A Day At Jefferson's MONTICELLO

We enjoyed a perfectly beautiful (though somewhat hot and humid) day at Monticello!  The students were inquisitive and excited about everything they've learned. They made personal connections all day long about what they knew, wanted to learn and what they saw!  It was entertaining for me to hear them responding with such thoughtful reflection and curiosity.  I will admit that I was slightly concerned when they tried to give the statue of Thomas Jefferson a "group hug."  I could only imagine how much it would cost if we broke it! 

It's Time For Spring Break!

I wish you all a restful, safe and happy spring break full of adventures and family time! 

 

When we return to school on Monday, April 13, we will begin the final quarter of our school year.  We'll complete our final math units of probability, patterns and geometry.  We will enjoy mysteries and more non-fiction reading. There will be a study of soil, energy and natural resources, including the human impact on our environment.  When we finish our 3rd grade curriculum, we will then begin reviewing and preparing for our end-of-year testing.  It's an exciting time of year!  I look forward to seeing you all in the SPRING!

Is it SPRING yet?

Dear Mother Nature,

We sure have enjoyed our snow days and winter fun!  Thank you for the extra time to rest and spend with family. The children have enjoyed their time to play, for sure.

But now, we are in need of some consistency of school days and little more recess. Please wake up the crocuses and the daffodils. Then allow the sun to warm up just a little more and make the great outdoors more accessible. We call it spring, and it makes everyone happy! 

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Robinson

PAJAMA DAY with hot cocoa

Our class has been on a mission to exhibit certain character traits throughout each day, and throughout the last few weeks.  As we earned compliments from other teachers, or took care of each other and our classroom, we began to fill a new "compliment cloud" with letters that spell:

PAJAMA DAY with hot cocoa!

The children enjoyed Pajama Day, along with sharing Valentines and a special musical assembly, on Friday, Feb. 13th.  Mrs. Robinson looks forward to sharing the hot cocoa with the class sometime next week.

I have missed the children terribly during my series of absences, while my son is awaiting surgery for his broken clavicle  (rescheduled for next Wednesday) and into the recovery period. The next week or so will likely continue to be shared effort of teaching between me and trusted other substitute teachers.  Mrs. Tarrant is a retired 3rd grade teacher, and she has provided the consistency and attention to instruction that we are all thankful for this past week.  I can't thank her enough for being there with the children.  Thank you to everyone for your kind words of support and encouragement!

Rebuilding the Community

How did we arrive at January 20th so quickly?  Well, Happy New Year to everyone! 

The past 2 weeks, we have focused intensely on building character using daily themes.  It is time well-spent to start the new year with increased expectations and practice time for these skills. We will progress academically, take care of each other with understanding, and finish this year strong!

Our themes have encompassed the skills and qualities of a successful student, such as responsibility, generosity and understanding differences, thinking before speaking, and goal-setting.  We reflected on our goals from the beginning of the year, and set new individual goals, like being ready for 4th grade! 

Last week, we created a slogan (suggested by Responsive Classroom) which is "Mrs. Robinson's Class C.A.R.E.S."  Each letter stands for a character trait that we are striving for every day.
C-Cooperation (with ALL persons)
A-Attention (for the benefit of self and others)
R- Respect (for self and others)
E- Empathy (understanding the caring for others)
S- Self-control (without reminders)

We read several picture books to help us illustrate the meaning of each theme. 
You might like to read some of these:

Don’t Spill the Milk   by S. Davies

Tico and the Golden Wings   by Leo Lionni
Those Shoes  by M. Boelts 

(responsibility to help others)

 

The Sandwich Shop  by  K. DiPucchio

My Mouth is a Volcano! 

(think before speaking)

Zen Ghosts  by J. Muth

Zen Ties  by J. Muth

Mama, I’ll Give You the World 

by R. Schottler and S. Gallagher

Thank You, Mr. Falker  by P. Polacco

(respect and empathy for needs of others)

The Graves Family  by P. Polacco

(understanding and accepting differences)

It will be expected that all students follow the class guidelines, show responsibility, help others reach their goals, and show their best character each day.  These expectations have been reviewed and are not changed from the beginning of the year.  The students have agreed and participated in the practicing of the skills needed to be successful.  When reminders are needed, beyond what is reasonable, it is likely that parents will be involved in solving the problem.  As always, thank you for your continued support at home!

THE SPELLING BEE

Congratulations to Hailey!

Hailey will represent our class in the Brownsville Spelling Bee this week. Be sure to wish her luck and offer your support and encouragement if you see her.  She will compete against one student from each of the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classes.

Winter Break

Dear Families,
I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support, gifts and kind words throughout the year. I appreciate every day that I can spend with your amazing children. Our days in 3rd grade are filled with curiosity, learning, sharing, and caring. We learn from one another and we look forward to each day together. Your support is a big part of our success every day.

Best Wishes for a restful break and a peaceful New Year in 2015!
Sincerely,
Bethany Robinson