the fairy tale

yesturday for writing we had write about a smart fairy tale wehad to inclod name,look like,like to,live,can do,wants.i wrote about prince harrison was riding his hores and he saw a dragin going to the princess tower so he heaed to the tower and he ran up the stairs and said lock your windows and doors then she said why then he said just do it so she did and the dragin was trying to get in so prince harrison opened the window and stabbed the dragin in it's heart and thats what made him so smart. that was writing on 11-15-10

A WONDREFUL WEEK

This week NAZEEH erand his frist liontrack.Ms.Coleman has waited for this momint forever.Also Ms.Coleman is leting studets blog,like me JOE HELLWIG.We will start a new thing called the DAILY 5,it will be fun.Are studetcoinsle is...HAIRSON and ASHLEOIN.Also this week we will get rid of some centers,but we will haft to do them.Every friday we go out for PEACE RECSE,[If wrer GOOD].By Joe Hellwig

Chaunte's bloog

Hello.My name is chaunte.The most impotant thing i leared today was vocabulary.Because every body in my class including my self had to put all of the vocabulary words in our vocabulare books.Some thing were difficuit for me.One thing that was difficit was comprehension.There were also things that were easy,like indepndent reading.And in order to help me tomorrow,i will need to try to put my words in my book faster.

ashleonia coleman's blogger

My name is Ashleonia I go to Keeven Elemantry I'm in third grade I am a smart 8 year old I really like this school it is the best school I've went to in 8 years of my life I really like the teachers and the students I'm learning very we'll my safty is so perfect and everything is too. by.Ashleonia Coleman

most important thing i learned

the most important thing i learned today was that there was 9 planets in our solar system.some thing were difficult for me.one thing that was difficult was saying the planets names.there were also things that were easy,like doing the work for it.in order to help me tomorrow,i will need to study the planets. oh also if you go to space you will see all 9 planets.

By Brittney

1,000 chart

In math were making 1,000 chart by putting ten 100 charts together.We glued the 100 charts down on a big red paper.Ms.Coleman gave the class some numbers to write down on our 1,000 charts.after that Ms.Coleman made us do a work sheet that asked us how did we find out were the numbers she told us to put down goes.


by Harrison Vickers

Student Bloggers

So I am so excited to make this announcement. Our room 5 blog will have guest bloggers. I will be training the following students to blog weekly on what we are doing in the classroom. Keep checking to hear what the students have to say.

Student bloggers : Ashleonia Coleman
Joe Hellwig
Trinity Merritt
Brittney Ralph
Chris Ray
Harrison Vickers
Chaunte Williams

Student Council Speeches 6

Student Council Speeches 5

Student Council Speeches 4

Student Council Speeches 3

Student Council Speeches 2

Speeches

Because of our safety filters on school computers, I thought that the student council speeches didn't post right. Now I know, but I left my camera at school. I will post the rest in the morning.

Honor Roll

First Quarter's Honor Roll Students:

Ashleonia Coleman
Joe Hellwig
Trinity Merritt
Chris Ray
Harrison Vickers
Chaunte Williams


PS> I thought the link to the speech didnt work. Apparently it does. I will post the rest later today.

Student Council Speeches 1

Ashleonia's Speech

Student Council Speeches

We did our student council speeches. The video won't upload to the blog. I will try to upload to the website. The vote will be tomorrow, I will post pictures of the winners!

Tungsten (eValuate)

Our eValuate scores are in. They are not as high as they were at the end of last year, but that is to be expected. This test, evaluates 3rd grade skills and we just began 3rd grade, so it is expected.

Scores will improve!

Tungsten

The Tungsten test is now called eValuate, but you will still hear us refer to it as Tungsten. Almost all students have finished the test. Once we are done, I will post pics of our graphs.

Sick

So sorry that I was out this week. I had whatever bug is going around Keeven this week. It started with a sore throat and grew into severe congestion and a hacking cough. I had no fever however. Watch your child to see if they are showing any symptons. I have had two out this week. Stay Healthy!

Graphing in Math

Yesterday, students were given survey questions. They then created categories, graphed their results, and journaled their observations. Room 5 really worked hard, and they worked togeter. I was so proud, I took pictures. Check it out!

Ms. Arnold

Room 5 would like to extend a hearty welcome to a new addition to Room 5. We are lucky enough to have a student teacher. Ms. Arnold is a student at UMSL. She will be in our classroom each Tuesday. Later she will be in the classroom daily, and even teach lessons. We are so lucky to have her, she fits in very well.

Cooperative Learning

Cooperative Learning is a teaching technique. In cooperative learning students are each assigned a job and given a project or assingment. In order to perform their job and their assignment, they must work together.

Students in room 5 were assigned a project. They were to create a map of the classroom. The map needed a map key, an index, and a grid. The students in room 5 did a great job working together. Take a look at the pictures of them working. I will post pics of completed maps when they finish.

Dictionaries

Students have begun to learn how to use a dictionary. To begin this, I gave each pair a vocabulary word. They had to use the guide words to find each word. At the end of the lesson, students had to admit, using the guide words made finding the assigned words much easier.

Build upon this lesson by encouraging your child to use the dictionary. Give them the first three letters of the word, or the whole word and let them find it. The more they do, the faster it becomes.

Uniforms

Thank you to all the parents who are working hard to ensure that their students follow the uniform policy. I am so happy to see so many conscientious families. For the past two days, the students in room 5 have been 100% in complete uniforms. Let's keep it up.

Sidenote: Often I tell students when their pants are not uniform pants or shoes are many colors. This doesn't mean they are getting a consequence or losing recess. It is usually a response to "is this okay". But thanks for staying on top of things with me.

Take a look!

Lion Club

In order to be a member of Lion Club students must earn 18 lion tracks. 9 from me and 9 from other teachers. To earn a lion track they must show exemplary behavior in the classroom and other areas of the school. After school each day, ask your child if they earned any lion tracks.

Members of lion club get special priviledges such as dressing out of uniform on Fridays and wearing their lion club shirts.

Community

This week in Reading we are studying communities and habitats. Talk to your kid about what they see in their community, both living and non-living. If you have time, have your child make a list of the things in their community and bring it to school. I will reward them.

Active Expressions

As you may know, last year we had activotes. Students were able to answer multiple choice questions at the click of a button. Our promethean board tallied the answers and I was able to see immediately who understood and who didn't understand. All students were able to participate not just the one who raised their hand.

Now its even better. Students not have activexpressions. With this device they can answer short answer questions as well. Now they are learning to text their responses to me. I can still immediately tally their ansswers to see who gets it. We are LOVING this new technology.

Friday Notes

What a great two weeks. There has been some adjustment, but I am still feeling very positive about this year. Sometimes I just have to sit back and watch how well these students work together.

Just a note:
Friday Reports are coming home. Be sure to return these on Monday or your child will lose recess.

Homework Packets

Homework Packets are going home today. Be Sure that students do a little each night, follow the suggested days. This way they will be able to turn it in on Friday.

Cooperative Learning

Room 5 has been hard at work. There is a lot of review to do. We have to prepare our brains to absorb new information. But academics isn't the only ingredient for a healthy classroom. Students also have to get along with each other. They have to be able to work together and help each other. They have to work cooperatively. In order to achieve this goal, I spend time in the begininng of the year helping students get to know each other and teaching them how to work as a team. We do lessons that are called classbuilding or teambuilding. These lessons teach your child how to work with others and helps them get to know the people they will be learning with.

Today we did an activity called "Find Someone Who". Each student recieved a checklist of facts. They had to find a classmate to fit each fact. This required them to move around the classroom and meet new classmates, it requried them to ask questions and wait their turn. It also allowed them to learn what they have in common with one another. Check out the pics of these students working together.

Place Value

In Math we are studying place value. To practice this we are adding using 100s, 10s, and 1s. Practice at home. Give your student three or four 2 digit + 2 digit Math problems. Once they master that, give them a harder equation.


By the way, I want to thank everyone for sending students to school with supplies. This is really helping us hit the ground running.

Homework packets will begin next week.

Happy First Day of School

Our first day got off to a great start. It was wonderful seeing all my returning faces and the new ones as well. I am so happy to be apart of this learning experience. Here are some pics from the getting to know you activity we did today. Ask your child to tell you something they learned about a classmate.

Welcome Back

I hope you all are excited to begin third grade. I know I am. I missed everybody. I am so glad to start the new year. Take a peak at the new bulletin boards I put up.

Last Day of School

It's finally here. The last day of school. I just want to take a moment to say how much I have enjoyed being your child's teacher. I can't wait to be their third grade teacher. Have a great summer and I'll see you next year.

No Homework

As it is the last full week of school, we are busy tying up loose ends. I am getting report cards ready to go home next week and students are finishing up on going projects. We are however still continuing to learn new things. This being said, we are so close to the finish that I will not be assigning any homework. Feel free to continue to have your child read each night. However, no homework will be due.

Last one...promise, Meramac Caverns

Meramac Caverns Pix

More Pics from Meramac Caverns

Meramac Caverns

I have to admit I was a little concerned about taking the students to a cave. However, it turned out to be absolutely beautiful. Check out the pix.

Tungsten Scores

Room 5 (and all of second grade) has been taking the Tungsten test in both Reading and Math. We have been doing a GREAT job. We are celebrating having some of the highest scores in the district. This test is a great indicator of success for the next grade level, so I know that room five will do well in the future. Stop by and take a look at our graphs to see why we are so proud.

Field Trip Wednesday

Room 5's field trip is Wednesday. Please be sure to send money and permission slips. Contact me if you need anymore information.

Weekend Plans

What memories are you going to create with your child this weekend?

Childhood is short. We spend most of our lives as adults. Take some time out this weekend making sure your child remembers their childhood fondly. Plan a picnic, go to the park or a museum, bake cookies or a cake, visit the library. Just remember to spend some time with them. Before you know it they will be adults or even sooner than that...teenagers who don't want to be seen anywhere with you. :)

Character and Setting

Students are reviewing characters and setting. Help reinforce this skill. When your child is reading or watching T.V., ask them to tell you the characters and setting. You may also ask them to summarize the movie by giving the beginning, middle, and end.

Field Trip

Today, field trip forms are going home. Our field trip will be Thursday, March 13. We are going to Meramac Caverns. Students will need to bring 7 dollars for the trip. On the day of the field trip they will need to bring a bag lunch. If you have any questions, please forward them to me. Thanks !

Measurement at Home

We have begun a unit on measurement. Students have measured with cubes, string, paper clips, popsicle sticks, and paper strips. They are learning that you can measure with several different units. This unit will evolve into using actual measuring utensils such as rulers. If you have a ruler at home, take time to show your child how to use it. Turn them loose in the house, let them measure whatever they want and record the measurements. I know they will have fun!

Uniform Crack Down

Beginning Monday, students in room 5 will recieve a consequence each time they are out of uniform. This counts for even one item missing or not adhering to the policy. Whether its belts, shoes, or clothing, your student will be penalized. Keeven students are becoming lapsed when it comes to uniforms, so I am cracking down. If you have any questionsk, please direct them to me and I will be sure to get back to you.

Arts Partners

Today we begin Arts Partners. Arts Partners is a group of visiting artists that come into schools and teach students about art and music from other cultures. Our teacher is named Adam Rugo. He is teaching students about West African Drumming. Ask your student what new words they learned and which drums they got to play!

We go each day from 12:30 - 1: 30. Mr. Rugo will be here Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week and Monday and Tuesday of next week.

A few notes

On Uniforms

• Mrs. Fields has been cracking down on uniforms. Please refer to the uniform policy sent home last week if you have questions or contact me and I will send you a new one. Belts and shoes are the biggest offenses.

Supplies

• Thank you to those of you who sent supplies for your child. I have put their names on them and those students are in no danger of running out. If you still have not sent anything, we are about a week from running out of paper and pencils.

Taxes

• Today, your children learned a valuable lesson about taxes. Each child was given a job and then charged taxes. The taxes were used to pay government jobs. Then I charged students for rent, food, cars, etc. Most students ended up broke and the consensus was "I don't wanna be a grown-up". Talk to your child about some of your responsibilities and ask them how they fared in today's lesson of being "grown up".

Shoes

Spring is here. Let's all take a second to remember our uniform policy for shoes.

1. Shoes should be brown, black, or white.
2. Shoes should have a minimum of colors (no big checks or multicolored shoes).
3. Students should not wear open toed shoes.
4. Socks should be white, blue, or black.

Also, remember if they have belt loops they should have a brown or black belt on.

Blepharitis

So sorry that I was out last week. I woke up Monday and my eye was swollen shut. I had/have what is called blepharitis which is an infection of the eyelid. It was very severe and very painful. However, most of the swelling is gone and I am glad to be back at school I missed all my students. So sorry that homework packets didnt go home last week. Students will be completing this in class. Thanks for your patience and well wishes.

What shoes are your child wearing?

The weather has changed. Your child has grown a lot since last Spring. Keeven has seen many new clothes. Make sure when you buy new clothes that they fit the dress code. We have seen many shoes that do not fit the code. Shoes should be black, brown, or white. NO bright colors. Also tall boots are not allowed with skirts. Pants should be worn over the shoe as well. If you have any questions email me at mcoleman@hazelwoodschools.org.

Conferences coming up

Orange colored sheets went home asking what times are best for you for Parent Teacher Conferences. If you have not sent this form back, please do ASAP. Thanks.

Here are some great Reading websites

Use these sites to help you educate your child!

http://www.sitesforparents.com/

http://www.literacymatters.org/

http://www.readingrockets.org/

http://www.weread.org/

http://www.familyeducation.com/

http://www.readingsucesslab.com/

Counting Change

One of the skills we are working on in Room 5 is counting coins. Many students are struggling. Your child may need help: Identifying coins and thier value
Adding the change
Or making change from a dollar
Work with your child with change. Give them real experience at home or in stores managing coins to help them excel in the classroom.

Spring Pictures

Spring picture forms went home today. They will take pictures on Wednesday, March 3.

School Supplies

Students are running low on their classroom school supplies. Most students need 1 composition notebook, 1 spiral notebook, and one three pronged folder. Please send these supplies as soon as you can. I will put your child's name on it and when they need it, it will be there. Thanks!

Pebbles, Sand, and Silt

In Science, we have just begun a new unit called Pebbles, Sand, and Silt. We are studying rocks. Students are studying rocks. They are learning where they come from and how to classify them. If your child shows an interest, feel free to go searching for rocks are read books about them.

Black History Month T-Shirts

Order forms went home today for Black History Month T-Shirts. They each cost $6 dollars, except XX and XXX shirts for adults. Students and parents are encouraged to wear them for the Black History Month program February 23 at 630. Hope to see you there.

Valentine's Day

As you know if you read the newsletter, Room 5 will not be holding a Valentine's Day party. But I will allow students to exchange valentines. If you send valentines, be sure to send one for each student. This keeps things fair and prevents any hard feelings amongst the children. Please send a note to me if you would like a list of student names.

Groundhog Day

Happy Groundhog Day. The groundhog did see his shadow, therefore there will be another six weeks of winter. Remember to bundle your kids up. If they bring a light jacket or sweatshirt, it should be in uniform colors.

Health- Ingredient labels

In Health, we are studying what makes a healthy meal. In order to prepare students are asked to bring a blank food label so they can determine whether the food is healthy. Please send in a food ingredient label before Wednesday.

MIA

I know I have been remiss in keeping up with my blog. This will change as of today. I will blog daily again.

Things are going well in room 5. We are working hard to prepare for third grade.

Today is Peace Day. Students will be going down to the gym to celebrate being peaceful with an hour's worth of peaceful activities. Ask your child what they do!

Happy New Year

I hope everyone had a great New Year. I am very excited about the new year, though I am beginning to get nervous. I am nervous because I know that students need to get ready and prepped for third grade. Third grade is a big jump. Students are required to be much more independent and the expectations are much higher. WE have a lot to do! Let's get started...