March 17-21

“Spakausky’s Scoop”

No School Friday, 3/21!

Hawaiian Day-
Next Thursday, 3/20, the third graders are celebrating the end of ISAT's with a luncheon.
The students are also supposed to dress in a tropical fashion that day to go with our theme.
I thought it might be fun to do a little Hawaiian party on our “Cheeseburger in Paradise Day.”
Would any parents like to get together and plan anything? (like the other parties). We could do the limbo, have pineapple, etc. Leis will be supplied to the students. This would be on Thursday from 12:00-1:00. (not 1:15-2:15, like the other parties).
This would also be a nice way to kick off spring break!
Let me know ASAP, if you are interested in doing this. tspakaus@ccsd66.org

Help:
We need more hand pump sanitizer to use before we have snack!
Thanks, Mrs. Kling!

Conference Schedule:
Some changes made:
Tuesday, March 18th:
3:15-3:30-Emily-phone
3:30-3:45-Anthony-phone
3:45-4:00-__________________
4:00-4:15-__________________
4:15-4:30-Daniel
4:30-4:45-Kelsey
4:45-5:00-Ryan R.
5:00-5:15-Ryan S.
5:15-5:30-Mary
5:30-5:45-Patricia
5:45-6:00-Karina
6:00-6:15-Caitlin
6:30-Adam-phone

March Spirit Days
Thursday, March 13th -- Green day for St. Patty's Day and on Monday, 3/17-wear green too!
Thursday, March 20th -- wear your favorite college t-shirt or sweatshirt
Friday, April 4th -- PV Spirit Day
Friday, April 11th -- Rock Band Day -- Wear your favorite rock group, choir or band shirt
Friday, April 18th -- Baseball Day
Friday, April 25th -- Decade Day -- dress up in the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's or 90's apparel

Goody Basket-
We are looking to freshen up the basket. Spring things would be great!!!

Student of the Week
Matthew

Writing
Dear Parents,
Letter writing is the next type of writing we will focus on.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Spakausky

Spelling

We DID do lesson 23 this week and next week we will do lesson 24. Sorry about the mix-up!

Social Studies
Have your child tell you what they have learned about the Chicago Fire.?.?.
What year did it happen? Why did the fire burn so many buildings?

Extra Credit
Visit the Chicago Historical Museum before May 1st and receive extra credit in social studies.
Bring back “proof” of your visit for credit!
Have fun!

Spakausky's Math Update-
Unit 10-Geometry-
Have your child tell you some plane figures. How many sides and how many corners do they have? How about angles?

Mad Minute Schedule:
Week of:
March 10th-No tests-ISAT's

Reading
Independent Reading Program-
Stay tuned for details

Chocolate is in the air!
We will all start out by reading about the history of chocolate. The Chocolate Factory is a non-fiction story of the history of chocolate!
Take a Hershey chocolate virtual tour at: http://www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld/chocolate_tour.shtml
We will start a chocolate theme. Some students will be reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and come will read The Chocolate Touch!

Family Reading Night
Wednesday, April 9th from 6:30-8:00. Will you be there? What book are you reading?

Website of the week:
Spelling match game-
www.eduplace.com/kids/hmsv/smg

Joke-
Knock KnockWho's there?Donatello!Donatello who?Donatello'n me!

Have a super weekend-
Mrs. T. Spakausky

March 10-14

No School Friday, 3/14!

ISAT SCHEDULE-
Monday 3/10 -Reading I
Tuesday 3/11- Reading II and Math I
Wed. 3/12- Reading III and Math II
Thursday 3/13 -Math III

A BIG THANK YOU to Mrs. Hougaard for picking up the children's' lunches!

Help:
We need more hand pump sanitizer to use before we have snack!

Conference Schedule:
The schedule is as follows:

Monday, March 10
2:45-3:00-Nicky-phone
3:00-3:15-T.J. (change in time)
3:15-3:30-Erick
3:30-3:45-Lauren
3:45-4:00-James

Tuesday, March 11
3:15-3:30-Isa
3:30-3:45-__________________
3:45-4:00-__________________

Wednesday, March 12th:
3:15-3:30-__________________
3:30-3:45-__________________
3:45-4:00-__________________
4:45-5:00-Lukas

Tuesday, March 18th:
3:15-3:30-Emily-phone
3:30-3:45-Anthony-phone
3:45-4:00-__________________
4:00-4:15-__________________
4:15-4:30-Daniel
4:30-4:45-__________________
4:45-5:00-Kelsey
5:00-5:15-Karina
5:15-5:30-Mary
5:30-5:45-Patricia
5:45-6:00-Ryan S.
6:00-6:15-Caitlin
6:15-6:30-__________________
6:30-Adam-phone

Let me know if there are any changes or additions to the conference schedule!

March Spirit Days

Thursday, March 13th -- Green day for St. Patty's Day
Thursday, March 20th -- wear your favorite college t-shirt or sweatshirt
Friday, April 4th -- PV Spirit Day
Friday, April 11th -- Rock Band Day -- Wear your favorite rock group, choir or band shirt
Friday, April 18th -- Baseball Day
Friday, April 25th -- Decade Day -- dress up in the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's or 90's apparel

Goody Basket-
We are looking to freshen up the basket. Spring things would be great!!!

Student of the Week
Amy

Writing
Dear Parents,
Letter writing is the next type of writing we will focus on.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Spakausky

Spelling
No spelling this week!

Sorry-change of plan-Lesson 23 we will do!

Whoops!

Social Studies
Have your child tell you what they have learned about the Chicago Fire.?.?.
What year did it happen? Why did the fire burn so many buildings?

Spakausky's Math Update-
Unit 10-Geometry-
Have your child tell you some plane figures. How many sides and how many corners do they have? How about angles?
Mad Minute Schedule:
Week of:
March 10th-No tests-ISAT's

Reading
Independent Reading Program
Congrats to the following students who participated this month:
Madison Daniel Adam
Isa Emma Mary
James Greg Emily
Ryan S. Kelsey Lauren
Ryan R. Karina Anita
Caitlin Paul Patricia
Matthew

Chocolate is in the air!
We will all start out by reading about the history of chocolate. The Chocolate Factory is a non-fiction story of the history of chocolate!
Take a Hershey chocolate virtual tour at: http://www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld/chocolate_tour.shtml
We will start a chocolate theme. Some students will be reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and come will read The Chocolate Touch!

Family Reading Night
Wednesday, April 9th from 6:30-8:00. Will you be there? What book are you reading?

Website of the week:
Kids Bank
http://www.kidsbank.com/

Joke-
Knock KnockWho's there?Disguise!Disguise who?Disguise the limit!

Have a super weekend-
Mrs. T. Spakausky

March 3-7- Spakausky's Scoop

“Spakausky’s Scoop”
March 3-7

A practice ISAT packet went home with all the third graders today (Friday, 2/29). Use the pages to help your child become familiar with the tests they will take in a couple weeks.

HELP-

We need more pump hand sanitizer!

Thanks!

No School on Monday, March 3rd!
Pulaski Day!

***Volunteer wanted***
I still need a volunteer to pick up Burger King at 10:45 for the reading party!

Independent Reading Program
Reading Folders are due on Tuesday, March 4th. The Reading Party is on Friday, March 7th-$3.00 for a kid's meal.

March Spirit Days
TBA

Goody Basket-
Thanks to:
We are looking to freshen up the basket. Spring things would be great!!!
For donating to the basket this week!

Student of the Week
Ryan R.

Writing
Dear Parents,
Letter writing is the next type of writing we will focus on.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Spakausky

Spelling
Back to the book-Lesson 22 is next!

Social Studies
We are starting a unit on Chicago. We will start by discussing the history of Chicago. What is Fort Dearborn? Who was Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable?

Spakausky's Math Update-
We will be doing problem solving every Thursday, so look at the examples of the problem solving and t-charts, so you can help your child at home.
Unit 7 on Data and Probability-
Chapter 7 TEST on Friday, 2/29. Review this chapter in the hard book with your child.

Unit 10 Geometry-
We are starting geometry next. What is the difference between a plane figure and a solid figure?

Mad Minute Schedule:
Done 0's and 1's, 2's, 5's
Week of:
Jan. 14- multiplication 10's
Jan. 21-multiplication 11's
Jan. 28-multiplication 3's
February 4-mult. 4's
February 11-mult. 6's
February 18-continue 6's
February 25-7's
March 4-8's
March 10th-No tests-ISAT's

Reading
Have you read Trapped By The Ice with your child? Did you like it? We will have a vocabulary and comprehension test on Tuesday, March 3rd.

Family Reading Night
Wednesday, April 9th from 6:30-8:00. Will you be there? What book are you reading?

Website of the week:
The US Mint for Kids-
www.usmint.gov/kids/flashIndex.cfm

Joke-
What did the snowman say to the robin?
A: Can you get me a scarf? I'm getting chilly.

Have a Super 3 day weekend-

Mrs. T. Spakausky

2/25/08

Dear Parents,


I can’t believe spring conferences are already here! I will hold conferences on:

Monday, March 10th from 3:15-4:00
Tuesday, March 11th from 3:15-4:00
Wednesday, March 12th from 3:15-4:00
Tuesday, March 18th from 3:15-6:00

*Sorry about the times, I have some education classes during conference week.
IF these times don't work, I would be happy to have a phone conference with you in the evening.
I will also be holding phone conferences all week. If you feel a conference is not necessary during this time, please note this below. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

______ I would like to come in on Monday, 3/10. These times work well for
me _____________________________________________________.
______ I would like to come in on Tuesday, 3/11. These times work well for me ___________________________________________________.
______ I would like to come in on Wednesday, 3/12. These times work well
for me.________________________________________________.
______ I would like to come in on Tuesday, 3/18. These times work well for me _________________________________________________.
_______ I would like a phone conference. This time_______________and
this day_______________________work well with me.

phone number__________________

Give me a window of time and I will try to fit you in during that time!


______ I feel a conference isn’t necessary at this time.

Student’s Name______________________________

*Don’t forget that students are invited and encouraged to come to their conference.
Jot down any concerns you have and would like to discuss at conferences. Thanks!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Spakausky

Spakausky's Scoop-February 25-29

Happy Birthday, George Washington!

Spring Pictures-
Spring pictures are scheduled for
Thursday, Feb. 28th at 8:00 a.m. All students will have their picture taken & the parents will get a packet & will be able to decide if they want to purchase it on not.

Lunches being thrown out-
Unopened juice boxes, whole sandwiches and more are being thrown out at lunch. Please check with your child in regards to their lunch and ask them if they are eating it. If not, have them bring home the uneaten portion or do a lunch evaluation and maybe it is time to make other lunch choices???

Language Stars-
Feb. 27th -- THERE WILL BE NO LANGUAGE STARS

Supplies-
If you can supply some Lysol wipes and/or regular baby wipes, that would be great-send it in by next week. Thanks!
Anita

February Spirit Days
2/22 = Clash Day
2/29 = Backwards Shirt Day

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

Student of the Week
Patricia

Writing
We will have an expository quiz on Friday, 2/22. Ask your child what their writing prompt was.

Spelling
Back to the book-Lesson 21 is next!

Science
We have discussed many things with matter. We know about solids, liquids and gases. We have done experiments with each state. We have learned about condensation and evaporation. We also talked about how liquids expand when they freeze.
Next week we will have a short quiz on some concepts we have learned and we will discuss the water and the water cycle, air and recycling.
The test will be the week after next. You can start reviewing the vocabulary log in their science folders and reread the three science packet lessons, if you haven't done so already. The test is scheduled for Tuesday, 2/26, as of now. It might be moved back, if we don't finish everything.

Independent Reading Program
Tuesday, March 4-Reading Folders are due!
Friday, March 7th-Burger King Reading Party-$3.00 for a kid's meal
***Volunteer wanted***
To pick up food at 10:45 on the reading party day!

Spakausky's Math Update-
We will be doing problem solving every Thursday, so look at the examples of the problem solving and t-charts, so you can help your child at home.
Unit 7 on Data and Probability-
We have learned how to collect data and use it to make bar graphs and pictographs. We will learn about number coordinates and we will have our chapter 7 TEST on Friday, 2/29. Review this chapter in the hard book with your child.

Mad Minute Schedule:
Done 0's and 1's, 2's, 5's
Week of:
Jan. 14- multiplication 10's
Jan. 21-multiplication 11's
Jan. 28-multiplication 3's
February 4-mult. 4's
February 11-mult. 6's
February 18-continue 6's
February 25-7's
March 4-8's

Reading
We will do the last story in our reader. The story is called, Trapped By The Ice.

Website of the week:
www.sp.uconn.edu/~cthompso
“Rate your Plate” Take a look at what you are eating and the nutrition in it.

Joke-
What's the hardest part about ice skating?
A: The ice, when you get right down to it!

Have a nice week!
Mrs. T. Spakausky

Spakausky's Scoop-February 18-22

NO SCHOOL-Monday, 2/18
President's Day

SIX FLAGS- 600 Minute Reading-
Does your child want a Free ticket to Great America?
Are they reading and recording their 600 minutes of reading?
They are due on Friday, Feb. 22nd!!

Valentines' Day-
Thanks to all the parents that helped make our Valentines's Day party a success!
Volunteers
Mary Hougaard Nancy Stanuch Angela Weunschel Margie Cikoch
Jelena Raskovich-Kling
Snacks
Kim Johnson -Cheese and Crackers
Barb DeSanto -juice boxes
Anna Dourdourekas - Valentine Snacks
Pat Tanube - fruit tray
Supplies-
If you can supply some Lysol wipes and/or regular baby wipes, that would be great-send it in by next week. Thanks!

February Spirit Days
2/15 = Red Day (Valentine's Day after)
2/22 = Clash Day
2/29 = Backwards Shirt Day

IOWA Testing
Thursday, 2/14
Math Estimation
Spelling
Capitalization
Punctuation
Friday, 2/15
No new tests-only make-ups
IOWA testing -Make-ups
Friday, 2/15 and Tuesday, 2/19

Fun Friday
This Friday, February 15th, we have designated “Fun Friday,” since IOWA testing has come to an end. There will be IOWA make-up tests on Friday morning and we will do language arts, math and science too. After lunch we will have our spelling test and gym. For the rest of the afternoon it will be board game time. The students can partner up and play different games with their classmates.
The students are allowed to bring in a stuffed animal, board game and slippers to school. They can wear their appropriate p.j.'s to school, also. (flannel pajama pants and a shirt, fleece pajamas, sweatpants and a shirt, etc. -no nightgowns, footy pajamas or thin pajamas). They will not be able to change at school, so have them wear their jeans or sweatpants over their pajamas, IF you think it is necessary.
I will also have a drink and snack for the students during their game time.

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

Student of the Week
Karina-continued

Writing
We will write one more together and then we will have a quiz.

Spelling
We will skip lesson 21 this week and do a spelling lesson from the reading story. The words will be au and ou words. We will still do a pre-test on Tuesday., so the students know what words they have to study and the spelling packet will be due on Friday.

Science
We have discussed many things with matter. We know about solids, liquids and gases. We have done experiments with each state. We have learned about condensation and evaporation. We also talked about how liquids expand when they freeze.
Next week we will have a short quiz on some concepts we have learned and we will discuss the water and the water cycle, air and recycling.
The test will be the week after next. You can start reviewing the vocabulary log in their science folders and reread the three science packet lessons, if you haven't done so already.

Independent Reading Program
Tuesday, March 4-Reading Folders are due!
Friday, March 7th-Burger King Reading Party-$3.00 for a kid's meal
I do need a volunteer to pick up the food!-Let me know asap.Thanks!

Spakausky's Math Update-
We will be doing problem solving every Thursday, so look at the examples of the problem solving and t-charts, so you can help your child at home.
Unit 7 on Data and Probability-
We have learned how to collect data and use it to make bar graphs and pictographs.
Mad Minute Schedule:
Done 0's and 1's, 2's, 5's
Week of:
Jan. 14- multiplication 10's
Jan. 21-multiplication 11's
Jan. 28-multiplication 3's
February 4-mult. 4's
February 11-mult. 6's
February 18-continue 6's
February 25-7's
March 4-8's

Reading
Yunmi and Halmoni's Trip is the next story we will read in our voyages theme.-Continued due to IOWA tesing.

Website of the week:
StarFall-www.starfall.com
“Where students have fun learning to read.”

Joke-
Why are teachers different from trains?
One says spit out your gum and the other says choo choo choo.

Mrs. T. Spakausky

Spakausky's Scoop Feb. 4-8

Happy Snow Day!!!! Hope everyone had fun!

No School Alert-
No school on Tuesday, February 5th!

Early Dismissal-
Thurs. 2/7/08

February Spirit Days-
2/8 = PV School Spirit wear
2/15 = Red Day (Valentine's Day after)
2/22 = Clash Day
2/29 = Backwards Shirt Day

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

Student of the Week
No one for this week

Writing
We are learning how to write a good four paragraph expository essay. An expository essay is a factual/informational essay.
We have written on ways to stay healthy, J.K. Rowling and Friendship and what traits make a good friend.
We will try one next week by ourselves.

Spelling
Lesson 20 is next!

Third Grade Spelling Bee will be on Monday, 2/4. Good luck!!!

Presentations for Extra Credit:
Paul-Tuesday, 1/22-Korea
Greg-Wednesday, 1/23 at 10:00-German
Anita-Friday, 1/25 at 10:00-Croatia
Amy-Friday, 1/25 at 10:30ish-China
Emma-Monday, 1/28 at 10:00-Polish
Karina-Tuesday, 1/29 at 10:00-Serbian
T.J.-Tuesday, 1/29 at 12:00

I will publish the rest in the next blog.

Science
We are learning about the states of matter. Ask your child what they have learned about physical change so far.

Independent Reading Program
The reading folders will be due on Friday, Feb. 1st!
Reading Party will be on Wed. Feb. 6th!
Thanks to Isa's mom for picking up the food from McDonalds on this day at 10:45.

SIX FLAGS- 600 Minute Reading-
Does your child want a Free ticket to Great America?Are they reading and recording their 600 minutes of reading?They are due on Feb. 22nd!!

Spakausky's Math Update-
We will be doing problem solving every Thursday, so look at the examples of the problem solving and t-charts, so you can help your child at home.
Unit 7 on Data and Probability is next.

Mad Minute Schedule:
February 4-mult. 4's

Reading
We are going back into the reading book. We will begin our next theme of voyages. Our skill will be inferences again. The first story we will read is called, “Across the Wide Dark Sea.”

Joke-What is black and white and red all over?
A newspaper
(an oldy, but a goody)

Website of the week:
www.primarygames.com

Have a nice weekend!Mrs. T. Spakausky