News from Mrs. Drudy's Class
We exist so children can excel.
The Week at a Glance
It's sooooo good to be back! I missed your kiddos while we were on the holiday break!
Weekly Concept: New Ideas
Essential Question: What ideas can we get from nature?
Spelling Words: Prefixes mis-, dis-, pre-
Due to the shortened week this week, we will be working with the prefix-related spelling words next week. The pretest will be on Wednesday and the test will be on Friday (providing there are not more unanticipated interruptions).
Phonics Words
- misprint
- misread
- mistrust
- misspell
- mistreat
- precut
- preview
- prepaid
- preplan
- preheat
- distrust
- discount
- dishonest
- discover
- disable
- disconnect
- dismounted
- presale
- miscount
- distrusting
21. children
22. until
23. form
24. food
25. keep
MAP/NWEA Testing
Next week, students will be taking the middle of the year MAP/NWEA test. As you might recall from our conversations during parent teacher conferences this past fall, the MAP/NWEA tests are important to teachers because they keep track of progress and growth in basic skills. They let us know where a student’s strengths are and if help is needed in any specific areas. We use this information to help guide and individualize instruction in the classroom.
What can you do to help? First, it is important that your child be on time to school, as we begin the testing first thing in the morning. A tardy student is at a disadvantage during testing. As always, make sure that your child is well rested on school days and especially the day of a test. Children who are tired are less able to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of a test. Lastly, give your child a well-rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind.
Cursive Writing
This year our class is using the Zaner-Bloser Handwriting program to teach cursive writing. Even though learning to write in cursive is not mandatory in the state of Indiana, recent research shows that this deliberate handwriting instruction helps improve children's reading and writing skills. Our third grade program will cover all uppercase and lowercase letters, and will focus on legibility, paying special attention to the shape and size of each letter, as well as spacing between them. As children's handwriting improves, so will their confidence. Children want to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas with their family and friends. In today's Friday folder, I have included a copy of the Zaner-Bloser cursive alphabet for you to have at home to ensure proper formation of the letters when your child is writing. Remember to encourage their best effort; children should not be expected write perfectly all the time. As we hone our cursive writing skills we are working toward mastery of the following Indiana academic standard:
- "3.W.2.1 Write legibly in print or cursive, leaving space between letters in a word, words, in a sentence, and words and the edges of the paper."
Welcome Ramya Dare
We wish to extend a warm welcome to Ramya Dare. Ramya is a senior at Union County HIgh School and wants to be a teacher. She is completing a semester-long internship in the third grade classrooms. Ramya is no stranger to LES, as she completed independent studies in my kindergarten class last year.
Many Thanks
Thank you to those of you who so generously contributed toward today's hat day. In pleases us to know that our community's families can count on one another in times of need .
4-H Opportunities
Today, the extension agent from the Union County 4-H Association had planned on visiting our third graders to promote 4-H in our county. However, the two-hour delay prevented this from happening. If you are considering enrolling your child in this amazing opportunity, you must do so before January 15th. Click here for additional information.
Next Week's Share Topic
Goals for the New Year: As we say, “As good as we are, we can always get better.” What goals do you have for yourself as we move into the new year? These might be things you wish to improve or accomplish at home, school, church, sports, clubs, etc.
Related Arts Schedule
Monday: Computer Lab
Tuesday: Music
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: P.E.
Friday: P.E. and Library
Coming Up:
Week of Jan. 8th NWEA/MAP testing
Jan. 11 PTO meeting 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 16 School Smiles Dental Program
Jan. 26 LES pride rally (wear your "Shine Bright" shirt)
Main Idea Mia
Cooperating Connor
Welcome Ramya!
Front or Back?
Rounding Down the Iditarod Trail
Rounding Part II
About Us
Email: tammy.drudy@uc.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.uc.k12.in.us/liberty-elementary/liberty-elementary/
Location: 501 Eaton St, Liberty, IN, United States
Phone: 765-458-5521