Are you reading?

OK-now that the excitement is over, it's time to curl up with a great book.  I'm almost finished with book #1.  My Kindle is on fire though because I have bought several new books to read over the next few days.  READ!  You'll love the trip that it takes you on. 

Have a great  :)

Operation Christmas Child Update

I have great news!!!  I know where our shoe boxes are... Guyana, Iraq, and Balkan and Baltic!!!  Wow, what a journey they have made from little old Eden.  We have touched the hearts of children around the world, we should be proud!   Look on Samaratan Purse's web site and look for "The Greatest Journey" link and see just what it means to children who get the boxes for Christmas.  It can be a life changing experience for them. 

Love you and love your spirit of giving. 

Have a fabulous day!!  Love Mrs. C

The movie was great!

I had a great time at the movies with the kids and I know they liked it too.  We'll do it again real soon. 

I'm getting ready to get my lazy tail going today and finish up my Christmas shopping. 

Have a great day!!  I wish it would snow-haha

Love ya-Mrs. C

Merry Christmas

I'm sorry I haven't blogged since Dec. 1 but my oh my, life has been busy!!!!

Remember that we will go to the movies tomorrow evening.  As of right now they start at 5:30 but it says Tuesday.  I'll go by there in a bit and see when Wednesday's time will be posted.  The children know the rules and even though it is not a school sponsored field trip, they must follow MY rules.  #1  We will sit together  #2  We will use the bathroom before and not during the movie  #3  We will not leave the theater without ME seeing them get in a car with someone I know (parent, grand parent, etc.). Try and get there 15-20 minutes early to get a snack and use the restroom.  I will be outside waiting, Kelsey will be inside helping with snack purchases, Gary will be seating the kids in the theater. 


Have a great Christmas break.  Please encourage reading.  I will require that 180 minutes of reading take place during the break.  20 minutes at a time will be just fine.  Don't break the reading habit that MOST of them have gotten in to.  Thanks!!!  4th 6 week reading goals start on Wed. Jan. 5 when we get back to school. 


KRISPY CREAM DOUGHNUT sale starts the day we get back to school.  I'm going to send home the order forms tomorrow so you can sell early if you'd like.  All of the profit goes towards your child's field trip.

I have 2 extra circus tickets if anyone would like them.  $15.00-first come first serve!!  I'm excited.

Have a great break.  I know I need it more this year than ever-not sure why, but I know I do. 

I Love The Kids In This Class!!!  Look for the Reading Rainbow Video Dessert Party in Jan.  They did an amazing job creating these.  My daughter Kelsey had a wonderful time videoing them.  Thank the Lord she was able to help out.  I don't know of anyone else who would have had the patience that she did.  KELSEY IS GREAT!!!!!

Don't forget about coolmath4kids.com  First In Math.com, scholastic.com  Please don't become a video zombie during break!!!

Here are a few of my favorite family quotes...

Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts.  ~Author Unknown


I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich.

The family.  We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together.  ~Erma Bombeck


When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses.  ~Joyce Brothers

LOVE YOU!!!!  Mrs. C

DECEMBER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Mrs. Carroll's monthly newsletter for December 2011 The students also have a hard copy to go by.

REMEMBER to read 120 minutes per week and at least 3 nights per week, even over the Christmas holiday!!!  Reading Goals are looking GOOD!! 

Thursday, Dec. 1-White Christmas food Drive.  Please send in canned foods to help the needy at Christmas.

Friday, Dec. 2-Send in your money for the circus-$15.00

Monday, Dec. 5-Mrs. Carroll’s interim reports go home.  If your child does not receive a report then I think everything is OK.

Tuesday, Dec. 6-Parent Observation Breakfast 9-10.  Sign in at the front office. 

Wednesday, Dec. 7-Chapter 8 Math test-Simplest form, Mixed numbers, improper fractions, comparing fractions, relate fractions and decimals.

Friday, Dec. 9-White Christmas food drive ends, Terrific Kid recognition at 8:00, 4 & 5 Dance team practice until 3:15.

Monday, Dec. 12- 4 & 5 Dance team practice until 3:15.

Tuesday, Dec. 13-Douglass SCIENCE FAIR in the cafeteria from 2:45-3:45,  Chapter 9 Math test on adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators (mixed numbers too.)    

Wednesday, Dec. 14-Bench mark READING test, 4 & 5 Dance team practice until 3:15, DOMINOS pizza night. 

Thursday, Dec. 15- Bench mark test MATH, 4 & 5 Dance Team Perform at 6:30 (kids are here at 6:15).

Friday, Dec. 16-Bring in Sneaky Santa gift ($1-2).

Monday, Dec. 19 Greg Zelnick Assembly

Tuesday, Dec. 20 Class Christmas party (details TBA), Sneaky Santa gift exchange, K and Chorus Christmas program at 6:30 pm.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 ½ day of school (12:20), K and Chorus Christmas program at 8:30 am, end of 3^rd grading period, end of 3^rd 6 week reading goal.

Wednesday, January 4- Back to School, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Sale Begins for the fifth grade.

January, 10-Report Cards go home. 

January Calendar will come home on Jan. 4

HAVE A SAFE AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!  ENJOY YOUR TIME OFF.

Love, Mrs. C

BLUE MILKSHAKE DAY-YUMMO!!!!

CIRCUS

Here's an idea....

IF we have at least 20 people go...the kids and I would like to go to the circus in February.  The actual date would be Feb. 8 at 7:30 which is a Wednesday night.  I can get cheap tickets for the first nights showing NOW before they go on sale to the public.  The tickets would be $15.00 each.  The cost of the ticket would be non-refundable.  I would also need a few chaperones to go to help with transportation.  This "field trip" is not affiliated with the school, just a class fun time activity. 

If you would like your child to go or if you would like to be a chaperone, please let me know by Wednesday.  You must also send in the money at that time.  You can make the check out to me.  I will write you a reciept. 

Let's here it for The Greatest Show on Earth-Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus presents DRAGONS. 

Newsletter

After Thanksgiving I will be staring a monthly newsletter.  I feel like we are losing contact and the kids are not showing you their planners. I will send it out on the first of the month with dates, reminders, and an overall review of what we will be doing during the month. 

Magazine morning was amazing.  The feedback I got from the kids was very positive.  If you can send in any children's magazines that would be helpful.  We will do this every Friday from 9-10. 

DARE ESSAYS... we will start writing our DARE essays on Monday.  These are 5 paragraph papers that are REQUIRED to graduate from DARE.  They will be started at school but might need to come home to be finished.  Please do not write these for your children.  They can do it!!!!

Reading Rainbow Videos..We are creating Reading Rainbow videos related to Landforms.  We are really excited to incorporate science and technology.  We look forward to presenting these to our families. 

Have a great weekend.  I'm off to the beach!!

13 Boxes and a Bonfire

Thank you to the families that helped with Operation Christmas Child.  I took 13 boxes to church this morning.  It was a great representation of our class and how much we care for others.  A big shout out to Jada, Jaela, Wesley, Shawn, Emily and Hayley. 

BONFIRE!!!
We had an awesome time at the bonfire.  We told stories, ate marshmallows and hotdogs, drank a ton of hot chocolate (Claire, haha), and had a fun time scaring each other.  NOW it's time to reach the next 2 six week reading goals (6 books per six weeks) so we can have another get together.  We'll talk as a class to decide what we'll do.  Please encourage your children to read and to reach goals.  Congrats to the following goal getters :)
Grace, Claire, Kiara, Tyler, Wesley, Adam, Karol, Ivy, Emily, Connie, and Shawn!!!  I'm so proud of these readers!!!

UPDATES

1/2 day on Monday, Nov. 7
Normal School Day Tuesday, Nov. 8
Reading Night Tuesday, Nov. 8
Wednesday, Nov. 9 I will be at a meeting required by Mr. Pyrtle
Thursday, Nov. 10 regular day (Bon fire night at 7 at Mrs. C's house)
Friday, Nov. 11 HOLIDAY

Sunday, Nov. 13 Operation Christmas Child box delivery at Trinity Wesleyan if you'd like to.

Benchmark reading test on Monday and Tuesday
Benchmark math test on Thursday

Have a great week!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

UPDATE....

We will take the boxes to Trinity Wesleyan Church on Sunday, Nov. 13 at the 8:30 service.  If you would like to meet me at church please be there by 8:20 and we will sit together.  At this time we only have about 10 boxes so if you have one that you would like to donate still please send it in.  A BIG SHOUT OUT to Shawn's momma for donating five HUGE boxes of stuff for the boxes.  This was so sweet of her and Food Lion. 

Another shout out to Jaela and her church.  She gave a little speech to her church and they are donating boxes also.  Go Jaela.  Way to spread the word. 

So, meet at the church-on Aiken Road in Eden-at 8:20 on the 13th. 

Thanks for all you do!!

This I know...

My weekend has been wonderful!  And sometimes after a weekend with family I reflect on things.  So today I'm going to tell you some things that I know.

#1  Family is first!!! 
#2  A good husband is hard to find-and I did!!
#3  Even after your kids grow up there is nothing like hearing them laugh together and play together and joke together.  It makes you think as a parent that you did something right because they really like each other.
#4  A hug can make everything better.
#5  Families should try their best to live as close as possible to each other. 
#6  There is nothing like seeing excitement and surprise in a young child's eyes.
#7  Cheering at sporting events makes you feel good inside.
#8  Tailgating is fun!!  Fingerfoods are yummy!!  Junk food is the best!!
#9  At the end of the day all that counts is the memories you make with your loved ones and hearing them retell memories from the past solidifies this belief.
#10 The NC mountains in fall are hard to beat!!!  Especially when snow starts falling!!

Have a great Sunday!!  There will be no homework on Monday night because trick-or-treating is so much more fun.  We will even do our spelling homework in class.  Love ya!

What a Busy Week!!

This week has been a whirlwind for sure.  We are loving the netbooks and have enjoyed getting online with a cool reading web site.  I have cancelled the science test for tomorrow due to time constraints.  We are going to do a chemical weathering experiment tomorrow and review a little more.  The test will be on Tuesday.  We will also take the graphing test-chapter 4-on Wednesday.  We will continue working with decimals.  The kids are really having a hard time grasping decimal place value and equivalent decimals. 

Thanks to Wesley's mom and Jada's mom for sending in candy for the trick or treating on Monday.  So far Shawn's mother is the only one who is sending a snack on Monday (rice krispie treats).  Would anyone like to send in healthy juice boxes? 

Remember that the end of the 6 weeks is Friday, Nov. 4.  Reading logs and journals need to be complete by then.  Most of the children are really close.  We have a half day on Monday the 7th and we are off on Friday the 11th.  Wow!!!  How did Thanksgiving get here so quick?

On Tuesday, Nov. 8 there will be a reading night at Douglass.  I'm not quite sure what it consists of but I think an author or speaker of some sort will be here.  I'll let you know more as soon as I do. 

There have been lots of adults in to observe our class these past 2 weeks.  Some come from other schools at the recomendation of their principal, Mr. Pyrtle has been one of them, and a new teacher came today from Leakesville Spray.  Everyone who has walked in the door has been impressed beyond belief.  #1They are amazed at how well the kids work together, #2 They can't believe how well we do transitioning from one task to the other, #3 They can't imagine believe the great behavior and class participation-ALL I CAN SAY IS WE ARE THE BEST!!! 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!  What a stupid time of year for me to decide not to eat sugar!!!!  I might have to fudge (get it?) a little on Monday.  Have a fabulous weekend.  I'm off to Chapel Hill tomorrow night with my huband and nephews to watch the Carolina exhibition game.  Then we're off to Boone on Sat. to meet my daughter and her boyfriend, her best friend Elizabeth, my step-daughter Anna, and my son Jake for a great day of Appalchian football, cold weather and maybe a little snow.  There's nothing like App football with snow.  A walk down King Street, a visit to The Mast General Store an a little tailgating-wow, I am super stoked!!!  I hope your weekend is great too!!!

Love ya!!

Mrs. C

Days Out and Updates

SCHOOL PICTURES ON FRIDAY-PREPAY BASIS ONLY-MAKE SURE YOU SEND IN YOUR MONEY.  EVERYONE WILL GET THEIR PICTURE MADE FOR THE YEARBOOK.

I will be out on Thursday, 1/2 day on Friday, Monday the 24th and Thursday the 27th-UGHHH!!  All teachers in our school are required to go to Intel Training in Reidsville.  The only day I'm taking off for myself is the 1/2 day on Friday.  My son from St. Augustine Florida is moving back to NC and I am going to help him move in this weekend.  So I'm on my way to Wilmington Friday at 11:30.

In Math we are going to finish up graphing and jump right in to decimals.  Please allow your kids to get on First In Math.  There are great sections for decimals.  I'm am thrilled to see my kids getting on at night and pumping up our points.

I also want to give a shout out to THE GREATEST CLASS EVER!!!  Mr. Pyrtle observed our class today and all I can say is awesome.  We worked with partners and on the Netbooks and even sang Landform Karaoke.  What a great day.  Treats on Friday for my sweet babies.

Thanks for the Playdoh.  We will be making our topography maps on Friday.  We will be carving totem poles next week and then chemically weather them.  Our final science landform test will be on Nov. 4.  We will jump right in to Ecosystems.

If you can send in any bagged candy for Halloween I would really appreciate it.  We have about 90 Trick or Treaters coming to our class on the 31st.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I would also like to have a little healthy Halloween snack.  I need carrots, fruit, juice boxes, Rice Krispie Treats, cheese sticks, or maybe even mini cupcakes :)  THANK YOU!!!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD-JUST A REMINDER

Love to all-Mrs. C

Great Altenative to TV

http://www.coolmath4kids.com/

I absolutely LOVE this website for kids.  My nephews and I played it all summer.  Instead of watching TV let your kids play on a great math web site.  They will think they are playing but they are actually learning.  I LOVE IT!!!!!

The Quest for the PERFECT Reading Log

I thought that by putting the reading log in the planner I could...

a. reduce the amount of paper that I use to copy
b. make life easier for you so as you read the planner you would sign only once
c. get a better glimpse of how much the kids a REALLY reading throughout the week

WELL... I am noticing that MOST (over 50%) are really not reading during the week even though the old reading logs were being filled out (isn't that called fibbing, just saying).  That means reading goals are not being met and reading journals are not being filled out. 

SOOOO... I am on the quest for the perfect reading log.  It will still be in the planner but it will be up to the children of my lovely class and all responsible parents to get it filled out properly.  PLEASE MONITOR THIS!!!!  I feel like a broken record, record, record, record (do you get my drift, feel my pain, and all that jazz?)

WE CAN DO THIS!!!  I HAVE FAITH IN MY FAMILIES AND STUDENTS!!!!  IT'S NOT THAT HARD!!!!

SHOUT OUT

A shout out to Emily for being the daily leader in FIRST IN MATH.  A shout out to Jaela too for being our daily leader last week.  Let's get the competition going and continue to lead Douglass as the best!!!

Look for information about a new blog for the kids later this week.  I have set up a blog for the kids to ask and answer questions.  Mrs. Prunty is going to help me get it going this week.

Our class is going to check out the new notebooks this week and get going on a little research to do on landforms.  This will be our first PBL as a class.  Look for more infor. on what in this world is a PBL later this week. 

FUN THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN OUR CLASS!!!  ASK YOUR KIDS QUESTIONS AND LOOK AT THE BLOG FOR INFORMATION.

Have the best day ever!!  Call me at hotline tonight if anyone needs help with homework.  Love ya!!!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

I hope you were able to read the class service project that we are going to undertake this October.  Operation Christmas Child is a lovely way for us to understand giving to others in different countries.  The kids and I have watched a few of the videos and it has touched our hearts.  If you are going to participate please let me know.  I have 1 shoe box and a few items to go in it (THANKS EMILY).  Please look at the website for more information and e-mail me if you have any questions. 

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.samaritanspurse.org/occ/&sa=U&ei=6l-PTpqkE4SEtgfDhsSSDA&ved=0CBwQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNEJKN_sWsH2kaBi7aeWPB-vV-UCZQ

Have a great weekend!  Please make your kids read this weekend and get on the new math website (First In Math) so our class can be in first place in the county as well as build our knowledge of math skills. 

http://www.firstinmath.com/

LOVE YA!!!

I'm Back and Welcome to the new newsletter

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while.  I would like to know how many people are actually looking at the blog.  I'm trying to find a good way to communicate that doesn't involve wasting paper and I would like this to be the way.  So please give me a little shout out if you like t\he blog and will take advantage of it. 

I hope you've heard by now that I will not be doing a weekly newsletter for a while.  I plan to post a newsletter on the blog and in e-mail.  I'll post here but then I will copy this and e-mail it to you also.  I just need to make sure I am still reaching my whole class.  Please give me input.  I might actually need to do a newsletter but until I hear your thoughts I'm going to try it this way.

1.  Spelling words and Reading log will be in the planner.  I will collect the planners on Friday mornings and grading them just as I would the reading log.  Please follow the same guidelines as the printed reading log. 

2.  Spelling homework will change just a little.  Here are the changes.... no more print!!!  Everything needs to be in cursive.  The class seems to enjoy it better this way and we will go with it.  Monday-2 times in cursive, Tuesday-Word 1-10 in sentences, Wednesday-word 11-20 in sentences, Thursday-practice spelling test from an adult, make sure it is fixed and signed.

3.  Look in planners for test announcements and weekly information.  PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHILDREN READ AT NIGHT!!! NO EXCUSES!!!  BE A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUR CHILD!!!!

Sign the parent/teacher/student compact if you haven't.  Send it back as soon as possible.

Mr. Pyrtle is sending me to four workshops in Oct. which means I will have a sub.  Please talk with your child about the importance of behaving and working for a substitute teacher.  I expect the same work and behavior out of them that I get when I am here. 

Have a great week, I'll blog again before the weekend.

Good Morning

Reminders...
6th book should be finished along with the reading journal by 12:20 on Monday.

End of 6 weeks is Monday, Sept. 26 and this is a half day

PIZZA sales are due on Friday-make sure to send in all money

Benchmark results will be in next week, I will talk with your child about them.

Skate night Monday, Sept. 26

Apples...we've eaten a bushel of them if you would like to send in more.

Please send in items for the "movie time" basket for the Fall Festival. 

Fall festival-October 1 from 12-4

That's all for now.  It's been a busy six weeks.  Are you happy?  Are your kids happy?  I hope so...I'm happy with the growth that has been made in just 6 weeks.  Our class rocks!

Food For Thought and a few announcements

http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/06/living/teachers-want-to-tell-parents/index.html

Food for thought...some really good points are made here. 

I'm glad I have good parents though..  :) 

Have a great night.

PS-I will not be posting spelling words or homework on the blog for the rest of the year.  I do not have time and with a newsletter and daily help filling out the planner I feel I can use my time in a better way.  Thanks for understanding!

HOMEWORK HOTLINE starts tonight.  623-3689 for help with homework and it's free.  I work every Tuesday and every third Wednesday but there is a certified teacher there every night. 

PIZZA-are you selling it?  Turn in forms and money on Sept. 23.  Delivery date Oct. 3.

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

Division starts tomorrow-OH MY!!!  Multiplication test tomoorow,  I feel confident about their knowledge in multiplication (other than the few who need to memorize the 7-12's)

Conferences begin on Monday.  Remember, I am fine with a phone conference or an e-mail conference.  Interims went home today.  Tough love-that's all I'm going to say, the rest is up to you.

Sell the pizza to raise money for DC.  COLLECT the money as you go.  This sale is on a pre-pay basis.

We learned how to play Scrabble today.  Buy the game and spend some time playing this amazing game to build vocabulary and higher level thinking skills.

Healthy snacks continue... we have enough water and carrots to last a few more days.  Thank you so much for this wonderful treat.  We are in need of apple slices, peanut butter, napkins, and grapes. 

Love you guys!!!!

Mrs. C

Football, Fall, Fun, Family

I loved going to the football game at MHS on Friday night and seeing tons of my old students and then my sweet new ones.  Grace, Tyler, Brad, Wesley, and Tristan thanks for the sweet smiles and hugs.  I love this time of year-I'm a football woman and love the whole team spirit aspect of football.  On my way to Tennessee next Fridat to watch my first Volunteers football game with my girl.  I miss her so much!!! 

Look for the letter on Tuesday about filling our basket for the basket fundraiser for the PTSO Fall Festival.  We have the theme "Movie Night".  Let's fill up a few and raise a lot of money for our playground.  Please come on out Oct 1 for a fun fulled day.

I miss my kids at this time of year.  I hope everyone of you know how fortunate you are to have such lovely young'uns :)  I wish mine were back in fifth grade.  I miss dirty clothes, ball games, homework, reading to them, dinner time and bedtimes talks.  That's why I'm thankful to be a teacher-I can love all over your kids.

SELL PIZZA!!!! Turn in wrapping paper money on Tuesday so we will get full credit for our class. 

Love ya,

Mrs. C

Speed!

SPEED!!!  That is one thing we need to work on.  The kids were very lethargic today and at least 10 of them "were tired".  They need to come to school on Monday rested and ready.  I spent most of my day proding people along as a few of them even laid their heads down and dozed off.  WHAT????  That's how they should be feeling on Fridays, not Mondays.  Please encourage a lower, healthy carb breakfast like oatmeal, whole wheat toast, eggs (protien), fresh fruit and water to drink.  I think some kids are having a carb attack because they eat pop tarts, sweet rolls, biscuits, and chocolate milk.  Healthy breakfast equals the start of a good day.  And then we will speed up.  Today they were very snoozy and not very motivated.  :(  And I was very frustrated.

Please read this info. on High Fructose Corn Syrup-it's an eye opener.

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2008/dec2008_Metabolic-Dangers-of-High-Fructose-Corn-Syrup_01.htm

What an exciting day!

Earthquake???  It was hard to believe and when Jaela and I turned and looked at each other in that strange way, we knew something was going on.  I went across the hall to Mrs. Belter and said, "Was that an earthquake?" and sure enough it was.  It gave me cold chills! 

A few reminders...
#1  Reading logs-make sure you fill them out to the best of your ability until we meet for open house and then I'll tell you again in case the kids haven't.  We have almost 100% of the kids who have finished their first book of the 6 weeks.  Some of my girls are rocking their 3rd and 4th book!!  WOW! 

#2  Social Studies News money due TODAY!!!  $8.00.  Please don't forget.

#3  School fundraiser has started and the magnet sale has started even though I haven't sent home the papers on it :(  I am bombarded with papers to be sent home everyday.  Make sure you are looking in the homework folder every night and going through these papers.  Did you see the school insurance forms?  This is a great deal if you don't have insurance.

#4  Start saving for that first DC deposit.  $50.00.

#5  That's all, I just thought I'd put a #5  :)

Love yall, Mrs. C

Great Website

http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/

This is a great website that the kids can go on to discover what times were like during the Mayflower voyage and the landing in Plimoth.  We went over the section today on what the ship was like and followed the course of the Mayflower.  The sites that I give you are great alternatives to other computer related activites that take away from reading-like FACEBOOK.  Sorry, my pet peeve is about Facebook for children that are not 13.  We can agree to disagree but there is a reason that young children do not need to be on Facebook.  Safety, time away from family, decreased physical activity, poor spelling, bullying, and just getting into things that they don't need to get into are only a few of the reasons that I am not a fan of Facebook for kids.  Let kids be kids-the teen years are tough enough.  Have family game nights, walk and talk with your kids, read a series of books to keep kids interested for the school year, have nightly dinner together, play sports with them!  OK, so now you know where I stand on that issue :)

Hope your week is off to a good start.  We had a good day today even though we are slow as turtles-well I'm not :) the kids are! 

Read and make sure the reading logs are signed.  Happy Monday-I forgot how short weekends really were.

Sell wrapping paper!!  The sale starts today. 

Love, Mrs. C

Happy Weekend

I don't know about all of you but I am tired!!!  This first week has really taken it's toll. 

Jusr a few reminders....

Social Studies News $8.00.  This is a wonderful newspaper that we get everyweek for a whole year. 

Please read the weekly newsletter and notice the reading log on the back.  The children need to read 120 minutes a week at home.  They also need to be filling in their reading logs in class when they finish their books.  I will check these for them and they will add their name to the reading wall.  Each child is required to read 6 books per six weeks.  Then..they get a penny for the gumball machine :)  These kids will be rewarded with a bonefire at my house in the fall. 

Spelling went great this week with 100% of homework being turned in.  YEAH!!!!!

I'm looking forward to great things and can't wait for a great year.  Let me know if you need me.  I'm an e-mail away :)

What a GREAT first day!!!

We had an absolutely wonderful day.  We did a little team building and partner work, learned the rules and regulations of the class, did some writing, exercised with 2 fun energizers, took a true/false quiz about me, interviewed their partner and stood in front of the class with a microphone doing the interview, even ate a freezie pop.  We had a great day.  PARENTS... make sure you look in the planner and sign it every night.  Also sign the class rules and our first class affirmation called "The Bottom Line".  Make sure the kids read over these 2 things with you.  Spelling homework starts tonight with our first test on Friday.  The first newsletter will come home on Friday.  Please do everything your child asks you to do in regards to signing papers...that's your homework.  ME BAGS will done on staggered days this week.  They loved mine today and I am looking forward to seeing the student's bags.  Can't wait to talk to you on Sept. 1 at Open House-PLEASE do everything in your power to attend. 

Read the first DC letter-it's a wonderful opportunity for the children. 

Have a great night!  Love Mrs. C

WELCOME!!!!!!!

Happy New School Year!  Welcome to my class. I hope you read my little bio on the blog.  I'll let you know a little bit more about me at open-house.  What I will say is that I'm a very straight forward person who means what she says.  You'll either love me or hate me-99% love me.  I promise you that  I will put everything I have in to teaching your child and all I expect you to do is the same.  This will be a great year.  I do many extra activities through out the year to make us feel like a family.  I hate drama and complaining but I love collaboration and friendship.  Look at this site every night and see what's going on.  I will try to post at least three or four times a week.  The first spelling words for the week are already posted.  Welcome Back!!!

Family Pictures from the summer of 2011

Zack's Graduation from Chiropractor School

Half Moon Cay Bahamas



Formal night on the cruise ship-Jake, Kelsey
and Zack



Gary and Regina on Formal night

St. Thomas USVI after a great day

How's Your Summer?

I hope everyone is having a great summer.  I myself am getting a little bored and am ready to get back to school-I know it's crazy isn't it?  I am currently working on my scrapbooking and enjoying time with Kelsey and Gary.  Kennedy and I ran on Sat. and she is actually going to Zumba with me on Tuesday-I love Kennedy!  She is still committed to exercising and getting healthy.  I'd love to hear from some of you, I miss you.  Remember my e-mail is rcarroll@rock.k12.nc.us and I look at this e-mail every day.  Have fun spending time with your families.  Kelsey will be moving to Tennessee on Aug. 5 and I might take a little trip to the beach with my parents at the end of July, other than that my summer has wound down.  Looking forward to hearing from some of you.

Love Mrs. C

In Florida!!

I have had a great few days in St. Augustine.  Yesterday I actually swam with a manatee and got to rub all over him and put on a mask and go underwater and look at his beautiful face-he was amazing!  I also went kayaking on the St. John's river and saw alligator up close and personnal.  I wasn't as brave as Kelsey and Gary who paddled right over to a huge one that had just chomped down on something on land.  I stayed far away.  It was a great day of snorkling and spending time with Jake and Kelsey and seeing my sister in law.  I'll keep everyone updated on my summer ventures.  Tonight it's to the beach and pool since the little boys are coming down on their way to Winterhaven before the cruise.  Happy days!!!!  Love Mrs. Carroll

Happy Graduation

Last minutes reminders:

Our class will have their private slide show and awards tomorrow.  My husband made a CD for everyone with all of the pictures on it so you can watch it at home.

Graduation is at 8:30 on Friday.  This is a dressier occasion for us so please have your child dress appropriately.  Parents may take their children as soon as graduation is over and they pick up their report card.  Remember... if you owe money to the school please pay by tomorrow.  This includes lunch money, candy money, lock money, library money-THANKS!!!!

Pool Party is from 7-9 at the Lynrock Pool.  Please bring your assigned item. 

I'm sure tomorrow will be teary days for us as we leave each other.  I even got chocked up watching the chorus sing yesterday.  The children in this class will truly be missed.  This has been the best year of my teaching career.  I hope you have great memories of fifth grade too.  You will hold a special place in my heart forever!!!

The End is Near!!

WOW!!!  It has been an amazing year.  As we begin our last week together, I look back at the fond memories that this class has given me.  It has truly been the best year of my teaching career!!  I will never forget this wonderful group of children and I look forward to seeing great things from each of them in the future. 

Graduation is at 8:30 on June 10.  The children may check out after graduation and I encourage this.  The rest of the day will be spent cleaning and packing. 

I hope you have thought fondly of this year.  I have been blessed by your children and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

End of Year Dates

This is the most updated list that I have for the end of year happenings...

May 12 Report Cards

May 16 Students survey for science EOG-be on time!!!!

May 19-EOG Science test for 5th grade

May 20 Field Day 12-2 (details TBA)

May 24 EOG Reading test

May 25 EOG Math/Calculator Active

May 26 EOG Math/Calculator Inactive

May 26 11:30-2 Carroll game day/Cupcakes

May 27 Last Day for AR

May 27 5th grade ice cream social 12:15-1:15

May 31 Carroll Movie Day/all students bring a healthy snack to share with classmates

June 1  5th grade yearbook/T-shirt signing 8:30-9:30

June 2 Dance Team performance 1:00 and 5:30

June 3 AR incentive at movie theater 11:30

June 3 Chorus peformance 1:15???

June 4  Saturday AR challenge party at Smith Mountain Lake (details TBA)

June 6-8 EOG retesting

June 8 5th grade Pizza Party 12:30-2

June 9 Mrs. Carroll's slide show and awards ceremony (children only)

June 10 Graduation 9:00  Students may leave after graduation

June 10 Mrs. Carroll Pool Party and cookout at Lynrock Pool 7-9 (details TBA)

Happy Mother's Day, Graduation, and Oklahoma!

Happy day late Mother's Day to all of the great mother's that have children in my class!!!  You are kind, nuturing, and supportive, and you let me love your babies while you are separated from them-THANK YOU!!!!

KELSEY has graduated!!  What a happy day we had in Boone, NC on Sat.  Now I have three college graduates.  Kelsey with a BS in Biology Pre-professional with a minor in Chemistry and now headed to the University of Tennessee for Vet. school,  Zack with a BS from Appalachian in Sports Medicine and now he will be graduating from Palmer School of Chiropractic in June, and Jake with an associates degree from GTCC in auto mechanics and an associate degree from Wyotech Marine Mechanic school in Florida.  Wow, where did the years go?  I will be paying for this for the rest of my life-haha, but it was worth it.

I went to see the play Oklahoma in Winston yesterday.  Can I just say AMAZING!!!  I love a musical and this was the best.  I actually performed in this same play when I was a sophomore in high school.  It brought back many memories.  I sang all day for the kids, they were not impressed.  They laughed when I played them the sound track.  Too bad, they get to hear it all week-hahaha!!!

I will be posting a list of all final dates for the year later this week.  The end is near and sadness looms!!!

Keep studying for the science EOG, the notecards and book should be coming home every night.  We are going to rock this test!!!!!

What a Busy Week!!

THE KIDS ROCKED THIS WEEK.  They worked so hard and I was so proud of them.  We will continue this heavy review all next week.  Look for The simple Machines Review Pack and the Ecosystems review pack on Monday.  These are fabulous study guides as are the flashcards from all of our science units.  I am very happy with the progress being made by the children in science.  The Science EOG is all about knowing the vocabulary and the kids seem dedicated to studying them.  Please encourage this.  They will be bringing home the science book and flashcards every night.  If they are not, it's time for a little tough love if you get my drift.

There will be another math packet coming home on Tuesday and it will be due the next Tuesday.  Doing it over a week period gives you flexibility on when you want to do it.  It is important!!!  This weeks packet was on higher level thinking skills.  Next week we will work on word problems in our homework packets. 

The last Scholastic book order is due on Thursday the fifth.  There are many great books for you to order so your child will have a wide variety to read over the summer. 

Make sure you are making your child read every night.  I just had the third nine week challenge goal party tonight-a dinner at Bigt Mike's Restaurant.  9 children made this.  I'm talking, some kids had 45 or more points.  This is my dedicated reading group.  The next AR challenge is on Sat. June 4 at Smith Mountain Lake for a day of swimming, boating, and eating.  We will be visiting my parents home for the day.  This will only be the third class that I have taken to my parents home so they know it is an honor.  More information will be coming home about that soon.

END OF YEAR POOL PARTY!!! Mrs. Watkins and I have reserved the Lynrock pool for Friday night June 10.  We have the pool from 7-9.  We will be having a hotdog cookout for the kids along with some great swimming.  Parents are invited too!!!  To keep the numbers low though we will only be letting the children and siblings to come.  No cousins, friends or neighbors.  This is a special night for our kids to celebrate a great year.  Mrs. Watkins and I both agree that this has been the best year we've had in a long time and we want to show our appreciation and love. 

Have a great weekend and remember to study, read, relax, exercise and enjoy life to the fullest. 

WELCOME BACK!!!

No my tired body does not want to get up today, but here I go...

Get ready for a busy week.  There will be a big spelling list this week.  The list will be science vocabulary words that wee need to know for the EOG.  We will split the homework up in to the following assignments.  Monday night words 1-12 in sentences.  The sentences need to be definitions sentences.  THE KIDS WILL BE BRINGING HOME THEIR SCIENCE BOOKS AND NOTECARDS FOR HELP.  Words 1-12 also need to be written three times in cursive on Monday night.  Tuesday night words 13-25 in sentences and written three times in cursive.  Wednesday night will be where all words will need an illustration to go along with the word meaning.  Thursday night will be the normal practice spelling test.  There will be some math homework but not much.  Please continue to read.  The AR goals are the same as last time.  I did not increase anybodies points.  The end of the nine weeks is May 27.  Challenge goals will head to Smith Mountain Lake for a visit to my parents house for swimming, boating, jet skiing and a good old cookout.  We will do that on Sat. June 4.  Mark your calendars, everyone is very excited about this!!!

Interview with an adult due tomorrow.

Challenge AR party for the third nine weeks will be this Friday.  We will meet at Big Mikes restaurant for dinner and then head to the movies if there is one there that is appropriate (I will know better by Thursday if there is one).  The cost of the venture is $7.00.  That will include movie admission and the cost of dinner.  I will cover the additional cost of dinner for the kids.  If they want popcorn, they will need to bring that money too.  Please bring in the $7.00 byu Thursday.  Thanks!

Here comes the EOG'S!!!!!  Please help your child gain the positive attitude needed to get through this tough time.  Benchmark scores will be back today so we will get a good indicator of who needs what.  There will be some days when different people have different homework.  So it will be hard for you to depend on so and so for homework help if students forget the pages.  I will be very strict about this!  They must be organized, responsible, and ready for the next three week challenge.  I know they can do it!  I have all the faith in the world in them. 

GO FAR 5K on Saturday at 8:30.  The race starts at 9 but you need to get their at 8:30 to pick up your packet.  I am sending my sister over on Friday to pick up mine in case anyone wants her to do that for them.  Just let me know!

Love You!  I missed my little kiddos this past week.  I loved text messaging them to make sure their week was going OK.  Let me know if you need me for anything.  The end is near :( 33 1/2 days before summer break.  Did I tell you the end of the six weeks was Friday?  Report cards go home next week.  They counted Easter Break as one of the weeks in the six week progress of our children-crazy, crazy-I bet there wasn't much learning going on during Easter week. 

Oh, car's still in Florida-that's a long story I can't wait to tell you about!

Have a good week!!!  Stay strong!!!  Exercise and eat right!!!!

I am a HOARDER!!

Hello, my name is Regina Carroll and I am a hoarder-haha.  Really, I've cleaned and cleaned and cleaned my room some more.  The boxes in my room will eventually hit the ceiling-haha.  There will be lots of goodies for the kids to take home, old books, and dictionaries.  Tomorrow I'm not cleaning, only scrapbooking :)

Happy Easter

I am so looking forward to Easter Break.  The kids will have a little reading homework to do over break along with their interview with an adult.  Please make sure they do the reading packet and interview.  There's no need now to stop reading for a week so I thought a few short, but meaningful, passages would help to keep the old brain rolling (sorry Chad). 

I'll be working Monday and Tuesday packing up my room.  The kids won't even notice it when they get back.  On Tuesday evening I'm going to Boone to the Senior class ring ceremony for Kelsey and on Thursday-Sunday I'm going to spend some time with my parents.  I miss my boys but Gary will get to see them when he flies to Florida on Sat. to get my car. 

Go Far kids keep running!!!

I'll miss you but I think we all need a break.  Read, play, eat, run, visit the Easter Bunny, spend time with family, and enjoy this special time of year. 

See you on the 25th-kids get ready to review, review, review!!!

Can We Make IT!!!!

I just want to crawl back in bed this morning and then wake up and drink coffee.  Then I want to go running, call my kids, work in my scrapbook and watch every Real Housewives episode I can.  Then I want to read my book, cook a great meal, watch the Sopranos with my husband, cuddle with my dog, and maybe even wash clothes (I like washing clothes).  Then I want to sit in my rocker with the window open next to me and waste time on the computer.  Then I want to put on my jammies and curl up under the covers.  Ok, so this is not going to happen this week but next week watch out...here I come!!! 

Happy Weekend!

TGIF!!!  We worked hard this week and we deserve a break-but we do have math homework.  Lots of reviewing, especially in math and science.  I'm excited to see our last benchmark scores next week.  The kids really tried hard on the reading and the math will be this Wednesday. 

RUN with me this Saturday-10:00 at the Greenway (YMCA) It is really doing me some good-minus 20 pounds-and I know some of my students have gotten on a healthier path!!!  LET'S RUN!!!

Don't forget about picture money!!!

Thanks for all of the sweet thank you's that I have gotten from parents about the DC trip-that's why I do it, to make the children happy and to please my parents!!!  Love you guys!!!

It's Not Too Late!!!!

Registration for the 5K came up quickly especially since we were in DC until Friday and then the money was due on Monday.  Please register online of download a PDF file and mail in your regitration.  If anyone needs a ride just let me know.  The kids that have stuck with this are doing amazing and I couldn't be more proud!

http://www.madmayorunningclub.com/

I've Missed My Babies!!!

WOW!!!  It has been a long time since we've talked.  I've got a lot to say so here we go...

#1  DC-The trip was amazing!!  I loved it, the kids loved it, and MOST parents loved it.  Like I said in the parent meeting, it is not an easy trip.  There was a lot of walking and yes we even walked in the rain, the COLD rain.  I never heard a kid complain but this year I had lots of parents complaining.  It was very upsetting to me since I hold this trip near and dear to my heart and spend an entire year planning it.  It's too bad in this day and age that some adults can only focus on themselves and not on the group.  A group mentality means going with the flow and doing what's best for the group.  As a whole the parents were great but a few put a damper on the trip and I'm sorry for the parents that did have to endure the complaining.  A field trip is not a family vacation, it is educational enhancement for the children. 

#2  This week things are back to normal.  Normal spelling, math homework and normal reading.  We joked around today and said the wicked witch was back-Jarred said he liked it that way (I love you Jarred).  We are heavily into EOG review.  That's it!!!  REVIEW, REVIEW, AND MORE REVIEW!!!  We will be the smartest class in town.  Our goal is to surround ourselves with positive people who have positive attitudes which will in turn boost us up instead of bring us down.  POSITIVITY!!!!

#3  Picture money or pictures, candy money, t-shirt money, Eagle Nest Money.  ASAP-Thanks

#4  Playground fundraiser-Please read the yellow fundraiser sheet coming home on Tuesday about donating money for our new playground.  I would like for our class as a whole to raise $100 so we can have our class name imprinted on the playground plaque.  Carroll's Class of 2011 will be on the plaque if we can raise enough money ($100).  Send in your cash now-change, dollars, checks-we take it all!!!

I love you, families and children.  I hope I didn't offend anyone with the DC talk but it just had to be said.  I put everything I have into teaching and caring for your children, the same kindness back is always very rewarding.  TTYL

HERE COMES THE RAIN!!!

Rain, Rain go away-Come again another day!!!  OK folks, here it is-a chance of rain all three days that we are in DC.  Make sure you have a rain coat or several ponchos and 2 pairs of shoes.  We will walk like it's sunny and with smiles on our faces!!!  CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Happy Spring

I've missed talking to you but life has been busy!!  I've got a lot of announcements for everyone so read on.

#1  Report cards come home on Monday with the blue and white folders.  These will be the last folders until April 8. 

#2  AR is over for the nineweeks on Tuesday for people going to DC and over on Friday for people staying back.  Please make sure you are reading-the more you read, the better you read.

#3  We will visit Holmes on Monday to take the annual tour.  This is a very exciting day for us. 

#4  The Multiplication Tournament will be on Monday at 1:00.  We are the Carroll Mathletes.  On Monday we are going to dres"Gangsta"  which just means sunglasses, hats, a little jewelry.  It will be a lot of fun.  Please help your children study for this day.

#5  The DC trip is finally here!!!  We will leave at 4:30 on Wednesday.

#6  EOG review begins as soon as we get back.  I feel like we are ready but we are going to polish up on a few things.  We will be doing lots of science, so get ready.

#7  Start thinking about the shots your child must get before they go to the 6th grade. 

#8  GO FAR 5K is on April 30 in Reidsville-the cost is $20 to run in this race.

#9  No spelling until April 1.  The new list will be sent home then and the test will be on the 8th. 

That's all for now.  Have a great weekend and enjoy the weather.  I look forward to a great trip to DC. 

TALK TO YOU SOON!!!

A Video For Thought!

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D2Mjiltwly7M&h=c885b

What are your thoughts on this?  I am amazed by the diagnosis children and adults have nowadays. 

RUNNING CLUB

We're doing great-13 people in our class are in the GO FAR running club and about 20 people are showing up every Sat. to run/walk the Greenway at the YMCA.  Please come and join us on Sat. from 10-11-Mom's, Dad's, Grandma's, cousins, everyone-LET'S GET HEALTHY!!!  Plus it is great practice for DC where we will walk a hundred miles.  Have a great hump day and I'll see the parents chaperones on Thursday night at 6:00 (NO KIDS ALLOWED)

School pictures on March 11-send in $10 for the class picture before the 11th

CANDY, CANDY, CANDY-SELL IT!!!

Love Ya'll Bunches and Bunches!!!

WHAT A WEEK!!!

Puberty, DARE Graduation, Dance Team, Running club, AR challenge party-and I am still alive :) Thank you Lord!!! 

Had a great time at dance today-85 kids-AMAZING!!!

A great AR party at my house tonight-even though we hate who won the LRC game-hahaha!!!

No newletter this coming week-Spelling words in planner and Reading Log in planner too.

Parent chaperone meeting this Thursday night at 6:00 in my room.  Plan to stay 1-1 1/2 hours.  Please DO NOT bring children-ADULTS ONLY!!!!

Starting a new book this week-ESIO TROT-so sweet!! A love story!!!

WE MUST FINISH ECOSYSTEMS THIS WEEK-TEST ON FRIDAY!!!

We will start viewing DC flipcharts this week to learn a little bit about where we are going.  We will also be writing about citizenship and what it means to be a good citizen.  We will also start studying government this week. 

Have a great weekend.  After running in the morning, I'm going to spend the night with my daughter in Boone-be back Sunday night. 

No Newsletter, Weekend Running Club, Biomes in a box

There will be no newsletter this week.  The spelling words will be on the blog and the reading log will be in the planner.  Same rules apply for the reading log in the planner; 2 sentences, title of book, pages read and adult signature.

DARE graduation on Thursday at 9:00-Make plans to attend this event please!

Weekend running club will meet Sat. at the YMCA in the front, side parking lot.  You do not have to be a member of the weekday running club to attend.  Children may be dropped off at 10:00 but must be picked up at 11:00.  I'm not waiting for stragglers!!!!  The adults may come too!!  Hope to see you there.

We will be building biomes in a box next week.  Each group will be assigned one of the six biomes and they will be in charge of researching the biome and creating the biome to share with the class.  Please look in your child's planner for more information concerning this project.

Have a great weekend.  The only homework is to read 1 night-no math (I'm getting soft in my old age Chad)

I Could Be Dying (Not Really)

Running today has whooped my butt!!!  I'm tired and going to bed.  I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day.  Our class sure did!!  Singing to Bailey, the Cupid Shuffle, the LOVE CD thanks to Chad and Jarred, Tons of candy, Sweet cards, stuffed animals, balloons, and great kids...who could ask for a better day!!!  Love ya'll!!!

RUNNING CLUB

Congrats to my favs who ran with me on Sat. 

Jarred
Kedesha
Kelesha
Aaron (and his litle sis)
Jacob
Addison
Bailey
Kayla
Kennedy
Williams
Matthew
Chasity
PLUS Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Simpson, and Bailey's Grandma

We did great even though I'm a little sore. 

Meet us next Sat. at 11:00. 

Have A Great Valentine's Weekend!!

Valentine's Day is my favotire holiday-really!  I love the idea of someone caring about you and telling you how much you mean to them.  I'm a true sap when it comes to stuff like this.  Have fun and let someone know how much you love them.

Important Dates...
Valentine's Day Feb. 14-I will take care of the snack.  Please let your child fill out cards-we are not to old for this!!!!
Each child needs to have a Candy Bar by Monday please
Book Order- Feb. 18
Yearbooks- Feb. 28
Mandatory DC chaperone meeting- March 1
Go Far running club every Monday and Thursday 2:30-4:00
DARE graduation Feb. 24 @ 9:00
DC trip March 23-25 :)

Let me know if you need me for anything.  E-mail is the best way to communicate.  I am not a phone person but an e-mail person.  Spelling words are on the blog this week.

I'VE BEEN MISSING YOU!!!!

I'm back from a wonderful trip to Alabama and Florida.  My birthday was the best ever!!!  It's hard to believe I was in 80 degree weather (with my feet in the ocean) just a few days ago and now we are looking for snow.  I can't belive I didn't give snow homework tonight :)

GO FAR running club starts Monday.  It is from 2:30-4:00.  Please be at the school to pick up your child.  If they did not return a form then they can not stay.  Make sure they dress appropriately as we will be running OUTSIDE as long as it is not raining or snowing.  To prepare for this, I have been practicing the first week run/walk cycle.  Let me tell you, it is not easy.  We are going to meet as a class on Sat. at 11:00 for 1 hour to practice our run/walk cycle.  If you would like for your child to come, you may drop them off from 11-12.  Please make sure they wear tennis shoes and running or walking attire.  I will have a cooler of water for them after we walk.  I am really looking forward to this and I know they are too.  Mark your calendars for APRIL 30 when we will run a 5K as a class. 

I will go back to posting spelling words this week. 

DARE GRADUATION Feb. 24 at 9:00.  The children may not leave school after this.  It is a regular school day.

Our class had the best benchmark scores for the 3rd 6 weeks out of the fifth grade-I don't mean to brag but I want you to know that all of the hard work does pay off.  Keep up the good work!!!!!

DOUGHNUTS!!!!!

That's all I need to say-DOUGHNUTS!!  Finally, soft, warm, glorious, sweet, tasty, did I say soft, delicious doughnuts.  If it sleets tonight I could cry!!  Either way, the doughnuts will be here and you may pick them up by 7:00.  We love doughnuts!!!

It's the weekend!!!!

Happy weekend! Can you believe we made it through a whole week?  This coming week will be busy and remember we will have a sub for two days. 

A few reminders before I go: 
#1  DARE essay final copies due Tuesday
#2 Autobiographies are due on Monday with a visual
#3 Doughnuts are coming on Tuesday-pick-up begins at 7
#4 AR goals will be set and families need to focus on these goals
#5 Challenge AR party at my house DATE TBA
#6 Report Cards come home on Friday, Feb. 4 (my birthday)

Have a great weekend-I'll be doing report cards!!!

Great Math and Reading Websites

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html

http://www.coolmath.com/

http://www.d49.org/schools/oes/Hammel%2009/reading%20links%20for%20kids.htm

These are a few good websites to help with math and reading.  I thought I would put these on here just in case it snowed this week and you wanted a few activites for your children to do.

SORRY!!!!  We have changed doughnut delivery date again.  With 800 dozen coming we can not take the chance of not being here and then being stuck with the doughnuts so we'll try again for the 1st of Feb which is a Tuesday.  Spread the word:  Doughnuts-Tuesday, Feb. 1

I will not be here next Thursday or Friday.  My daughter got an interview at Auburn in Alabama for Vet. School and we are leaving as soon after I get out of school on Wed. Feb. 2.  This is an amazing opportunity for her being that they only take 40 students from out of state.  Pray for us as we travel. 

DARE ESSAYS

Please try and get the DARE essay finished this weekend just in case we have snow next Tuesday!!!  Read the newsletter and notice that the spelling words are on the blog too for the week (for my lovely Matthew!!!)

Saturday School

Look on the Rockingham County website to see the new inclement weather schedule.  It looks like Saturday school is going to happen and by the looks of it I'll see you next Sat. the 29th if it snows next week like it supposed to :(  I've done it before and it's really not so bad, I promise.

Actually I'll just post it for you...

If inclement weather occurs on a Monday – Thursday:

-        Students will make-up for lost instruction on the Saturday of the same week.  

Elementary will dismiss at 12 noon

Middle and High will dismiss at 12:45

If inclement weather occurs and multiple days are missed in the same week Monday - Thursday:

-        Students will make-up for lost instruction on the Saturday of the same week then follow the make-up days listed, below.

If inclement weather occurs on a Friday:

-        Students will make-up for lost instruction according to the following schedule:

April 20, 2011

April 21, 2011

June 13, 2011

June 14, 2011

                        June 15, 2011

PRAY FOR NO SNOW!!  I CAN'T WORK ON SAT. FEB. 5 BECAUSE I'LL BE IN ALABAMA-I'LL TELL YOU WHY LATER, I'M LATE FOR GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL, PLUS MY NEPHEWS ARE HERE AND I HAVE TO GET THEM READY. 

LOVE YA'LL

SCHOOL ON MONDAY

The school board just announced that we would have school on Monday.  It is the make up day for today :( 

Let's pray for no more snow days.

UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Can you believe this weather? Well guess what, they are calling for it again on Friday and then next Tuesday.  So we have had to make some adjustments to dates.  Here they are for now and remember they are subject to change.

Doughnut money is still due tomorrow morning-NO LATE ORDERS!!!

Delivery is now going to be on Thursday, Jan. 27.  You may pick up your doughnuts at 7:00 am.

DARE rough draft essays are due Jan. 25.  We will be spending very little time on this in class.  No essay=no graduation and then Mr. Pyrtle becomes involved. 

Final copies are due on Feb. 2

Class reading is on Fe. 4

DARE graduation is on Thursday, Feb. 24th at 9:00.  Please make plans to attend the graduation.

We will still have the parent math lesson on Thursday at 9:00.  Be prepared to do a multiplication minute, mental math, and a math lesson on adding and subtracting mixed numbers with regrouping.  Are you smarter than a 5th grader??????

We will send home final payment letter for DC at the end of next week and final payment is now due on Tuesday, Feb. 8.  This is a change in the final payment date. 

Parent meeting for DC chaperones is on March 1 at 6:00.  This is a requirement-you must attend if you are a chaperone.  We will go over everything at this meeting-it is lengthy, at least an hour and a half.  Please be on time and be prepared to stay for the entire meeting.  Please leave the children at home-adults only.

AR dates still stand-the end of the AR for the second 9 weeks is the 20th.  I will reduce each child's points by 2 points.  The AR incentive will be next Friday, Jan. 28.  It will be a lot of fun!!!!  The children should have been reading while we have been out so there are really no excuses. 

I'll keep you updated on any changes.  Spelling test will still be on Friday.  The correct words are not posted and probably won't be posted this week. 

Benchmark testing will still be tomorrow and next Wednesday.

Please continue to look at the blog daily, you never know when I might get the urge to post. 

LOVE YA!!!!

POOTANGLE-DOODANGLE

Well, at this point I hate snow :)

School's out tomorrow and I'm going to bet there is a 2 hour delay on Friday.  I will not be there so I will see the kids on Tuesday.  Mrs. Belter will talk with them about their DARE essays.  There will be no homework over the weekend except to work on the DARE essay.  The due date for the rough draft is now Friday, Jan. 21.  The final copy will be due on the 26th and we will still read them on the 28th.  If this changes, I will let you know.  REMEMBER THAT THIS IS REQUIRED AND NOT OPTIONAL.

Doughnut money is still due on Tuesday.

Spelling test will still be on Friday.  Make sure all homework is finished. 

I guess that's all I've got to say about that :) 
It's going to be a busy next couple of weeks-I'll keep you updated as soon as I find out everything. 

Love ya! 

WHAT????

School is closed!!!  Man I hate that for me and the kids!!!  Have a great few days off.  Keep in touch, I'll miss the kiddos.

Here Comes the Snow

Ok, make up days here we come :( 

I will be going over the DARE essay requirements this morning.  The rough draft is due on Tuesday, Jan. 18 which might be the next day I see the kids.  I will be out on Thursday and Friday this week and if we don't have school on Tuesday and Wednesday the kids might not see me again until Tuesday.  Make sure they spend time working on their essay.  The directions are simple, just read the blog I posted a few days ago and then read the notes they bring home today.  Send me an e-mail if you have any questions but mainly just let them do it on their own.  I can tell a paer written by an adult in a minute!

Spelling homework, reading homework, and math homework stay the same. 

Love you guys and stay warm.  Sell those doughnuts and be ready to turn in your money on Tuesday, Jan. 18.

Spelling words and Snow Homework

New spelling words are posted for the week.  Please notice the post about the DARE essay that I did this morning.  Look in your child's planner for snow homework.  We are preparing for a big storm just in case.  They have snow homework for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in math, spelling and reading.  If we are in school don't make them do it.  If we are not here then they know what to do.  Trust them and if you don't just look in their planners. 

I copied this from the homework page just in case you didn't see that page:

Have a great weekend! Keep the kids busy-study multiplication facts, read, write in a journal about their day, reasearch key locations in Washington DC, look up information about landforms and ecosystems, find online math games and sudoku puzzles, play board games, anything to keep their brains working.  It took me a week to get them started back, I can't take doing it again-HELP ME PLEASE!!!!  Limit video games and TV watching to a minimum.

DARE ESSAY

It's that time of year again when DARE essays are due.  In order to graduate from DARE, Officer Shelton requires all students to write a 5 paragraph paper on what they have learned in DARE.  The students then have to read the essay in front of the class.  He then takes the essays to an anonymous source that reads them and picks a winner from each class.  The winners get the honor of reading the essay during graduation.  They also get the opportunity to go to DARE camp this summer.  It is quite an honor to read your DARE essay.  The winners get the DARE stuffed animal lion and the prestige of knowing that their papers were the best. 

This year the students will be writing their papers at home.  I will be sending home the details and format on Monday.  I am asking you to help your child very little.  Make them write the paper and only offer small tidbits of advice.  They will be required to do a rough draft at home and in class I will read the essays with each child and do revisions.  They will then complete the final copy at home.  This is a 5 paragraph paper.  It must have a beginning paragraph that grasps the readers attention and states the three things that they are going to talk about.  Paragraph 2 is all about the first thing they learned in DARE (6 or more sentences).  Paragraph 3 is all about the second thing they learned in DARE (6 or more sentences).  The 4th paragraph is all about the third thing they learned in DARE (6 or more sentences).  The final paragraph is the ending and just wraps everything up (3 to 4 sentences).  This paper is no joke.  It is about 2 pages long in the end, roughly 26 or more sentences.  Please encourage your child to get busy on this starting Monday.  The first rough draft is due on Tuesday, Jan. 18th.  The final copy is due on Wed. Jan. 26.  The reading of the DARE essays for the class is on Friday, Jan. 28.  Thank you for your help with this.  I will send you home the date of the DARE graduation when we pinpoint it down.  It will be sometime in late Feb.

Have a happy weekend and pray for NO SNOW!!!  The days now come off the Spring Break and I don't know about you but I love Spring Break!!!!

I'm Praying for NO SNOW!!!

Happy Winter!  I do love this time of year. 

Are you getting excited about DC?  I am and I know the kids will be especially after we sell doughnuts and get in to the lessons we have for the trip. 

Doughnut sale starts today and ends on the 18th.  The doughnuts will be delivered on the 21st and ready for pick up at 7:00 a.m.  The PROFITS go directly to your child's trip.

We are working hard in math now especially fractions.  Please make sure you are looking over the homework at night to make sure your child is on track.  It's amazing the amount of information that gets forgotten from the time it is taught to the moment they step in the door at home. 

Benchmark testing is as follows:  Reading next Wednesday, Jan. 12 and Math Wednesday, Jan. 19. 

End of the nine weeks and end of AR for the second session is Jan. 20. 

Please come and attend a math lesson on Jan. 20 at 9:20.  At this time you will come to class and take part in an actual math lesson.  Get ready for mental math and a timed multiplication test.  It's time for you to see what your child goes through every day.  I will send home the letter tomorrow.  Please respond yes or no.

Look through the folders today and send back the address forms.  All children are required to return these to the office.  I will send folders home again next week and then we will get back on a regular 2 week schedule. 

As far as my health-well, I'm not as dizzy thank God, but I haven't gotten all test results back yet.  My diagnosis is that the cyst in my right check cavity is causing the balance issues and until that gets drained or shrinks, I'll probably always be dizzy (or have vertigo as they call it).  It is the pits but I'm adjusting nicely and changing some items in my diet.  Thank you for your concern and prayers.  I'll keep you updated. 

Have a happy week and I'm back to posting every 2 days or so. 

Love ya'll