THANK YOU-December 21, 2007

Dear Students and Parents:

Thank you so much for the
presents and the gift certificates. I
appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness.
I am looking forward to shopping, eating,
and readingover the holidays. The presents
were wonderful, too. I loved each one of
them.

I hope you and your families have
a restful, fun-filled winter break. Enjoy
your time with your loved ones. Create
new memories and celebrate old traditions.

Thank you again for your kindness and
have a magical New Year!!! The students
will also LOVE playing with their new games
when they return from break. It will be fun for
them to play Battleship, checkers, Clue, chess
and more!

Merry Christmas!
Love,
Mrs. Spakausky

JANUARY 7-11-Happy New 2008!!! Newsletter

Happy Holidays and Happy 2008!

See you back on Monday, January 7th!

Holiday Party
Thanks to the people who donated money for our class pizza party and thank you to the parents who organized it and for Mrs. Wuenschel for picking up the pizza.
This worked out great!!!

*We will be bowling Thurs., 12/20 after lunch. Your child can bring money for snacks at the bowling alley, but it is optional.

*Finally, Friday, 12/21 is our Tivoli trip to see the private viewing of Polar Express. We will have pizza at 10:30 before we board the buses to see the movie (from 12:00-1:40). What FUN!

WANTED: Parents volunteers to help us tie skates. The dates we skate are 1/8/- 1/22. Any time and any class. Write a note to Ms. Stainman to let her know when you are available.
Thanks!

FORGOTTEN LUNCHES: Starting in January, 2008 students who do not have a lunch ticket or money will be able to borrow from the office providing there is not an outstanding balance due for lunch tickets. If your child forgets his/her hot lunch ticket or has used them all, he/she may bring $2.25 to school and purchase a ticket that day from the office staff. Students must have exact change to purchase a ticket; no change will be given. If a child has no lunch, no money and the parent cannot be contacted, he/she may borrow from school office, but only twice per trimester. Students will no longer be able to borrow lunch tickets from the lunchroom staff.

Spirit Days
Dec. 21 - Holiday Wear
January 11-Wear Yellow for Respect

Goody Basket-
Thanks to:
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Ryan S.

English
Unit 6 on pronouns is coming up after break!

Spelling
Lesson 14 is next! The pattern of this lesson is irregular past tense words.

Social Studies
Chapter 3 is next. This deals with immigration and traditions.

Science
In science, we will be learning about the different states of matter. What is a solid, liquid and gas?

Independent Reading Program
Read and record in December!!!The December party will on Friday, January 11th. We will do a Home Run Inn Pizza reading party. I don't need anyone to pick it up.
Please send in $3.00 if your child will be participating.
Thanks!

Don't forget to record your Great America minutes too!!!

Spakausky's Math Update-
Chapter 4 is next! This is on time and measurement!

Multiplication update:
Mad Minute Schedule:
Done:
0's and 1's
2's

Week of:
Jan. 7-11- Multiplication 5's.
Jan. 14-Mult. 10's
Jan. 21 Mult. 11's

Reading
Fable or folktale? That is the question. We will learn about both and read some great stories. We will continue this after break!

Joke of the week:
Q: Why did the teacher take diving lessons?
A: He wanted to work as a sub!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Website of the week:
Map Skills Puzzles
http://www.yourchildlearns.com/map-puzzles.htm

Have a magical break! Mrs. T. Spakausky

Spakausky's Scoop-December 17-21

Miss Nabor's Party was a success! We gave her a personalized school bag, teacher post-it notes, an apple timer, a personalized teacher ornament, a personalized red/white heart blanket that said, “We Love You”- 3rd Grade, a silver teacher bracelet with red crystals on it and a hanging teacher charm, and a personalized desk organizer. We also purchased a cake and had Miss Nabor's games and snacks to celebrate. We made a class going away book with all the letters the students sent in.
Miss Nabor really appreciated all the items that were picked out for her!

Holiday Party
We will have a class pizza party on Friday, December 21st!
Some mom's will supply some cheese pizzas, cupcakes and drinks on that day for lunch. If you child would like to eat a sack lunch on this day, that is fine, also.
No charge for the pizza party, but if you want to send in a donation of $1-2, I will send it to the mom's that are doing this, to help with the cost.

Other Reminders for next week:
*The students will enjoy a band concert on Monday, 12/17 at 1:15, what fun!

*The class has earned a good behavior marble party. This will be from 1:45-2:25 on Wed., 12/19. They can bring a treat to share with the class and a pillow, stuffed animal OR blanket. It has to fit in their locker. We will watch a G rated movie of their choice, also.

*We will be bowling Thurs., 12/20 after lunch. Your child can bring money for snacks at the bowling alley, but it is optional.

*Finally, Friday, 12/21 is our Tivoli trip to see the private viewing of Polar Express. We will have pizza at 10:30 before we board the buses to see the movie (from 12:00-1:40). What FUN!
(Please make sure you have permission slips in for bowling and the movie-if not, get it from our school website).

Busy week ahead!

December Spirit Days
Dec. 14 - School Spirit Day
Dec. 21 - Holiday Wear

Goody Basket-
Thanks to:
Greg
Mary
Adam
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Emma

English
Unit 4-We are learning about adjectives and adverbs.

Spelling
We will do a holiday list. You will get the packet on Monday and have a test on Friday!

Writing
Due on Thursday, December 20th!

Social Studies
We have learned about rural communities and suburban communities, so far. Next it will be urban. The chapter 2 test will be on Friday morning the 21st of December!!!

Independent Reading Program
Read and record in December!!!The December party will on Friday, January 11th. We will do a Home Run Inn Pizza reading party. I don't need anyone to pick it up.
Please send in $3.00 if your child will be participating.
Thanks!

Spakausky's Math Update-
Chapter 2 test will be on Thursday, 12/20. Study chapter 2.

Reading
Fable or folktale? That is the question. We will learn about both and read some great stories.

Joke of the week:
Q: What did the werewolf write on his holiday cards?
A: “Best vicious!”

Website of the week:
On-line stores-visit---
http://www.bookpals.net/storyline/

Have a fantastic weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky

Dec. 10-14-NEWS

Our School's Service Project!
Thanks to all of you that donated to our needy family. They will have a nice holiday because of US!!!

Our Family
Family Gift-
Happy Feet DVD
$10 Meijer Gift Card
$10 Wal-Mart Gift Card
$25 Chili's Gift Card
Cranium-Grab and Go Super Sudoko and Velveteen Rabbit
Hannah Montana DVD
$20 Chuck E Cheese Card
$25 Wal-Mart Gift Card
Candyland Game
Cooties Game
RV DVD

Mom-
$20 gift card to Bath and Body
“Hope” bracelet
silver/gold watch
Bath and Body Products with shower organizer
$15 Target gift card
gingerbread candle
Honey Almond Bath Set
Hat, gloves, scarf
candle

***Lanya (cancer patient)-6 year old female
puzzle book
Barbie Sun catchers Painting
Fleece outfit with headband
Island Barbie Doll
Disney Princes color book crafts
Jr. Monopoly
Brain Quest
Game
Trouble Game
Sweet Secrets play set
game
Trouble game
markers and coloring book
blending pen set
Human Body floor puzzle

***Makayla (cancer patient)-4 year old female
dog costume fun play
Barbie
Fleece outfit with headband
Littlest Pet Shop Game
Velvet poster and markers
Fur Real Tug pup
Game
Disney magnetic game/book
Dress up puzzle doll
Sweet Secrets play set
mini computer game
Elmo Book and crayons
hat, scarf, mitten set
magnetic bug catching game
Moon Sand castle

Jada-5 year old female
puzzle book
Barbie Scrapbook Kit
Fleece outfit with headband
Crayola Color Explosion and Princess Tatoos
Markers and coloring pad -princesses
Littlest Pet shop game
Game
Sweet Secrets play set
diary
crayons and coloring book
paint by number
Guess Who Game
travel activity book

LUTHERBROOK
-$10 Target card
-$10 Target card
-$10 monetary gift
-$10 monetary gift
-$10 monetary gift
-$15 Target gift card
-$20 monetary gift
-$10 Target
-$10 monetary gift
-$20 Target gift card
GREAT COLLECTION!!!

Holiday Party
We will have a class pizza party on Friday, December 21st!
Some mom's will supply some cheese pizzas, cupcakes and drinks on that day for lunch. If you child would like to eat a sack lunch on this day, that is fine, also.
No charge for the pizza party, but if you want to send in a donation of $1-2, I will send it to the mom's that are doing this, to help with the cost.

Sub Alert-
FYI- There will be a sub here for me on
Friday, 12/11/07.

November/December Spirit Days
Dec. 7 - Character Counts Day-WEAR RED
Dec. 14 - School Spirit Day
Dec. 21 - Holiday Wear

Goody Basket-
Thanks to:
Lauren
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Grant

English
Unit 4-We are learning about adjectives and adverbs.

Spelling
L. 13 this week.-change of plans-sorry

Writing
Due on Thursday, December 13th!

Science-
Chapter 2 test is on Friday, 12/7.

Social Studies
We will start chapter 2 on urban, suburban and rural communities.

Independent Reading Program
Congrats to the following people who read for the month of November:
-Adam -Kelsey -Greg
-Ryan R. -Mary -Daniel
-Karina -Caitlin -Ryan S.
-Matthew -Madison -Nicky
-Isa -James -Lauren
-Anita -Paul -Emily
-T.J. -Emma -Amy
-Patricia
*Thank you to Mrs. Wuenschel for picking up Taco Bell! YUMMY!

Spakausky's Math Update-
Chapter 2 and subtraction is next!

Reading
We are going to be reading our last story in the traditions unit of our reading book. The story is called Dancing Rainbows by Evelyn Clarke Mott. We will continue the skill of map clusters.

Joke of the week:
Q: What word starts with e, ends with e, and only has one letter it it?
A: Envelope

Website of the week:
Kid-Friendly Search Engine:
Try using this when your child is looking for interesting facts on the Internet.
Http://factmonster.com/

Have a tremendous weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky

Spakausky Scoop--- December 3-7

We'll Miss You
Miss Nabor!
Her last day is Friday, 12/7!
Good Luck!

IT’S A SURPRISE! SHHHHH!!!
Dear Parents,
Miss Nabor’s last day will be Friday, December 7th!. The students and I have enjoyed having her in our classroom very much. They have learned so much from her and I know they will truly miss her. I need your help in planning her last day.
I am asking that each student write a letter to Miss Nabor. I would like the students to have two paragraphs. In the first paragraph include their first and last name, favorite hobbies and subjects and other information about them personally. In the second paragraph, they can include what they enjoyed most about her being here, what they will miss about her and any questions they may have for her. They can attach a photo of themself, if they would like, and draw a colorful picture, if there is room at the bottom of their page. Please use a piece of notebook paper that is 8x10 ½ . We will then insert the letter into a special book here at school. I would like these letters to be turned in by Monday, December 3rd, at the latest.
We will also be giving Miss Naborla surprise party on Thursday, December 2nd at 1:30ish. If anyone would like to send in a drink or a treat for that day please let me know. Also, if anyone would like to make/buy a banner for our party that would be great. (You can send the items in any time before the party and leave it in the office). (I will also accept a person or two or three to, set-up, supply items to decorate with, be a photographer for the party, etc. plan 2 paper and pencil activities for the party (Miss Nabor Bingo, for example).
Lastly, I will be purchasing some special gifts for Miss Nabor from the class. They will be gifts to help her get started in her teaching career. If you would like to donate somewhere between
$3.00-$5.00 that would be great! I will be ordering her a beautiful teacher bracelet and I will also pick up some “teacher” items to fill a “teacher” bag. We will present them to her at the party on Thursday. If you want to pick up a small teacher gift/gift card and send it in, that is okay too. If you plan to send in a monetary donation I would like to have it by Monday, November 19th. Please send it in an envelope with Mrs. Spakausky’s name and your child’s name on the front.
Do not write what it is for. Thank you so much for your help. Please feel free to call or e-mail me (tspakaus@ccsd66.org) if you have any questions or if you want to help in any way.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Spakausky

No School-
Friday, November 30th!

Our School's Service Project!
Donations and gifts are
due on Wednesday, 12/5.

So far we have collected:

Mom-
$20 gift card to Bath and Body
bracelet

***Lanya (cancer patient)-6 year old female
puzzle book
Barbie Sun catchers Painting
Fleece outfit with headband

***Makayla (cancer patient)-4 year old female
dog costume fun play
Barbie
Fleece outfit with headband

Jada-5 year old female
puzzle book
Barbie Scrapbook Kit
Fleece outfit with headband

Family Gift-
Happy Feet DVD
$10 Meijer Gift Card
$10 Wal-Mart Gift Card

LUTHERBROOK
-$10 Target card
-$10 Target card
-$10 monetary gift
-$10 monetary gift

Holiday Party
In lieu of a holiday party, Principal Schultz has decided to have the students attend a movie at the Tivoli. We will be going there on Friday, 12/2, after lunch, to see
The Polar Express!. What fun!
I think we may have a pizza lunch party on this day, so stay tuned for details!

Sub Alert-
FYI- There will be a sub here for me on
Friday, 12/7/07.

November/December Spirit Days
Dec. 7 - Character Counts Day
Dec. 14 - School Spirit Day
Dec. 21 - Holiday Wear

Goody Basket-
Thanks to:
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Caitlin

English
Unit 4 is next! We will learn about adjectives and adverbs.

Spelling
Lesson 12 will be next week.

Writing
No writing prompt this week.

Science
The chapter 2 test will most likely be on Thursday, December 6th! Study, study!

Independent Reading Program
*November Reading Party will be on Wednesday, December 5th!
*I will check reading folder on Monday, 12/3.
*Optional-$3.00 due for Taco Bell on Mon. 12/3.
*I still need a parent volunteer to pick up Taco Bell on that Wednesday at 10:40. Thanks!

Spakausky's Math Update-
Chapter 2 is next! We have been studying estimation, rounding, and addition of larger numbers.

Reading
We are going to be reading our last story in the traditions unit of our reading book. The story is called The Talking Cloth. We will be learning the sill of map clusters.

Joke of the week:
Q: What happened to the dog that fell in the freezer?
A: He became a frozen pup-scicle!

Website of the week:
Kid-Friendly Search Engine:
Try using this when your child is looking for something on the Internet.
New York Learning Network http://www.nytimes.com/learning/

Have a great 3 day weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky
Miss Nabor

Holiday Gift Shop-Thursday, 11/29/07 ---4-7pm

Come shop for Christmas at the Holiday Gift Shop!

Mrs. Spakausky will also be displaying her beaded jewelry at the

"parent" fair, in the gym next store!

4:00-7:00 Holiday Gift Shop

Needy Family Update November 27, 2007

Great donations, so far. The donation deadline is Wednesday, December 5th!

Mom-
-bracelet

***Lanya (cancer patient)-6 year old female
puzzle book
Barbie Suncatchers Painting

***Makayla (cancer patient)-4 year old female
dog costume fun play
Barbie

Jada-5 year old female
puzzle book
Barbie Scrapbook Kit

Family Gift-
1) Happy Feet DVD

LUTHERBROOK
-$10 Target card
-$10 Target card

Reminder for 12/3.

SHHHH-Surprise items, donation, letters due Monday, 12/3. Party on Thurs., 12/6-1:15.

YEARBOOK ORDERS

YEARBOOK:

Now’s the time to place your orders. Yearbooks are $9.00 and the deadline for your orders is Monday, December 3, 2007.

No orders will be accepted after that date.

Please make checks payable to Lifetouch.

Please make sure your student’s name, teacher’s name and grade level are marked on the order form.

Yearbook order forms went home with your child on November 15th

and there a few extra envelopes available; please try not to lose them.

If your child loses it, you can send an envelope with the following information on it: student’s name, teacher’s name and grade level along with a check made payable to Lifetouch for $9.00. It is very important that you put the information on the envelope; Lifetouch does not know who your child’s teacher is.

November 19-23-Happy Thanksgiving!

Miss Nabor and I would like to wish you and your family a very

Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy!

Dancing FUN for READING!

Grandma's Records
After reading and studying the story, Grandma's Records, we invited some dancers in to perform and teach some salsa dancing. On Friday, November 19th, the students enjoyed learning some salsa moves. Ask them who there partner was and if they enjoyed the Latin music. Did you twirl your partner?

Kim Garvey & Michael Blank, from Celebrity Dance Studio, were AWESOME! If your child is interested in taking dance classes, you can check out their website. They have Saturday kids classes in Downers Grove. What fun!
www.celebritydancestudio.com

Holiday Service Project
Each year Prairieview runs a service project around the holidays. Our efforts will benefit two organizations: a cancer family and a children's shelter.
Each classroom at Prairieview has a family or an individual that is in need at this time.
In addition to the cancer families, we will also be making donations to LutherBrook, a shelter for less fortunate boys and girls.
This year our class has a very special family.
Our family includes:

~Lanya(cancer patient) -6 years old –female
~Makayla (cancer patient) -4 years old – female
~Jada -5 years old – female
~Mom

Sadly, Lanya and Makayla both have cancer. Not only does this family struggle with the stress of treatments and illness, but they are less fortunate than us financially, too. In order to make this a special holiday, we have “adopted” them. If you could send in a NEW, not used, present for one or more of the family members, that would be appreciated.

Directions:
*Please wrap the gift
*LABEL the item with what it is with a post it.
*Label who it is for

Some ideas for NEW (not used) gifts include, but are not limited to:
Lanya (age 6) age appropriate games/toys, books, crafts, winter hat/gloves, jewelry, etc.
Makayla (age 4) age appropriate toys, board games, books, winter hat/gloves, socks, etc
Jada (age 5) age appropriate games/toys, books, puzzles, winter hat/gloves, socks, winter hat/gloves, socks, etc.
Mom: bath and body, perfume, jewelry, candles, kitchen accessories, picture frames/albums, gift certificates,
gift baskets, slippers, etc.

Gift certificates to consider:
Jewel, Best Buy, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, K-Mart, Sears, JC Penney’s, Carson Pierre Scott, Chili’s, TGIFridays, Subway, McDonalds, Burger King, ETC.

These gifts will be delivered before Christmas along with a freshly cut tree donated

by Strong Landscaping.

Gifts for LutherBrook:
We are accepting Cash or Target gift cards in any denomination. This goes towards gifts on the children's wish list and toward a special holiday party! This is greatly appreciated!
Thanks for your support!
Questions: tspakaus@ccsd66.org
***ALL DONATIONS NEED TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL ON OR BEFORE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5th!

No School-
Wednesday, 11/21, 11/22, and 11/23. Happy Turkey Day!

In need of-
chapter books and picture books to donate to a needy school-by 11/16.

Junior Achievement-
Our next session will be on November 29th from 12:00-1:00 with Mr. Elliot.

November/December Spirit Days
Nov. 16 - Favorite Sports Team Wear
Dec. 7 - Character Counts Day
Dec. 14 - School Spirit Day
Dec. 21 - Holiday Wear

Goody Basket-
Thanks to:
Paul
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week for the week of Nov. 26th
Anthony

Spelling
No Spelling during the week of Thanksgiving.

Reading-
Grandma's Records.-skill taught categorize and classify.
After reading help the students think about:

1. Did Eric like the visits with his Grandma? What parts of the story make you think so? Have you ever
visited a family member who lives somewhere else? Where? What do you remember about the visit?
2. Where did Grandma and her nephew Sammy, the musician, come from? Is it part of the United States? What languages are spoken there?
3. Why would Grandma put her hand over her heart when her favorite record was playing? Have you ever felt a song was “just for you?” Do you have a favorite song? What is it?
4. Did Eric like Sammy’s concert in New York? Have you ever gone to a music concert? Where? Who was playing? What did you enjoy about the music?

Independent Reading Program
*November Reading Party will be on Wednesday, December 5th!
*I will check reading folder on Monday, 12/3.
*Optional-$3.00 due for Taco Bell on Mon. 12/3.
*I need a parent volunteer to pick up Taco Bell on that Wednesday. Thanks!

English-
Unit 3 is on Verbs. The test will most likely be on Wed., 11/28.

Writing
No writing prompt this week.

We started a sloppy copy of our turkey story on Tuesday. Please finish the turkey point of view story by Friday, 11/16. You can type it or write your final copy in cursive! See sheets for directions and rubric.

Science-
There will be a quiz after each lesson in the chapter 2 health unit. We had our first one on nutrition. The next one will be on germs and diseases.

HEALTH FEST reminder-
The health fest will be on Tuesday, 11/20. If you have food to drop off, please drop it off by 12:30, not 1:00. Thanks!
During our health fest, we will be exercising, napping, playing “healthy bingo,” trying different healthy foods and brushing our teeth!

The chapter 2 test will most likely be on Tuesday, 12/4.

Spakausky's Math Update-
Chapter 1 has come to an end and the test will be on Friday, 11/16.
Chapter 2 is next!

Conference schedule:
Tuesday, November 27th
3:00-3:15-Anthony
3:15-3:30-Caitlin
3:30-3:45-Grant
3:45-4:00-Mary
4:00-4:15-James
4:15-4:30-Joey
4:30-4:45-Emily
4:45-5:00-Paul
5:00-5:15-_________
5:15-5:30-Kelsey

Wednesday, November 28th
3:00-3:15-_________
3:15-3:30-Anita
3:30-3:45-Karina
3:45-4:00-Isa
4:00-4:15-Nicky
4:15-4:30-T.J.
4:30-4:45-Madison
4:45-5:00-Patricia
5:00-5:15-Hannah
5:15-5:30-Greg
5:30-5:45-Emma
5:45-5:55-Ryan S.
5:55-6:05-Ryan R.
6:05-6:15-Amy
6:15-6:30-Matthew
6:30-6:45-Adam
6:45-7:00-Daniel

December 6th
2:30-2:45-Lauren

Joke of the week:
Q: Why was the centipede dropped from the soccer team?
A: It took him too long to put his shoes on.

Website of the week:
Introduce your child to a foreign language. Write a foreign phrase on an envelope, and ask everyone to guess the meaning. Read the guesses and actual meaning aloud. Phrases can be found at www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/index.htm.

Have a nice weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky
Miss Nabor

November 12-16-Spakausky's Scoop

Help: We are in need of:
chapter books and picture books to donate to a needy school-by Friday, 11/16.
hand sanitizer-asap
multicolored tissue paper for projects and brown tissue paper-asap
Thanks in advance!

Junior Achievement-
Our next session will be on Friday, November 9th from 12:00-1:00 with
Mr. Elliot. What fun!!!

November/December Spirit Days
Nov. 9 - School Spirit Day
Nov. 16 - Favorite Sports Team Wear
Dec. 7 - Character Counts Day
Dec. 14 - School Spirit Day
Dec. 21 - Holiday Wear

Goody Basket-
Thanks to:
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Madison

Spelling
Thanksgiving List-
Monday- We will pre-test on the Thanksgiving words. 100% on pre-test means they don't have to take the test on Friday. NO CHALLENGE list this week!
Tuesday and Wednesday-Spelling sheet/activity
Thursday-Class Spelling Bee
Friday-Thanksgiving Test

Reading-
Next, we will be reading Grandma's Records. The skill taught using this story is categorize and classify.
After reading help the students think about:1. Did Eric like the visits with his Grandma? What parts of the story make you think so? Have you ever visited a family member who lives somewhere else? Where? What do you remember about the visit?
2. Where did Grandma and her nephew Sammy, the musician, come from? Is it part of the United States? What languages are spoken there?
3. Why would Grandma put her hand over her heart when her favorite record was playing? Have you ever felt a song was “just for you?” Do you have a favorite song? What is it?
4. Did Eric like Sammy’s concert in New York? Have you ever gone to a music concert? Where? Who was playing? What did you enjoy about the music?
We enjoyed reading The Keeping Quilt and we enjoyed hearing about quilt making from Mrs. Bala (a friend of Emma's family) and Isa's grandmother! What crafty and talented people quilter are! Thanks so much for your time and shared knowledge!

Independent Reading Program
Thanks for picking up food for us at Burger King, Mrs. Zlotnicki!

English-
The Unit 3 is on Verbs. We have covered past and present tenses.

Writing
The writing prompt will be due on Thursday , November 15th!

Science-
Chapter 2 is about ways to stay healthy. The students have learned about the food pyramid and exercise. Next week we will talk about germs, sleep and how drugs can effect our body.

Spakausky's Math Update-
We are currently studying money. Please help your child with making change.
Monday is the checkpoint quiz on page 34-35. Study text!
The test will most likely be on Wednesday, 14th. Study chapter 1 in the math text book.

Conference schedule:
Let me know if there are any changes.
Tuesday, November 27th
3:00-3:15-Anthony
3:15-3:30-Caitlin
3:30-3:45-Grant
3:45-4:00-_____
4:00-4:15-James
4:15-4:30-Joey
4:30-4:45-Emily
4:45-5:00-Paul
5:00-5:15-Mary
5:15-5:30-Kelsey
Wednesday, November 28th
3:00-3:15-Isa
3:15-3:30-Anita
3:30-3:45-Karina
3:45-4:00-_____
4:00-4:15-Nicky
4:15-4:30-T.J.
4:30-4:45-Madison
4:45-5:00-Patricia
5:00-5:15-Hannah
5:15-5:30-Greg
5:30-5:45-Emma
5:45-5:55-Ryan S.
5:55-6:05-Ryan R.
6:05-6:15-Amy
6:15-6:30-Matthew
6:30-6:45-Adam
6:45-7:00-Daniel
December 6th
2:30-2:45-Lauren
If anyone wants to move to an early blank time, that is fine, just let me know. Thanks!

Have a fun weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky
Miss Nabor

Spakausky's Scoop ---November 5-9

A big thanks to all the parents that made the Halloween party a success and thanks for sending in the special treats! A special thanks to the parents that came to help with the party:
Mrs. Hougaard, Mrs. Balinski,
Mrs. Swain, Mrs. DeSanto,
Mrs. Dourdourekas and Mrs. Wuenschel

Roller Skating Party is on Tuesday, 11/6! Is your child's permission slip in?

Junior Achievement-
Our next session will be on Friday, November 9th from 12:00-1:00 with Mr. Elliot. What fun!!!

November/December Spirit Days
Nov. 2 - Character Counts Day-Wear RED
Nov. 9 - School Spirit Day
Nov. 16 - Favorite Sports Team Wear
Dec. 7 - Character Counts Day
Dec. 14 - School Spirit Day
Dec. 21 - Holiday Wear

Goody Basket-
Thanks to:
Grant
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Kelsey S.

Spelling
Lesson 10-
Back to the normal routine. This lesson deals with the double ending pattern in words.

Reading-
We will be studying The Keeping Quilt story until next week and we will be learning about author's point of view until then, also. We will be sending home the book so your child can read the story with you before their assessments.
Things to think about: What is the tradition with the quilt in her family? What is the author's viewpoint about the quilt? Visit Polacco's website at
http://www.patriciapolacco.com/
for more information about her and her books.

Independent Reading Program
Reading Party will be on Wednesday, 11/7 !
Thanks for picking up food for us at Burger King, Mrs. Zlotnicki!

Thanks for reading for November:
*Ryan S. *James *Isa
*Caitlin *Karina *Kelsey
*Lauren *Ryan R. *Amy
*Emily *Daniel *Greg
*TJ *Anita *Mary
*Grant *Matthew *Adam
*Emma *Hannah and Paul
Keep up the great reading!

English-
The Unit 2 test on nouns was Thursday, 11/1.
We will be starting unit 3 on verbs next!

Writing
The writing prompt will be due on Thursday , November 8th!

Social Studies-
Test is on Friday, 11/2!
We will take a break from social studies and do science.

Science-
We will be picking up science again. This next chapter is on nutrition, exercise and ways to stay healthy!

Spakausky's Math Update-
Please send in the money bags asap. Thanks!
Money is next!
Practice counting money and
making change on the internet!
http://www.gamequarium.com/

Have a relaxing weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky
Miss Nabor

October 29-November 2nd-Spakausky's Scoop

No School on Monday-October 29th-Teacher's Institute

Halloween Parties-
The Halloween parties will be on Wednesday afternoon from 1:15-2:20. The students will begin the parties with a school parade and then proceed to the classrooms for some game and treats!
Remember-Please only send make-up that the student can put on themselves and leave plastic weapons for trick-or-treating. Thanks!
A special thanks to:
Party coordinator-Mrs. Hougaard
Game supervisors- Mrs. Balinski and Mrs. Swain
Drinks-Mrs. Fisher
Treats-Mrs. DeSanto and Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Dourdourekas
Thanks for making the party a success!

Field Trip-Robert Crown Center-
We will be going to Robert Crown on Wednesday morning from about 9:00-11:30. We won't return until after our usual lunch time, so we will eat lunch in the classroom on this day. Please send a sack lunch to school on Halloween!

Headphones from 2nd grade-
If you purchased headphones in 2nd grade, please send them to school for your child to use for our read naturally series. We will work on this in the computer lab. Thanks!

Book Orders:
Thanks for your orders!

PICTURE RETAKES: are scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 30th . Students must have original picture packets in hand to have a retake. If your child was absent on the first picture day, they will have to have their original order envelope with them at the time of retakes.

Junior Achievement-
We started Jr. Achievement Thursday, October 25th. Our volunteer teacher, Mr. Elliot, is from the Diveheart Organization. This is a non-profit organization that helps adults and children with special needs experience skiing and SCUBA diving. In addition to teaching us about our Jr. Achievement “Dollars and Sense” unit, he will be teaching us a little about SCUBA diving. What fun!!!

November/December Spirit Days
Nov. 2 - Character Counts Day
Nov. 9 - School Spirit Day
Nov. 16 - Favorite Sports Team Wear
Dec. 7 - Character Counts Day
Dec. 14 - School Spirit Day
Dec. 21 - Holiday Wear

Goody Basket-
Thanks to:
Isa
Matthew
Amy
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Emily B.
The categories that they will cover are:
Me
My Family
Special Friends
My Favorite Foods
Where I Live
Thing I Like to Do
When I Grow Up I’d like to
My Favorite Toys
How the special week works for your child:
Monday-put pictures up
Tuesday-share your board
Wed.-Read a favorite book (practice at home first)
Thursday-Show and Tell
Friday-Share a favorite snack

Spelling
Halloween Unit-
This week we will have a Halloween word unit with appropriate activities.

No challenge list this week. If they get 100% on the pretest, they won't have to take the test on Friday. They will still do the activities we have planned for the week!

Reading-
The next reading strategy we will be learning about is the author's viewpoint. The author's viewpoint includes what an author thinks, feels, and believes (their attitude), and the reason the author writes about a subject (purpose for writing). Authors use details to help readers understand the author's point of view.
We will be using a story by Patricia Polacco called, The Keeping Quilt. The author repeats certain details, such as the gifts each baby receives at birth, to emphasize important ideas. Polacco discusses Jewish traditions that are passed on to each new generation in her family.
Things to think about: What is the tradition with the quilt in her family? What is the author's viewpoint about the quilt? Visit Polacco's website at
http://www.patriciapolacco.com/
for more information about her and her books.

Guest Speaker Opportunity-
Do you know someone who could come and talk to our class about quilting???? They could talk to the students about quilting before, during and after the designs are created.
Maybe you know someone from a store, museum, the neighborhood, your family (grandparents) that is in on the quilt know-how.
We would love to invite them to our class and teach us about the history of their quilt(s). They can show us any quilts that they have created or that have been handed down through different generations.
E-mail me at tspakaus@ccsd66.org

Independent Reading Program
November-
Folders and Money ($3.00) for lunch are Due on-Thursday, 11/1!
Reading Party will be on Wednesday, 11/7 !
This month the students have the option to order a kid's meal from Burger King. This is optional and the students can still bring a sack lunch or order hot lunch for the reading party!
***I still need a parent volunteer to pick up Burger King on Wed. 11/7 at 10:45A.M.

English-
We are finishing up unit 2 on nouns and the study guide will be handed out on Friday, 10/26 and it will be due on Tuesday, 10/30. The unit 2 test will be on Thursday, 11/1.

Writing
The writing prompt will be due on Thursday , November 1st!

Social Studies-
In social studies we have read and discussed chapter 1 on communities. We will probably have the test on Friday, 11/2, so reread the chapter and study the three assignments that you did for each lesson. These three papers should be in their SS pockets, in their binder. These questions are very similar to the ones on the test. Hint Hint!!! The study guide will come home next week and will also be very helpful!

Spakausky's Math Update-
Please send in the money bags asap. Thanks!
Money is next!
Practice counting money and
making change on the internet!
www.gamequarium.com

Have an awesome weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky
Miss Nabor

Spakausky's Scoop October 22-26 and My Math Update

Poetry Contest-optional
Read the attached information to see if your child would like to participate in the Anthology of Poetry for Young Americans contest. We won't be doing this in class, so if your child would like the opportunity to participate, please send in their poem and other required information by November 10th and I will mail them in all together. Thanks and Good Luck!

Headphones from 2nd grade-
If you purchased headphones in 2nd grade, please send them to school for your child to use for our read naturally series. We will work on this in the computer lab. Thanks!

Book Orders:
Scholastic book orders were sent home on Tuesday. The orders are due on Tuesday, October 23rd. We are going to try something new this month. You can now order on-line (using my user name and password) or you can still send in the paper order and check and I will send it in. I prefer that you try and order the books on-line with your credit card number, but I will still be happy to send it in for you.
www.scholastic.com/parentordering
Username: spakausky
password: Books

PICTURE RETAKES:

are scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 30th . Students must have original picture packets in hand to have a retake. If your child was absent on the first picture day, they will have to have their original order envelope with them at the time of retakes.

October Spirit Days
10/26: Slipper Day

Goody Basket-
The Goody Basket is used as a reward system. If the student receives 5 tickets, they get to pick out of the special basket at the end of the day!
Donations for toys, pencils, and other items of interest are always appreciated.
Thanks to:
For donating to the basket this week!
Student of the Week
Paul H.
The categories that they will cover are:
Me
My Family
Special Friends
My Favorite Foods
Where I Live
Thing I Like to Do
When I Grow Up I’d like to
My Favorite Toys
How the special week works for your child:
Monday-put pictures up
Tuesday-share your board
Wed.-Read a favorite book (practice at home first)
Thursday-Show and Tell
Friday-Share a favorite snack

Spelling
Lesson 9-
We are back to the regular spelling routine and lesson 9 is next!

Reading-
We just finished up the story Mulan in reading. We also enjoyed watching the Disney version of the movie Mulan. We did an excellent job at comparing and contrasting the story Mulan that we read with the movie version.
Next week we will begin reading the story Lost and Found by Mark Teague. The class will be completing various activities associated with it. The skill that we will be focusing on during this story is sequencing.

Independent Reading Program
November-
Folders and Money ($3.00) for lunch are Due on-Thursday, 11/1!
Reading Party will be on Wednesday, 11/7 (change of date)!
This month the students have the option to order a kid's meal from Burger King. This is optional and the students can still bring a sack lunch or order hot lunch for the reading party!
***I need a parent volunteer to pick up Burger King on Tuesday, 11/6 at 10:45A.M.

Let me know:)

English-
We are continuing to learn about nouns in English. We have already discussed singular and plural nouns and we will be moving on to discuss possessive nouns in the singular and plural form. We are planning on having our Unit 2 test at the end of next week.

Writing
The writing prompt will be due on Thursday, October 25th!

Social Studies-
In social studies we have been discussing various communities within the United States. Next week we will begin our discussion on communities on other continents. We will continue to compare and contrast different communities to our own. This is the last section that we will be learning about before we take our unit test on communities!

Spakausky's Math Update-
We just finished learning about rounding and we started to make a class book on rounding numbers. We will be reviewing for our next checkpoint quiz. The quiz will be on Friday, October 19th. The quiz will cover even and odd numbers, ordinal numbers, place value and forms, as well as rounding.
Next week we will be working on understanding thousands, reading and writing four digit numbers, and comparing and ordering numbers.

Have a fabulous weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky
Miss Nabor

Spakausky Scoop for October 15-19

Dear Parents,

There will be an 11:00 dismissal on Wednesday, 10/17.

The book fair will be on Thursday, 10/18 from 6:30.-8:15.

STICKERS-
I am always looking for cute stickers to put on the students' papers. If you would like to send any to school---wonderful!!!

Here are our spirit days for October:
Spirit Days
10/12: Prairieview Wear Spirit Day or Green and Gold colors
10/19: Crazy Hat Day
10/26: Slipper Day

Independent Reading Program
A BIG thank you to Mr. Balinski for picking up the pizzas at Home Run Inn last week! We loved it!

November reading party-
Folders and Money ($3.00) for lunch are Due on-Thursday, 11/1!
Reading Party will be on Wednesday, 11/7!
This month the students have the option to order a kid's meal from Burger King. This is optional and the students can still bring a sack lunch or order hot lunch for the reading party!
***I need a parent volunteer to pick up Burger King on Tuesday, 11/6 at 10:45A.M.
Let me know:)

Goody Basket-
The Goody Basket is used as a reward system. If the student receives 5 tickets, they get to pick out of the special basket at the end of the day!
Donations for toys, candy, pencils, and other items of interest are always appreciated.
Thanks to:
Emma
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Mary
The categories that they will cover are:
Me
My Family
Special Friends
My Favorite Foods
Where I Live
Thing I Like to Do
When I Grow Up I’d like to
My Favorite Toys
How the special week works for your child:
Monday-put pictures up
Tuesday-share your board
Wed.-Read a favorite book (practice at home first)
Thursday-Show and Tell
Friday-Share a favorite snack

Spelling
Next week we will do a spelling lesson that goes with the story in our reading book! The words will go with the story, Lost and Found by Mark Teague. There will be no challenge group this week. The spelling packet will be given on Monday and is due on Friday. We will do some spelling activities each day and the test will be on Friday, 10/19.

Reading-
The next reading skill we are working on, in more depth, is inferences. We are reading The Ballad of Mulan to cover this skill. We will also be working on vocabulary development and comprehension.

Grades will taken on the skill covered (inference), vocabulary, comprehension and a written response about the story.

After we finish reading and testing on the story, we will watch the video, Mulan. We will compare and contrast the video to the story.

The next skill we will work on is an “event map.” This skill will help the students sequence a story correctly, so they would be able to retell it in a logical order. The story we will be using for this skill is called, Lost and Found by Mark Teague.

English
We took the test and sent them home this week. How did your child do?
We will start Unit 2 next! We will cover proper and common nouns and nouns in the subject first!

Writing
The writing prompt will be due on Friday, October 19th! I have added a point system to the following chart! There are 2 responses and each one is worth 4 points, so their will be 8 points a week.

Journal Responses
I have sent back your child's first journal response. What do the pluses, checks and minuses mean? I hope this will help.
4 + (plus) = Excellent-Keep up the great work!
3 Check plus = Very Good-You have great content, but maybe you forgot to write in cursive, or something else minor. Some punctuation or capitals not used.
2 Check =Satisfactory-You may have forgotten one or more of the above and your response needs more content.
1 - (minus) =Needs Improvement-All or some of the above, you may need to add more to your response. You left the reader “hanging” and sounds incomplete.

Science-
The chapter 1 science test was returned. How did your child do?
We will start a health unit in a couple weeks.

Social Studies
We have started chapter 1 in our social studies book. The chapter is about communities. We will be looking at communities around the U.S.A. and a community in Africa. We will be comparing these communities to our own to we can see the similarities and differences. I will be sending home the book after each lesson so the students can reread them to you. The first community we will learn about is El Paso, Texas.

Have an awesome weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky
Miss Nabor

Math News for October 12-15

In chapter 1 we have talked about even and odd numbers, ordinal numbers, number patterns and place value. Rounding will be next and there will most likely be a checkpoint quiz Friday, 10/19, so study pages 16-17 in the math textbook next week.

Website Alert-
Here is a good site for place value games. The website is www.aaamath.com. There are a lot of different links that might be good!

MATH NEWS - Mrs. Spakausky - October 4, 2007

Math is going very well! We are working on even and odd numbers, ordinal numbers, place values, and rounding.

There will most likely be a checkpoint QUIZ (pages 16-17 in the hard textbook) at the end of next week.

We played MATHO on www.aplusmath.com. Check out this website and see what other neat activities there are!!!

We finished the chapter two test last Thursday 9/27/07.

October 8-12-Spakausky Scoop

Dear Parents,

BLOGS
In an attempt to make access easier for parents, there is now a link to each teacher/administrator website/blog on the Staff Directory page. The staff directory link is on our district homepage -- http://www.ccsd66.org.

The directory is available by clicking on the Staff Directory link on our district homepage -- http://www.ccsd66.org ( http://www.ccsd66.org/ ) or the direct address is . . .
http://www.ccsd66.org/Directory.htm

I hope this makes it easier to access teacher blogs and websites.

No School-
No school on Monday, 10/8-Columbus Day!

Here are our spirit days for October:
Spirit Days
10/5: Responsibility : Wear Green
10/12: Prairieview Spirit Day
10/19: Crazy Hat Day
10/26: Slipper Day

Movie Night
Friday, October 5th is movie night.

Independent Reading Program
Congratulations to the following students who participated in our September reading party:
*Adam *Amy *T.J.
*Lauren *Madison *Caitlin
*Greg *Karina *Ryan R.
*Ryan S. *James *Daniel
*Anita *Emily *Joey
*Mary *Matthew *Nicky
*Grant *Emma *Kelsey
*Paul

Keep up the GREAT reading and recording. Try some different genre's this month!

Guest Speakers-
I'd like to thank Dr. Greiner and Mrs. Z. from High Touch-High Tech, for coming to talk about the body and it's systems.

I would like to invite other guest speakers to our class to talk about the different topics we will cover in school. If you read in the newsletter about something you know about, let us know. It can be yourself, a friend, or a relative. Thanks! What a way to enrich the curriculum!!!

Goody Basket-
The Goody Basket is used as a reward system. If the student receives 5 tickets, they get to pick out of the special basket at the end of the day!
Donations for toys, candy, pencils, and other items of interest are always appreciated.
Thanks to:
James
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Adam Z.
The categories that they will cover are:
Me
My Family
Special Friends
My Favorite Foods
Where I Live
Thing I Like to Do
When I Grow Up I’d like to
My Favorite Toys
How the special week works for your child:
Monday-put pictures up
Tuesday-share your board
Wed.-Read a favorite book (practice at home first)
Thursday-Show and Tell
Friday-Share a favorite snack

Spelling
Next week we will do Lesson 7 in the spelling book.
Monday-No School
Tuesday-Pre-TEST
Wednesday-Bookwork assigned
Thursday-Extra Activity
Friday-Spelling TEST

Reading-
How is your reading coming along? We will be finishing Math Wiz and Hey, New Kid. The students will be graded on their journal packets.

English
We are crusin' right through Unit 1. We have learned about subjects and predicates, questions, statements, commands and exclamations. What FUN!
The Unit 1 TEST will be on Wednesday, 10/10!

Writing
The first writing prompt will be due on Friday, October 5th!

Journal Responses
I have sent back your child's first journal response. What do the pluses, checks and minuses mean? I hope this will help.

+ (plus) = Excellent-Keep up the great work!

Check plus = Very Good-You have great content, but maybe you forgot to write in cursive, or something else minor. Some punctuation or capitals not used.

Check =Satisfactory-You may have forgotten one or more of the above and your response needs more content.

(minus) =Needs Improvement-All or some of the above, you may need to add more to your response. You left the reader “hanging” and sounds incomplete.

The next writing prompt will be due on Friday, October 12th!!!


Science-
The chapter 1 science test will be on Friday, October 5th! Reread chapter 1 and study the study guide!

Have a super 3 day weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky
Miss Nabor

Spakausky's Scoop-Newsletter for the week of October 1-5

“Spakausky’s Scoop”
October 1-5

Dear Parents,

Friday, September 28th
I'd like to thank Dr. G. Greiner for coming to our class to talk about the systems of the body and how they are related to animals. Dr. Greiner is a veterinarian from Burr Ridge Vet Clinic and he talked to the students about how the systems of the body apply to our pets. He talked about pets' insides and showed some interesting x-rays and MRI's. Thanks!

Movie Night
Friday, October 5th (6:30) is movie night. Is your child signed up to go?

Independent Reading Program
The folders are due on Monday, October 1st-no late folders, please.

The reading party will be during lunch on Thursday, October 4th. We will have pizza from Home Run Inn for this party. Send a DRINK on this day!

IF your child will be participating in the reading party this month, send in $3.25 with the reading folder on Monday, October 1st! They will receive a large slice of pizza and a jumbo cookie. (Send a drink on this day or milk money)

Goody Basket-
The Goody Basket is used as a reward system. If the student receives 5 tickets, they get to pick out of the special basket at the end of the day!
Donations for toys, candy, pencils, and other items of interest are always appreciated.
Thanks to:
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Lauren S.
The categories that they will cover are:
Me
My Family
Special Friends
My Favorite Foods
Where I Live
Thing I Like to Do
When I Grow Up I’d like to
My Favorite Toys
How the special week works for your child:
Monday-put pictures up
Tuesday-share your board
Wed.-Read a favorite book (practice at home first)
Thursday-Show and Tell
Friday-Share a favorite snack



Spelling-
Next week we will do Lesson 6 in the spelling book. Don't forget to ask your child if they are in the regular or challenge group this Monday.

English
The students received their unit 5 test back on Tuesday, 9/25. Ask them how they did.
Unit 1 is next. This chapter deals with “the sentence.”

Writing
We will be starting a weekly journal response on Friday, 9/28. Each Friday, the students will receive a two questions that they need to answer. I will be collecting these each Thursday. They will get a new one on that Friday and so on. Please follow the guidelines in the note I will send home on Friday, 9/28. The students are expected write 5 or MORE sentences to each response. The students should also attach a piece of notebook paper, if extra space is needed for their response. The first sheet will go home on Friday, 9/28 and it will be due on Thursday, October 4th!

Reading
We will be using our reading strategies in the next novels. We will have two groups for this novel study. One group will be reading
Math Wiz and the other group will be reading Hey, New Kid! Ask your child which book they are reading.

We are moving right along in each of these books. Ask your child what chapter we are on.

Science
In chapter 1, we have discussed cells, organs, tissue and systems. Next week we will go into detail about each system. We have learned about the:
-skeletal system
-muscular system
-circulatory
-nervous systems.
-respiratory
There will be a quiz on Friday, 9/28.

High-Touch High-Tech
Our in-class “field trip” is Wednesday, 10/3. We learned a lot of neat things about systems and got a hands-on look at REAL organs!!! Cool!

Have an exciting weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky
Miss Nabor

Mrs. Spakausky's Math Class

We are having a test on Chapter 2, Thursday, 9/27/07. The students should be reviewing this chapter for the test.

We will be studying chapter 1, next. Chapter 1 is about place value, rounding and money.

You may want to preview this chapter with your child.

MATH NEWS

Dear Math Parents,

Chapter 2 is coming to an end. We will have our second Checkpoint quiz on Tuesday, September 25th. Please study the practice sheet that was sent home (Fri., 9/21) with your child, in order to prepare for this quiz. This sheet doesn't have to be returned.

The chapter 2 test will be on Thursday, September 26th. The students will be bringing their textbook home for the next few nights, so you can review for the test. Please note that textbook pages 72-75 covers skills that will be on the test.

Thanks,
Mrs. Spakausky
Miss Nabor
tspakaus@ccsd66.org

"Spakausky's Scoop"

September 24-28

Picture Day-
Smile pretty on Thursday, 9/20 for picture day!

Magazine Drive-
Tuesday, 9/25 and Thursday, 9/27 will be the magazine turn-in days for next week.

Goody Basket-
Thanks to:
Greg
Caitlin
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Daniel P.
Each week there will be a student picked to be student of the week. This student will bring in photos, magazine picture, or drawings/descriptions about themselves. The categories that they will cover are:
Me
My Family
Special Friends
My Favorite Foods
Where I Live
Thing I Like to Do
When I Grow Up I’d like to
My Favorite Toys
How the special week works for your child:
Monday-put pictures up
Tuesday-share your board
Wed.-Read a favorite book (practice at home first)
Thursday-Show and Tell
Friday-Share a favorite snack

Spelling
Next week we will do Lesson 5 in the spelling book. Don't forget to ask your child if they are in the regular or challenge group this Monday.

English/Writing
Unit 5, is moving along! We have studied proper nouns, abbreviations, book titles, end marks, introductory words, commas in a series and quotation marks. The students will receive a study guide on Friday. This will be due on Monday. We will go over it and the unit 5 test will be on Tuesday, September 25th!

Reading
We will be using our reading strategies in the next novels. We will have two groups for this novel study. One group will be reading
Math Wiz and the other group will be reading Hey, New Kid! Ask your child which book they are reading. They will find out on Thursday, 9/20.

Independent Reading Program
The folders are due on Monday, October 1st-no late folders, please.
The reading party will be during lunch on Thursday, October 4th. We will have pizza from Home Run Inn for this party.
IF your child will be participating in the reading party this month, send in $3.25 with the reading folder on Monday, October 1st! They will receive a large slice of pizza and a jumbo cookie. (Send a drink on this day or milk money) They can also get a hot lunch or bring a sack lunch on this day for the reading party.

Science
In chapter 1, we have discussed cells, organs, tissue and systems. Next week we will go into detail about each system. We have learned about the:
-skeletal system
-muscular system
-circulatory
-nervous systems.
Next week, we will cover the respiratory and digestive systems.

Have an AWESOME weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky
Miss Nabor

OSLAT Testing

Every year the third graders take the OSLAT tests. The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test is designed to measure abstract thinking and reasoning abilities that are relevant to school achievement. My class will be taking this test on September 18th and it is about 35 minutes.

PICTURE DAY
Picture day will be on Thursday, September 20th! Look nice and smile!!!

Newsletter for the week of SEPTEMBER 17th

“Spakausky’s Scoop”
September 17-21

Dear Parents,

Early Dismissal-
Don’t forget that the students are dismissed at 11AM, Tuesday, Sept. 18th!

Book Orders:
Thanks for your orders. The books should arrive next week!

Goody Basket-
The Goody Basket is used as a reward system. If the student receives 5 tickets, they get to pick out of the special basket at the end of the day!
Donations for toys, candy, pencils, and other items of interest are always appreciated.
Thanks to:
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Anita
Each week there will be a student picked to be student of the week. This student will bring in photos, magazine picture, or drawings/descriptions about themselves. The categories that they will cover are:
Me
My Family
Special Friends
My Favorite Foods
Where I Live
Thing I Like to Do
When I Grow Up I’d like to
My Favorite Toys
How the special week works for your child:
Monday-put pictures up
Tuesday-share your board
Wed.-Read a favorite book (practice at home first)
Thursday-Show and Tell
Friday-Share a favorite snack

Spelling
Next week we will do Lesson 4 in the spelling book. Don't forget to ask your child if they are in the regular or challenge group this Monday. The pattern=plural words.

English/Writing
We will start Unit 5, called “Punctuation and Capitalization.” Next, we will study commas in a series and quotation marks.
The unit 5 test will most likely be on Tuesday, September 25th!

Reading
How to Be Cool in Third Grade is the next novel that we will read.

Independent Reading Program
The folders are due on Monday, October 1st-no late folders, please.
The reading party will be during lunch on Thursday, October 4th. We will have pizza from Home Run Inn for this party.
IF your child will be participating in the reading party this month, send in $3.25 with the reading folder on Monday, October 1st! They will receive a large slice of pizza and a jumbo cookie. (Send a drink on this day or milk money)

Science
We will start chapter 1, on the body. We have discussed cells, organs, tissue and systems. Next week we will go into detail about each system. We have learned about the skeletal system and muscular system. Next, we will cover the circulatory and nervous systems.

Have a SUPER weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky
Miss Nabor

September 12, 2007

MATH

Welcome to Mrs. Spakausky's math class. We are learning so much and we have even taken our first quiz. Everyone did an awesome job! We will be moving to subtraction and the second half of chapter 2, next. After the test, we will start chapter 1.

Spakausky's 3rd Grade Scoop

Dear Parents,

Welcome to third grade! I hope you are excited about starting a new year at a new school.

Please contact me with any questions at (630) 783-5085 or e-mail you at tspakaus@ccsd66.org

See you at Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 4th from 7:00-8:00.

Thanks,
Mrs. Spakausky