Mrs. Solis and Ms. Rieber's Class Blog

2012-02-17T15:16:00.002-05:00

Here is the newsletter for Feb.20-24, 2012.
Have a great 3 day weekend!

Geometry Songs and Videos

2012-01-27T10:55:00.002-05:00

Angles Song

Polygon Song

Parallelogram Song

And the newsletter for January 30- February 3, 2012.

2012-01-23T11:11:00.000-05:00

Here is the class newsletter for January 23-27, 2012.

2012-01-08T17:22:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone had a very Happy New Year!

Here is the newsletter for January 9-13, 2012.

2011-11-28T22:16:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and time off!
Back to work tomorrow!
Here is the newsletter for this week, November 28- December 2, 2011.

2011-11-14T15:34:00.002-05:00

Here is the Weekly Newsletter for Nov. 14-18, 2011.
Picture Retakes are tomorrow!

Scholastic Books

2011-11-07T14:49:00.001-05:00

Our next book order is due November 15th. Click here for directions on how to order online.

Newsletter & Reminders

2011-11-07T14:42:00.003-05:00

Here is the Newsletter for Nov. 7-10.
Report cards go home today. Please sign and return them as soon as possible.
Please wear red, white, and blue on Thursday for our flag raising ceremony at 9:30 a.m.
There is no school on Friday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day.

Newletter

2011-10-27T11:09:00.003-04:00

Sorry the blog has not been updated recently.
Here is the newsletter for this week.
Here is the newsletter for Oct. 31- Nov. 4, 2011

PTA Movie Night is on Friday, Nov. 4th from 6-8 p.m.
Cars2 will be shown for FREE. Drinks and popcorn is $.50
Kilwin's ice cream is $3.

Science Plant Videos

2011-10-03T12:06:00.003-04:00

Here are some of the plant videos we have been looking at in class just incase you want to check them out at home.
Photosynthesis Song
Science Jams Photosynthesis Video, Song, and Quiz
Science Jams Roots and Stems Slideshow
Science Jams Gymnosperms- Seeds in Cones Video
Science Jams Plants Without Seeds Video

2011-10-02T18:27:00.001-04:00

Here is the newsletter for October 3-7, 2011.
Hope you had a great fall weather weekend!

2011-09-17T10:45:00.002-04:00

Thanks to all of the families that attended Open House. We were so excited to see everyone there. Here is the newsletter for next week, September 19-23, 2011.

2011-09-02T15:34:00.000-04:00

Here is the newsletter for Sept. 6-9, 2011. Have a great holiday weekend!

Great first week of school!

2011-08-26T12:32:00.002-04:00

We had a great 1st week of school! Thank you to all of the families who sent in all of their supplies. We will be emailing you the weekly newsletter, but you can always come to our site to get it as well. Here is the newsletter for next week, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2011. We will be sending our first Scholastic book order home on Monday. It is due next week on Sept. 7, 2011. You can also order online at www.scholastic.com. The directions and class activation code are in the last page of the newsletter. Again, thank you so much for your support so far. We are looking forward to a great year!

Welcome Back!!

2011-08-18T21:45:00.002-04:00

Welcome to 3rd Grade! We are so excited to have you in our room. We will be learning so many awesome new things this year. Click here for the Third Grade Supply List so you will be prepared to have all of your supplies. We look forward to meeting you on Monday, August 22nd. School begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. See you soon!

Thank you!

2011-06-10T11:16:00.002-04:00

We are so sad to see this school year end. We have LOVED having each and every one of your children this year and last year. This class is so special! We will miss seeing all of their smiling faces each day. Thank you for all of the support you have given us and your child this school year! We appreciate having such wonderful Abess Park Room 114 families!

2011-05-19T16:59:00.002-04:00

Here is the newsletter for next week, May 23-26, 2011.

2011-05-13T14:50:00.002-04:00

Here is the newsletter for next week, May 16-20, 2011.
Please remember to try and bring in your MOSH field trip permission and money as soon as possible. It is $9.50 for students and $7.00 for chaperones.

Newsletter & Science Night

2011-04-26T15:49:00.001-04:00

Here is the newsletter for April 26-29, 2011.
Science Night is tonight at 6:15 p.m.
Hope to see you there!

Thank you!

2011-04-18T11:42:00.002-04:00

FCAT went very smoothly last week and our students did a great job! Thank you to everyone that sent in FCAT goodies that we requested. We really appreciate you! Here is this week's newletter for April 18-21, 2011. No school on Friday this week!

Happy Spring Break!!

2011-03-25T10:55:00.001-04:00

We hope you all have a fantastic Spring Break!
Here is the newsletter for April 4-8, 2011.

2011-03-21T08:31:00.003-04:00

Here is the newsletter for March 21-24, 2011.
No school on Friday, March 25 for Planning Day.
Spring Break March 28- April 1, 2011. Have fun!
See you back at school on April 4, 2011!

DCPS Budget Crisis

2011-03-17T09:57:00.002-04:00

Duval County Public Schools(DCPS)is facing a possible
$97 million shortfall for the 2011/2012 school year!

Revenue Shortfall- $70 million
Fixed Cost Increases- $32 million
Total- $102 million
Use of Fund Balance (reserves)- $5 million
Shortfall to District- $97 million

DCPS Successes

Duval County Public Schools has earned a district grade of "B: for the last thress years and for fourof the last five years.
According to a recent study, DCPS spends a higher percentage of our PreK-12 budget on Instruction than other large districts.
2nd in the state in the percent of graduates completing at least one AP, IB, AICE, or Dual Enrollment course.
66% of our students graduate completing a post-secondary ready curriculum- higher than all but three suburban counties.

Budget Challenges

Duval County Public Schools has had to cut more than $150 million from our budget over the past four years. Cost cutting iniatives have included:
District Staff cuts;
Secondary School Schedule changes (shorter days and fewer classes);
School consolidations;
Reduction in travel;
Reduction in transportation, including an increase in the walk zone to schools from 1.5 miles to 2 miles;
Hiring freeze

Possible Budget Reduction Strategies

Cutting all Magnet transportation;
Cutting all supplements for extracurricular activities, including sports, band, and other clubs;
Reviewing the possibility of a four-day school week;
Mandated unpaid leave for all DCPS employees;
Employee benefit reductions

This is a very scary time for our schools, please take some kind of action and get informed about what is going to to make a big difference in your child's life and education.

DCPS is holding Community Budget Meetings at 6 p.m. on the following dates and locations:

April 4, 2011 @ Atlantic Coast High School (closet option to Abess Park) 9735 R.G. Skinner Parkway, 32256

April 7, 2011 @ Andrew Jackson High School 3816 North Main Street, 32206

April 11, 2011 @ Ed White High School 1700 Old Middleburg Road, 32210

Click here for a copy of the Duval Legislative Requests so that you can write, email, and call your legislators.

Click here for a copy of Duval County Legislator contacts.

2011-03-04T15:07:00.000-05:00

Here is the newsletter for March 7-11, 2011.

2011-02-25T14:39:00.003-05:00

Here is the newsletter for Feb. 28- Mar. 4, 2011.
Progress Reports go home today. Please sign and return the bottom section on Monday! Have a good weekend!

Geometry Songs

2011-02-24T13:00:00.003-05:00

Here are some fun songs that we looked at in class.
Watch them again at home!

Polygon Song
Parallelogram Song
Angles Song

FCAT Night TONIGHT & Newsletter

2011-02-22T12:03:00.004-05:00

Don't forget that FCAT Parent info. night is tonight at 6:30 p.m.
3rd Grade will be meeting in room 226.
Here is the Newsletter for Feb. 22-25, 2011.

2011-02-06T16:39:00.002-05:00

Hope you had a great weekend!
Here is the newsletter for Feb. 7-11, 2011.
Don't forget to bring back your signed report card and envelope if you haven't already done so!
Bring in your class valentines on Valentines Day- Monday, February 14th!
Please email us if you need another copy of the class list.

Newsletter, Report Cards, & Awards

2011-01-31T12:18:00.003-05:00

Here is the Newsletter for Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2011.
Report cards will be coming home on Wednesday. Please sign and return the section that needs to be signed by Thurday. Our Awards Ceremony will be on Friday at 9:15 a.m.

2011-01-21T14:17:00.002-05:00

Here is the Newsletter for January 24-28, 2010.
Have a great weekend! Don't forget to get on FCAT Explorer!

Science videos

2011-01-11T12:23:00.002-05:00

In Science, we have been discussing the Sun and stars.
Here are some cool videos we have enjoyed watching in class:
Discovery video about star size
Star size comparison video

2011-01-09T23:25:00.000-05:00

Here is the newsletter for January 10-14, 2010.
Have a great week!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-28T21:26:00.004-05:00

We are excited to see you all back to school on Monday, January 3rd, 2011!
Here is the newsletter for Jan. 3-7, 2011.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-15T11:25:00.003-05:00

So sorry for the late posts! Here is the newsletter for Dec. 13-17, 2010.
Friday will be our annual "Polar Express Day" and class holiday festivities. Students can wear their pajamas to school and bring a pillow. We are asking for a $1 donation for the class party. One of our class parents will collect the donations and shop for all of our necessary party items.
We hope that everyone will read every day over Winter Break for at least 30 minutes!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-11-21T19:58:00.001-05:00

Here is the newsletter for the next two weeks- Nov. 22-Dec. 3, 2010.No school Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday! Happy Thanksgiving!

Field Trip to Tree Hill on Monday!

2010-11-14T11:43:00.002-05:00

Don't forget about our field trip to Tree Hill tomorrow! Please wear jeans or long pants, tennis shoes, and a red shirt. Also, don't forget your bag lunch and drink! Be on time to school! The bus will be leaving at 9:05 a.m.!

Here is the newsletter for Nov. 15-19, 2010.

2010-11-06T22:16:00.003-04:00

Our Veteran's Day flag raising will be Wednesday, Nov. 10th at 9:30 a.m.
There is no school on Thursday or Friday this week.
Here is the newsletter for November 8-10, 2010.

2010-10-29T14:52:00.002-04:00

Here is the newsletter for next week November 1-5, 2010.
Have a safe and happy Halloween weekend!

2010-10-25T14:10:00.001-04:00

Here is the newsletter for Oct. 26-30, 2010.

2010-10-16T00:22:00.003-04:00

Here is the newsletter for Oct. 18-22, 2010.
We will be having a test in Social Studies Ch. 7 on Monday.
Don't forget that you can decorate a pumpkin like a book character for the school contest for Literacy Day. Please make sure your pumpkin is turned in by 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Literacy Night starts at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday night.

THANK YOU

2010-10-10T10:10:00.002-04:00

Thank you to everyone that came out to Bruster's last Thursday night. We had 17 of our students and their families come out to support our school and PTA! That's AWESOME! It was a fun night and we enjoyed seeing everyone out and eating lots of yummy ice cream!

Newsletter and Multiplication Songs

2010-10-07T16:51:00.003-04:00

Here is our newsletter for next week, October 11-15, 2010. Also, we use songs to introduce all of our new multiplication facts. We have a multiplication song book at school. Click here for a copy of the songs to have at home.

2010-10-06T16:32:00.003-04:00

Check out the newsletter for Oct. 4-8, 2010.
Don't forget to come visit us at Bruster's tomorrow from 6-8 p.m.
We will be there to serve you ice cream!!
Buy waffle cones! It's the only item that our school earns money on.

Pearson SuccessNet - Math Resource

2010-09-28T17:29:00.001-04:00

This year we have access to an online component for part of our math curriculum. Each student can log in to www.pearsonsuccessnet.com and can view their math books online. You have access to the Math Investigations books and the Envision book that we use in class. Also, there are games and animated tutorials available for your child to use to practice and reinforce skills at home on the computer.

To login go to www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
Your child's login is the exact same as their Gizmo login (it is case sensitive).
Their password is the same as their Gizmo password (all lowercase letters).
This can be found on the label in your child's planner.

Once they are logged on you can see that you can view both math books.
If you click on "To Do" you can find a list of assignments and activities that go along with what we are doing in class. Right now I have made 11 different assignments available for your child to use for at home practice. This is a great tool to help your child. I hope that you can use it and make the most of it.

Newsletter & Gizmo

2010-09-28T14:57:00.001-04:00

Here is the newsletter for Sept. 27- Oct.1, 2010.

Gizmo extra credit homework was sent home tonight. We started the Gizmo, Rounding Whole Numbers, today in the computer lab, but most of us didn't finish it all. You can finish it at home for some extra credit in math. It is due on Friday, Oct. 1st. Your child's Gizmo login and password are on a label in their planner. Here is the Gizmo website: www.explorelearning.com

2010-09-17T15:24:00.003-04:00

Here is the newsletter for Sept. 20-24, 2010.
Monday will be the Math test for the unit that we have been working on since school started. The review that we completed in class has been sent home this weekend for parents to look at, study, and sign and return. Also, we sent home some bonus science homework that your child can complete on the computer at home. This is with a computer program called Gizmo that we have been using in the computer lab this year. Ms. Rieber sent all parents an email with more information about this. If for some reason you did not get it please email us and we will send it to you again. Have a great weekend!

Updates and newsletter

2010-09-09T15:57:00.002-04:00

This week has been a LONG short week! All of the Duval county benchmark testing for math and reading has been postponed. We may be taking these tests next week or the week after. Depending on that, our schedule will have to be flexible and some test dates next week may change. Just look at your child's planner to stay updated. The county benchmark tests are very closely aligned with FCAT so that the results can help us prepare your student to succeed on the FCAT.
Here is the newsletter for Sept. 13-17. It's a busy week! We will be getting started in our reading book with our first story, Cliffhanger, and the test will be on Friday. We will also be finishing up our math unit on Numeration and having a unit test. (place value to hundred thousands, comparing numbers, ordering numbers, and making organized lists)

2010-09-02T17:50:00.002-04:00

Here is the newsletter for September 7-10, 2010.
No school on Monday for Labor Day!

First Week Newsletter

2010-08-27T09:32:00.002-04:00

We have had a great first week of school!
Thank you to everyone that brought in all of their supplies.
Don't forget that we don't have lunch until 1:15 p.m., so please send a snack every day!
Here is the 3rd Grade Newsletter for Aug. 30- Sept. 3.

WILD ABOUT 3RD GRADE!!

2010-08-17T14:18:00.003-04:00

Abess Park is WILD ABOUT LEARNING this year!
We are soooo excited to be teaching 3rd grade and getting to see some of our wonderful students again this year and some great new faces in our class!
We are still co-teaching all subjects this year in Room 114.
See you soon- school starts on Monday, August 23rd!
Click here for your 3rd Grade Supply List.

Our last newsletter and updates

2010-06-07T13:46:00.002-04:00

Here is our last newsletter for June 7-11, 2010.

We can not believe that the school year is almost over! It has been such a pleasure working with each one of your children this year. Thank you for all of your support!

Awards ceremony is tomorrow at 10:15 a.m. in the cafeteria.
Don't forget to turn in your movie permission slip if you haven't done so already.
The last day of school dismissal starts at 12:15 p.m.
There is NO afternoon extended day on Friday!

Please remember to keep reading ALL summer long!!

2010-05-14T12:00:00.001-04:00

Have a great weekend!
Newsletter for May 17-21, 2010.

2010-05-07T14:59:00.003-04:00

Thank you to our field trip chaperones: Mrs. Yell, Ms. Jones, and Ms. Parks. Progress reports went home today. Please return them signed on Monday. Here is the newsletter for May 10-14. Have a great weekend!

Week of May 3rd

2010-04-30T14:04:00.002-04:00

Here is the newsletter for May 3-7, 2010.
We are going to the Florida Theater Thursday. We will be back by lunch time to eat at school. Dudes Do Read is also on Thursday. For 2nd Grade, we will have guest readers from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have any "dudes" that would like to come in and read.

2010-04-26T09:33:00.001-04:00

Here is the Newsletter for April 26-30, 2010

Newsletter and Science Night

2010-04-19T14:59:00.002-04:00

So sorry it has been so long since an update!
Here is this week's newsletter .
Science Night is tomorrow from 6:15-7:15 p.m. If you ordered a pizza you can pick it up starting at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.

Newsletter Mar. 3-12

2010-03-08T09:27:00.000-05:00

This week's newsletter for March 8-12, 2010.

Superintendent Budget Community Meeting

2010-03-08T09:20:00.002-05:00

The Superintendent will be conducting Budget Community meetings. We are hoping to have representation from our PTA, SAC and teachers/staff at one of these meetings. The Superintendent has suggested that schools bring signs that say “Save name the school” (example: Save Main Street Elementary!) to the meeting to show support.
All community meetings begin at 6 p.m. according to the schedule below.
· Thursday, March 11 - Sandalwood High School, 2750 John Prom Blvd, 32246
· Tuesday, March 16 - Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology, 32210
· Thursday, March 18 - Jean Ribault High School, 3701 Winton Dr., 32208
· Tuesday, March 23 - Mandarin High School, 4831 Greenland Rd., 32258

I am planning on attending on March 11th at Sandalwood High School. I think that this is the meeting that most people from Abess Park on planning to attend. If you can come to the meeting it would be a great way to show that you support your child's school. I'm sure that there will be serious budget concerns this year just like last year and you want to make sure that the Superintendent knows what's important for your child's education.

2010-03-01T09:48:00.001-05:00

I hope you had a great last weekend in February! The year is really flying by! Here is the March 1-5 newsletter.

Math Unit Test and Newsletter

2010-02-22T09:51:00.003-05:00

Here is the newsletter for February 22-26. Also, please don't forget that our math unit test for Putting Together, Taking Apart is going to be on Wednesday. This test will cover all kinds of story problems that students will have to solve including addition, subtraction, missing addend, comparing, and multi-step problems. Students will be expected to show their strategies that they used and explain what they did to solve the problem. Students will also have to write their own story problems when given an equation. The test will also cover number strings up to 100 and counting money up to $1.00.

Newsletter Feb. 16-19

2010-02-11T13:50:00.000-05:00

Here is the newsletter for February 16-19.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-11T13:49:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow we will be exchanging valentines during Fun Friday. Don't forget to bring your valentine for everyone! No school on Monday- Happy Presidents' Day!

Newsletter Feb. 8-12

2010-02-08T12:56:00.001-05:00

Here is the newsletter for February 8-12, 2010

2010-02-01T09:26:00.002-05:00

Newsletter for February 1-5, 2010. Report cards for the 2nd Quarter go home tomorrow. Please sign the section of the report card that you cut out and return it to school the next day. Also, our 2nd grade Awards Ceremony is on Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. We hope to see you there!

2010-01-21T12:19:00.000-05:00

Newsletter for January 25-29, 2010

Science Links- The Human Body

2010-01-11T10:36:00.002-05:00

We have started studying the human body in science. So far, we have studied the skeleton and what it does for us. (Look for our pasta skeletons in the hallway!) Here are some fun science links to check out at home:
Diagram of the Skeletal System
Videos on how the Body Works
Healthy Heart Activity

2010-01-11T10:32:00.000-05:00

This week's newsletter January 11-15, 2010.
Don't forget to come see Chris Soentpiet tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.!

Chris Soentpiet to Visit Abess Park

2010-01-06T13:51:00.002-05:00

We are so happy to tell you about a special event coming up at our school next week! On Tuesday, January 12th, Chris Soentpiet (author and illustrator) will be coming to visit our school. He will be here to sign books at 5:30 p.m. and will do a presentation for us at 6:30 p.m. If you have a 4th or 5th grader at Abess, they may remember his first visit to our school in 2006. He gave a wonderful presentation that all ages can enjoy! We have already read many of the books he has illustrated in our class this year including Silver Packages, Dear Santa, Please Come to the 19th Floor, and Molly Bannaky. I know we will be reading many more this year too, like So Far From the Sea, Jin Woo, Brothers, My Brother Martin, and probably more. Be on the lookout for a book order form this week if you would like to preorder books to be signed during his visit. Also, you can check out his website at www.soentpiet.com We hope to see you here next Tuesday night!

Welcome Back!

2010-01-04T14:49:00.002-05:00

Welcome Back! I hope you had a fun and restful winter vacation.
Here is the newsletter for January 4-8, 2010.

Fraction Flag Fun

2009-12-07T13:44:00.001-05:00

In Math we have been studying the fractions 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4.
Here are some fun sites to practice making fraction flags like we have been making in class.
Fraction flags- Halves and Fourths
Fraction flags- Thirds

2009-12-07T13:40:00.000-05:00

Newsletter Dec. 7-11

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-24T11:21:00.002-05:00

We are so thankful to have such a wonderful, caring group of students this year!!
Have a fantastic and safe Thanksgiving break!
We will see you on Monday! Don't forget- Zoo field trip on Tuesday, Dec. 1st. Bring a bag lunch and drink and wear a red shirt. Also, please bring in an item or donation for our silent auction basket- anything that has to do with cooking and baking.
Thank you!

Newsletter Nov. 16-20

2009-11-16T09:16:00.001-05:00

Here is the link to download the newsletter for Nov. 16-20

Pattern Block site

2009-11-10T14:14:00.002-05:00

In math we have started the new book, Shapes, Halves, and Symmetry. So far we have discussed all the shapes in our pattern blocks and are exploring rectangles.
Here is a fun site for pattern blocks:
Pattern Blocks Practice

Pictures from our flag raising

2009-11-10T13:12:00.014-05:00

The rain

stayed away and our Veterans Day flag raising was an awesome display to honor our veterans.

Our school band played while we were walking out to the flag pole.

A special thanks to the Sandalwood ROTC colorguard for participating again this year!

Veterans Day flag raising

2009-11-09T09:51:00.002-05:00

Our Veterans Day flag raising is scheduled for tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at the flag pole. All family, friends, and veterans are invited to attend. Please wear red, white, and blue or your uniform! Also, if you plan on attending please do not park on the last row in the parking lot.

**Due to anticipated inclement weather, there may be changes to where the Veterans Day ceremony will be held. If it is raining it will most likely be held in the cafeteria.**

Holiday Basket silent auction

2009-11-09T09:50:00.000-05:00

Ms. Rieber & Ms. Gerber’s class are teaming up with Mrs. Roberts’ class this year to create a basket for the annual auction to be held this holiday season. This is a silent auction and all proceeds go directly back to the school!

The theme for our class is “cooking & baking”.

Please send in an item related to our theme. Some examples are cooking or baking supplies, cookbooks, measuring cups and spoons, mixes, etc. You could also just send in a monetary donation towards a gift card to put in the basket or the purchase of additional items for the basket.

Please send in all items or monetary donations by Thursday December 3rd, so that we will have enough time to put together the basket.

Thank you so much for your help!

Newsletter and Updates

2009-11-09T09:44:00.002-05:00

This weeks newsletter Nov. 9-13.
Also, it is very important for you to fill out this volunteer form and return it to school as soon as possible. Starting January 1, 2010 you MUST have a volunteer card to chaperone on field trips, help in the class, read in the class, or eat lunch with the class. Basically, if you are going to be interacting with any child other than your own you will have to present your volunteer card. After you get your volunteer card (it will be mailed to you), please bring it to school so that we can make a copy, or send in a copy to be kept on file. It should take about 6 weeks for you to receive your card after your paperwork is sent in to the office.

Red Ribbon Week at Abess!

2009-10-27T13:06:00.001-04:00

This week is Red Ribbon week...Just Say No To Drugs
Each day this week we will show our support to saying no to drugs.

Tuesday: Kindness
Hugs Not Drugs Day….Be Kind to Others….Commit a Random Act of Kindness

Wednesday: Hats
Let’s Wear our Hats….and Make Drugs Go Kerplat!

Thursday: Red Clothes
Today is RED DAY….STUDENTS AND STAFF DECK OUT IN RED…AND SAY NO!

Friday: Socks
SOCK IT TO DRUGS DAY ….Wear crazy socks to school

Newsletter and Updates

2009-10-27T11:46:00.002-04:00

This week's newsletter October 26-30.

Also, on the monthly calendar it says that report cards go home on October 30th. This is incorrect. The new date for report cards to go home is November 3rd.

2009-10-16T15:00:00.001-04:00

Newsletter for Oct. 19-23

Thank you to all of the parents and students that attended Literacy Night. Our "Race into Reading" is off to a great start!

Newsletter Oct. 5-9

2009-10-07T12:51:00.002-04:00

This week's newsletter has been having technical difficulties being uploaded to the site. Please email us if you need a copy.

Updates

2009-09-28T09:44:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all of the parents and families who attended Open House last Thursday! Also, a big thank you to those of you who have already sent in your "helping hands". We really appreciate it! Don't forget to join PTA if you haven't already- you can send in your $5.00 with a note that it is for PTA and we will make sure it gets turned in. Also, don't forget that the Fall Festival is this Saturday, October 3rd from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please let us know if you are available to volunteer for an hour or two.
This week's newsletter Sept. 28-Oct. 2

Fun Math Website!

2009-09-24T08:57:00.003-04:00

Check out this math site: coolmath4kids.com
To practice combinations of 10-
Click on the circle box that says addition.
Scroll down to math lines.
Click on 10.

Open House next week!

2009-09-18T10:03:00.003-04:00

Don't forget Open House is next Thursday, September 24th @ 6:30 p.m. We hope to see you there! We will be going over class routines and procedures. We will also being going over the curriculum and grading system in 2nd grade.

The new book orders went home yesterday. If you are planning on ordering from Scholastic the order will be due next Friday, September 25th.

Next week's newsletter: September 21-25, 2009.

2009-09-15T17:08:00.002-04:00

Sorry this is a day late!
September 14-19, 2009

Good Math Website

2009-09-11T15:44:00.002-04:00

We've been noticing lately that a lot of our students really need to practice learning their math facts. Right now in math we really are focusing on learning combinations of ten (1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5) and doubles (1+1, 2+2, 3+3, etc.). Your child should be able to solve math fact problems in about 5 seconds or less. You can make flashcards to use at home to practice all the math facts 0-20. Also, you can use this website to practice math games and flashcards: A+ Math

2009-09-08T08:40:00.001-04:00

Here is the link for this week's newsletter

September 8-11, 2009

Leveled Readers online

2009-09-03T14:50:00.000-04:00

Our reading series, Houghton Mifflin, has made available a website where you can listen to and read books online. We have made several Level I, J, K, and L books available on the website.

Here's how to read the books:

Click here: www.eduplace.com/eservices
Type in the USERNAME: kimberlygerberclass
Type in the PASSWORD: student

Click on the computer icon that says online leveled books.
Click the group that you would like to read.
It's that easy! Happy Reading!

Off to a good start...

2009-08-31T14:53:00.003-04:00

Our school year is off to a great start!
Thank you to all parents who sent in supplies.

Please be looking for the little blue slip of paper to come home today. Fill it out and join PTA for $5.00!!!

Homework starts today for 2nd grade! Look for your child's homework folder (it's probably purple) coming home tonight. If your child ever forgets their homework folder there is always a link to homework in the side panel of the blog. Also in the homework folder is a letter from our student intern, Mrs. O. We are so excited to have her working with us this semester!

You should be receiving your weekly newsletter via email today. Our weekly newsletter gives you information on what we are doing all week in class in all subjects. If you have provided your email and did not get the test email sent last week or your newsletter, please let us know so that we can check to be sure that your email address is correct on the class distribution list.
Or you can click here for a link to our Weekly Newsletter.

Check back for updates weekly!

Welcome to the new school year!

2009-08-17T22:25:00.003-04:00

We are so excited for the new school year! We can not wait to meet all of our smart, sweet, awesome new students!

Our first day of school is Monday, August 24th. School starts at 9 a.m. You can join PTA on the first day of school! PTA membership is only $5.00 and you can join for all members of your family. Our class is aiming for 100% membership!

Please check our school website for new bus route changes. These changes are affecting students who previously rode bus numbers 679 & 127.

Need a 2nd grade supply list? Click here.

Are you new to Abess Park? 2nd Grade new student orientation is Friday, August 21st @ 10 a.m. in our classroom, room 114.

Summer Reading Fun!

2009-06-16T01:01:00.003-04:00

Hope your summer is off to a good start...

Here are some websites with some good reading suggestions. These lists include good books that your child can read independently, as well as some good higher level read aloud books that you can read together.
Too Good to Miss Books: Third Grade
Chapter Books for 3rd Graders
Favorite Books for 3rd Graders
Eight-year-old Favorites List

Happy Reading!

Summer Book Lists

2009-06-01T10:39:00.005-04:00

Thank you so much for a GREAT school year!
Here is some links to some good summer reading book lists separated by level:

Levels H-M
Levels L-P

Be sure to check back every once in awhile during the summer!
I'll be trying to post some fun links and information to keep you busy during the summer.

End of the Year! Can you believe it?

2009-06-01T10:16:00.002-04:00

This week is a busy one for us as we close out our school year.
On Monday we will be looking back at a science unit on matter and making ice cream. Yummy yum yum! Tuesday, we will be revisiting our science unit on energy and making smores in a solar oven. More yum! Wednesday, all of our students will get to watch Ms. Gerber and Ms. Rieber be kickball superstars in the 5th grade vs. faculty kickball game. During the day we'll be completing a lot of fun activity centers. On Thursday, we have our class party. We'll be eating pizza in our room @ 1 p.m. and then watching "High School Musical" on the big screen. All of our students have to go to lunch on Thursday, but they can just bring a snack since we will be eating pizza right after lunchtime. Don't forget that on Friday dismissal is at noon and all students will get their report cards to go home.

Awards

2009-05-27T17:00:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! This is just a reminder that our 4th quarter and end of the year awards ceremony is tomorrow morning at 10:15. Hope to see you there!

Habitats

2009-05-19T15:44:00.003-04:00

All of the students have been doing research on a different habitat in class for science. We have been gathering information on the animals and plants that live in that habitat as well as the characteristics of the habitat. Here is a great website if you want to do additional research at home. Habitat website

Synthesizing!

2009-05-13T10:19:00.006-04:00

In reading this week we have been practicing synthesizing while reading the books Fish is Fish and Wolf. The kids did a great job doing some deep thinking as they were reading and thinking about the theme of the book. Check the bulletin board outside our classroom for some examples.

Getting close to the end of the year...

2009-05-08T13:10:00.004-04:00

In Science we have been studying life cycles. Specifically, the life cycle of a bean plant and the butterfly. Check out this YouTube video of a butterfly's life cycle.

In Math we have been working on the unit How Many Pockets? How Many Teeth? It's all about collecting, organizing, and representing data. Today, the class even had a chance to go around to all different classes and grade levels to survey students on the question "How many teeth have you lost?" They then came back and organized their data and made a representation. We then compared all the data that we found for different grade levels. Next week students will be collecting data on a question of their choice. The formative unit test for this unit will be Monday, May 18th.

In reading we have been studying the comprehension strategy of synthesizing. We want our students to be monitoring overall meaning, important concepts, and themes as they read, while understanding that their thinking evolves in the process. Ask your child about our anchor lessons using the nesting dolls, or matryoshka dolls, and the lesson with the red onion. Ask them how that reminds them of synthesis.

In writing we are finishing up our persuasive pieces on why all 2nd graders should go to the zoo on a field trip. Your child may also be working on another persuasive piece on an opinion on something they feel strongly about.

Awards

2009-04-22T16:15:00.002-04:00

Awards Ceremony for the 3rd nine weeks is Monday, April 27th at 10:15 a.m.

Lots of Updates!

2009-04-13T19:19:00.006-04:00

The next two weeks are very busy for us at school.
Here are some reminders:

Field Trip $ and permission slips for the Zoo are due tomorrow! The field trip for students is $4 and for chaperones is $9. If you would like to chaperone and have a zoo membership you can use that and come for FREE! The field trip is next week, Thursday 4/23.
Also, tomorrow is our author visit with Leslie Helakoski. Our last two books of the month, Woolbur and Big Chickens, are two of her super fun books.

Wednesday, 4/15 is Blitz day for 2nd Grade. Wear your tennis shoes in case you have to go to P.E. that day.

Thursday, 4/16 is Play Day! Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You can bring a water bottle and towel is you want. And make sure to wear sunscreen if it is sunny outside.

Friday, 4/17 is Dudes Do Read. Please return the yellow slip that was sent home with the name of a dude and the time he would like to come and read to us! Dudes can be fathers, brothers, uncles, grandfathers, family friends, neighbors, pastors, ANYBODY....but only DUDES, sorry dudettes! So far we have 2 Dad Dudes coming in. Cool!
Report cards also come home this Friday. Please cut off and send in the portion that you need to sign back to school on Monday.

Congratulations Lance! He won Invention Convention for 2nd Grade with his neat and innovative invention.