For My Student At Christmas

Christmas vacation is great;

Your time is yours to spend;

You can be with friends or watch TV;

You wish it would never end.

You don't miss school or homework;

You really like to be free;

But I'll miss you when I'm gone from school;

You're just what a student should be.

So have a perfect HOLIDAY;

Be sure to have lots of fun;

I look forward to seeing you again,

When Christmas vacation is done.

By Tracy Spakausky

Modified original by Joanna Fuchs

Spakausky's Scoop-for the week of Dec. 15-19

Dear Parents-

Thanks for being very generous during this economically hard season! Our cancer family will be truly happy this season! I didn't have a chance to get a photo of ALL the gifts, this morning, before they were taken, but I did get one of this GREAT gift basket that was made for our family.

A tree, lights, ornaments and "our gifts" will be delivered to the homes by district teachers and their families!

The Family Shelter also received a good amount of donations! Thanks!

Thanks for EVERYTHING!!!

Mrs. Spakausky would like to wish you a very Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year!

I will be heading to Colorado, for a beautiful ski holiday and I want to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday, wherever you may be celebrating!
See you in 2009!

Pizza Lunch-
Moms will provide pizza, drinks, fruit, and dessert, so the students do not need to bring anything. This will be on Thursday, Dec. 18th!

Grinch Movie, at the Tivoi-
Friday, Dec. 19 we will be attending the Tivoli for a special showing of the film " How the Grinch Stole Christmas".

On that day students will be eating around 10:30. Hot lunch will be available or students can bring their lunch.

GYM CLASS-
Bowling-
We are bowling Monday morning (Dec. 15). Lunch will be as usual! If the students want to purchase snacks at the bowling alley, they can bring in money for this event!

Roller Skating-
Ms. Stainman needs parent volunteers to help tie roller skates during PE classes for third grade. She needs help the week of January 8-January 22. You can come as many or as few of times as you want and can go into any other class or your child's own.

We have gym from 11:05-11:30 everyday. You can email her at tstainman@ccsd66.org if you are interested. Thanks for your help.

Supplies-
Santa might want to stuff some stockings with new Expo markers and pencils this Christmas.

Website of the week
Extension of Reading

http://bookadventure.org/

Book Orders:
They should be in before break!
Class User Name: spakausky
Password: Books

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

Student of the Week
Chantalle
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-Take board down

Spelling
No spelling next week or over break!

English
We are on to Unit 4, Adjectives and Adverbs.
The test will be on Thurs. 12/18!

Writing
We will be writing a story from the point of view of a holiday character!
What fun!

Independent Reading Program
Folder are due on Tuesday, January 6th! The class reading party lunch, will be on Tuesday, January 6th!

Reading
After break, we are moving on to connections and summarizing. We will be practicing these strategies and practing our other reading strategies, with a novel called, Snow Treasure.

Science
Science inquiry skills is coming along. There will be a short quiz after each lesson. We will not have an end of chapter test on this chapter. We will begin States of Matter when we return from break. What are the three states of matter?

Social Studies
Chapter 3 is coming along. We have been studying about why people move to new places, immigration, symbols and ancestors.
The test will be on Wednesday, December 16th!

Math
Chapter 3 -

Multiplication packet due next Thursday, Dec. 18th!

Chapter 5 has been started. We have focused on money and now time!

We may have a money quiz next week.

Mad Minute Schedule:

Dec. 15-5's

Jan. 5-9's

Have a wonderful winter break!!
Mrs. T. Spakausky

December 8-12

Assembly-Wheel of Wisdom pictures!

Cancer Family Update -see the bottom of this blog for details!

Supplies-
Santa might want to stuff some stockings with new Expo markers and pencils this Christmas.

Friday, Dec. 19 we will be attending the Tivoli for a special showing of the film " How the Grinch Stole Christmas".
On that day students will be eating around 10:30. Hot lunch will be available or students can bring their lunch.

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

Book Orders:
The orders are due Monday, December 8th!
Make Checks payable to Scholastic Book Club or go on-line and use a credit card.www.scholastic.com/parentordering
Class User Name: spakausky
Password: Books

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

Student of the Week
Marc A.

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-Take board down

Spelling
We will do a holiday lesson next. Assignments are due on Friday, 12/12 and the test is on Thursday, 12/11.

***All spelling should be done in cursive. This is where the students will have time to actually practice the skills they learn in “handwriting.”

English
We are on to Unit 4, Adjectives and Adverbs.
The test will be on Thurs. 12/18!

Writing
We are working on an interview activity. Ask your child who they are interviewing!

Reading
We will read:The Mysterious Giant of Barletta
Get a head start and check out the website about the story!
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmr/gr3/gr3_th3_sel2.html

Independent Reading Program
Congrats to the following students who participated for the month of November:
*Alec *Stephen *Natalie
*Kailee *Marc *Eric
*Ethan *Max *Emily
*Eve *Allie *Lucas
*Chantalle *Jennifer *Adam
*Ross

Science
Science inquiry skills is coming along. There will be a short quiz after each lesson.

Social Studies
Chapter 3 is coming along. We have been studying about why people move to new places, immigration, symbols and ancestors.
If things go as planned, the test will be Wed. 12/17!

Math
Chapter 3 -
Multiplication packet due before Christmas break!

Chapter 5 has been started. We have focused on money and now time!

We will start our multiplication mad minutes after break.
I will teach some skills and hints on how to figure out the answers, but the facts should be MEMORIZED at home.
The mad minute grades will work like this:
Monday-we test-if the student passes, GREAT 100%, if they don't pass, they take again on Wednesday.
Wednesday-Take the test, if they PASS they get a 90%, if they don't pass, they take again on Friday.
Friday-Take test, if they PASS they get a 80%, if they don't pass, they take again on Monday, etc.

Mad Minutes-Study 2's for next week!

Have a wonderful 3 day weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky

Cancer Family Gift Update/Family Shelter Update

Mrs. Spakausky's class-Adopted Family
Donations are due Wedneday, 12/10!
This is what we have, so far!
Great job!!!

Mom-
necklace/earing set

***17 year old girl (cancer patient)
necklace/earing set
hat, gloves and scarf set

***16 year old female (cancer patient)
necklace/earing set

15 year old female
necklace/earing set

10 year old girl
necklace/earing set
Nintendo DS system, case and Wildlife Rescue Game for DS

3 year old girl
necklace/earing set
Dora the Explorer Crayola Color Wonder

Family Gift-
Complete Book of American Facts and Games
$25 Wal-Mart Gift Card
$50 Target Gift Card

Family Shelter Collection
1.

FYI
The Crayon Drive and the Vender night have been cancelled on Friday, 12/5! I was going to sell my beaded jewerly this night, so if you have any orders, please e-mail me. Thanks!

Holiday Service Project

Dear Parents and Students,

Each year Prairieview runs a service project around the holidays. Our efforts will benefit two organizations: a cancer family and a family shelter.

Each classroom at Prairieview has a family that is in need at this time.

In addition to the cancer families, we will also be making donations to Family Shelter Service.
This year our class has a very special family.

Our family includes:
~Mom
~17 year old young lady (cancer patient)
~16 year old sister
~15 years old sister
~10 year old sister
~3 year old sister

Sadly, the seventeen year old girl has 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. You may also send a “family gift.”

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:
age appropriate games/toys, books, crafts, puzzles, winter hat/gloves, socks, winter hat/gloves, socks, bath and body, perfume, jewelry, candles, kitchen accessories, picture frames/albums, gift certificates,
gift baskets, slippers, etc.
Gift cards 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.
Gift for the Family Shelter
We are accepting Cash or checks (payable to Family Shelter Service) gift cards in any denomination. NEW toys, games, books, puzzles, sports equipment, jewelry/other accessories, warm gloves and hats.

Thanks for your support!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Spakausky

Questions: tspakaus@ccsd66.org

***ALL DONATIONS NEED TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL ON OR BEFORE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10th!

November 24-28 and December 1-5

“Spakausky’s Scoop”

Have a Terrific Turkey Day!
Enjoy the time off with your family and friends!

Yearbook orders are due 12/1--$10
Announcing Prairieview 2008-2009 Yearbook. Order your yearbook today!!! The cost of the yearbook is $10.00 and make payments to Lifetouch. Order deadline date is December 1, 2008. No orders will be accepted after that date. Parents just a reminder-- Prairieview yearbooks are not paid for at registration. Please place your order now. Yearbook order forms went home with your child on November 13th 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 $10.00. It is very important that you put the information on the envelope; Lifetouch does not know who your child’s teacher is. There will be a limited supply in June. Order Today!!!
“Project Crayon”-supplies for our service project are due 12/1!

Website of the week:
Book Pals Storyline
http://www.bookpals.net/storyline/

Book Orders:
Here are the book order forms for the month of November and December. You can order from as many as you wish! Have fun shopping! Thanks for your order.
The orders are due Monday, December 8th!

Make Checks payable to Scholastic Book Club or go on-line and use a credit card.
Send in your orders OR go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password.www.scholastic.com/parentordering
Class User Name: spakausky
Password: Books

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

Student of the Week
Elena
for the week of 12/1-12/5
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-Take board down

Spelling
No spelling for next week.
We will do lesson 12 the week of 12/1.
***All spelling should be done in cursive. This is where the students will have time to actually practice the skills they learn in “handwriting.”

English
Chapter 3-VERBS
The chapter 3 test will be on Tuesday, November 25th!

Writing
We will do an interview activity. The week of 12/1.

Reading
Strategies covered:
-visualizing
-preview and predict
-clarify
*fact /opinion
*compare/contrast
*cause /effect
*self-questioning
We will read Grandma's Records and continue point of view!

Independent Reading Program
Folders are due Mon. 12/1.
Reading party in class- Tues., 12/2.

Science
Science inquiry skills is coming along. There will be a short quiz after each lesson.

Social Studies
Chapter 3 is coming along. We have been studying about why people move to new places, immigration, symbols and ancestors.

Math
Chapter 3 -
Multiplication packet due before Christmas break!

Chapter 5 has been started. We have focused on money.

We will start our multiplication mad minutes after break.

I will teach some skills and hints on how to figure out the answers, but the facts should be MEMORIZED at home.

The mad minute grades will work like this:
Monday-we test-if the student passes, GREAT 100%, if they don't pass, they take again on Wednesday.
Wednesday-Take the test, if they PASS they get a 90%, if they don't pass, they take again on Friday.
Friday-Take test, if they PASS they get a 80%, if they don't pass, they take again on Monday, etc.

Have a great Thanksgiving break!
Mrs. T. Spakausky

November 18-22

Dear Parents-

Book Drive ends on Friday, 11/14.
Send in books by then.
Thanks!

Website of the week:
Math website:
www.aplusmath.com

Book Orders:
Here are the book order forms for the month of November and December. You can order from as many as you wish! Have fun shopping! Thanks for your order.
The orders are due Monday, December 8th!
Make Checks payable to Scholastic Book Club or go on-line and use a credit card.
Send in your orders OR go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password.www.scholastic.com/parentordering
Class User Name: spakausky
Password: Books

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

Student of the Week
Lucas
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-Take board down

Spelling
Our next list is a Thanksgiving Holiday list. If your child gets 100% on their pretest, they won't have to take the test on Thursday, 11/20. EVERYONE will do the assigned work that is due on Friday, 11/21. The work can be typed or written in CURSIVE.
Thanks!
***All spelling should be done in cursive. This is where the students will have time to actually practice the skills they learn in “handwriting.”

English
Chapter 3-VERBS
The chapter 3 test will most likely be on Tuesday, November 25th!

Writing
We have started our descriptive turkey stories this week. The students have shown such excitement about this story, from the turkey's point of view.

The sloppy copies are being sent home today.

They are to be finished and returned by Th., 11/20!

PLEASE, please, PLEASE have your child follow the guidelines/checklist of items they will be graded on. They can even highlight their color words, transition words/phrases, similes. That would help them see that they have done what is required.

Thanks!

Reading
Strategies covered:
-visualizing
-preview and predict
-clarify
*fact /opinion
*compare/contrast
*cause /effect

*self-questioning

The next reading strategy we will discuss is called self-questioning and monitoring of reading. We will start with the question of who's point of view is the story written in and how does their opinion effect how the story is written.

We will accomplish this strategy by reading a great story by Patricia Polacco, called

The Keeping Quilt. If you or anyone you know is a quilter, please contact me, so you can come and talk to our class about this special talent!

Thanks!

Independent Reading Program
Folders are due Mon. 12/1.
Reading party in class- Tues., 12/2.

Science
We will start our first lesson in our other science book. This is about science inquiry tools and skills.

Social Studies-Local Government
The test on Chapter 12 (Local Government) will be on:
Friday, 11/14!

Next, we will begin chapter 3 on immigration!

Math
Chapter 3 -
Multiplication packet due before Christmas break!
Chapter 4- “Subtraction.”
The test on Chapter 3 was today, 11/13!
Next, we will focus on money and time!

Have an AWESOME weekend!

Mrs. T. Spakausky

NOVEMBER 10-14-SPAKAUSKY'S SCOOP

Cleaning and organizing desks, binders and drawers!!!

No School-Tuesday, Nov.11th-Veteran's Day

Website of the week:
FunBrain is the #1 sites for online educational games for kids of all ages. (math , grammar, science, spell, history)
www.funbrain.com

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

Student of the Week
Allie
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-Take board down

Spelling
Lesson 11 is next.
All spelling should be done in cursive. This is where the students will have time to actually practice the skills they learn in “handwriting.”

English
Chapter 3-VERBS
We have studied:
*what verbs are
*verbs in the present

Writing
We worked on descriptive writing again this week.
We took a “fall walk” and wrote about what we saw, smelled, touched, “tasted,” and heard.
Next, we will use descriptive writing in our turkey stories.

Reading
Strategies covered:
-visualizing
-preview and predict
-clarify
*fact /opinion
*compare/contrast
*cause /effect

We will be learning about self-questioning, next.

Independent Reading Program
Folders are due Mon. 12/1.
Reading party in class- Tues., 12/2.
Read-Read-Read
Congrats to the following people who joined us for our reading party for the month of October:
-Adam -Lucas
-Kailee -Eve
-Natalie -Emily
-Jennifer -Eric
-Max -Ethan
-Allison -Marc
-Alec -Chantalle
-Elena -Stephen
-Ross

Science
We will start our first lesson in our other science book. This is about science inquiry tools and skills.

Social Studies-Local Government
We have started Chapter 12 on Local Government.
We have studied about:
-Lesson 1-Community Services
-Lesson 2-Community Leaders
-Lesson 3-People change communities

The test will be on:
Wednesday, November 12th

Math
Chapter 3 -
Chapter 4- “Subtraction.”
We have studied:
-fact families
-estimating differences
-2 digit subtraction
-3 digit subtraction
-subtract bigger numbers
-problem solve:estimate or exact answers
-subtract across zeros
-problem solve-choose an operation

The test on Chapter 3 will be on Thursday, November 13th!

Have a GREAT weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky

November 3-7-The Spakausky Scoop

Dear Parents-

No School-Tuesday, Nov. 4th-Teacher's Institute Day

Picture retakes were moved to Nov. 6th

Halloween-
Have your child bring their costumes to school in a bag. They will be able to change after lunch for our parade and party.
Thank you to ALL the parents who are helping at the party or who are sending items in for the party! I know we will have a BLAST tomorrow!

SNACK-Be sure your child only has ONE snack and ONE drink at snack time. Fruits/Veggies are first choice items. Dairy and Grains would be a nice back-up. Try not to send in too much processed items or items with more than 6 ingredients listed on the back of the package.

Thanks for monitoring this!

Website of the week:
About Puffins
http://www.puffinpalooza.com/

Book Orders:
November orders will come home soon!
Send in your orders OR go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password. www.scholastic.com/parentordering
Class User Name: spakausky
Password: Books

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
ETHAN
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-Take board down

Spelling
Lesson 10 is next.

All spelling should be done in cursive. This is where the students will have time to actually practice the skills they learn in “handwriting.”

English
We took the NOUNS test today. Next we will start Chapter 3-VERBS

Writing

We will work on a 3 paragraph paper. We will be interviewing a classmate and writing a paper about them.

Reading
The third grade teachers have covered the strategy of :
-visualizing
-preview and predict
-clarify
*fact /opinion
*compare/contrast
Next is CAUSE AND EFFECT-
We will discuss cause and effect in the story, Cliff Hanger.
Are you a mountain climber or do you know someone who could come in and show us all of the equipment and items that are used for mountain climbing? Let me know and we will invite them to talk to our class next week. It would be cool to see these items in person.

Independent Reading Program
Folders are due Mon., Nov. 3rd!
Reading party in class-Wed., November 5th!
Read-Read-Read

Science
Chapter 2 – Ways to Stay Healthy
The food chart is due Wed., 10/15!
We have studied about:
-nutrition
-exercise
-sleep
How do these things help you stay healthy?
We are now on to Lesson 2-This will talk about:
-germs
-diseases
-vaccines
Next, Lesson 3-”How Some Substances Effect the Body”
-illegal drugs
-prescription drugs
-over-the-counter drugs
-alcohol
-nicotine
Study guides are due on Monday, 11/3.
The science test will be Wednesday, November 5th!

Social Studies-Local Government
We have started Chapter 12 on Local Government.
We have studied about:
-Lesson 1-Community Services
-Lesson 2-Community Leaders
Next week we will learn about:
-Lesson 3-People change communities
We will quiz after each lesson.
The test might be at the end of next week.

Math
Chapter 3 -
Chapter 4- “Subtraction.”
We have studied:
-fact families
-estimating differences
-2 digit subtraction
-3 digit subtraction
Next week we will:
-subtract bigger numbers
-problem solve:estimate or exact answers
-subtract across zeros
-problem solve-choose an operation

Have a SCARY weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky

October 27-31-Spakausky's Scoop

Some Fun Halloween Things are "Spooking Up!"

Our class in MUSIC CLASS, waiting to play instruments!

Dear Parents-

Field Trip Alert-Friday, 10/31 is our trip to Robert Crown. We will leave about 9:15 and be back by lunch.

Halloween-
Have your child bring their costumes to school in a bag. They will be able to change after lunch for our parade and party.

WOW-Thanks for the very generous book donation this year, from the District Book Fair! I was able to get $85 worth of books for our class to read. Some of the great books were Marley, Skippyjon Jones, Looking for Miza, Titanicat, The City of Ember, Vet Volunteers, A Day on the Prairie, N is for Our Nation's Capital, A Washington D.C. Alphabet, Can You See What I See on A Scary Night puzzle book.
Your generosity is greatly appreciated! Thanks! Thanks,
Mrs. Spakausky

Language Arts Block-
We are using these this week, so please send in a 1 GB portable storage companion, if you haven't already!

Lunch Program-
Starting 10/23 will be the Nutri Kids (ticketless lunch system)
Please purchase lunch credit on a weekly basis on Monday's as we did in the past.

Website of the week:
Internet Safety Games:
Netty’s World http://www.nettysworld.com.au/

Book Orders:
Thanks for your orders. They should be in next week!
To order on line, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password. www.scholastic.com/parentordering
Class User Name: spakausky
Password: Books

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
Max

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-Take board down

Spelling
We will do a Halloween list for next week. Please do the attached papers and return by Friday, 10/31.
All spelling should be done in cursive. This is where the students will have time to actually practice the skills they learn in “handwriting.”

English
Chapter 2-Nouns
We will study:
What are Nouns?
Common and Proper Nouns
Nouns in a Subject
Singular and Plural Nouns
Special Plural Nouns
Singular Possessive Nouns
Plural Possessive Nouns
TEST will be on Wednesday, October 29th.

Writing
We will type our descriptive Halloween stories, Friday, 10/24.

Reading
The third grade teachers have covered the strategy of :
-visualizing
-preview and predict
-clarify
*fact /opinion
*compare/contrast
We will take the Seal Surfer vocabulary and comprehension quiz after we compare and contrast Ben to the young seal.

Independent Reading Program
Folders are due Mon., Nov. 3rd!
Reading party in class-Wed., November 5th!
Read-Read-Read

Science
Chapter 2 – Ways to Stay Healthy
We have studied about:

Lesson 1-
-nutrition
-exercise
-sleep

We are now on to Lesson 2-

-germs
-diseases
-vaccines

Next, Lesson 3-”How Some Substances Effect the Body”
-illegal drugs
-prescription drugs
-over-the-counter drugs
-alcohol
-nicotine

The science test will most likely be Wednesday, November 5th!

Social Studies-Downers Grove
Test 2 is on Friday, October 24th!

Math
Chapter 3 -
Chapter 4 has begun. This is called, “Subtraction.” We have studied:
-fact families
-

Have a Great weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky

October 20-24

“Spakausky’s Scoop”


Early Dismissal-Wed., 10/22-11:00

Language Arts Block-
If you have me for LA, writing, spelling, English-please send in a 1 GB portable storage companion. You can get these a Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, etc. We will be typing stories in the computer lab. What doesn't get finished, we will finish at home. Thanks!

Lunch Program-
Starting 10/23 will be the Nutri Kids (ticketless lunch system)

Again-I have updated my e-mail list, so if you aren't getting reminders of when I've updated my blog, please contact me and let me add you to my e-mail address. If you gave me your e-mail address and still aren't getting weekly reminders, e-mail your address to me again. I can e-mail you any updated materials, etc. Thanks!

Website of the week:

Kid-Friendly Search Engines
Interesting Facts: http://factmonster.com/

Book Orders:
November is next!
Class User Name: spakausky
Password: Books

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:
Steven
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Natalie
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-Take board down

Spelling
Lesson 7 is due next Friday. The test will be on Thursday, 10/23.
All spelling should be done in cursive. This is where the students will have time to actuallly practice the skills they learn in “handwriting.”

English
Chapter 2-Nouns
We will study:
What are Nouns?
Common and Proper Nouns
Nouns in a Subject
Singular and Plural Nouns
Special Plural Nouns
Singular Possessive Nouns
Plural Possessive Nouns
The test might be Wednesday, October 29th.

Writing
We have been doing:
-10 minute “quick writes”
-partner “quick writes”
-scap books
- “Grand Openings.”
-using transitions
Next, we will write a Halloween story!
Please send in a 1 GB Flash Drive. This way we can save our writing on the flash drive and finish it at home.

Reading
The third grade teachers have covered the strategy of :
-visualizing
-preview and predict
-clarify
*fact /opinion
*compare/contrast
Next, we will work on compare and contrast. We will use the story,
Seal Surfer to teach this.

Independent Reading Program
Folders are due Mon., November 3rd!
Reading party in class-Wed., November 5th!
Read-Read-Read

Science
Chapter 2 – Ways to Stay Healthy
The food chart is due Wed., 10/15!
We have studied about:
-nutrition
-exercise
-sleep
How do these things help you stay healthy?

We are now on to Lesson 2-This will talk about:
-germs
-diseases
-vaccines

Social Studies-Downers Grove
We are studying modern Downers Grove. The students have a packet and learning log. We will complete these this weekend and have a short test next week on the information in the packet.

Thank you to the chaperones who will go on the DG Field Trip Friday:
*Eve's mom
*Kailee's mom
*Lucas's dad
*Marc's mom
*Allison's mom
We appreciate your help and hope you have fun!

Math
Chapter 3 -
Study chapter 3 for the test next week!
TEST on Tuesday, October 21st!

Have a SUPER weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky

October 13-17

Dear Parents,

My grades are current, so if you haven't checked on-line, please do.

Thanks!!!


No School Monday-Happy Columbus Day!

PICTURE-

Please send in a picture of your child. A school picture, about wallet size, would be wonderful. We will need these pictures by Wednesday, October 15th!

Language Arts Block-
If you have me for LA, writing, spelling, English-please send in a 1 GB portable storage companion. You can get these a Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, etc. We will be typing stories in the computer lab. What doesn't get finished, we will finish at home. Thanks!

Lunch Program-
Starting 10/23 will be the Nutri Kids (ticketless lunch system)

Are you getting an e-mail on my updates?

Again-I have updated my e-mail list, so if you aren't getting reminders of when I've updated my blog, please contact me and let me add you to my e-mail address. If you gave me your e-mail address and still aren't getting weekly reminders, e-mail your address to me again. I can e-mail you any updated materials, etc. Thanks!

Website of the week:
The Cyber Safety Test from PBS-
Do you know how to safely use the internet? http://pbskids.org/license/

Book Orders:
The October orders are due on October 15! Place them on-line, if possible. THANKS!
To order on line, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password. www.scholastic.com/parentordering
Class User Name: spakausky
Password: Books

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

Student of the Week
Ross
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-Take board down

Spelling
No spelling this week!

English
Chapter 2-Nouns
We will study:
What are Nouns?
Common and Proper Nouns
Nouns in a Subject

Writing
We have been doing:
-10 minute “quick writes”
-partner “quick writes”
-scap books
- “Grand Openings.”
-using transitions
Next, we will write a Halloween story!
Please send in a 1 GB Flash Drive. This way we can save our writing on the flash drive and finish it at home.
Thanks!

Reading
The third grade teachers have covered the strategy of :
-visualizing
-preview and predict
Now we are working on nonfiction and facts and opinions. The story we will be reading is called, Night of the Pufflings. Your child should have brought the textbook home this weekend to read you the story!

Independent Reading Program
Folders are due Mon., November 3rd!
Reading party in class-Wed., November 5th!
Read-Read-Read

Science
Chapter 2 – Ways to Stay Healthy
The food chart is due Wed., 10/15!
We have studied about:
-nutrition
-exercise
-sleep
How do these things help you stay healthy?

Social Studies-Downers Grove
We have studied about:
-Pierce Downer
-Native American settlers
-Israel Blodgett
-Underground Railroad
-Prince Pond
-John Manning
-Casper Dicke
-The Tivoli Movie Theater
There will be a quiz on the DG information on Tuesday, October 14th!

We will taking a D.G. field trip on Friday, 10./17. Please send back the permission slip and money by Friday, 10/10. Chaperones will need to send in money for their lunch, if you want the pizza and pop! Thanks!
The names of the following parents were chosen to go on the DG Field Trip:
*Eve's mom
*Kailee's mom
*Lucas's dad
*Marc's mom
*Allison's mom
Thanks for volunteering!

Math
Chapter 3 -
-Estimating
-Adding larger numbers
-Problem Solving

Have a Great 3 day weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky

Friday, October 3, 2008-Who will WIN? GO TEAMS!!!

Go Soxs Go!

Go Cubs Go!

October 6-10-What is the Scoop in Spakausky's Class?

Fun in Physical Education!

Let's stretch, before we run!

Dear Parents,

Lunch Program-
Starting 10/23 will be the Nutri Kids (ticketless lunch system)

Again-I have updated my e-mail list, so if you aren't getting reminders of when I've updated my blog, please contact me and let me add you to my e-mail address. If you gave me your e-mail address and still aren't getting weekly reminders, e-mail your address to me again. I can e-mail you any updated materials, etc. Thanks!

Website of the week:
Current Events
Time for Kids:
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK

Book Orders:
The October orders are due on October 15! Place them on-line, if possible. THANKS!
To order on line, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password.
www.scholastic.com/parentordering

Class User Name: spakausky
Password: Books

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
Jennifer
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-Take board down

Spelling
We took the Lesson 5 test Thursday.
We also took the pretest for Lesson 6.
I will hand back the lesson 5 pretest on Friday. I will also pass back the assignment that will be due on Friday, 10/10.

English
Chapter 1- Test scheduled for Tuesday, 10/7.
*complete and incomplete sentences
*Statements and Questions
*Commands and Exclamations
*Subjects of the Sentence
*predicate of a sentence

Writing
We have been writing away in third grade!
We have been doing “quick writes” in class. They write on a story starter I give them for 10 minutes. This gets their ideas flowing!
We have made scap books to work on our writing and journaling skills and to practice using “Grand Openings.” “Grand Openings” are interesting and fun beginnings to our papers.
Next week we will discuss and do activities on using transitions in our writing. For example, next, then, first, in addition to, the next day, the day after tomorrow, two days after Halloween, etc.

Reading
The third grade teachers have covered the strategy of visualizing and preview and predict! Next, we will cover facts and opinions. The story we will be reading is called, Night of the Pufflings.

Independent Reading Program
Thanks to the following people who participated for the month of September:
-Allie -Eric -Chantalle -Max -Elena -Ethan
-Stephen -Alec -Emily -Adam -Jonathan -Ross
-Kailee -Natalie -Marc -Jennifer -Lucas

Science
Chapter 1-The Human Body-
We wrapping up our human body unit. We will most likely test on Friday, 10/3. A study guide will come home next week.
Chapter 2 is next! We will study about ways to stay healthy!

Social Studies-Downers Grove
We have studied about:
-Pierce Downer
-Native American settlers
-Israel Blodgett
-Underground Railroad
Next week we will discuss:
-Prince Pond
-John Manning
-Casper Dicke
-The Tivoli Movie Theater

We will taking a D.G. field trip on
The names of the following parents were chosen to go on the DG Field Trip:
*Eve's mom
*Kailee's mom
*Lucas's dad
*Marc's mom
*Allison's mom
Thanks for volunteering!

Math
Chapter 3 is next!
Addition

Have a SUPER weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky

Friday, September 26, 2008

Happy Birthday, Johnny Appleseed! We enjoyed learning about him today. Enjoy these pictures of us in our "apple" glasses.

Mrs. Spakausky's class at the computer lab, practicing rounding, addition and subtration!

Spakausky Scoop September 29-October 3

Mrs. Spakausky's Class had fun with Glob, Goo and Guts this week!

Check out these AWESOME picture!

Tomorrow-Friday-Johnny Appleseed's birthday! Send in a peeled, cored, cut up apple for our applesauce. We need this on Friday, 9/26!

Lunch Program-
Starting 10/23 will be the Nutri Kids (ticketless lunch system). Stay tuned for details!

Again-I have updated my e-mail list, so if you aren't getting reminders of when I've updated my blog, please contact me and let me add you to my e-mail address. If you gave me your e-mail address and still aren't getting weekly reminders, e-mail your address to me again. I can e-mail you any updated materials, etc. Thanks!

Website of the week:”Mapman” http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/games_quizzes/mapman/index.asp?sa_campaign=internal_ads/CHB/Just_For_You/mapman

Applesauce-
THANKS to all the parents who sent items in for our applesauce!

You are an awesome group!

Book Orders:
The October orders are due on October 15! Place them on-line, if possible. THANKS!
To order on line, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password. www.scholastic.com/parentordering

Class User Name: spakausky
Password: Books

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:
NATALIE
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Steven K.
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-Take board down

Handwriting Book-
We will work on this in homeroom after lunch.

Spelling
We took the Lesson 4 test Thursday.
We also took the pretest for Lesson 5.
I will hand back the lesson 5 pretest on Friday. I will also pass back the assignment that will be due on Friday, 10/3.

English/Writing
Chapter 1-
*complete and incomplete sentences
*Statements and Questions
*Commands and Exclamations
*Subjects of the Sentence
*predicate of a sentence
Chapter 1 Test scheduled for Tuesday, 10/7.

Reading
The third grade teachers have covered the strategy of visualizing and we have discussed the literary elements of a story.
We will continue the strategy of Preview and Predict! We will read a story called, Balto and the Great Race.

Independent Reading Program
The folders are due on Wednesday, October 1st-no late folders, please.
The reading party will be on Thursday, October 2nd during lunch. On this day the students who have read for the month of September, will be invited into our classroom to eat lunch and watch a video. (Please no peanut products for lunch on this day-Thanks)!

Science
Chapter 1-The Human Body-
We wrapping up our human body unit. We will most likely test on Friday, 10/3.

A study guide will come home next week.

Social Studies-Downers Grove
We have started our D.G. Unit. We have learned about the founder of D.G. and about the first D.G. settlers.
We will taking a D.G. field trip on October 17, 2008!
If you would like to be a chaperon, let me know and I will put your name into a “hat.” I will pull 5 chaperon helpers for this trip.

Math
Chapter 2. We have covered:
*comparing numbers
*ordering numbers
*rounding numbers
*problem solve-using a model
Chapter 2 test will be on Monday, 9/29!

Have a SUPER weekend!
Mrs. T. Spakausky