End of Year Notes & Information

Hello Everyone!

WOW! This year has FLOWN by!!! I can't believe we only have 5 more days of school...

I have a few pieces of information for you for the end of the year. Please read everything so you don't miss any dates or info!


Teach the Teacher Presentations
These are due this FRIDAY! If your child wants to turn in their papers tomorrow, that is fine. Please remember to send me any PowerPoints or papers for copying BY TOMORROW so I can have them ready for Friday! I have decided to not input this as a specific grade in the grade book, however I did let the kids know that if they do not present/fail to prepare something, they will receive an "N" for completes assigned tasks.

Thursday Folders
This will be the last Thursday Folder! This week when your child brings home their folder, please empty it/look at the papers, then just keep it at home!

Yearbooks
Yearbooks have arrived and will be given out this Friday! If you did not order one and would like purchase a yearbook, we have some extras available for sale for $25. They will be sold starting on Monday, June 11th.

*We will be having our class party on Tuesday, June 12th in the afternoon. If your student would like to have their yearbook signed by classmates, please SEND THEIR YEARBOOK IN on this day! We will give them time to meet with other 3rd grade classes and sign eachothers' yearbooks. We will be having lunch in the room, then going outside for yearbook signing. We'll have a few fun activities in the classroom from about 1:30-2:20 that afternoon! Contact Mrs. Cruz if you would like to assist or volunteer.

Sad news - I will be leaving Pinebrook after this year
I talked to the kiddos about this yesterday, so you may have heard. I will be resigning at the end of this year. Since I am reaching the end of my School Counseling Masters program at GMU, I need to complete two internships as a counselor (one elementary, one secondary). Due to the time commitment of the internships, I am not able to work as a teacher.
I appreciate all the kind words from your kids when I told them this news. I am so very sad to be leaving - this was not an easy decision! However, I  am excited for the new adventures ahead of me. I will sincerely miss every one of my students. This has been such a wonderful year and I love them all very much! Thank you, parents and families, for all of your support throughout the year! I appreciate YOU as well!
Please stay in touch and let me know about your kiddos/families as they continue to grow and progress! If you would like, feel free to contact me to get my personal information, as my LCPS email will eventually go away.  I do plan to become a substitute, so I may still see you around Pinebrook at times!

HAPPY ALMOST SUMMER!
Smiles,
Mrs. Malley :)

This Week

Hello All!

Here's the homework/things coming up this week!

Field Day is on Wednesday!
I asked the class to try to pack their lunch that day. If they need to buy or forget, that is fine. However, due to field day and needing to change out of dirty/wet clothing, lunch is often hectic this day. If they pack, we can eat lunch in our classroom when we are all set and ready to eat. This also eliminates long lines in the cafeteria that day, as 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade all have field day so lunches will be very packed.

Teach the Teacher
These presentations are due Friday! From all the topics I have been told, I am VERY excited for these presentations! Please remember to email or send in any papers you want copied or PowerPoints you need shown AHEAD OF TIME (ie: by Thursday at the latest!) so we are prepared to start presentations on Friday.
Don't forget to hand in your lesson plan paper as well! 

Homework & Project

Hello All!

I hope everyone enjoyed the extra day this weekend. Too bad it wasn't that sunny... but the rain held out for the most part!

Teach The Teacher Project
Reminder that this is due on Friday, June 8th! Please talk tonight about what topic your child plans to teach so they can tell me what their topic is! If your student needs any copies made or help from me, please notify me and send in the item to be copied asap! Please see details from my last blog post about requirements, expectations, etc.

Math SOL Test
... is this THURSDAY morning! Please make sure to get good sleep tomorrow night and eat a good breakfast for our test that day! We will not eat snack until after the test is over.


Homework:

Teach the Teacher Project

Hello All!

Today in your student's folder you'll find a paper that says "Teach the Teacher".

This is an end-of-year fun project where the students get to TEACH others about something they are passionate about! This project is meant to be fun, not stressful, and can be as simple or complex as your child would like to make it.

The paper says "5 min presentation" - This is mostly a guideline for the talking time. Their talking shouldn't go longer than 5 minutes, but the activity/involvement parts could take more time and that is OK.

This is DUE on FRIDAY, JUNE 8TH. This is meant to be a fun project, but it will be graded (for presentation and preparation). 

There are directions on the sheet, but to further explain, here is what I'm expecting:
1. Choose Topic:
The student picks something they already know about (this is not supposed to be a research project!)

• Lots of options here - anything (appropriate) goes! How to ______, Making a ______, Steps to drawing a ________, All about ___________, Showing any activity/skill, etc. 

2. Present:
They may decide how they would like to present their information to the class. Be creative! Anything goes here... However, it has to be able to be shown/done in school. Ie: can't teach about how to play video games because we do not have them at school. Examples of how they can present: 

• Speaking presentation & demonstration with props
• Use a PowerPoint to assist during presentation
• Make a video of self teaching the topic
• Write a book about it and read it to the class
• Any other things you can think of!

3. Materials:

They may use anything they can normally use in our classroom (art supplies, paper, markers, books, etc.) They are also welcome to bring in any supplies needed. If students would like any copies of papers, if they bring in one or email me one I can make copies of them for the class.

4. Participation:

The best presentations usually have some sort of class involvement. They can bring in materials for students to use to make their own, we can go outside to participate in an activity (weather permitting), whatever they need that we can provide at school!

5. Quiz:

The paper guideline asks for at least one "quiz" question. That's all that is required, but I have had other students make up their on "exit ticket" or quiz for students to answer, or do a verbal quiz after their presentation, etc. Again, I can make copies if they would like to do this! They usually have fun "grading" everyone - including my paper! - afterward.

Here is the paper if you need another copy, and here is a link to a digital version if they would like to type their information. 

Please let me know if you have questions! I look forward to learning from your kiddos!

SOL Tomorrow!

Hello, All!

Just a reminder: Tomorrow is our first SOL test! It will be in the morning, so please make sure your kiddo is on time tomorrow so they can be with the class for morning routines, as well as a calming time before the test starts.

A couple of reminders/tips:
- Get a lot of rest tonight! Early to bed!
- Eat a FILLING breakfast! We will be taking the test over our normal snack time.
- Wear LAYERS! We have been having some fluctuating hot/cool temperatures in the building with the humidity and rain. I suggest wearing a sweater or sweat shirt that could be removed and put back on easily if needed.
- RELAX! Remind your student to just try their best! They are totally ready for this test.

Homework and SOL information!

Hello All,

Parents - please see my email today for reminders about SOL information! So far, I only have received ONE!

Also, please see the letter in your student's folder from yesterday about SOL retake tests. I need all students to return a response, no matter what the answer.


As a reminder, our tests are on Thursday, May 17th (Reading), and Thursday, May 31st (Math). Please make sure your student is present and ON TIME to school on these days, unless ill. 


Homework for this week:

Parents - Important Email

Hello All!

Please see your email tonight for important SOL information. This does not need to be shared with the students. :)

Also, if you'd like to see field trip pictures look to the right to see my twitter feed! We saw many active animals today!

Best,
Mrs. Malley

FIELD TRIP TOMORROW!

REMINDER: ZOO FIELD TRIP TOMORROW!

Please remember:
- PACK a lunch and water bottle that are disposable
- NO money, electronics, or bags needed! Chaperones will carry lunches.
- WEAR good walking shoes!
- BRING a hat or sunglasses - It should be 85 degrees and SUNNY!

Explorer Song

Hi All,

A lot of the kids really liked this song about explorers. It's to the tune of "Party in the USA". Watch at home if you'd like to go along with studying! Remember, test is Friday.

https://safeshare.tv/x/rIJKjeklTv

Lunch Reward, SOL Dates, Field Trip, Spirit Week...LOTS!

Hello All!

Lot's to talk about this week:

Lunch Reward
Third grade won a reward for PBIS. They get to sit at any table in the cafeteria with any friends from other 3rd grade classes. This will be tomorrow. Please have your child pack their lunch if possible, to help alleviate lines in the cafeteria and allow them full time with their friends for this reward.

Rumble In The Jungle
(Triple Play) is rescheduled for this Thursday, April 26th at John Champe. Come cheer on your teachers as we take on Buffalo Trail!

This also happens to be Take your Child to Work Day. Please let me know if you plan to take your child with you to work so I can plan to accommodate as needed.

Field Trip

Please remember to send in permission slip and $9 for transportation by WEDNESDAY this week! If you would like to chaperone, I am still looking for one more parent to fill a spot! Our field trip is on May 2nd.

SOL Dates

The SOL testing dates have officially been decided. Third grade will take their Reading SOL test on Thursday, May 17th. We will take our Math SOL test on Thursday, May 31st. If anyone missed our SOL information night a few months ago, you can find all the practice information and our presentation here.

Please make sure your student is present and on time for school on these days (assuming they are not sick). Please also watch for a special email from me this week about a little something for the kiddos on test days :)

Career Spirit Week
Each day this week is a day to dress as something related to careers! This is to prep for our Career Day happening this Friday. The schedule is written in the agenda (see picture below), and in this flyer sent by the guidance department.

Homework
See picture for agenda.

Homework & Field Trip Info

Hello All!

I hope everyone was able to enjoy the sunshine on Saturday! FINALLY Spring is making an appearance!

Homework this week:
CHANGE: Please note that I am changing the SOL Vocab work at home. We are going to do the written work IN class instead. At home, students need to finish their flashcards if they did not already, then study the flashcards each night. Please KEEP the flashcards in their folders all week, as we DO also use them in school. Any old flashcards can be kept at home. I suggest you keep them and review them periodically to review and practice for upcoming SOL tests!

Field Trip Form:
Please see your child's folder TOMORROW for field trip information and permission slip! We will be having a second field trip on May 2nd. The Third Grade will visit the Smithsonian National Zoo! On this day, students will need to pack a lunch. If you would like to chaperone, please fill out the chaperone form. I need all permission slips and money no later than April 25th.

Homework Today

Hello All!

I hope everyone enjoyed Spring Break!

Here is the homework for this week. Please note that INSTEAD of word study, we will be doing review vocabulary lists for the next few weeks leading up to the SOL tests.

SOL Vocab Lists:
In school, we will go over the word lists and correct definitions. The students will then make flashcards for their words. If they do not finish their flashcards in school, those will be finished for homework.

Quizzes will be on Friday per usual. Each day of the week, there is a homework assignment in their packet:
Tuesday = Sentences
Wednesday = Syllables
Thursday = ABC Order & Practice test.

Please let me know if you have further questions about this.

Homework & Possible Snow Days

Hello All,

Here's the homework for the week!
In the event that there is a snow day(s) this week, the followig WILL still be due/happen on Friday if we are in school:
- Math Homework due
- Critter Can due
- Word Study Quiz 
- Mali Test 

*The students have all of their Mali notes completed and should have their notebook with them today. 
*If we have more than 1 snow day, my measurement math quiz will be moved.


Snow Day Work:
If there is a snow day (or two or three), please have your student work on the following:
- 1 word study activity in their notebook per day
- Study Mali notes and practice quizlet: https://quizlet.com/196504560/ancient-mali-flash-cards/
- Complete their Critter Can
- Do math homework
- READ!!

Homework this week:

Critter Can Form

Student, click this link to go to the Google Folder. Find your name and work on YOUR card.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OljpnNUVA_HY-dzU9NsmwQRfai0Q2YRY?usp=sharing

Research Websites

Click the links below for some good information about your animals:

• https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/ 
• https://a-z-animals.com/animals/ 
• http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/
• https://www.pebblego.com/choose 
• https://defenders.org/
• https://www.kiddle.co/ 

Projects & Things To Note

Hello All, and Happy Friday!

Just a few notes/reminders:

1. "Thursday/Friday Folders"
I'm sending home Friday Folders today instead of Thursday. Sorry about the late day.

2. Dig It Performance:
The third grade Dig It performance is next Friday, March 16th, ad 8:30am. Please see your student's home folder today for a reminder and information about what they should wear.

3. Critter Can Project
In your student's home folder this Wednesday, you should have seen a paper explaining the Critter Can project. These are due on Friday, March 23rd. The kids are doing all the research in school, so all they need to do at home is the animal creation. On that paper, I wrote the name of the animal your child is researching. Please let me know if you have questions about this.

4. Last call for Movie Night on March 16th!

The Third Grade teachers will be hosting a movie night on Friday, March 16th, from 6:00-8:30 pm.  The funds will be used to help the 3rd Grade teachers with transportation costs to deliver our plastic caps to Indiana, and deliver our recycle-made trash receptacle back to Pinebrook!

If your child/children plan to come, please return money and permission slip NO LATER THAN MARCH 13TH. The form in your child's folder looks like this, or you can print one here:

Movie Night, Homework, and STEAM Day!

Hello All!

STEAM Day:
Today was our "make up" STEAM Day! It was quite a hit with the kiddos! Click on my twitter feed to the right to see a few pictures of our kiddos throughout the day. We had a special guest speaker come with some NEAT animals! Ask your student what they did today!

Movie Night:
Next Friday is our Third-Grade-Hosted movie night! If you would like to come, please return permission slip and money by Tuesday, March 13th! The funds will be used to help the 3rd Grade teachers with transportation costs to deliver our plastic caps to Indiana, and deliver our recycle-made trash receptacle back to Pinebrook! If you are not able to attend but would like to donate, we welcome that as well :)

The form was in your child's folder last week and looks like this, or you can print one here:

Reading Homework Reminder:
Last week your student brought home a reading homework packet. This is due on WEDNESDAY. Please note each page has a parent signature at the bottom. It looks like this:

Check Today's Home Folder!

... you will find:

1. Movie Night Permission Slip:

The Third Grade teachers will be hosting a movie night on Friday, March 16th, from 6:00-8:30 pm. Parents, have a night to yourselves before Spring Break!! The movie being shown is "Coco", and there will be pizza served as well. The funds will be used to help the 3rd Grade teachers with transportation costs to deliver our plastic caps to Indiana, and deliver our recycle-made trash receptacle back to Pinebrook!

If your child/children plan to come, please return money and permission slip NO LATER THAN MARCH 13TH. We will not accept any slips after this date, because we need to place the pizza order based on the number of students attending. 

The form in your child's folder looks like this, or you can print one here:

2. Reading Homework Packet:
This is due NEXT WEDNESDAY, so your student has one week to complete it. Please note each page should have a parent signature at the bottom. It looks like this:

Homework and Dates to Note

Hello All!

I hope everyone enjoyed yesterday off from school!

Folder Today
In your student's home folder today you will find two important papers - One is a survey that we need you to fill out and return ASAP! The other is an animal choice sheet about endangered animals. We will be working on research in Reading this unit, and your child needs to pick their top 3 animal choices. Please return this tomorrow.

SOL Night Tomorrow
Reminder that the parent SOL night is tomorrow at 6:00pm. This is great if you have never had a student take the SOLs, or have general questions about the test. We will meet in the library. Feel free to bring a device if you would like to visit websites we discuss in the presentation. We will also post the presentation online to view.

Here's the homework for this week, and some dates to take note of:

Dates:
*NO new word study words this week. We are instead doing synonyms/antonyms in class.
Feb. 21 - Parent SOL Info Night @ 6:00pm
Feb. 23 - My math class, Measurement Test
Feb. 28 - Food Chains quiz
March 2 - STEAM Day (in school) and Dr. Seuss' Birthday!
March 6 - Fine Arts night 6:00pm
March 7 - Interims sent out (online)
March 16 - Dig It! Third Grade performance @ 8:30am
March 22 - Triple Play @ John Champe HS 6:00pm
March 26-30 - Spring Break 

Affix Practice Games

You study guide: click here.

Base Word Baseball
Prefix/Suffix Fish
Prefixes & Suffixes 
Prefix Catch
Prefix Meanings
Practice with Prefixes
Fun English Prefix/Suffix Game
Scholastic Suffix Circuit

Homework & Affix Test

Hello All!

I hope everyone enjoyed the warmer weather this weekend, even though it was raining!

Affixes Test:
We are are learning about affixes (prefixes and suffixes) and will be having a test on Tuesday, Feb. 20th. The kiddos have a homework packet with a page assigned for each night this week, so please make sure they are completing this! We will check it in class each day. If your child has a busy night this week, feel free to work ahead one of the nights on that one extra page, but please DO NOT have them to sit and finish the entire packet in one night! We will be discussing several of the prefixes/suffixes each day, so it is better to practice the work to reinforce the meanings repetitively rather than try and figure it all out in one night :)

I am sending home the study guide with your child today, but just in case it gets lost in transportation, here is a document of it as well. 

Valentine Party
We are having our Valentine's Day party on Wednesday, Feb. 14th. Our celebration will be spread a bit throughout the day - We will be watching Because of Winn-Dixie in the morning, later making our Valentine bags to collect any cards/notes, and in the afternoon giving out our valentines and having our popcorn and juice snacks. If any parents would like to donate stickers, paper cut-outs, etc. to help the kiddos decorate their back, feel free to send things in with your student!

Homework:
Your student's agenda this week should look like this.

Random Awesome Knowledge for you (RAK!)

Comfort Cases and RAK Week:
Next week is Random Act of Kindness week - RAK ("rack") Week! Please talk with your student about kindness and how they could do something truly kind for others each day. Here is the link to Random Acts of Kindness website for more information. Also, here are some ideas of random acts of kindness for your family and kids - make it an Acts of Kindness month if you want!

RAK Week at school will end on Feb. 17th - Pinebrook's "Comfort Cases" packing day!
Remember to come help pack the bags with all the amazing donations you've been collecting! If you have any last donations, we can still accept some next week before the packing day. Here is an instructional video made by kids about how to properly pack a Comfort Case :)

Report Cards:
If you haven't already, please remember to go on Phoenix to view your student's report card! They are no longer sent home in paper versions. If you forgot your password, follow the directions online to reset it.

Olympics:
The kids were very interested in this website about the 2018 Olympics! Here's the link if you'd like to look at home! Remember, tonight the opening ceremony will be showing.


Reminder:
Please return your Because of Winn-Dixie movie permission slip! I received many today, but if you did not send it in please do so by Tuesday at the latest! If you need a new copy, you can find it here.


Enjoy the weekend!
Mrs. Malley  :)

Things To Know, Valentine's Day, Homework

Hello All!

Here are the need-to-know items for this week and upcoming dates.

Homework:

Word Study Update:
Due to missing Mondays, we are having a change in Word Study schedule. Friday Feb. 9 - Friday Feb. 16th will be a new word list/quiz. Then, we will not have word study for 2 weeks. Word Study will resume on Monday, March 5th and continue until Spring Break.

Habitat Quiz
The Habitat quiz will be this Thursday, Feb. 8th. This is a change due to the missed day yesterday. However, IF we are to have another snow day tomorrow, the test will STILL BE on THURSDAY.

Math Fraction Test
Whether or not we have a snow day tomorrow, the fraction test will still be on FRIDAY, Feb. 9th.

Because of Winn-Dixie
Tomorrow, your student will be bringing home a permission slip for the movie Because of Winn-Dixie. We are watching this movie since we are finishing reading the book! In order for your child to see the movie, I will need everyone to sign a permission slip allowing their student to see it, since it is rated PG. The students are very invested in the story, and we have already read about and discussed all themes in while reading the book together. You can also find the permission slip and information here. Please let me know if you have any questions about this.

Valentines Day Celebration
On Wednesday, Feb. 14th, we will have a Valentine's Day celebration in class. We will be making/decorating brown bags for students to share valentines. They will have a bit of time to create some in class if they want, but they are welcome to prepare their valentines beforehand at home. I will print a class list with names and send it home in Thursday folders. We will be having juice and Skinny-pop-popcorn.  If anyone would like to donate any stickers, cut-out valentine pictures/hearts, etc. you're welcome to send them in! 

Homework This Week

Hello All!

I hope everyone is enjoying the day off today.

Looking ahead at this week, there are two different homework items happening. This week your student will have:

• Homophone Words & Homework instead of Word Study. See below for homework descriptions for each night.
• Reading Worksheet given on Tuesday, due on Friday.

I further explained the Homophone homework in a handout that I will be sending home with the kiddos tomorrow. Here is that paper in case you want to look ahead or it gets lost 😉

Comfort Cases

Here is the flyer about the Comfort Cases! Each grade level is asked to be responsible for different items. You are welcome to donate to any others as well as 3rd grade!

You can also print or see the PDF of this flyer here.

Homework, Test Dates, Cap Update

Hello All!

I know it's late in the week for this - sorry! Big things to note are:

Tomorrow - Word Study Quizzes, My math class Money Test
Jan. 26th - Ancient Greece Test
Feb. 17th - Comfort Cases packing day (see below for more info - this is a Saturday)


Cap Collection Info
We have about 30 pounds of caps so far, with just 2 classes counting! Woohoo! Please continue to collect and send in caps/lids. We have a long way to go to reach 500 POUNDS! If you're interested, you could always put a box out in your workplace or ask other family members to help as well! You can print a copy of our flyer here.


Comfort Cases
Comfort Cases is a program that collects bags and supplies for foster children. Our counselors are running a donation drive for the program . Each grade level is encouraged to bring in items to donate to the bags. Third grade is asked to donate small blankets, such as fleece or throw blankets (currently on sale for $2 at Walmart! And usually about $5 otherwise at Walmart and Target). We will have a "packing day" at Pinebrook on Saturday, Feb. 17th, in our gym. All are welcome - children too! - to help pack bags full of the donated items! You can read more about Comfort Cases on their website here.
This is not mandatory, but we appreciate anything you can give!

Updated Dates & Work

Hello Everyone!

I hope you all enjoyed some time together over our "extended weekend"! Now, back to work!

Cap Collection Update!

We currently have just about 10 pounds of plastic caps/lids! WOOHOO! 

However, this is still QUITE a bit away from 500 pounds! Ask family members, neighbors, friends, etc. to help as well! Keep collecting! If you need the flyer again, see your child's Thursday folder this week! 

Due to the days off, I have bumped everything accordingly. New dates/assignments are as follows:

Water Cycle Quiz
This is moved to TOMORROW, Jan. 9th. We will review today in class.
Here are some websites for review at home as well:
- https://www3.epa.gov/safewater/kids/flash/flash_watercycle.html
- http://portfolio.fcps1.org/itrt/K_5Science/Water%20Cycle%20Grade%203.html

*Our next Social Studies unit will be Ancient Greece! Find the study guide here on the blog or in your student's Social Studies notebook, which should come home every night!

Mrs. Malley's Math Class Info
- Money test moved to FRIDAY, Jan. 19th
Math Homework this week:
       Tuesday: Reflex Math
       Wednesday: Prodigy
       Thursday: Money Worksheet due NEXT Thursday, Jan. 18th

Word Study
We will give new words on Friday, Jan. 12th. The students will have these words for the whole next week and will have their quiz NEXT Friday, Jan. 19th.
To sum up:
- Friday, Jan. 12th = NEW words given
- Friday, Jan. 19th = Quiz day

Other Notes/Dates
Jan. 12th - Boxtops due
Jan. 15th - No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan. 16th - MONDAY schedule during school (We have PE this day, wear your shoes!)

Your student's agenda today should look like this:

Snow Day Work

Hello All!

I hope everyone is enjoying their snow days!

Since we have missed two days of school, I would appreciate if you could please have your student log on to two things today or over the weekend, to stay current with what we started on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

Please complete 2 assignments today or over weekend:
Both of these can be accessed through LCPSGo account.
1. Reading - go on RAZ Kids and read the assigned book (if they have 2, it's the FICTION book). Then, answer the quiz questions after reading.

2. Math - go on Prodigy and complete the money practice or your prodigy pre-assessment if you are still in the progress of finishing that. 

*Homework reminder:
1. Students had a reading worksheet, and my math class had a math worksheet and reflex to complete this week. We will be checking those on Monday, so make sure they are finished!
2. Please remember to read daily! Snow days are GREAT for reading books together!

*Change in quiz/test dates:
1. Water Cycle quiz will be moved to Tuesday, Jan. 9th
2. My math class Money test will be moved to Friday, Jan. 19th