Savanna 12-21-12

Dear Parents,

This week has been a whirlwind of activity in Third Grade.  The children have completed several units of study with unit tests, shared their cooking talents, and created some beautiful Brass Rubbings.  It has been a lovely way to celebrate the upcoming holiday break.  I appreciate all the additional help you have offered to help make these activities happen, both at home and here at school. 

As we look towards the coming weeks, I would like to ask again for basketball, or other winter team schedules.  I was able to catch one of the games last Friday evening and it was fun seeing the boys play, as well as to see two former Tuckahoe students working as referees. 

I hope you and your family are able to relax, and spend time with loved ones during the break.  I would also like to ask that we all keep the families, friends and community of Newtown, CT in our thoughts and prayers as we celebrate during this holiday season.

        

Enjoy the holiday break.  I look forward to hearing about vacations when we return on Thursday, January 3, 2013.  Thank you for entrusting your children to me each day. 

                                                               Peace

Talking about Tragedy

Good Morning Everyone-

I wanted to let you know that I am taking my lead about talking about the events that transpired at Sandy Hook Elementary School from the children.  I know that some of the class has been shielded from the details of this horrific event, while some have been told about it.  Please know that when we met in our daily circle yesterday morning, the topic did not come up, so we moved on with our day.

In the coming days and weeks should the topic of this shooting be brought up, I will do all I can to listen closely to the concerns and fears of the children.  I will do all I can to answer the children's questions simply and honestly.  I will do all I can to assure your child that they are safe at school, and that I am there to help them stay safe.

Thank you for entrusting your child to me each day.

Mrs. D.

Class Activities this Week

Dear Parents-

I wanted to let you know about the two events coming up this week.

As you know we will be celebrating the holidays with our Healthy Food Feast on Wednesday.  You should have received your invitation from your child this afternoon.  The festivities will begin about 11:00 am in our classroom. If you will be joining us, you may bring your child's dish to school at that time.  Please be sure to include serving utensils with your dish.  I have all the paper goods covered.

On Friday we will be having the London Centre for Brass Rubbing come to school for a demonstration of how these pieces of art were made.  The children will be able to complete their own rubbing during the morning.   There will be several other holiday activities for the children to enjoy as well.

I hope you will be able to join us for one of these activities.

Mrs. D.

Savanna 12-14-12

Dear Parents,

The excitement surrounding the holidays continues to build. Monday, we were treated to the sounds of the season by the 4^th Grade band, orchestra and chorus with their annual holiday concert. This concert gave the children a small taste of the music programs they can participate in next year.  Several of the students have been sharing their Hanukkah traditions, and we have been hearing about all the strange places the “Elf on the Shelf” is hiding at home.

Even with the excitement of the coming break, we have been able to finish our study of Ancient Greece in Social Studies, learn and create many different types of graphs in Math, discuss healthy foods in Health, as well as continue to learn about animal habitats in Science.  Yesterday we created our own version of “Stone Soup” after reading the folktale earlier in the week.  It has been a good week.

On Wednesday December 19th we will be having a “Healthy Food Celebration.”  This is a class luncheon with the foods the children would like to make and bring in to share with their classmates.  It is fun to see the pride the children take in presenting their dish and talking about how they created it.  If your child will be bringing in their dish to share with the class, please bring enough food for 6-8 people.  If you are able to join us for this special lunch, please let me know.

Friday December 21^st brings the London Centre for Brass Rubbing back to Tuckahoe.  This in-school field trip affords the children the opportunity to learn about the history of brass rubbing and to create their own replica of a rubbing.  There is a fee of $7.00 for the children to participate in this program.  This hands-on morning of learning does require many hands to make it go smoothly.  If you are able to help for any part of the morning, please let me know. 

I appreciate those of you who have let me know about your children’s concerts and performances. While I can’t always make them all, I do like the opportunity to talk to the children about their outside interests.  I know that Friday Night basketball has begun, and would like to have team schedules.  If your son or daughter is playing this winter, please forward me their schedule. 

Below are a couple of important dates to put on your calendars;

        

         Wednesday, December 19th- Healthy Food Feast 11:00 am

         Friday, December 21^st- London Centre for Brass Rubbings 9:15-12:00pm

Monday December 24 – Wednesday, January 2 - Winter Break

         Thursday, January 3- School Reopens

        

I hope the weekend is fun for everyone. 

                                                               Sincerely,

                                                               Mrs. DiNardo

Savanna 12-7

Dear Parents,

We are at the end of another good week of learning.  As you know, we are finishing up several different units of study, which has meant a good amount of review in class.  In Science the children are just about finished with their study of different ecosystems and habitats.  We will be testing out this unit next Friday.  In math we finished our mini-unit on angles last week and have been learning about rounding and how to use it to solve word problems.  Our study of Ancient Greece continues as we have been discussing art and architecture, daily life and trade and interdependence.  We will finish this unit prior to the holiday break in two weeks.  In Health we have finished the unit on our body, and will begin our study of healthy foods next week.  This is a fun unit for the children as we learn about the food plate (formerly known as the food pyramid) and healthy food choices.  Coming home today will be information about the healthy food project. This project is intended to be fun and a way for the children to become aware of what they are eating.  I am excited to see all the yummy foods they choose to try.  We will culminate this project with a “Healthy Food Feast” on Wednesday, December 19^th.  More information about this “Feast” will be coming home next week.  As you can see, we have covered a lot this week.

On Friday December 21^st we will be have the London Brass Rubbing Centre come to demonstrate the art of Brass Rubbing to the children on This is a long standing Tuckahoe tradition for the third grade and we will need extra hands to help the children with the rubbings.  The program will begin at 9:30 with a 30-minute explanation of the art of brass rubbing and who would have had a rubbing made for them.  From 10-12:00 pm  all the children will have an opportunity to make their rubbing as well as complete several other craft projects.  If you can lend a hand for all or part of this special project, please let me know.   Thank you for considering volunteering during this busy time of the year.

         With the basketball season in full swing, several of the kids have asked me if I can come to their games.  I would enjoy the opportunity to fit some of these in, but will need schedules to coordinate the dates.  If you would be kind enough to forward me your child’s schedule, I would appreciate it. 

Below are a couple of important dates to put on your calendars;

         Monday December 10^th- 4^th Grade Winter Concert- 7pm

Wednesday December 12^th- 5^th Grade Winter Concert- 7pm

                  Wednesday December 19th-Healthy Food Feast/Early Release

Friday December 21st-London Brass Rubbings- 9:30-12pm

Monday December 24th- Friday December 28th- Winter Break

                  Thursday January 3, 2013- School Reopens

         Have a nice weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving

Good Morning Everyone-

I hope you all enjoy a lovely Thanksgiving break with family and friends. Safe travels to all who will be on the roads or in the air to spend time with loved ones.


Mrs. D.

Savanna 11-16-12

Dear Parents,

        

This week has been one focused on service to others.  On Friday of last week, we discussed how the Veteran’s Day holiday began and how we an honor the men and women who work tirelessly to protect all the freedoms we enjoy each day.  To show our appreciation, the children made cards that were distributed this week to members of the military serving in our area.  We also had the opportunity to help the millions of people affected by Hurricane Sandy by contributing to the American Red Cross through our “Slippers for Sandy” drive.  While this will help others, it was also really fun to wear our slippers and socks throughout the day.  I was very proud of how the children expressed their care and concern for others in their notes and comments. 

The first report cards of the year will come home with your child on Monday.  As I have told the children, this is a snapshot of where they are academically today. This snapshot has the ability to change all the time.  I have also told the kids, the most important grade, to me, on this report is their work and effort grade.  Please remember that an “S” and a “C” indicate that your child is doing work at grade level.  The blue card included in the envelope goes into further detail about the Arlington County grading policy.  Please sign and return both the blue card and the blue comment sheet in the envelope by Monday, November 26th.

Below are a few important dates to put on your calendars.

        

Wed., Nov. 21-Fri., Nov. 23- Thanksgiving Break- No School

Fri. Dec. 21- Brass Rubbings

Mon. Dec.24-Tues. January 2, 2013- Holiday Break- No School

Wed. Jan. 3, 2013- School Reopens

         I hope you and your families enjoy the holiday break and the time together.  I want you all to know how thankful I am to be your child’s teacher.   Each child has touched my heart in a special and unique way. I am grateful to be part of their lives.  To all of you, thank you for sharing them with me each day.

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        Mrs. DiNardo

"Slippers for Sandy" Fundraiser

Good Evening Everyone-

This is a quick reminder that tomorrow we will be participating in the "Slippers for Sandy" fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  The students will be able to wear slippers (or socks) in class if they bring in a $1.00 donation for The American Red Cross to aid the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  Should you wish to contribute more to this effort, you make send in a check made payable to The American Red Cross.

Thanks you for considering a contribution to this cause.

Savanna 11-9-12

Dear Parents,

This week has been full of “teachable moments.”  The entire school was able to participate in a mock election on Monday.  After learning about the two Presidential candidates the children went to the library and cast their vote at our “poling place.”  This was a great opportunity for us to discuss civic duty, majority rule, popular vote versus the Electoral College, as well as to learn about length of terms of service.  Wednesday morning we continued our learning as we discussed the results of the election and compared the results to that of the school. We also spent time talking about Veteran’s Day and made cards to send to men and women who are currently serving our country.  Finally, we continued to collect Unicef boxes and separate the donations into coins and bills and estimating how much money has been collected to date.  All in all, a very good week of learning.

 As you know, Monday was the end of the first quarter.  Our next unit of study in Social Studies will be Ancient Greece.  We will go back in time and learn what life was life during this period.  In Science we will be continuing our learning about animals, their habitats, and adaptations.  Math will focus on adding and subtracting larger numbers, and spiral back to a mini unit on angles.  The pace of our studies will increase (just a bit) during the second quarter. I am confident that the children will be able to meet these new challenges if they keep doing the good job they have done to date. 

         Below are some important November dates to place on your calendars.  If you could please let me know if your child will not be at school on Monday or Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving I would appreciate it. 

Saturday, November 10- Tuckahoe/HB Woodlawn 5K Run

Monday, November 12- Veteran’s Day Holiday- No School

Monday, November 19- Report Cards Issued

Wed., Nov. 21-Fri., Nov. 23- Thanksgiving Break- No School

         Enjoy the weekend!  

11-2-12 Savanna

Dear Parents,

         I want to begin this note with a thank you to Jill Randles for coordinating a lovely party after our parade on Wednesday.  Thanks also to everyone who contributed to, and joined us for the parade and party.  It was a fun morning and the children enjoyed this Tuckahoe tradition.

 It is hard to believe that Monday will be the end of the first quarter.  The children have made many changes since September which can be seen in all parts of their day.  For the most part, everyone is used to the daily routines, the homework procedures, and done well with test taking.  The pace of our studies will begin to increase (just a bit) during the second quarter. I am confident that the children will be able to meet these new challenges if they keep doing the good job they have done to date.  I would like to remind you to go over your child’s assignments with them when they get home and have them explain what they need to do that evening.  If it is a long term project, use a calendar and help pace out the project.  Once your child has completed their work, review it with them, and then have them put all their work and supplies back in their backpack. 

I would like to remind everyone to let me, as well as Mirna Lopez (mirna.lopez@apsva.us) our attendance secretary, know if your child will be out for the day.  This can be done by email the day they are out.  After your child returns to school they will have both classwork and homework to make up.  They will be given a couple of days to make up any missed work.  If they need a longer amount of time to complete these assignments, please let me know.

Also with the cooler temperatures coming in, please remind your child to have a jacket, hat, mittens etc. with them as they come to school.  We do go outside everyday and we want your child to be dressed appropriately.  If your child comes home without any of these, please remember to check the lost and found for any missing items.

         Below are some important November dates to place on your calendars.  If you could please let me know if your child will not be at school on Monday or Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving I would appreciate it. 

Monday, November 5- End of First Quarter

Tuesday, November 6- Election Day

Tuesday, November 6- Teacher Work Day- No School for students

Saturday, November 10- Tuckahoe/HB Woodlawn 5K Run

Monday, November 12- Veteran’s Day Holiday- No School

Friday, November 16- Report Cards Issued

Wed., Nov. 21-Fri., Nov. 23- Thanksgiving Break- No School

Monday Update

Good Morning Everyone-

I wanted to let everyone know that due to the weather, and the cancellation of school today,  the Social Studies Test that was scheduled for tomorrow is on hold for now.  Sitting here listening to the rain and the weatherman, I am not quite sure if it will be later this week or early next week.  Let's see how the next 24-36 hours go.

I hope everyone is able to stay safe during the storm.

Mrs. D.

10-26 Savanna

Dear Parents,

         We have covered a good amount of ground this week.  The children learned a bit about the homeless population here in Arlington and participated in the annual Mini-Walk for the Homeless on Tuesday. The children were able to walk several laps of the sidewalk adjacent to the school to show their support of this worthy cause.  In addition to helping those here in Arlington, the children are also being given to help other children in the world through the “Trick or Treat for Unicef” this Halloween.  The children are bringing home a letter from Mr. Pascal today, outlining the program.  They will bring home their collection box next week.  I would like to encourage all the children to bring their boxes with them as they go trick or treating and collect for children around the world.  In the past Tuckahoe students have collected more than $5,000 in pennies, nickels and dimes. 

 Back in the classroom, we are about to complete our first Social Studies unit on Maps and Globes, learned about lines and line segments on Math, practiced the Scientific Method in Science and worked on where to find information when reading.  All in all we are moving along well.  As I mentioned before, I would like your continued help with going over your child’s assignments with them when they get home and have them explain what they need to do that evening.  If it is a long term project, use a calendar and help pace out the project.  Once your child has completed their work, review it with them, and then have them put all their work and supplies back in their backpack. 

There are several “house keeping” items I would like to bring to your attention.  First, I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to Jill Randles (Tyler’s mom) to see how you might help with the Halloween party on Wednesday.  We will need some help with costume changing around 9:45 am and setting up the party.  The parade is at 10:00 am and we should be back in the classroom around 11:00.  This is a fun morning for the children and your help is greatly appreciated.  Jill’s email is jrandler37@comcast.net. 

Two weeks ago the Scholastic Book catalogues were sent home in the Friday Folders.  If you would like to order books this month, please place your order on line, no later than Friday, November 2^nd.  Go to www.scholastic.com, Book Club, and enter my class code G22G to order.  

I also want to thank everyone for taking time out of your schedules to meet with me for Parent Teacher Conferences last week.  This meeting is very helpful for me to learn more about your child and how you see them adjusting to the third grade routine.  I was pleased to hear that so far everyone seems to be doing well, both at home and school. 

Below are some important October/November dates to place on your calendars.  If you could please let me know if your child will not be at school on Monday or Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving I would appreciate it. 

Wednesday October 31- Halloween Parade and Party 10am

Monday October 31- Trick or Treat for Unicef

Tuesday November 1- Return Unicef collection boxes

Monday, November 5- End of First Quarter

Tuesday, November 6- Election Day

Tuesday, November 6- Teacher Work Day- No School for students

Saturday, November 10- Tuckahoe/HB Woodlawn 5K Run

Monday, November 12- Veteran’s Day Holiday- No School

Friday, November 16- Report Cards Issued

Wed., Nov. 21-Fri., Nov. 23- Thanksgiving Break- No School

         As always, I want to thank you for all you do at home to ensure that your child comes to school each day ready to learn.  I hope everyone stays safe and as dry as possible this weekend.

        

                                                               Sincerely,

                                                               Mrs. DiNardo

Savanna 10-12-12

Dear Parents,

       I would like to begin this week with a big thank you to the parents who accompanied us today to the National Building Museum.  From the hum of excited voices as we left, through the morning of instruction and building everyone seemed to enjoy the day.  The city we built was both fun and functional.  Who knows, maybe the next generation of city planners will include one of our students.

       As you know, Parent Teacher Conferences will be held next week.  This is an opportunity for you and me to share how we see your child adjusting to the expectations of Third Grade.  I will also share information about beginning of the year assessments.  I enjoy this opportunity to discuss your child with you.  If you have not done so as of yet, I would like to ask that you confirm your conference time through email.  The conference schedule is on my blog under the October 3^rd entry.  When you open the Google Doc the first page of the spreadsheet contains conferences through Wednesday of next week.  There is a second sheet that can be accessed by clicking on the tab at the bottom of the page.

       As you may know from your child’s assignment notebook, we wrapped up our first unit in Math on Thursday.  We are in the middle of our Maps and Globes unit in Social Studies, and I would expect to test this out in the next two weeks.  I also plan to introduce the Scientific Method in Science next week.  In Language Arts we have been working on Visualization and sentence structure.  In addition, we have been working in our word study groups.  All in all we are getting into full swing.

       I would again like to remind everyone to take a few minutes each evening to go over the assignments your child has for the evening.  They should be able to complete these assignments with little assistance from you, but a bit of help from you to go over the pacing of the work will help.  I will say for the most part assignments are coming back on time and well done. 

The leaves are beginning to change outside out window and the temperature is fluctuating with early signs of change.  This signals me to take a moment out to remind everyone that the children do need to be dressed appropriately for the weather each day.  The children do go outside each day for recess and we want them to be warm enough to enjoy their time on the playground.

       Below you will find a list of some of the upcoming events at school.  Please mark the dates on your calendars.

              Thurs./Friday 10/18-19- Parent Teacher Conferences

              Tues. Oct. 23- ASPAN Homeless Walk- 9:15 am

              Fri. 10/26- Harvest Fest 6:30-9:30 pm

              Thurs. 10/31- Halloween Parade- 10:00 am

              Tues. 11/6- Election Day/Teacher Work Day

The forecast for the weekend looks like it will be good for sports games.  I hope you and your family will enjoy some time together.  As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.

THIS IS A FIRST!!!!!

Good Afternoon Everyone-

Today, during math class, I asked the children if they had any questions about what was going to be on the test tomorrow.  They said they were confident and had no more questions.  I suggested that if they felt ready maybe they should take the test today instead of tomorrow . Shouts of "Yeah! Let's do it now.",  began to echo through the room.  Mrs. DeFranza and I asked the children again to be sure, and they wanted to take the test today.  So..... they did.  I feel confident that they were all ready today.  Please be assured that if I had any concern about knowing the content, we would have spent that class period reviewing the material for the test. 

This is a first for me and I was excited to see their confidence in their knowledge, and their flexibility.  The result of taking the test today is that there is NO MATH HOMEWORK tonight.  I know the kids were very excited about this prospect.

I hope everyone enjoys their evening.


Mrs. D.

Please Confirm Conference Times

Good Afternoon Everyone-

I am writing to ask that you review your Parent Teacher Conference time in  the conference schedule listed in the October 3rd blog post.   Once you have done so, would you please drop me a quick email to let me know if this date and time still work for you.  If not, please let me know of some alternative dates and times that would work into you schedule. 

Thanks for taking the time to review this schedule.

Mrs. D.

10-5 Savanna

Dear Parents,

            This week has flown by!  The children have been busy in class with Math, Robust Vocabulary, Social Studies, learning about subjects and predicates, how to form complete sentences, and learning about emotions, honest, and respect.  We also enjoyed learning about a box turtle, a ball python, a hedgehog, and a ferret with the visit of Cindy Schall from the Career Center.  She took time with all the classes to explain adaptations these animals make to protect themselves from predators, as well as how they hunt for food and live in the wild. The children asked thoughtful questions and enjoyed Mrs. Schall’s visit to the classroom.   Overall, it was good week.  As we look at the month of October, there are several housekeeping items I would like to bring to your attention.

First, please take a few minutes to review your child’s assignment notebook each night with them.  This will help them organize which assignments need to be completed on which evening, and to pace out the work for the remainder of the week.  In the next week I will begin to back off checking the assignment notebooks each day before your child leaves.  It will be up to them to make sure they have all their supplies for the night.  Should you see that your child is not coming home with all they need on a repeated basis, please let me know.  I will also be keeping a close eye on completed homework that will let me know how your children are doing with this responsibility.

Second, we are asking for your help in getting your child get to school on time each morning.  We begin direct instruction at 9:00am.  If your child comes in 5-10 minutes late they have missed the initial instructions for the day.  It is in these first few minutes where we explain what will happen during the day as well as the expectations.  Missing these beginning minutes of the day can put your child at a disadvantage.  We want to ensure all the children experience success each day, and being at school on time will help them do so. 

On a related note, please try to schedule doctor’s appointments for afterschool or other non-school times.  While I know how difficult it is to get appointments and that later appointments are sometimes not available, I would like to ask you to keep this in mind when scheduling them.  Missing parts of the day and getting caught up during lunchtime is not always most beneficial for your child.  Also if your child does have to leave early for an appointment, please let me know the time to expect to pick your child up.  This will help me have your child as ready to leave as possible.

Fourth, as you may know, Fall Enrichment is begins next week.  I am reposting the message the PTA sent out on Wednesday about sending notes in each day your child has a class. 

            PTA Update for October 3, 2012   

FALL ENRICHMENT BEGINNING - BRING YOUR NOTES!  With the start of Fall School Enrichment programs next week, please be sure your students bring written notes regarding their participation in an Enrichment program to their teachers so they are aware of where your child needs to go for their program. Please keep in mind that a note must be written each day that your child is participating in a program. This is to ensure that children arrive to their programs at the right time and at the right location. A master list of the programs and room locations will be posted outside of the office on Tuesday so you will know where to pick up your children. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. 

Please know these enrichment notes, as well as all other notes concerning a change in dismissal, are essential for us to ensure your child’s safety.   

Finally, I have posted the Parent Teacher Conference form on the blog.  Please take a look at it to make sure you can make the time you signed up for at Back to School Night.  Should you need to change your time just send me a note and I will do my best to accommodate your request.  I am looking forward to talking with each of you during our conferences to hear your perspective of how your child is transitioning into Third Grade.  Please know I will I will also share some of my initial observations as well. 

As always, I appreciate all you do for your child to ensure they come to school ready to learn each day.  I hope everyone enjoys a relaxing weekend.

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    Mrs. DiNardo

                                                                                    kim.dinardo@apsva.us

Upcoming Events

Mon. 10/8- Columbus Day- School Holiday

       Fri. 10/12- Building Museum Field Trip- 9am-12:30 pm

       Thurs./Friday 10/18-19- Parent Teacher Conferences

       Tues. Oct. 23- ASPAN Homeless Walk- 9:15 am

       Fri. 10/26- Harvest Fest 6:30-9:30 pm

       Thurs. 10/31- Halloween Parade- 10:00 am        

Parent Teacher Confernce Sign-up

Good Afternoon Everyone-

Below you will find the link to my Parent Teacher Conference Schedule.  Please look it over and make sure the time you requested at Back to School Night can still work for you.

If you need to make an adjustment in your time, please email me, and  I will do all I can to accommodate your requests.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thanks-

Mrs. D


Click here to sign up for Parent-Teacher Conference

Savanna 9-28

Dear Parents,

            It is so good to have had the feel of fall in the air this week!  We are well into our routines and the children are all working hard to keep up with their responsibilities.  I am very pleased with their (and your) efforts to date.  Remember this is a process and perfection is not expected, rather trying your best.

            This week we began our study of maps and globes in Social Studies.  The children also began to learn how to organize their work in their notebooks.  In Math we continue to work with place value, how to identify numbers in a variety of ways as well as adding larger numbers.  In Health we began to discuss our emotions and how to manage stress. All in all we are well on our way and working hard in the classroom.

            I appreciate all the offers of help that I received at Back to School Night.  I will be reaching out to those of you who signed up over the weekend to confirm and work out the specifics of the different jobs.  This also goes for those of you who showed an interest to chaperone our field trip to the National Building Museum.  I will also be working on the Parent Teacher Conference schedule this weekend and will have it posted on the blog as soon as possible.

            I would like to remind everyone that the children might need a sweater or light jacket when they come to school as the temperature begins to fall.  This will also mean reminders to bring these items home each evening.  Please remember that we do go outside everyday, and we would like for your children to be dressed appropriately for the weather.  Also, we are beginning to see the first colds in the classroom.  When assessing your child’s ability to come to school with a cold, please remember that we ask if your child has a fever that they stay at home, and not return until they have been fever free for 24 hours.  If your child is sick and not coming to school, please call the Attendance Line (703-228-8320) and report your child’s absence.  Please know that in the classroom the children are being reminded to wash their hands several times a day, as well as to wipe down their desks a couple of times a week.

I hope everyone enjoys a relaxing weekend.

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    Mrs. DiNardo

                                                                                    kim.dinardo@apsva.us

Upcoming Events

Mon. 10/8- Columbus Day- School Holiday

       Fri. 10/12- Building Museum Field Trip- 9am-12:30pm

       Thurs./Friday 10/18-19- Parent Teacher Conferences

       Fri. 10/26- Harvest Fest 6:30-9:30PM

       Thurs. 10/31- Halloween Parade        

          

Housekeeping Matters

Good Afternoon Everyone,

There are a couple of housekeeping matters that need your attention this week.

1. Thursday, September 27th is PICTURE DAY.  Please send your order and payment to school with your child as soon as possible.

2. Visiting author Ralph Fletcher will be visiting the school on Thursday, September 27th.  We will be hearing him speak from 1:00-1:45pm.

3. Innisbrook Gift Wrap orders are to be turned in by Friday, September 28th.  Please know you can continue to order gift wrap online throughout the year.

4. Scholastic Book orders are to be placed online by the end of the school day Friday, September 28th. Thank you to those who have already placed their orders.

5. If your child will be leaving school early, please let me know as soon as you can.  This will help me adjust class schedules if needed.  Also, if you could please let me know what time you will be picking your child up and if your child will be returning to school, this will help me have them as prepared as I can for their early dismissal.

I appreciate your time and attention to these matters.

Mrs. D.

Savanna- 9-21-12

Dear Parents,

         I would like to thank those of you who were able to attend Back to School Night on Wednesday evening. It was so nice to meet you all.  I realize there was a lot of information shared in a short period of time, however I do hope you came away from the evening with a bit of an understanding about the year ahead.  While it is a year of change and transition for your child, remember, it is a process and there will be a lot of baby-steps along the way.

It is amazing to me that three weeks of school are under our belts.  We have accomplished quite a lot this month.  All of the beginning of the year assessments are complete and have been reviewed.  In Reading we are learning how to look for important words in non-fiction text, and to “read” the pictures for information.  In Math we have been reviewing number value and place and working with groups of ten and hundred.  Assignment notebooks and binders are now more familiar and papers are where they need to be for the most part.  Most important is that we are enjoying each other’s company and learning to work together as a community of learners. Looking back there are many successes to celebrate. 

         I do have a couple of housekeeping items I need your help with.  First, if you have not sent in your child’s emergency forms or other First Day Packet information, please do so by Monday.  Second, Picture Day is Thursday, September 27^th.  You will need to send back the picture form and a check for your child’s picture to be taken.  Third, if your child is playing a fall sport, please send me their schedule.  I do like to get out over the weekend and catch a game or two. As always, thank you for all you do to send your child to school excited and ready to learn.  Enjoy the weekend.

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                               Mrs. DiNardo

                                                               kim.dinardo@apsva.us

Upcoming Events

             

Thursday 9/27- Picture Day

Thurs. 9/27- Visiting Author Ralph Fletcher

Mon. 10/8- Columbus Day- School Holiday

       Fri. 10/12- Building Museum Field Trip- 9am-12:30pm

       Thurs./Friday 10/18-19- Parent Teacher Conferences

       Fri. 10/26- Harvest Fest 6:30-9:30PM

       Thurs. 10/31- Halloween Parade

Word Study Homework this evening

Good Evening-

I told the children I would let you all know that the assignment to find the definitions for the last seven words could be done either with the use of a dictionary or using an online dictionary site like www..dictionary.com.

Hope this information is useful.

Mrs. D.

Scholastic Book Online Ordering

Good Afternoon Everyone-

We will be ordering Scholastic Books on-line this year.  I will send home the paper flyers each month, and you will have the ability to order from these catalogues on-line.  All orders for the month will need to be placed no later than the 28th of each month. 

The first paper flyers will be coming home with your child tomorrow September 17, 2012.  When you place your order online, you'll help earn FREE Books for our class and you also get a $5 FREE Book Pick Coupon to use on your next online order!

Ordering online is fast and easy:

•  REGISTER at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
•  ENTER the Class Activation Code - G2GG2
•  CHOOSE from thousands of print titles, value packs, and Storia eBooks
•  SUBMIT the order to your child's teacher
•  EARN FREE Books for you and the classroom too!

If you have time in your schedule to help with taking apart the catalogues and getting them ready for distribution and/or distributing the books when they arrive at school, please let me know.

Mrs. D

Savanna 9-14-12

Dear Parents,

We have accomplished quite a bit this week.  All of the beginning of the year assessments are complete which the children were quite relieved about. In Math we have been reviewing number value and place and working with groups of ones, tens, hundreds and thousands.  Assignment notebooks and binders are now more familiar and papers are where they need to be for the most part.  Most important is that we are enjoying each other’s company and learning to work together as a community of learners. Looking back there are many successes to celebrate. 

            As we look towards next week I want to bring your attention to Back to School Night on Wednesday evening.  The program will begin at 7:00 pm in the Gym and then move into the classrooms.  I hope you will be able to join us for this evening of information, and opportunity to volunteer both in and outside of the classroom.

In your child’s Friday Folder you will find a permission slip for our trip to the National Building Museum.  Should you wish to join us for this fun morning of learning, please let us know.  Also, please remember to fill out each side completely.

I have recently begun my blog for this year.  You can access it through the main Tuckahoe Website.  Go to the “Classes” tab and click on “3^rd Grade”.  Under my name there is a link to my “Website”.  This will take you directly to the blog.  I will be using this as a way to make updates to the Savanna throughout the week.  Eventually I would like to post the entire Savanna on the blog to be a bit more “paper free”.  I would like your feedback to know if you like receiving information about the class in this manner.

As always, thank you for all you do to send your child to school excited and ready to learn.  Hope you all enjoy your weekend

                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                    Mrs. DiNardo

                                                                                    Kim.dinardo@apsva.us

Upcoming Events

                 

         Wed. 9/19- Back to School Night- 7:00 pm

         Mon. 10/8- Columbus Day- School Holiday

         Fri. 10/12- Building Museum Field Trip- 9am-12:30pm

         Thurs./Friday 10/18-19- Parent Teacher Conferences