test

Band Concert

*Fri. 9/16: Spelling: List 3 Test

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading: Next week we will continue to teach the students how to utilize the essential reading strategies. In our classes we will demonstrate how the application of these strategies will maximize student comprehension of a range of literary materials.

*English: We will focus on subject and predicate this week, as well as run-on sentences. The final ch. 1 test will be Thurs. 9/15. A study guide was sent home today. Your child can bring home his/her textbook any night before the test to study, as long as they bring the book back each school day.

*Spelling: This week we will work on list 3: more short vowel words. There will be a pretest on Monday and a final test on Friday. Each group will be given 3 homework assignments that will be due on Friday.

*Social Studies: We have finished up our lessons on directions and the compass rose. Ask your child about the fun scavenger hunt we had around school this week. We will begin our study on continents and oceans this week.

*Science: Coming soon!

*Math: We will continue to work on addition, focusing on adding greater numbers and regrouping. We will also continue to work on our addition facts. Keep practicing them at home! The ch. 3 test is tentatively scheduled for Mon. 9/19.

Have a wonderful fall weekend!

Mrs. Olsen

Week of Sept. 6-9

Odds and Ends

*Curriculum Night: It was so great to see so many of you at Thursday night's Curriculum Night. Thank you for sharing your night with us as we went over 3rd grade with you. If were unable to come, I will send any notes home with your child today. I will also sign you up for a conference time and notify you of that date as is gets closer. If it does not work for you, we can reschedule. Thank you!

*Donations: If you took a hand off of our "Give us a Hand" board at open house or curriculum night, thank you for your donations. You can send in your chosen item at any time. Thank you for "Giving Us A HAND!"

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Mon. 9/5: No School: Labor Day

*Tues. 9/6: Spelling: Pretest List 2

* Thurs. 9/8: MAPS testing: Reading

*Fri. 9/9: Spelling: List 2 Test

Social Studies: Directions Quiz

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading: The third grade starts off our reading curriculum by teaching the students to use various reading strategies. We model the use of these strategies while reading high interest picture books to the class. We then will spend the year extending the use of these strategies while reading a variety of literary materials to aid in comprehension. This coming week, we will learn about predicting, inferring, and visualizing.

*English: We will focus on ch 1: The sentence. We will work on subjects and predicates. We will also begin DOL (Daily Oral Language) as we focus on conventions and fixing incorrect sentences.

*Spelling: We will work on list 2: short vowel words. There will be a pretest on Tuesday and the test will be on Friday. Due to the shortened week, your child will have 2 homework assignments due Friday.

*Social Studies: We will continue to work on map skills as we focus on cardinal and intermediate directions and the compass rose. We will have a short quiz on these skills on Friday 9/9. Look for a study guide coming home on Tuesday.

*Science: We will begin our science unit on ecosystems soon!

*Math: We will work on ch 3 Addition. We will begin practicing our addition timed tests (mad minutes). I wanted to make a correction to something I shared with you at curriculum night. For each trimester, homework will be worth 5 points TOTAL (rather than 1o points). After the three "free" late assignments, a late slip will be given for each late assignment, resulting in 1 point deducted per assignment. If your child never has any late slips, they will keep the 5 points. Thank you!

Enjoy the long weekend with your summer as we say good bye to summer and hello to fall!

Mrs. Olsen

Welcome Back Week of 8/29

Hello and Welcome to 3rd Grade!

We have had a great start to our new year together!

I am enjoying getting to know each student better and

I am looking forward to a wonderful year together!

It was nice to meet so many of you at Open House.
I am looking forward to seeing you again at our Curriculum Night next Thursday.

Please visit here each week to know what's happening in our busy classroom!

*Binders: Your child organized their binder this week at school. The binder, along with an assignment notebook, will come back and forth from home to school each day. Please make it a routine to check and sign the assignment notebook each day and empty out the "take home" folder in the binder. All other papers remain in the designated folders. Homework and important notes that need to be returned to school will be put in the "homework" section of the binder. Thank you for your help and cooperation with this important organization system!

Lunch bags: Please make sure your child has his/her first and last name on his/her lunch bag. This helps us keep track of it during the school year. Thank you!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Mon. 8/29: Spelling: Pretest List 1

Music Class

*Tues. 8/30: IMC class

*Wed. 8/31: Art Class

*Thurs. 9/1: 3rd Grade Curriculum Night 6:30-7:30 pm

*Fri. 9/2: Spelling: List 1 Graded Test

IMC Book check out

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

* Reading: We will be reading books about great character traits and practicing our reading strategies this week. We will be doing fun activities as we build a recipe for a successful year together!

*English: We will begin ch. 1: The sentence. I will be pretesting the students to gain a better understanding of their prior knowledge that will help me plan the chapter to meet their needs.

*Spelling: List 1: We will focus on back to school words. There will be a pretest on Monday and a graded test on Friday. On Monday, look for a yellow sheet of paper explaining our spelling procedure in your child's binder. Your child will receive homework for the week that is due on Friday.

* Social Studies: We will begin our map skills unit on directions, continents and oceans, and hemispheres.

*Science: We will learn about our textbook with a textbook mapping activity.

*Math: We will meet together with our math students on Thurs. 9/1.

Enjoy your weekend together!
Mrs. Olsen

Last week of 3rd Grade!

It's hard to believe the year is over! What an amazing year we have all had! Thank you all for teaching me many new things this year. As you are my students, you are also my teachers. We learned so much from each other!

This is a bittersweet time of year for us all... bitter because good byes are always hard for me. I will miss you all. I like to say "See you later!" and I hope to see each of you in the future to hear about 4th grade and beyond! Sweet because the summer is a chance to relax, have fun, play with friends and family, and enjoy the sunshine! I wish each of you a safe, fun, and relaxing summer. Don't forget to read lots of good books!

**UPCOMING EVENTS:**

Monday, 6/6: Picnic and Field Day
We will play field games from 8:30-10:00 am.

Lunch will be provided for the students.

12;30: Sky Dogz presentation

1:30 All school assembly

Tuesday, 6/7: Dismissal at 9:30.
Report cards sent home.

Thank you again and have a beautiful summer! I know I will be enjoying every second with my own little ray of "son"shine...Liam =)

Best,
Mrs. Olsen

Week of 5/31-6/3

Odds and Ends:

*It's hard to believe the last days of third grade are here! I am looking forward to enjoying our last days together and getting ready to send 4th graders out into the world!

*Summer Birthdays: If your child celebrates a summer birthday, she/he can choose any of the remaining school days to celebrate their birthday at school. Please remember, no sugary treats. Thank you!

*The raffle for Japan has just begun. A letter was sent home on Wednesday, with the list of raffle items and raffle tickets. If you wish to participate, just fill in the tickets, put them in an envelope with the money, and return it to your classroom teacher. All tickets must be turned in by June 3rd. We will have the raffle at the all school assembly on June 6th. Thank you so much for your support.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

*Mon. 5/30: No school: Happy Memorial Day!

* Tues. 5/31: Talent Show by 4th and 5th grade students

Science: Inquiry Test

*Fri. 6/3: Last day of reading and math

Raffle tickets due

*Mon. 6/6: Field Day and picnic

*Tues. 6/7: Last day of 3rd grade. Report cards sent home. Dismissal at 9:30 am. HAPPY SUMMER!!!

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading: We will be finishing up our novels and doing some activities about the books. Please make sure your child has their literature circle packets completed and ready to be turned in on Tues. and the books completed by Wed. Thank you!

*Spelling: We are all done with spelling for the year.

*English: We will continue to work on descriptive writing as we write our super hero stories.

*Science: We will take our inquiry test on Tues. You can view and study the textbook at www.thinkcentral.com. You need to use the same user name/number as you use for parent connect. Your child should know the password (or you can email me for it!).

*Social Studies: We will work on map making for the end of the year.

*Math: We will focus on revisiting some concepts from earlier in the year such as subtracting across zeros, fractions, and multiplying greater numbers. We will work on mixed division as well.

Thank you and enjoy the warm weather and long weekend together!

Mrs. Olsen

Week of 5/23

Odds and Ends:

Walk for Japan: Join us as we raise money for a great cause and get exercise! The walk will be on Tues. 5/24. Look for a note coming home today with more details about the walk.

*Life Saving Grams: Wed. 5/25 is the last day to send them!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

* Tues. 5/24: Walk for Japan

*Wed. 5/25: Bowling AM (please send your child with a sack lunch if they would normally get hot lunch-Thanks!)

*Thurs. 5/26: Visit with 2nd Grade Pen Pals

*Fri. 5/27: Social Studies: Ch 9 Test
Spelling: list 26 Test
Book order due

*Mon. 5/30: No School

A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading: We will be revisiting all of the reading strategies covered this year as we work in literature circles. Ask your child what novel they chose!

*English: We will work with creative writing as we write superhero stories.

*Spelling: We will work on list 26: frequently misspelled words. There will be pretest Monday and a final test on Friday. This will be our last spelling list of the year! Homework will be using all 20 words in sentences (written in cursive) and abc order (also in cursive).

*Social Studies: We will finish up ch 9 on the economy. A study guide was sent home this week. The test is scheduled for Fri. 5/27. We will work on map skills next.

*Science: We will continue to work on inquiry. The test is tentatively scheduled for Tues. 5/31.

*Math: We will work on 7 division next week. We will also work on reviewing some tricky concepts from earlier in the year including rounding, subtracting across zeros, fractions, probability, multiplying greater numbers, and division. There will be a simple long division review on Mon. 5/23.

Thanks and have a SUPER weekend!


Mrs. Olsen

Week of 5/16-5/20

Hello All! I'm back! It's great to be back with the students and see how much they have grown in the last 3 months! I enjoyed my maternity leave with my sweet baby boy Liam and I know Miss Millbrandt did an outstanding job. Thank you all for your support and cooperation during my leave.

* Walk for Japan: Join us as we raise money for an important cause! Tuesday, May 24th, from3:30-5;00 there will be a fundraiser to raise money for the earthquake victims of Japan. The cost is $2 for individuals and $5 for families. Please contact Mrs. Cavoto or Mrs. Sulima with any questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Mon. 5/16: Choir Concert 9 am
Jr. Achievement #2

Thurs. 5.19: Jr. Achievement #3

Fri. 5/20: Spelling Test list 25


A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK:

*Reading: We will continue to practice fluency and expression with readers' theater. We will also be reviewing all of our reading strategies as we work in literature circles reading new novels.

*English: We will continue to work with creative writing as we combine expository and descriptive writing.

*Spelling: We will be focusing on frequently misspelled words for the rest of the year. Some of these words may be repeated from earlier in the year, but they are the high frequency words for third grade so we want to practice using them. There will be a pretest on Monday and a final test on Friday.

*Social Studies: We will work on ch 9: economy. We are talking about goods and services and making a budget. Ask your child about your classroom budget.

*Science: We will work on the inquiry chapter lesson 2 and 3. We are learning about the skills scientists use and the scientific method.

*Math: The students will work on division (simple long division with and without remainders). We will also work with 6's division with the test on Friday. We will work on solving word problems as well.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Olsen

Odds and Ends:
I CAN NOT BELIEVE how fast these 3 months have gone bye! It has been such a pleasure working with these students! I have enjoyed every bit of it, as well as, gained a lot of experience!~ So THANK YOU! Mrs. Olsen will be returning to school on Monday, May 9. her email is eolsen@ccsd66.org

Thank you to all the students and families that donated money for the gift card! I am so exctied to use it! THANK YOU!

Upcoming Events:
MONDAY, MAY 9-Mrs. Olsen comes back!!!!
No Math-Monday, May 9

Reading:

Spelling:
We will be beginning list 24. The pretest will be Monday and the final test will be on Friday.

English:

Science:
The students will continue with chapter 1, but move onto lesson 2!

Social Studies:
We finished our BUDGET GAME! It was sooo cool learning how to save money and making good choices. The students will begin chapter 9: economics in their textbooks next week.

Math:
The students will continue reviewing how to divide. The Test divide by 5 test will be at the end of the week.

GOOD BYE and it has been such a pleasure working with each student!!!!! You can stop by the fourth grade area, that is where I will be!!

Week of May 2-6

Odds and Ends:
This will be my last week of teaching third grade! I am sad to leave after getting to know each student over a course of three months! I look forward to seeing all the students soon! Thank you to the parents for being so supportive and helpful during my time in third grade! You all have such wonderful children and great students! Thank you again and here is our schedule for next week!

Upcoming Events:
Math MAPS Testing Monday
Reading Magic Vocabulary Quiz-Wednesday
Magic Show-Friday, May 6 (please email me if you would like to attend)
Math-Division 4's test Friday
English-Unit 5 Test Thursday

Reading: We are going to continue MAGIC! While learn about magic, we will be focusing on all skills including, fluency. The magic show for our class will be Friday, May 6, 2011 from 8:20 am-9:20am. Please email me if you will be attending! Please join us for some MAGIC!

Spelling:
We will be beginning list 23. The pretest will be Monday and the final test will be on Friday.

English:
We will be finishing up unit 5. The test will be on Thursday. You can be reviewing all lessons in unit 5 and doing the sample test at the end of the unit for extra practice!

Science:
We have started chapter 1 in our Science books. This chapter will teach us about the Scientific Method as well as tools Scientists use.

Social Studies:
We are continuing with Chapter 9: Economics and our budgeting project! The students have received a job and a salary. They have chosen a house and a car. They have also had a few children of their own along the way. The students have been paying bills based on the house and car they have chosen. They are also writing checks for the bills they owe. They LOVE becoming adults!

Math:
We are going to be having our timed tests on dividing by 4's on Friday. We are also working on chapter 24 which is related to division. This week we will cover lessons 1-3. Please be practicing at home!

Have a wonderful weekend! I will see you Monday for our last week together!!!

April 25-29

Odds and Ends:
If you ever need to email me please don't hesitate at: mmillbrandt@ccsd66.org
Arbor Day is Friday, April 29th!
We are doing a special project in school! Please send each child with $1.00 by Friday, 29th.

Upcoming Events:
Friday: No School
Tuesday, April 26th-Chapter 13 Science Test

Reading: We are finishing up Poetry and starting MAGIC!!!! We will be having a class Magic Show on Friday, May 6th from 8:20-9:20 There will be a flier sent home on Monday, April 25. Please email me if you can attend so we have enough seats.

Spelling:
We will be beginning list 22. The pretest will be Monday and the final test will be on Friday.

English:
We will be continuing Unit 5. We have covered lessons 1,2, 3 and 4. You can be reviewing them for extra practice. We will also be writing a pen pal letter to the second graders at Elizabeth Ide!

Science:
We will be finish chapter 13 with a test on Tuesday. We will start chapter 1: Inquiry on Friday.

Social Studies:
We are starting a new chapter in Social Studies! Chapter 9: Economics. In order to have the students fully understand budgeting money and saving money, they will be doing a two week long budget project. The students will get a job and a salary. They will have to pay bills and make choices. They will be putting money into a savings account to save for emergencies or fun. They will also be practicing writing checks!

Math:
We will be beginning chapter 24: Division. We will be covering lessons 1,2,3 and 5. We are also going to continue taking division times test. This week it will be dividing by 3's.

Have a wonderful 3 day weekend and see you all MONDAY!

April 18-21

Odds and Ends: If you ever need to email me please don't hesitate at: mmillbrandt@ccsd66.org It was so great to see everyone at Open House on Thursday! I am so glad you were able to see baby Liam and Mrs. Olsen! I hope you enjoyed all the wonderful projects that each student has worked so hard on!

Upcoming Events:

Thursday is Early Dismissal: 11:00

Friday: No School

Reading: We will start our unit on Poetry. We will practice reading poetry fluently, as well as writing some of our own!

Spelling: There will be no spelling this week due to the short week.

English: We will be continuing Unit 5. We have covered lessons 1,2, and 3. You can be reviewing them for extra practice.

Science: We will continue to study chapter 13: Electricity and magnets. We have read lessons 1 and 2, and we will be reading lesson 3 this week. The chapter test will be on Tuesday April 26th.

Social Studies: We have finished our CHICAGO UNIT!!! We are so happy to have displayed all the wonderful things we learned about. We will be starting chapter 9:Economy after Easter break.

Math: We have finished our chapter on multiplication! We are going to be reviewing some old concepts such as subtraction and multiplication fast facts in stations this week. We are also starting weekly division tests. We are staring on Monday with dividing by 0 and 1.

Enjoy your weekend and see you Monday for a short week of School!!!

April11-15

Odds and Ends: If you ever need to email me please don't hesitate at: mmillbrandt@ccsd66.org Thursday is Open House from 6:30 to 8:00! We have a Chicago Theme and I can't wait to see you there!

Upcoming Events:

OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY!

Chicago Mobile due Monday

Reading: Vocabulary Quiz Monday

Spelling Test Friday Chicago History Quiz Tuesday

Math: Quiz on Chapter 23.5 and 23.6 Friday

Reading: We will be finishing our Novel: The Night the Whole Class Slept Over on Monday. It was a great book! We will be celebrating the end of the book on Wednesday! There is a vocabulary quiz on the last 9 words on Monday.

Spelling: Lesson 21: There will be a pretest on Monday. The test will be Friday.

English: We will be starting Unit 5 on Tuesday. The students will be taking a pre-test. If your child passes out on any lesson they will be doing a challenge activity for that lesson.

Science: We will continue to study chapter 13: Electricity and Magnets. We have some fun experiments to help us learn more.

Social Studies: We are continuing our Chicago unit! We can't wait to share our projects we have been working on at open house!

Math: We will be working on 2 and 3 digit multiplication through out the week. There will be a quiz on Friday over 2 and 3 digit multiplication.

Have a wonderfully warm weekend!

April 4-8

Odds and Ends:
If you ever need to email me please don't hesitate at: mmillbrandt@ccsd66.org
Have a fun and safe SPRING BREAK!!

Upcoming Events:
Math Checkpoint:Wednesday 4/6
Monday 4/4 Classes Resume from Spring BreakTuesday 4/5 No school Teacher Institute

Reading:
We will continue reading our new novel called: The Night the Whole Class Slept Over! We will be reviewing many strategies including: predicting, questioning, and sequencing. Please bring in your favorite recipe by April 13.

Spelling:
Lesson 20: These words are spelled with the vowel sound in sound and bought. There will be a pretest on Monday. The test will be Friday.

English:
We will be doing various activities describing who we are.

Science:
We will start a new chapter! Chapter 13: Electricity. We will be doing experiments and reading lesson 1 this week!

Social Studies:
We are continuing our Chicago unit! We have learned about Immigration. The students have been making wonderful project correlating with what we are learning! We can't wait to let all the parents see our hard work at open house! Please continue to work on your Chicago mobile. It is due April 11th.

Math:
We will be finishing chapter 17 with a checkpoint on Wednesday, April 6. The checkpoint will only cover lesson 3.

Have a beautiful spring break and I can not wait to see everyone's smiling faces Monday!
Miss Millbrandt

Week of March 21- March 25

Odds and Ends:
If you ever need to email me please don't hesitate at: mmillbrandt@ccsd66.org
The District 66 Fundraiser is Saturday, March 19th. I look forward to seeing you there!
Monday, March 21, 2011-Chess Club - Rooks - 2:25 to 3:25 p.m.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011-Project Challenge



Upcoming Events:
English: Unit 6: Pronoun Test Tuesday, March 22nd
Math: Chapter 19: Decimal Test Tuesday, March 22nd.
Science: Chapter 14: Heat/Light/Sound Test Thursday, March 24th



Reading:
We will continue reading our new novel called: The Night the Whole Class Slept Over! We will be sequencing events and making connections. There will be a vocabulary quiz on Wednesday, March 23rd. The study guide was sent home Friday. The students are only responsible for the top half.



Spelling:
We will have a pretest on Spelling List 19 on Monday, March 21st. The test will be on Friday, March 25th.



English:
There is a unit test on Tuesday, March 22. The test will cover all types of Pronouns. For extra practice your child can do pages 232-235 in their textbook.



Science:
We will finish up the chapter with Lesson 4. Please continue to review lessons 1, 2, and 3 at home. The final test will be on Thursday, March 24th.



Social Studies:
We are continuing our Chicago unit! We have learned about “The Early Years” and the Chicago Fire. It is so interesting! We will be doing many projects covering Chicago. Many grades from this unit will be homework, so please make sure your child is completing the homework to the best of their ability.



Math:
We are finished with Chapter 19: Decimals. There will be a test on Tuesday, March 22nd. Monday, I will send home a chapter review worksheet for homework.



I hope you enjoy this beautiful weather! Go out and PLAY! Have a wonderful Weekend!
Miss Millbrandt

Week of March 14-18

Odds and Ends:
If you ever need to email me please don't hesitate, me email is: mmillbrandt@ccsd66.org
Please mark your calendars for March 15th for the Parent Connect meeting to learn more about how to interpret your child's MAP scores.

Upcoming Events:
The District 66 Fundraiser is coming up! Saturday, March 19th. I look forward to seeing you there! On the district website you can bid for a silent auction or buy raffle for many exciting things!
Our roller skating party is on Monday, March 14th.

Reading:
We will continue reading our new novel called: The Night the Whole Class Slept Over! We will be focusing on Main Idea and Details along with making connections.

Spelling:
We will have a pretest on Spelling List 18 on Monday, March 14th. The test will be on Friday, March 18th.

English:
We are continuing to learn about pronouns! They are so much fun! We will continue with lessons 5-7. The final test will be on Tuesday, March 22nd.

Science:
Chapter 14: Light/Sound! We have read Lessons 1 and 2 in class. We will continue with lesson 3 this week.

Social Studies:
We have started our Chicago unit! It is so exciting to be learning about a city so close to home! We are reading an in class book about Chicago and we will have many projects to show what we have learned.

Math:
We are working on chapter19:Decimals. The students are so enthusiastic about Math! We will have a Chapter 19 Math test on Tuesday, March 22nd.

Have a wonderful Weekend and Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Miss Millbrandt