Happenings Worth Hollering About!
September 5, 2012
Lots of Information
Greetings Everyone! I just want to take a moment and say a huge THANK YOU to all of the parents that came out to make Curriculum Night a success. I know that we were a bit rushed for time, and I might not have covered all of your questions, so please don't hesitate to contact myself or Ms. Distler if you need to ask us something. Also, if you weren't able to make it, I sent home all of the papers that were passed out that evening in your child's take home folder.
Technology in the Classroom
- Wiki: www.garriswecs.pbworks.com
This site is where I post the students science and math classwork and all of their homework. I randomly post pictures of what students are doing in the classroom. It's somewhat like a learning log for our class, and it's a great way to show what's going on in our class! I also post the homework under the homework link in the sidebar. You can print it directly off the site, or I have extra copies of homework available in the classroom. Every student in my homeroom and Ms. Distler's homeroom has a login and password for access to the Wiki.
- Website: https://sites.google.com/site/jgarriswecs/
This is where I post my newsletter and google calendar. It's also where I put curriculum notes, important documents, and logistical information. This site is more for the parents and not really for the students.
- Blog: www.kidblog.org/msgarristhirdgrade
This site is for my HOMEROOM ONLY. Every student has a login and password and is exptected to post at least one blog per week from home if internet access and a computer are available. The cycle goes from Monday to Sunday and all blogs are due Sunday evening. If internet access at home, then the blog needs to be written on paper, and we will find the time to post the blogs in the classroom. This counts as a writing homework grade and is expected to be done!
Homework
Homework is also a big deal in my classroom. I do check ALL homework; however, I only grade one homework assignment per subject per week. For example: If there are four homework assignments for math, I will look at all of the assignments, but I will only thoroughly grade one assignment from the week. On Thursdays, I will send home a homework summary of what homework was completed and what grade was put into the grade book. If homework is missing, I will attach the missing homework and it is up to the student to complete it and turn it back in for credit. After I re-send home the missing homework, I will NOT play paper chaser to hunt down completed homework.
Volunteer Opportunities
If there are certain subjects you love, certain topics you're interested in, certain things you want to do, just email me, and we will try to make it work. YOU know what you're best at, and I want everyone to have a chance to make some sort of contribution to the class. I know circumstances don't always allow for time to come in, but if you're available to do at home things, let me know that too. I want everyone to feel like they have a chance to be involved, so please let me know!
Calling All BoxTops!
I am an avid Box Top collector, so please be sure to snip these and send them in! I have a container that I put them in until we do a teacher competition. Throwing these away is like throwing away money because we get 10 cents per Box Top!
Need for Plastic Bottles!
I originally wanted liter bottles, but I'm thinking that it would be good to use the 16 oz water bottles to make terrariums, so each student can get one. I want to make the terrariums by mid-September, so send them on in!
Upcoming Field Trip
The third grade will be taking a trip to the High Museum to see a live glass blowing exhibit. This aligns to our upcoming heat unit in science. We will be going on Wednesday, September 12th, from 9:30 - 1:00pm. I am not exactly sure how third grade is going to work out chaperones, but I will let everyone know once it is discussed.
Conferences
I sent an email out in August saying that I would call at the end of August to set up conferences, but somehow, August has slipped away from me! I will be calling next week to set up conferences at the number designated in the email. I haven't forgotten! :)
I know this is a lot of information, but please read it thoroughly, and if you have any questions, just ask!
Best-
Ms. Garris, Nerfy, and Harry