MERRY CHRISTMAS

As I sit here by myself on Christmas morning drinking a great cup of coffee before everyone gets up,  I am reflecting on my life and the past year.  It has been a wonderful year, full of excitement and love.  I am so thankful for everything that I have.  I have always been one of those people who realize what I have as precious, I've never had to say I wish I would have done this or that because I always made sure I did everything to make my families life great.  As I grow older though, I see how fast life does pass you by.  My children gave me the most beautuful blanket for Christmas last night and on it were pictures of the three of them throughout the years.  I bawled like a baby when I opened it because I wonder how come it all had to go by so fast.  I looked at every picture and thanked God for the years that we have had together and began to think about the years we have coming and the changes we have to look forward to.  More marriages (3 more kids will get married eventually no matter what they say), grand children, traveling, growing old with a fabulous husband, and just enjoying life to the fullest.  Of course I miss the small things like Santa visiting, and the excitement of getting up at 5 in the morning, putting out letters for santa and cookies, but I treasure that I know my kids love me and would do anything for me and we can still spend precious time together. 

So I guess what I'm saying is...  enjoy your kids and your life.  Don't let the craziness of life let time pass and then you look back and say you missed out on so much.  Let me be the first to tell you that it will be gone in a flash if you don't open your eyes and see the joy of having kids.  I miss my babies but I treasure the fact that I loved them so much and now as they grow older I see that they have great love for me. 

Merry Christmas to all of you!!  I will get back to regular blogging as soon as the holidays are over.  Thanks for being patient with me as I've struggled with this dizziness issue and think of me as I go back to the doctor this coming week for 2 more MRI's and additional blood work.  I already miss my school babies and can't wait to see their smiles and hear of their wonderful Christmas when we get back to school. 

Love Mrs. C

Off to the Neurologist

Hi to all of my families,

I will not be in school on Monday due to a visit to the neurologist in Greensboro.  Say a little prayer for me as we try to figure out what is going on.  I'm still dizzy every day to the point of almost falling down at times.  The world is spinning and I'm just trying to hang on-haha.

Merry Christmas and thanks to God for all that I have-including your children :)

Report Cards

Happy report card day!!!  Some families are happy right now and some are a little disappointed.  I just want everyone to know that your child earns their grades.  I can not give grades based on the way I feel about your child or they all would be straight A students,  A lot of kids have a long way to go and some of them are already there.  Hard work, dedication, focus, and deisre mean a lot right now.  Stamina to sit still and work independently is a concern for me.  We must get our kids to learn to be independent learners that are responsible for their learning. ADHD, focus issues, family issues, stubborness, and puberty are all a part of a fifth graders life but these are all obstacles that children must overcome to be successful.  Lets band together and throw out a little tough love right now and help our wonderful fifth graders to make the transition into young adulthood.  Excuses should be just that, excuses, and we should put a stop to it right now.  As one of our affirmatiuons says, "excuses are for losers' and we are not losers, we are winners who want to be the best we can be!  Looking forward to great things and the beginning of a successful 3rd 6 weeks.  If you expect a lot from your kids they will respond!  If they know you mean business, they will thank you for it in the long run.  Life is hard, but God is good and he will help us transform our children into succesful, productive, good citizens ready to face life head on.  Love you guys with all my heart!!!

I Love This Time of Year!!!

We have been busy as beavers this week in class, that is one reason why I haven't posted.  The other reason is due to the fact that I have vertigo.  YUCK!!!  I have been dizzy and loopy for about a month now so I went to the doctor on Tuesday to see what was going on.  I am going for an MRI on Monday to make sure everything else is OK.  Now the kids know why I have been tripping over feet and desks and walking curvy down the hall.  The meds for this made me feel worse than the normal dizziness so I guess I'll wait to see what the MRI shows before I take anything else.  So just say a prayer for "chicken me" as I hate needles and they will shoot some dye into my arm on Monday before I get the MRI.  I am truly a weenie when it comes to doctors, I guess that's why I haven't been to one in about 5 or more years.


Unfortunately, we will not be able to go and see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as a class.  If you are interested in going, it is at the RCC Auditorium on Friday, Dec. 3 @ 7:30, Dec. 4 @ 2:30 and 7:30, or Dec. 5 @ 2:30 and 6:00.  The tickets are $10 for adults and $7.00 for students.  Emma and Bailey are in the play and I know the kids would like to see them.  I MIGHT go on Sunday at 2:30 but I hate to commit at this time and then not be able to go. 


Please remember to send in canned food for the food drive at our school.  Our class has only turned in 25 cans :(


$25 dollars due by Dec. 10 for DC.  We will start our doughnut fundraiser the day after Christmas break so get ready to sell.


 We will be having my annual pancake breakfast for our Christmas party this year.  It will take place on Monday, Dec. 20.  Look for the note to come home next week and help by sending in one or more of the food items.


Send in a $2 gift to place under the Christmas tree for "SNEAKY SANTA" Do not put a name on the gift and make sure it is a secret.  It does not have to be boy or girl specific.  This is a great game to play at Christmas.  We always get a huge laugh out of it. 


Did I tell anyone that I love Chritmas cookies-just thought I'd drop that note in there-haha!  Have a great time with your families during this happy time of year.  Love Ya'll

Macaroni Salad-YUMMM!!!

Michele Reynolds posted a comment and if you click on the comment you will see the recipe for Scott's wonderful Macaroni Salad!!  I took home an extra huge plate of it and finished it yesterday for lunch.  It was great!!  Thanks Michele and Scott!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

The Thanksgiving dinner was a huge success except for that ghost that kept creeping around-haha!  I hope ypu have a safe and restful week of family time.  I'm heading to Florida on Wednesday morning at 2:00 a.m. so I can meet my son for lunch at 11:30 in St. Augustine.  I miss my boys so bad I can't stand it!!! 

This week-No spelling, No homework, No reading Log, and No DLR.  I will send home folders on Tuesday and hopefully the school store will be in full operation by Monday.  We took most of the stuff out of it for Operation Chritmas Child and I have to wait to get paid before I can open it back up.  Any donations would be great!!!

Craft donation of four dollars would be greatly appreciated for our Christmas crafts.  This class really likes painting, cutting, and creating. 

Love ya'll and see you next week. 

NO!! I haven't forgotten about the Blog!!!

Life has been crazy in the Carroll classroom.  With Operation Christmas Child, the campfire, getting ready for the Thanksgiving dinner, Benchmark testing, finishing up Chapter 3 in math, finishing up "Sideways Stories", PBIS incentive, and school in general, I just haven't been able to post as much as I wanted to.  I"M SORRY!!!  And then I just noticed I didn't even put the spelling words up last week. 

We are looking forward to tomorrow night.  Please remember to be in the cafeteria by 6 so we can eat around 6:15.  We only have a few things to perform but I still think you'll enjoy the night. 

Please remember to pay your $25 second deposit by Dec. 10. 

Sign up for the school blood drive in December.

Don't forget to send in "Power Snack" ASAP.  We are out!!!

Get ready for Dessert Night in December.  On dessert night we will be showing our Reading Rainbow videos. 

Life is good-I hope you are looking forward to Thanksgiving as much as I am.  I am traveling to Florida to be with my family and to also attend the wedding of my Step-son Matthew.  I'll be staying with Jake one night in St. Augustine, Staying with Zack and Libby one night in Port Orange, having Thanksgiving in Orlando with Gary's sister, traveling to Ft Lauderdale for Matt's wedding and then heading home.  All of this in 5 days.  Another whirlwind vacation for the Carroll family.  One day Gary and I are going to take a vacation and just sit and relax-probably not. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

GIVING!!

 I am proud to say that our class donated 16 boxes for Operation Christmas Child.  I will present these at my church on Sunday morning.  If any child or family is interested in going to church with me, meet me at Trinity Wesleyan Church on Aiken Road at 8:25 on Sunday morning so we can pray over them and the children that will receive them.  Call my home phone and leave me a message so I will know who to look for.  Thanks to Dare Brown for helping me wrap and pack the boxes, I couldn't have done it without her. 

Food letters are finally coming home today.  Please send back the bottom portion of the letter by Monday so I can see if you agree to your food assignment.  Please prepare for 50-75 people.  We have over 100 attending right now.  I am thrilled with the response.  Happy Cooking!!!

Have a great weekend, I am looking forward to marshmellows, campfires, football games, family, friends, food, fun and fellowship!!!

I'll either see you tonight at my house, Sunday at church, or back at school on Monday.  Be safe and do a random act of kindness for someone this weekend, it will make you feel so good inside. 

Thursday and Friday's plan

On Thursday I am meeting the people who brought items for the Operation Christmas Child boxes.  We will pack these and deliver them to Trinity Wesleyan Church on Sunday.

Friday night at my house for smores-all 13 who made their goal will be there. 

On Friday you will have what you need to bring to the Thanksgiving dinner, I promise.  I'm sorry it has taken me so long to get it to you.  The dinner is next Friday, Nov. 19.  We are really looking forward to this event. 

Did your child try to talk you into worm composting today?  We had a great visit from the 4-H center today and they taught us how to worm compost.  We will be starting our own after Christmas. 

We are super busy right now.  It's hard for us to get everything done.  I thank God every day for Mrs. Rorrer and the help she gives me-she goes above and beyond the call of duty-I love her and her helpful spirit.  So here's a WHOOP-WHOOP to Mrs. Rorrer.

Have a great weekend and let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

YES, I am up at 3:30!!!

I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys some of the Fall Festivals and sales that are going on.  I am catering my first event this weekend with my sister so say a little prayer for our new little sideline business. 

The new spelling words are posted.

Thank you to everyone who donated items for Operation Christmas Child.  We have enough for about 10 boxes, a little short of our goal but at least we made an effort.  I still need a few more $7.00 checks made out to Samaritan's Purse to include with the boxes.  Thanks for all that you do.

SAVE THE DATE!!

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I will not be at school on Friday and therefore I have changed the Campfire to Friday night Nov, 12 from 5:30-7:30.  The 13 children that are coming are :  Allex, Jarred, Chasity, Jalund, Bailey, Aaron, Williams, Mikayla, Kennedy, Kyle, Vincenzo, Emma, and Viridiana.  Congrats to them and we're not talking a small amount of points here-everyone on this list had 18 or more points.  The top three in our class for the nine weeks are #1 Aaron with 80 points, #2 Allex with 59 points, and #3  Bailey 41 points.  20 out of 25 children made the basic AR goal-WOW!!!  I'm so proud.  It looks like everyone has jumped on the bandwagon with me and we are proving that reading is cool and the more you read the better you read. 

Thanksgiving dinner letters for food to bring will come home on Monday.  Remember the date:  Friday, Nov. 19 at 6:00 in the cafeteria.  If anyone would like to help me set up, please let me know. 

Remember we will have a Landform test on Wednesday-study guides will come home on Monday. 

There is a chorus performance that the fifth grade will be doing on Nov. 18 (I think that's correct).  I don't know a lot about it being that I have nothing to do with it.  Sorry, I will try to find out more for you this week.

If you are making playdoh for me please send it in on Monday instead of Friday.

There will be a holiday on Thursday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. 

Are you tired of hearing "Fifty Nifty" yet?  Haha, I love it!!! 

Have a happy weekend, I'll post the new spelling words this weekend. 

Folders will come home on Monday instead of this Friday.

WOW!!!  That's a lot of info.  That's what I get for not posting for 5 days. 

LOVE YOU!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

I have been blessed this year with parents who provide for my every need.  This is the first year in a while that I haven't had to plan and purchase everything for Halloween and I am so thankful (so is my husband who complains about my purchases all the time).  Thank you MOMS and DADS for giving so willingly!!  I love your children and will do anything for them.  School has become a place of testing and strict guidelines that must be followed from "the man" and me being able to do little extras like movie nights, campfires, service projects, dinners, and singing make our days go so much smoother and it let's the kids know that they are loved and cared for.  With that being said, I thank each and every one of you for being so supportive and kind!!!!

AR-WOWSER!!!!  I am overwhelmed at the number of kids who made their AR goal-20 out of 25 and those that made challenge 17/25.  This is amazing.  Mrs. Young gave them their second STAR test for AR this week and the reading levels were unbelieveable.  We had a huge increase from the first STAR test.  She said she was VERY impressed!!!  Keep on reading!!!  It's just like I said, "The more you read, the better you read!"  Keep up the good work.  If you encourage your child now, they will have a desire to read on their own eventually-really.  I know it's hard work but never let your child give you the excuse, "I don't like to read" POOH, everyone loves a good story, so I don't believe that for a minute.  We are a technology world right now and reading has been pushed aside-Let's bring it back-IT'S COOL TO READ AND IT'S COOL TO BE SMART!!!! 

Love ya'll!!  I'm headed to Boone in the morning to watch AppState kick some tail and then I also get to visit my daughter.  I'm putting the school work aside this weekend and cleaning my filthy house.  The dust is about an inch thick and I won't even tell you about the bathrooms :)

Have a great time Trick or Treating and be safe (and remember I love Almond Joys and Peppermint Patties-hahaha)

NEWS!!!

The interim reports came home today to EVERYONE-not just at risk children (Jarred was having a stroke!!).  As a mother I would want to know so I just did them for everyone.  I did not do them for Science or S. St. only reading, math, and spelling.  NOTICE all of the low grades for reading logs and spelling homework.  This is one are that should be improved.   We can do it!!!

AR is over on Thursday-several children are working on their challenge goal right now.  I gave the kids extra time in class today to read AR books, please continue to encourage this at home. 

SMORES at my house on Friday, Nov. 5 from 5:30-7 for AR challenge goal people only!  I will send directions and permission slips out next week. 

RED RIBBON WEEK-
Tomorrow-Wear Crazy Socks
Thursday-Support your team!!!!  Wear your favorite sports team jersey, t-shirt, or sweatshirt
Friday-Wacky Tacky Day!!!  Wear clothes backward, different color socks, and different shoes.

Thanksgiving Dinner-there has been a nice response so far-send in the forms by Friday so I can start planning the program and food.

Operation Christmas Child-Don't forget!!! 

Love Ya,

Mrs. C

Have A Happy Weekend!! Read this for lots of general information!!!

No homework over the weekend except to read Science Pages C10-C13.  Please sign the planner saying that you did this with your child.  They will get 5 extra points for this.  It is just a review of what we have been talking about in class.

Enjoy the weather BUT make plans to come to the Reading Night next week (Thursday) at 6:30.  This will take place in the auditorium. 

Get ready for the Thanksgiving Dinner.  This will take place on Friday night, Nov. 20 @ 6:00 in the cafeteria.  Please try and attend.  The kids are looking forward to this and we have started planning our program for the night.  Look for the sign up letter on Monday.

We will watch a webcast on Wed. with Taylor Swift.  She will have a private concert for school aged children as well as talk to kids about the benefit of reading.  We are really looking forward to this. 

Please fill out the form for Mr. Drye about the Thanksgiving performance that the whole fifth grade will be doing.  It is in the work folders this week and must be returned on Monday. 

Blue and White folder reminder-Sign the back, look at the work, send back everything on the send back side, kept everything on the other side.  Let the kids peel off the stickers and save them for the school store on Monday. 

Skate Night-Monday, Oct. 25-Let's skate and raise money for Douglass!!!!

UPDATES

There will be no detention due to a meeting that our staff has to attend on Thursday-even though I have about 6 people who need to be there-UGH!!!  You know who you are!!!  Interims will come out next week to those at risk.

Thanks for the Power snacks BUT... not everyone is sending them in when I send home the notes.  If you can't do it just let me know.

THANKS Kyle and Tori for my Scrabble game-now I have 2-I'm so thankful for donations!!!!

HERE'S A SHOUT OUT TO THE ONLY THREE PEOPLE WHO HAD ALL OF THEIR WORK TURNED IN-AARON, MIKAYLA, AND KENNEDY!!!  These people make my life so much easier-Smooch!!!

Please send back the GREEN note from chorus that I am sending home today.

Folders will come home on Friday-I got off a little last time but I want to keep the 2 week schedule going.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD????  Haven't heard back from anyone yet-is this a good sign, a bad sign, or no sign at all?  :)

Thanksgiving dinner for our class and class presentation on Friday, Nov. 19 @6:00.  Letter and food list will be coming home next week.  This is really a fabulous time.  It will be held in the cafeteria even though we have to sit in small chairs-haha.  Please invite your immediate family to come-grandparents, mom, dad, sisters, brothers. 

Let me know if you need me-I will set up my last 6 conferences next week. 

WORKING ON SUNDAY!!!

Getting ready to go to work to get planned for the week.  Remember we will be testing for 3 days, Tues, Wed., and Thurs. Please consider sending in something for our shoe boxes and don't forget the POWER SNACK.  If it was your turn, I sent a note in your child's planner.  I also need baggies for the snacks unless you'd like to bag them for me. 

I need a volunteer who would like to organize parents to send in Halloween snack.  Cupcakes, drinks, chips, just something small for us to snack on.  Let me know if you'd be interested. 

I am going to have after school detention this week.  I have so many kids who owe me work it is unbelieveable.  The detention will be on Thursday from 2:30-3:30.  Look in the planner this week to see if your child needs to stay.  You may pick them up in front of the gym at 3:30 (not in front of the school).  If your child has chorus then they need to miss chorus or miss the work and make a zero-it's up to you. 

I got 1 scrabble game from Tyler's family.  Is anyone looking at yard sales for me?  Just a reminder, if you find a scrabble game for me, please treat our class to this wonderful game.

Don't forget to remind your child to pick their stickers off their work when folders come home.  Some kids say they never get the opportunity to get their stickers because their parents throw their papers away.  Please let them do this on their own too.  Don't do it for them!  It gives them the opportunity to see what they are making on their papers.  We don't always get to see our grades during the week so it's nice for them to be able to see their work.  This is just a baby step to growing up-don't pick their stickers, and make them be responsible for bringing them to school.  Don't bring them for them, they'll get it eventually, really!!!

Love you and have a great week.  Enjoy your families and the wonderful fall weather.  We are going to work hard this week to eliminate a lot of the homework so we can enjoy the weather.  Please make or encourage your child to play outside.  Shut the TV off, put the video games away and enjoy the play time (and extra reading time).

HAPPY WEEKEND-ENJOY THE WEATHER!!

This week we will be taking the Cognitive Abilities tests for three days.  These are a great way to measure children's cognitive abilites and helps with placement for the sixth grade.  Look at the letter that is coming home today.

I'll post again on Sunday night after I spend the weekend grading papers and planning. 

Love ya, Mrs. C

A GIVING HEART!!

As the holidays approach, I would like for our class to consider giving to others.  As a class, we have very giving hearts and have talked about serving those in need and less fortuate than us.  On a personnal note, my own family has a heart for serving and giving.  My daughter has been on 2 mission trips to Mexico, my son just got back last week from serving on a mission in the Dominican Republic, my parents spent 2 years serving the people of New Orleans with over 20 trips, they have also been to Hungary and Haiti.  My sister went to Guatemala this summer on a church mission trip.  I myself try and mission to our community by helping local families out with clothing, food and Christmas.  I would like to transfer this spirit of giving to our children.  World and community service is so important for our children as they grow into young adults.  Colleges now require that community service be a component of the application process.  Starting at a young age instills a life long love for giving to others, just ask my own children who still have the tradition of giving out food and gift boxes every Christmas Eve, our holiday would not be complete with out this family tradition.  I would like to start out our spirit of giving in the Carroll classrom by participating in Operation Christmas Child which gives shoe boxes out to young children around the world.  The students in our class will ask for donations of money or small gift items to fill the boxes.  These boxes will in turn be sent to other countries for children to have at Christmas.  I just want you to think about this and see if you would like for your child to be a part of this act of kindness.  Shoot me an e-mail or write me a small note saying whether you would be willing to help or not.  I am going to include 3 small videos for you to watch if you have never heard about this before.  Look for a letter coming home this week in your child's planner telling about this wonderful event.  Thanks for listening and hopefully God will lay it on your heart to help out those in need.  Even if you aren't able to help monitarily, please keep us in your thoughts as we take on our first Carroll Classroom Service Project.  Love you-Mrs. C

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUWPJ_QFNQY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1tt7cmJGkA&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC8-wpMrzBE&feature=channel

HAPPY REPORT CARD DAY!!

First report cards are coming home today.  Remember, this is a time to help your child work towards growing academically.  If the report card is not what you think it should be, sit down and discuss it with them and help them make a goal to do better!!  The potential of this class is amazing.  I will also try and send home the folders, if they don't come home today I will send them tomorrow-sorry for the delay in sending home work folders.  This is going to be a busy week!!  Please look in the planners this week to see if I have signed you up for a conference.  I still have a few left to do.  We MUST meet formally at least one time a year.  Have a great week. 

The Reading Bill of Rights, Webcasts and Virtual Field Trips

I found this today and I thought it was very good.  I think we all need to follow this "Bill of Rights" every day, our children's future depends on it.  Check it out.  http://www.scholastic.com/readeveryday/read.htm

I've signed our class up for three web casts, this is something new for me.  I hope the kids will enjoy this new way to learn.  Wed. Oct. 13 we will "travel" to Washington's North Cascades National Park for an electronic field trip.  Our class wil incorporate our study of landforms into this interesting trip led by Jeff Corwin.  On Wed. Oct. 27 Taylor Swift will talk to us about reading and why it is important.  She will also perform live for us.  On Nov. 16 we will "travel" to Plimoth Plantation for a frist Thanksgiving celebration.  This should provide us with wonderful insight into what the first Thanksgiving was actually like.  I love building the kids SCHEMA-background knowledge helps us to grow as learners everyday.  Look at all of the places we are going and we don't even have to leave our room!!! 

Looking forward to a great "real" field trip tomorrow with the class-wear a coat, it is going to be chilly.

HOMEWORK-to have or not to have? That's the question....

I have had a few people say things about homework lately so I thought I would just put my feelings down on paper. 

#1 I do think Reading Homework is essential!!!  If they do not read for 30 minutes a night, what are they doing?  Probably on a computer or video game for 30 extra minutes-READ instead, it's just 30 minutes.  A book will take your child on an adventure that we can not provide.  It can take them to places that they'll never be able to see.  It will expand their knowledge, spark them to explore different Genres of literature and make them retain information to have a broad SCHEMA or background base for retaining, connecting, visualizing and growing.  We need background information to grow and reading does that for children.  That's why we read so many different genres in fifth grade-books, magazines, and newspapers.  The written word is amazing and the possibilites for learning are to inifinity and beyond (think Buzz Lightyear, haha)

#2 YES, I do think class work that is not finished during the day should be done at night-I can't have over half of a class stop the day just because a few kids can't focus or WON'T focus.  Slow and Steady wins the race but slow and slow doesn't!!!

#3  MATH homework-NO, I don't always think it is necessary to have math homework every night BUT if we can't finish in class we will do it at night.  Most kids are on that path already (of not having any), some are halfway there and only have a few math problems to do at night.  It's not been that bad for math, believe me, I've given more.  I've relaxed over the years (mellow Carroll, just ask my former students, who by the way, love me-just ask them)

#4  SOME kids really like homework!!  REALLY-these are the kids that usually ask for more and I give them a few extra things to do-I don't do that for everyone though, only the askers.

#5  IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT-Kids are out of school by 2:30 and go to bed around 9:00-why can't we fit in an hour to read and finish up a little studying-that's 6 1/2 hours of free time (video games and trash TV rot the brain).  PLUS, I am a firm believer in this-IF YOU CAN MEMORIZE VIDEO CONTROLS AND ALL OF THE RULES THAT GO WITH THEM, THEN YOU CAN MEMORIZE MULTIPLICATION FACTS-OK, I've said my peace!!!

#6  Learning to study is a life long skill especially if your child is going to college-If they understand the concept of studying for a test now, they will transfer that as they mature in to middle and high schoolers and eventually college-isn't that what we want for our kids?  My daughter studies ALL of the time-she wishes her high school teachers and teachers through-out the years would have taught her better study skills-it has been a struggle to gain them (but she's done it !!!)

Our children are going to have to be competitive for jobs as they grow into adults.  Times have changed and are changing more every day.  Our kids will have to be college grads to compete in the 21st century.  We have to instill in them a desire to go above and beyond what we did when we were children.  It's just that simple!!!  A little homework never hurt anyone!!!  Some nights will be easier than others, but there will ALWAYS be something to do to keep school on the mind and our education a TOP priority.  YES, I LOVE SPORTS and I think evey kid should play something BUT I also think we should place that much focus and dedication on our education.  If we can practice for 3 hours a day for a sport, them we can read and study for 1 hour a night-sometimes less, sometimes more, but always a necessity!!! 

#7  So I guess YES is my answer for Homework, not too much, not too little, BUT just right (think Goldilocks-hahaha)

LOVE YA and I  LOVE YOUR KIDS!!!!!!  Now let's get ready for school :)

OOPS!!!

My mistake-Big Bad Musical is next Friday, not this Friday!!!  I guess I was just excited.

I've spent most of my day planning DC-I'm excited, can I get a "WHOOP, WHOOP".  It is going to be a great trip.  Please say a little prayer for our entrance into The White House-our request is being made by Richard Burr's office tomorrow. 

See you bright and early!!!!

I LOVE FALL!!

I have had a great weekend hiking and spending time with my two nephews.  We went to Mabry Mills for breakfast and went hiking to Rock Castle Gorge.  I took lots of pictures of FUNGUS since we are reading about it in our National Geographics, plus I brought home some cool samples. 

Monday is a much needed teacher work day.  I will be planning and doing report cards all day.  Mrs. Belter and I love TWD's because we get to drink mochachinos and eat at Big Mikes or Dicks for lunch.  It doesn't take much to excite us-haha!!!!

Wednesday we travel to Heritage Theater and we will eat a picnic lunch at the park in Walkertown.  Friday we get to see The Big Bad Musical at RCC, this should be a treat!!!!

We will try to get a little school work done this week-haha!!  I think we will not do DLR this week since we will be gone so much.  Plus everyone needs an end of 6 week break, even me!!!  I will probably throw in a paragrah editing quiz just to keep the kids on their toes though :)

Enjoy the great weather-we even had a fire and smores last night.  Hey, that might be the AR challenge goal party for the first nine weeks-SMORES at my house on a Friday night-YEAH!!!!

LOVE my kids in the fifth grade!!!

TOO BUSY TO POST-YIKES!!!

OK, it has already been a wild week.  Benchmark testing took place yesterday and is happening again today-that is long and boring but it must happen!!  I tell the kids it's like cleaning a toilet-you hate it, but it must get done!!! 

End of the 6 weeks is Friday and Monday is a Teacher Work Day!!  Report cards go home on Oct. 11

PIZZA delivery on Friday between 9-3:30.  YOU MUST GET YOUR PIZZA DURING THIS TIME, IT HAS TO BE REFRIGERATED!!!!!  The earlier the better!!!

Don't forget about The Heritage Theater next week, Oct. 6.  That will be a great day and then on Friday we will be going to a play.  I love a good field trip. 

DC DEPOSIT is due by Friday.  The children must secure their seat by Friday in order to be able to go on this awesome trip!!!

Have a great one-sorry, no spelling words posted this week-my fault again!!!

Welcome to a new and exciting week!!!

This has been a great weekend-I hope you had a restful weekend!!  Remember to send in your deposit for the DC trip by Friday.  Please be mindful and make sure you are asking your children about their homework.  It seems as if a few things are being forgotten. 

I will not be at school on Monday.  There will be no DLR until Tuesday. 

Don't forget to encourage AR-it is very important to be reading every night until the goal is met.

OCT. 1  FALL FESTIVAL- Please send in any items for the basket by Thursday.

MOVIE TIME!!!!

The movie starts at 6:50.  Try and be there by 6:30 especially if you want to buy a snack.  Looking forward to a great Friday. 

I won't be at school on Monday.  I needed to take the day off for some personnal business.  The kids will be in good hands with Mrs. Alcorn.  I love it when she subs for me!!!

Did you know that Oct. 4 is a Teacher Workday?  Maybe I can get some things done then :(

Love You!!  Mrs. C

YOU TUBE

This has nothing to do with school but it is an amzing message.  Go to this on You Tube and watch it and cry.  If you're a dog lover like me it will touch your heart.  It's called God and Dog and it is so sweet.  Have a great day everyone   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY

Also a shout out to a few people:
Jarred for doing an amazing job at trying to do the onside kick last night at the game, I was very impressed!!!

Tyler Gillespie for working like a mad man in class this week-way to go big T!!!!!

Life is good guys and don't forget it!!!!

MY SON IS COMING HOME THIS WEEKEND-HAPPY, HAPPY, JOY, JOY!!!!

LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES!!!

Kingsway Cinema is showing The Gaurdians of Ga'Hoole this weekend.  The class has expressed an interest in going together to see this.  I would like to take everyone on Friday night to see the movie.  The theater doesn't know for sure what time it would start and won't be able to tell me until Thursday but it will be the show that is around 7:00.  The cost of the movie is $5.00 for children 11 and under, adults are $8.00.   If the children would like drink or popcorn that is also an extra cost for you.  I wish I could pay for everyone but I can't.  The rules are this.  I will let your child be dropped off at the movie and you can come and pick them up when it is over as long as it is JUST your child.  Children with siblings will have to have an adult with them.  We also sit together as a class so I can keep an eye on everyone.  It's a great opportunity for spouses to have a Friday night dinner together while we are watching a great movie.  I have done this several times before with my students and it works out great.  I will send home a letter today with a place on it for you to respond.  I look forward to a night at the movies with MY kids :)

Conferences, Pizza Sales, and division-OH MY!!!

I had three wonderful conferences today-thanks for showing up on time and for letting me teach your great children.  If you have not signed up for a conference just let me know and I'll try and fit you in-there are a few spots left.  My goal is to talk with all parents by Oct. 11 (the day report cards go home).

PIZZA SALE was amazing!!!  My class alone sold almost $2500.00 worth of pizza.  There is a $5.00 profit per pizza kit sold.  That's a nice profit for some people.  The next fundraiser is in January selling doughnuts-the best!!!!!

Division-OH MY!!!  It's hard to divide when basic multiplication facts aren't known.  Please make sure you are helping your child study multiplication facts every night for memorization.  It will really help. 

A shout out to DeAndre for my spaghetti lunch (the best spaghetti I ever had), Viridiana for my 2 breakfast sandwiches and Kennedy for my cake!!!  Wowser, I love all of these treats!!!  THANKS!!! 

Lif is good in Carroll's class.  OOPS!!  Forgot to post spelling words-MY BAD!!  :) 

Parent Resource center

The Parent Resource Center is offering FREE tutoring on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6:30 and on Thursdays from 4-6.  This is absolutely free for your child.  Bring them to the resource center (building next to the flea market) during this time and a certified teacher will be there to help them.  You must stay with them but there is a couch for you to sit on and read or you can join in on the learning.  It is crazy for parents to not use this wonderful service that Rockingham County is offering our students.  Try it out and let me know how it's going.

CAN I GET A WHOOP-WHOOP!!!!

We had the most families in attendance at Open House tonight!!  I'm so proud!!!  This is why the kids are so amazing-PARENT SUPPORT!!!!! It really does matter.  Thanks for listening-I could have talked for another hour.  I hope all of your questions were answered and that you now know what Mrs. Carroll's classroom is all about. 

MARVELOUS MONDAY!!!

Today was a great day.  Some of the children do not have math homework tonight because they did so good on it in class today-some still need a little reinforcement.  There will be a daily MAD MINUTE for multiplication and division!!  Help them please!!!  They CAN memorize these if you will just push them to do so!!! 

See you at Open House tomorrow night at 7:00.  I'll try to keep it short but I can get long winded and I have a lot to say.

Please read the homework  page.

A shout out to my girl Bailey for reading the blog and posting a comment to me-Love ya girl!!!!

Have a great weekend-I'm going to Boone!!

Rest this weekend!!  I am going to Boone tomorrow to watch the Mountaineers!!  I can't wait to see my girl and enjoy a cool day-hopefully with no rain. 

I did not get everyones Time Capsule items-get that turned in by Monday.

Sign the reading log please-3 week AR report to come home on Friday, Sept. 17

Look at the papers in the blue and white folders and sign the back of the folder please.  Make sure the kids peel off the stickers-school store opens on Monday from 7:30-8:30.

I will post spelling words on Monday-forgot to do it before I left school today.  Sorry!!!!

Scholastic Book Order, Heritage Theater, Obama

Scholastic book order form came home this week-take a look at it.  I can save and be secret about books for gifts-just let me know.  I've listed AR books on the letter that I sent with the order form. 

Heritage Theater-$5.00 ASAP

Obama pod cast for all school children on Tuesday, Sept. 14.  I think this is a great way for children to hear the President address the nation of children regarding academics and the importance of being successful citizens.  It is no way a political ploy to persuade children.  Last year the speech was informative and motivating and the kids took a lot away from it.  IF you do not want your child to hear the speech I need to know ASAP.  They will be placed in another room during the speech. 

Can't wait to talk with you at Open House next week.  We will also be signing up for conferences.

Interim Reports will come home on Tuesday also but these will only be for children "at risk" meaning D or F range or children that I have homework and behavior concerns about. 

HAVE A GREAT THURSDAY!!!!  I LOVE OUR KIDS!!!!

A REQUEST

I have had several parents ask me if I need anything and I actually do.  I would like to have several scabble games for the class to be able to participate in a scrabble tournament.  Scrabble increases vocabulary development as well as spelling practice, dictionary usage, and learning the rules of games and getting along well with others.  If you would like to donate a game or donate a little money that would be nice.  If you see one at a yard sale pick it up for me please.  I look every weekend at yard sales for things that our class could use like games, Kinex, Legos, and Lincoln Logs.  THANKS!!!!!

BUSY DAY!!!!

What a busy day!!!  We started our first novel, The Capture, by Kathryn Lasky.  It will take us 14 days to finish.  Please look at your child's planner to see if that is their reading home work for the night.  TONIGHT IT IS!!!  Sign the sticky note saying you let your child read it to you.  THIS IS A GRADE!!!  Make sure the reading log is also filled out. 

THE CHILDREN MUST MEMORIZE THEIR MULTIPLICATION FACTS!!!!   We are starting 1 and 2 digit multiplication this week and it is imperative that they know the basic facts.  I will start grading the timed tests this week.  If they do not know their facts they will fall behind quickly!!!!

Look at the Field trip letter to Heritage Theater and the Scholastic Book order.

SELL PIZZA!!!!!

Have a great night!!!  I'm going to watch Jarred and my nephew Colby play a little football-BOY, I LOVE FOOTBALL!!!!! 

I LOVE THIS WEATHER!!

I smell football season, fall leaves, apple cider, and cool crisp mornings-OK, YES!!  Fall is my favorite season so I'm really excited about it coming.  Hope everyone is having a nice weekend and looking forward to a day off from school. 

I've posted the new spelling words and updated the homework page as much as I can.  I'll be working hard today and tomorrow to get plans made for a few weeks so I don't have to stay at school until 6 every night.
I've told the kids "Mrs. Carroll doesn't live in room 110", sometimes the kids think that I do (my husband thinks so too)!

I would like to take the kids to the movies as soon as The Gaurdians of Ga'Hoole movie comes out at the end of Sept.  I meet the kids at the movie and you drop them off while we watch the movie-you pick them up when it's over.  A nice break for you and a great Sat. for me and the kids.  We are starting this book this week.  It's an amazing adventure!!  Plus it works in nicely with ecosystems.

How about those AR goals-Mrs. Carroll has high expectations for AR and if you support this endeavor your kids will too.  You'll see an amazing difference this year in their reading attitude if we all band together.

I have told you lately how happy I am this year!!  Well I'll tell you again!!! HAPPY!!!

E-mail me or post on the blog if you need me!! 

SMOOCHES!!  <3 Mrs. C

SIGNING YOUR LIFE AWAY!!!!

Do you feel like you are signing your life away parents?  I bet you do BUT keep on doing it for us to have great communication.  I want you to be informed because next year that will be over-believe me.  Thanks for your help and support.  Have a great Labor Day weekend, we all deserve it.  Talk to you soon.

Make sure you come to Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 14 @ 7:00 in my room.  Lots and lots of info. you won't want to miss!!! 

A great Tuesday!!

Wow!!!  We really got a lot done today.  The kids were very busy and settling into a nice routine.  They are an amazing bunch-Mr. Pyrtle says he hasn't seen me this happy in years!!!!

Look at the planners please!!!
#1  Make sure everything is signed especially reading logs and planners!!!
#2  Make sure math work book is complete every night.
#3  Check to see if any reading homework needs to be done like tonights reading of the poem.
#4  Write notes to me in the planners

Get ready to sell pizza-Sept. 3-17
Send in chaperone money by Friday
Scholastic book order coming home on Tuesday, Sept. 7
Social Studies News-$5.50 please ASAP
National Geographic $8.00
Trip to Heritage theater Oct. 6 $5.00
DC deposit for all children Oct. 1 $50.00

Send in snacks and drinks whenever you can-especially small bottles of water and juice boxes (100% fruit juice please).  THANKS!!!!!!

A special Shout Out to Jarred Simpson-he encouraged me to have a recycling box for our plastic bottles!!!  Such an Eco-conscious young man-I love him!!!!

DC Chaperones

I was able to e-mail all of the chaperones except one family and then I e-mailed all DC chaperones that were on the waiting list.  I had 19 parents request to go on the trip but could only take 12.  I'll let the waiting list parents know if anyone drops out.  Money is due by Friday-$100.  Please remember that this is nonrefundable.  Make sure I have all of your information by Friday also so I can put in a request for a White House visit.  E-mail me if you need too. 

PARENTS:  Are you signing everything?  Planners, Reading logs, Inventory test.  Please monitor your child-it's important to stay in touch!!!

TEST today on general information sheet. 

Where did the weekend go?

Hope your weekends went terrific, I think I need one more day off.  I'm watching the Emmy's right now and getting ready for a busy week.  Had a great day at school today (yes, Sunday) with my good friend Mrs. Yates.  We planned and talked and caught up.  We will be picking our chaperones tomorrow during our planning time.  We will truly have to pick our chaperones out of a hat this year due to the large number of parents wanting to go.  If you are not chosen at first we will put you on a waiting list.  The $100 deposit is due by Friday for those that are initially picked.  If we do not get the deposit by Friday we will have to start going down the chaperone list.  Even if you do not get picked, please allow you child to still go on the trip.  The trip is highly chaperoned and secure.  We are in no areas that are unsecure and Mrs. Belter and I are like mother hens watching their babies.  Keep your fingers crossed though and we will let you know via e-mail or note home tomorrow.

Have a great week-Pizza sale starts Friday-sell, sell, sell!!!

No school next Monday due to Labor Day-yeah, I'm going to visit my daughter!!!

Is anyone there?

If you have looked at the blog, please let me know.  I just want to make sure people are able to view the posts and if it is being utilized.  I hope everyone has a restful weekend and I'll post again on Sunday night.  Look for spelling words, updates on DC, fundraiser news, and general chit-chat. 

A shout out to Williams and Malik for really doing an extra good job on their acrostic poetry today!!!

I hope all of the kids are trying to go above and beyond for the orange extra special behavior cones.  Underneath the cones could be ice cream money, gum, suckers, homework passes or who knows what else.  Bailey, Malik, and Williams were the winners this week!  Keep up the good work folks!

Love Mrs. C

First Day of School

What a great first day of school.  The kids did a wonderful job on all of our activites.  We did a fun leadership game where they had to non-verbally put everyone in their group in birthday order, we did an exciting energizer activity with a partner, we interviewed our class mates with our pretend microphones, we actually started the math inventory test, we also took our first multiplication mad minute, and we started memorizing a poem about believing in yourself.  What a busy day!!!!  A big thanks to everyone for sending in all of their school supplies.  That is a big help to me and they will last the whole year.  Don't forget $8.00 for National Geographic, $5.50 for Social Studies News, and $2.00 for a lock if you want it.  DC intent forms are due back by Friday even if you do not want your child to go.  An extra big shout out to Mr. and Mrs. Simpson for getting our class an electric pencil sharpener-THANKS!!!!  Also a big thank you to Bailey for being a good friend today and to Addison and his Mom for sending me a sausage biscuit for breakfast.  Thanks to everyone for a great start to a great year!!!

Don't forget about the spelling test on Friday!!!  Study!!!!

Love Mrs. C

Open House

I had a wonderful time meeting with everyone last night at open house.  It looks like we will be packed in here like sardines but we will have a great time.  Parents please make sure you return the interest letter for Washington DC.  Remember only one family member can go on the trip.  I must have this information turned in to Richard Burr's office by next week.  I look forward to a year of learning, laughs, and lifelong friendships.  Please let me know how I can make this year very successful for your child.

Welcome!!!

Welcome to the fifth grade.  This blog can be used to find out homework assignments, class news, school events and any other general information.