AR Big Cookie Pics

Ayla - 200 points
Bryson - 75 points

November 30 Parent Letter

Parents,

I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.

I will be sending home the children’s Christmas program parts in the folders again today. Your child’s part will be highlighted. Please practice their part with them. Their parts should have been memorized today. They need to speak slowly, clearly, and loudly. The more they practice, the better their performance. Besides wanting the children to look and sound their best, it is also important to share the message of Jesus and his birth with those in attendance. The students’ parts need to be understood by the audience.

Remember to clip those Campbell Soup labels. We’re trying to get enough labels to earn double points.

Progress reports will be in the folders today. Some students need to pick up the pace on the reading. Remember to sign the bottom portion and return it tomorrow to raise a daily grade to a 100 in the subject of your choice.

UPDATE: As our weather is turning cooler, please send your child with appropriate outerwear. If it is not raining, we will go outside. Everyone was dressed great today, so this is just a reminder. Also, I did not have time to copy the Christmas program parts again. If you no longer have the one sent home before Thanksgiving, let me know.

Third Six Weeks Memory Verse #3

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Lesson 12 Science Vocabulary

The dehydrated gel from this activity is very hygroscopic - it can soak up (absorb) a LOT of water. This type of gel would be good for making materials drier because it absorbs water so well. A cracker is an example of a hygroscopic material.

An example of absorption is a paper towel cleaning up spilled water. Not all materials will absorb water.

The dehydrated gel is also used to transport plants over long distances - it absorbs water, keeping it near the plant's roots. This is the same gel used for disposable diapers, because the gel absorbs moisture quickly.

When water changes from liquid to gas, it is called evaporation.

Dehydration means removing the water from something.

November 16 Parent Letter

Parents,

Our field trip to the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra is Friday. I should hear today about arrival time and place. Please return your permission slips as soon as possible, so I can give them a good head count. The only money the students need is for their lunch at McDonald’s.

Third graders will be multiplying and dividing money this week. The important thing when doing this is getting the decimal in the right place!

This will be a regular week, although our tests on Friday may be at different times, due to the field trip.

Field Trip Update: As of right now, there are only seats for 2 parents. I have requested more in case some more of you want to go, but have not heard anything yet.

Third Six Weeks Memory Verse #2

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him. Colossians 2:6

Lesson 11 Science Vocabulary

Surface tension is when water molecules stick together like they are holding hands. Surface tension is what makes falling raindrops round. Surface tension is a force. Surface tension causes the water in a bucket to curve down at the edges making the surface uneven.

When the needle was laid gently on the water, the water molecules “hand holding” was strong enough to hold up the needle. Their force was stronger than gravity trying to pull the needle down. The dent in the water around the needle was the struggle between gravity and surface tension.

When we belly flop in the swimming pool, it hurts. This is because our body has to break through a huge number of water molecules.

Forces in our activity: the weight of the needle, surface tension, gravity.

AR Big Cookie Pics

Ayla -175 points

Harlie - 25 points

November 9 Parent Letter

Parents,

Today is the first day of the new grading period. Expect report cards to come home on Wednesday.

We will be starting new units in Social Studies and Health this week.

There will be a take home Health Test over Chapters 1 and 2 on Tuesday night. Students will take home their books, and complete the test. Feel free to help them.

On November 20, our class will be taking a field trip to TAMUK to see the Kingsville Orchestra. I will send home permission slips one day this week. I need to verify that they have us down and seats assigned for us. The concert begins at 10:00 and I am not sure how long it will last. Previously, we have gone to McDonalds for lunch when the concert was over. I will be needing drivers for at least 7 of the children. (I can take 3 in my car.) Be thinking if you would be able to drive.

New folders will be sent home today.

Third Sixs Weeks Memory Verse #1

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Lesson 10 Science Vocabulary

There are 3 states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases.

For matter to change states, you must involve energy.

Matter is what scientists call the stuff that surrounds us.

When the salt was added to the water, it didn’t disappear, it became a solution.

A physical change is when something changes from on state of matter into another, when materials change form: water changing from liquid to solid (ice cubes), water changing to a gas (evaportation).

Water boiling, water freezing, a burning match are all examples of physical changes.

In this weeks project we changed the solid dry salt into a liquid solution (by adding water), and evaporation caused the water to turn into a gas.

November 2 Parent Letter

Parents,

This is the last week of the grading period. All papers must be turned in by Friday, or a zero will be given. Report cards will be sent home next Wednesday.

This week we have 5 tests scheduled. (6 including the Science quiz on Thursday)

Tuesday: Health Quiz #3

Wednesday: Social Studies Unit 2 Test

Friday: Reading Test

Spelling Test

Math Test

Please be sure to look for study sheets on-line and help your child prepare for their tests the night before.

Nova Ordner has begun to make a practice test to help Mason study for the Science Quizzes on Thursdays. She is making them in a T/F and Multiple Choice format. If you would be interested, I can forward these to you via e-mail. Just let me know.

Please consider making a donation to the church food bank. As I said last week, canned goods, especially soups or meats, are needed.

Second Six Weeks Memory Verse #5

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44

Health Quiz #3

It is safe to fly a kite: in an open field, away from trees, away from streets, and away from electrical wires.

You should always play in a safe place.

When you feel tired, you should stop and rest.

When you are running, you should look ahead.

A doctor who examines your eyes is an optometrist.

You should always skate on a sidewalk.

Three plants that cause skin poisoning are:

- poison ivy

- poison oak

- poison sumac

Unit 2 Social Studies Test

Geography – the study of Earth and the ways people use it

Landform – the different shapes that the Earth has: for example - hill, mountain, plain,

valley, island, peninsula

Ancestor – a person in your family who lived before we were born

Producer – someone who makes or grows something

Consumer – someone who buys and uses goods

Natural resource – a useful material that comes from the Earth: for example – air, water,

sun, forests, soil

Crop – a kind of plant grown by people for food and other uses

Conservation – the care and protection of land, water, plants, and animals

Rules of Conservation

1. Stay on paths in a park.
2. Don’t litter
3. Smell but don’t pick the flowers
4. Take care of plants and animals

Cause and Effect

Example: I was thirsty so I got a drink of water.

CAUSE: I was thirsty

EFFECT: I got a drink of water

Lesson 9 Science Vocabulary

Your bones are alive…that's why it hurts if you break one!

Your skeleton (the body's framework) contains 206 bones (in all shapes and sizes) that all work together. They work with tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints to help you move. It protects your vital organs (heart, lungs, brain). It protects your nervous system (especially the spinal cord.)

Your bones also store nutrients (calcium and phosphorous). They also contain special blood cells that fight disease.

The skull is the bone in your head that protects your brain.

AR Big Cookie Pics

Mason - 25 points

Pumpkin Patch

October 25 Parent Letter

Parents,

Progress reports come out this week today. Look for them in your child’s folder. Remember that this grading period only has five weeks, so you only have this week and next week to get any missing work turned in.

Third graders should start thinking about chapter books. If your child hasn’t read a chapter book yet this six weeks, now is the time! Also remember our 2X2 books. We have the books available to us until Christmas.

Many thanks to all the parents who were able to drive children to our field trip today. Remember that our fall party is Friday. Parents are welcome to attend.

Third graders have a bit of a challenging week in Math. We will be doing division with a remainder. They are progressing nicely with division, but still have to think really, REALLY hard to complete a problem, so this may take a lot of practice. We also are adding ‘6’ as a factor with the 6 multiplication table.

If you received a letter regarding your child’s second varicella vaccine, Mrs. Moerbe needs a copy of your updated shot record as soon as possible.

It has been brought to my attention that the church’s food pantry is running low on supplies. This is a service to the community that can make a huge difference in someone’s life. If you have an interest, I will take your donations to the office to be stocked. Especially needed are canned goods such as soups, canned meat (tuna, chicken, Vienna sausages), chili, or canned pasta.

Second Six Weeks Memory Verse #4

The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:8

Lesson 8 Science Vocabulary

Pulse – the rhythmic bumping you feel on your wrist as your heart pushes blood through your body. The faster your heart beats, the faster your pulse.

Heart – a muscle that pumps blood through your entire body 24 hours a day/7 days a week your entire life. It pumps six quarts of blood per minute.

The blood brings oxygen to your entire body. When you exercise, your body needs more oxygen and energy, so your heart pumps faster (speeds up).

AR Big Cookie Pics

Harley - 25 points



Alan - 25 points

October 19 Parent Letter

Parents,

This is the third week of the grading period. Since we only have five weeks this time, I will send home Progress Reports next Monday, instead of sending it on Wednesday. This way the students will have a full two weeks left to work on any subjects that they want to improve.

Third grade students will be learning how to check a division problem as well as dividing by 5 this week. Keep up with the flashcards…I can tell you’re working on it!

We will do Science Lesson 7 this week. We had several students absent last week, and these science lessons are hard to make up if you miss. Sorry for the inconvenience last week.

If your child was absent on Friday, please try to get the tests made up during this week. The best way to do this is to prepare for spelling on night, reading the next. Let me know in the morning which test we’re doing that day. The earlier in the week, the better, so that your child doesn’t get last weeks material confused with this weeks’.

Please remember our PTL meeting tomorrow night at 7:00. Be sure to practice one last night, tonight, their lines for the program.

Second Six Weeks Memory Verse #3

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:21

AR Big Cookie Pics

Ayla - 125 points


Bryson - 50 points

October 12 Parent Letter

Parents,

Thank you all for coming for conferences last week. Please remember that anytime you have concerns, feel free to come meet with me.

Third graders begin dividing by 3 this week. I can tell that you are working with the flash cards. Keep up the good work.

This is the last week to turn in box tops for the contest. If you have any at home, please send them this week. (Keep collecting after this week!)

There are no extra quizzes or tests this week, just our regular ones. Have a great week.

UPDATE: 2x2 Books are available to go home. There is a permission slip in today's folder. We will have these books until Christmas break.

Sorry for the delay in posting...I was out of town all weekend. Thanks for understanding!

Second Six Weeks Memory Verse #2

If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14

Lesson 7 Science Vocabulary

Stimulus – something that happens (the frog jumping) Example: a sudden noise, light, heat

Response – something your body does when the stimulus happens (like trying to catch the frog) Example: smiling when you see a friend, stopping at a red light, crying at something sad, pulling your hand away from something hot.

For the stimulus/response process, your eyes, ears, brain, nerves and muscles all work together. Example: jumping when you hear a loud noise.

Stimulus/response times are affected by age, ability, and health.

October 5 Parent Letter

Parents,

Today is the first day of the second six weeks. Remember you have conferences scheduled for this week.

Students brought home their new folders Friday. Second graders will notice that they have bonus spelling words this time. These are on a separate sheet behind the spelling words. These words will be worth 1 point each on their spelling tests, but will not count against them if they miss them.

Third grade should add in 5’s to their flash cards. We will be learning these this week. This is an easy one to learn, since they already know how to count by 5’s. Also please practice dividing by 2’s and 3’s.

If you’ve been saving box tops, please try to send them in before the 16th. We are entering a contest to possibly win $10,000 for our school.

Regular homework returns this week. Hopefully we all enjoyed the break last week.

There will be a Health QUIZ on Thursday. Check the web site for the study sheet.

I look forward to meeting with you this week.

Second Six Weeks Memory Verse #1

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37

Lesson 6 Science Vocabulary

Water – most food is made up of mostly water

Micro-organisms – tiny living things such as bacteria and mold
These need warmth and water to grow.

Decomposes – spoils (This slows without enough warmth and water)

Refrigeration – slows spoilage by removing warmth

Dehydration - slows spoilage by removing water

Food examples: beef jerky, raisins, dried fruit

Food can be preserved by freezing, dehydrating, refrigerating

Health Quiz #2

Covers pp. 20-29

The food you eat (especially protein) makes your muscles grow in strength.

The best place to exercise is outside in the fresh air.

It is important to get plenty of fresh air and sunshine.

Exercise makes your muscles grow in strength.

Endurance exercises strengthen your heart and lungs.

Example of endurance exercise:

Running, swimming, jumping rope, riding a bike, playing basketball, hiking

AR Big Cookie Pics

Ayla - 100 points

Great Minds... Gig 'Em!

September 28 Parent Letter

Parents,

This is the last week of the six weeks. We will be having Parent Teacher Conferences next week to discuss the report cards. I will have a sign up sheet in the classroom to sign up for conference times.

We will not have a reading story or spelling words this week. Each student will have time to pick out a book to read this week for independent reading. We will do language worksheets each day. As for homework, tonight’s homework will only be a spelling page, and Tuesday will only be the language page.

Due to the extra class time, we will have Health each day this week. Science will be lesson 5 from last week. Check last week’s web posting for the Science study material.

Our Social Studies test is Thursday. I have posted vocabulary words from Unit 1, as well as a few other things to study.

Third grade parents: Seriously…please work with the math flash cards every day. The students need to be quicker with their facts, and I feel this is a high priority right now. Third grade will begin simple division this week. The students will soon see how important it is to know those facts!

First Six Weeks Memory Verse #6

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

Unit 1 Social Studies Test Review

Vocabulary

Law – a rule everyone must follow
Vote – a choice that gets counted
Community – a place made up of many neighborhoods
History – tells the story of people and places from the past
Urban – an area that has a city
Suburb – a type of community that is located near a city
Rural – area with small communities and open space
Capital – the city where the leaders of a state or country work
Washington D.C. – the capital of our country
Austin – the capital of our state

Our State: Texas
Our state bird: Mockingbird
Our state flower: Bluebonnet

Problem Solving Steps
(Be able to put these in order!)

1. Name the problem.
2. Find out more about the problem
3. List ways to solve the problem
4. Talk about the best way to solve the problem
5. Solve the problem
6. Ask: How well is the problem solved?

September 21 Parent Letter

Parents,

This Friday is picture day. No money is required at this time, however, try to remember to dress your child in something you like.

This week, third graders will begin studying the 4 fact family. If you are practicing with flash cards at home, please add in the 4’s.

The students continue to work on a program on our classroom computer, Math Facts in a Flash. I want each student to get on at least once a week. This is a math facts program that times the student (2 minutes). In order to move to the next level, they must score 100% within the time goal. My goal is that no student in either grade need to count on their fingers! Students have been making good progress.

Remember to encourage you child to bring home a book to read each night. This is the last full week for them to gain points for the ice cream party. Third graders should have read one chapter book by the end of the six weeks.

This is the last week of the grading period for Reading and Spelling Tests. Let's work really hard to get great scores this week.

First Six Weeks Memory Verse #5

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

Lesson 5 Science Vocabulary

Leaves have many different functions. One thing they do is help control the direction of raindrops. They spread the water evenly to the plants roots. They help keep the soil from eroding.

Roots absorb (or soak up) water for the plant.

Kinetic energy is energy that is moving. (like with a falling raindrop.) The more leaves a plant has, the more kinetic energy it can absorb.

Eroding soil is soil that is washing away during heavy rain. Plants are often planted on a hillside to help decrease soil erosion.

AR Big Cookie Pics

Ayla - 50 points



Bryson - 25 points

September 14 Parent Letter

Parents,

Look for your child’s progress report in their folder on Wednesday. Attached to it will be their reading record for the first three weeks of school. Please remember that when they are reading for their trophy, only books at or above their grade level are counted. Please sign and return the bottom portion of their progress report on Thursday. I will replace the lowest non-test grade in one subject of your choice with a 100 if this is returned on Thursday. Please write the subject next to your signature.

We will have our first Health Quiz on Thursday. The study sheet is posted on the class web site. Please spend some time reviewing this with your child.

I will remind third grade parents again to buy some multiplication flash cards and work on 0-3 fact families. Speed drill averages count as a test grade, and they must be able to work quickly. Please practice these every day.

Second grade parents – addition and subtraction flash cards will help the students get faster on their speed drills.

I will begin to take points off (-1) when the students write their numbers wrong, and (-5) when they leave their names off a paper. If your child has problems getting their numbers right, please practice with them at home.

We started playing the flutophones last week, and the kids had a great time.

We have a large amount of standing water around the school. Mosquitoes are likely to be a big annoyance. Feel free to send insect repellant to school and I will hose down the kids before we go outside!

Lastly, this Sunday, September 20th, is Pastor Gilbert Franke's retirement service. If any of you feel inclined to come out and pass along your best wishes on his retirement, the service will begin at 10:30. We will all miss him here at school.

First Six Weeks Memory Verse #4

The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. Exodus 15:2

Lesson 4 Science Vocabulary

Most seeds would die if they all landed in the same place. They need water, nutrients, and light. There wouldn’t be enough of these if all seeds landed in one place.

Embryo – baby plant

Seeds travel by wind – light seeds (ash tree), parachute seeds (milkweed), winged seeds (maple)

Water – seeds float (coconuts), wash away in heavy rains (grasses)

Movement of animals – edible fruit (berries), tiny hooks (cocklebur) to grab a ride.

Different plants make different seeds.

If plants couldn’t scatter its seeds, the new plants would be too crowded and die.

Health Quiz #1

Covers pp. 3-11

• When we walk, our toes should point straight ahead.
• It is important that our shoes fit well.
• A habit is something that we do without thinking hard about.

Good Posture Rules

• Keep your head up.
• Keep your shoulders back.
• Keep your back straight.
• Keep your abdomen in.
• Keep your toes straight ahead.

September 8 Parent Letter

Parents,

If you haven’t brought your 2 soda bottles and 2 pounds of rice yet, please try to do so as soon as possible.

Please send $5 for your child’s flutophone or bring one (a recorder will work as well) from home. We will begin using them on Thursday.

Both grades will have their first Math test on Friday. Second grade began their speed drills on Friday, and will continue to have these each day. Third grade has begun their 2 multiplication families and we will begin the 3 family this week. If you are practicing with flash cards, please practice on the 2’s and 3’s.

If you haven’t sent back the Star Student cross and a picture, please try to get that done this week.

Continue checking the class web page. Science vocabulary will be posted each week. Our weekly assessment will usually be on Thursday’s.

First Six Weeks Memory Verse #3

[God says,] “I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1

Lesson 3 Science Vocabulary

Simple vision – can only detect the difference between light and dark, and
maybe a few shapes.

Complex vision – what humans have

Lens – part of eye that bends light – needed for both simple and complex
vision

Focus – bending light to allow us to see detail, not just shapes

Image – the picture you see in your brain

The lens sends information to the brain (an important part of vision) to
understand what we see

The wax paper represents the lens of a simple eye.

Lesson 2 Science Vocabulary

Skin – our body’s largest organ

Layer – the plastic wrap modeled on layer of our skin. Skin actually has several layers.

Structure - how something is built. Each layer of skin has its own special structure.

Function – purpose. Each layer of skin also has its own special function.

Melanin – a chemical that determines your skin color. Darker skin has more, lighter skin has less.

First Six Weeks Memory Verse #2

Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 2:38

August 31 Parent Letter

Parents,

What a great first week of school we had. The second graders seem to be adjusting fairly well to the busier workday. Don't forget to call or stop by after school if you have questions or concerns.

I do not keep a cooler of water in the classroom. Students are welcome to bring a water bottle to school if they would like water in class.

A few things to remember:

Check the class web page weekly: http://mrseckertsclassroom.blogspot.com/

Also, if you haven't given me an e-mail address, please get that to me as soon as possible. I will be using e-mail for any mid-week notes that might need to be sent.

Be sure and fill in the church and Sunday school page each weekend in the student's folder. If no response is given, attendance will be recorded as 'no.'

In music this year we will be learning notes and playing the flutophone. We will begin this on Week #3. If you already have a flutophone, please bring that to school at the first opportunity. If you need one, Mrs. Moerbe has ordered them and they are $5.

I am sending home Scholastic book orders today. If you order books for your child, please make checks out to Scholastic. If at all possible, checks are much easier for me than cash. This month's book orders are due on Friday, September 4.

Thanks again for a great first week!

Lesson 1 Science Vocabulary

Embryo - baby plant
Energy Source - food
Germination - when seeds sprout
Reproduce - make more of itself
Seeds - how most plants reproduce, contain food and a baby plant
Sprout - when seeds begin to grow


Class of 2009-2010

August 24 Parent Letter

Parents,

Welcome back to school! I am so happy to be teaching your child. I know that your child will have a successful year of school! There are some things to remember, which will help them to be successful and to learn many new things. Your child needs your help and support. Their work this year will be harder and will require new skills. Please make sure they have all their supplies each day, check that assignments are complete, and study with them before tests. Check their folders daily: homework, graded papers, notes from teacher or principal will be in the folders. The homework log requires a signature each day, even if no homework is assigned for that day. Classwork that has not been completed in class must be returned complete the next day, or no credit will be given.

I am always available to meet or talk with you. Feel free to call anytime. We are occasionally gone in the afternoon or evening, but leave a message, and I will return your call. If you call the school during the day, I’ll return your call at my first break. My number at home is 592-4095 – please do not hesitate to call with any questions or concerns.

I reviewed the classroom, hallway, and lunch room procedures and my discipline plan today. I have sent home today in their folder my classroom procedures and discipline plan. Please sign and return the back copy of the discipline plan.

I will send home our classroom schedule next week. I want to try it out before sending it home to make sure no adjustments need to be made.

I will send home a note each Monday alerting you to any extra assignments, tests, or things to return during that week. The student’s folder requires your attention daily. Please take out graded papers daily. In the student’s folder, you will find:

1) TREAT Sheet (needs signature)
2) Homework Log (sign each day!)
3) Church and Sunday School Attendance Sheet (If neither is circled, it will be counted
as ‘NO’)
4) Spelling List
5) Reading List (signature NOT required on this)
6) Writing Topic Assignments – (Coloring the picture is REQUIRED)
7) Religion Memory Verses (once a week – on Friday)

Nightly homework assignments are due the next day – not any time before Friday. They will lose a letter from their TREAT Sheet if their log is not signed AND if their homework is not turned in.


Something new this year is our class web page. I will post my Monday class note each week as well as the week's memory verse. Web sites that may be of interest to you will also be posted, as well as any pictures of special activities. I will post any study sheets here as well. It is important that you get in the habit of checking this weekly. This will be a good secondary resource in case letters or schedules are misplaced. I will also need to have an e-mail address – that you check regularly – so that when unexpected things come up I can send a class e-mail rather than a paper note.

Our web page is : http://mrseckertsclassroom.blogspot.com

Again, I am thrilled to be your child’s teacher. Do not hesitate to call with any concerns.

First Six Weeks Memory Verse #1

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

2009-2010 Discipline Plan

Classroom Rules

1. Respect the people, equipment and furnishings of our classroom. No teasing or name-calling allowed.
2. Adjust voice level to suit the activity.
3. Wait quietly for direction with no talking.
4. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
5. Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak.

If You Choose To Break A Rule

First Time: Name on Board: Warning

Second Time: One check: Lose a letter from Treat Sheet

Third Time: Two checks: Lose a letter from Treat Sheet, 10 minutes Time Out

Fourth Time: Three checks: Lose a letter from Treat Sheet, 15 minutes Time Out, Lines to write assigned.

Fifth Time: Four checks: Lose a letter from Treat Sheet, 20 minutes, Time Out, Lines, and Parent called.

Severe Disruption: Sent immediately to office, parent called, discipline form filed, student sent home.

Rewards

Praise (daily)

Positive notes home (random)

Prize from Treat Bucket (weekly)

Various other positive perks (as applicable)

The joy of learning (each day of the school year)