September+24

September 24

__**Math:**__ Please encourage your child to practice their basic addition and subtraction facts.

__**Social Studies:**__ Our third grade students have been invited to participate in a writing contest for the Waukee VFW. Information regarding this contest will be shared with our students next week in Social Studies class. The information will also be posted on-line next week.

We are still in need of a person to volunteer to sew our third grade flag. If you are interested, or want to volunteer grandma :), please contact your child's teacher. Thanks

__**Science:**__ Next Tuesday we will be creating a study guide in preparation for our first test on types of animals (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish). Watch for it to come home Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday we will play "Jeopardy" to help us study for the test. Keep studying with the study guide at home! The test will be Thursday. EVERYTHING on the test will have been on the study guide, so if the kids study at home on Tuesday and Wednesday, there'll be no stress on Thursday! (And there shouldn't be any stress anyway! It'll be an easy test, and they all seem to have a great grasp of what we've been studying and doing!) :

__**Language Arts/Writing:**__ Our third graders have been writing personal narratives. Ask them what they have learned. We have been learning about writing "seed" stories and using visually descriptive words to help their readers create a movie in their head. Encourage your child to bring home their author's notebook to share a few of their stories with you. Just remember to bring it back.

__**Other:**__ //**Want to help our students become life-long learners? Then become a model for life-long learning by sharing! The third grade teachers are looking for individuals to share their passions, talents, and/or careers with our students. We would love for you to volunteer to come in and share with our third graders. If you are interested, or know of someone who would be willing to share, even via skype, please contact your child's teacher.**//

Please turn in your Entertainment Book and/or orders. These were due on 9-17. Thanks

**Elementary Fundraiser** The elementary fundraiser will start on September 29 and go through October 11. This fundraiser provides materials and a majority of the funding for our field trips. There will be a brief assembly for students on September 29 at 3:00 in the Activity Center.

__**Mrs. Volk:**__ We have been using a computer program in school called Skills Iowa. This program allows students to work through specific skills in reading, math, language arts, and vocabulary at their own pace. Your child can access this program at home by typing in ac.corek12.com or by clicking on the SkillsTutor link on the Van Meter Elementary Voice and Tech site. The students have been given a personal username and password to use.

Wish list: Glade Plug-in refills, Clorox Wipes, reams of colored paper, sidewalk chalk, hula hoops, other small prizes to use for our PBIS rewards, dusting clothes, colored cardstock, and an age appropriate game that addresses vocabulary words/skills. Thank you to those of you that have already donated! We appreciate it!

Our class will be participating in the Scholastic reading program this year. Students are encouraged to read at least 10 books this year at their level. Once all the students in our room have met the 10 book goal, Scholastic will donate books to needy schools in all 50 states. Please look for the informational letter that is coming home with your child today and continue to encourage your child to read, read, read! Remember to also keep track of the minutes your child is reading and record them on our reading calendar. Reading calendars are due at the end of September.

__**Ms. Skahill/Ms. Stephens:**__ Still on our wish list: Glade Plug-in air fresheners, Glade Plug-in refills, gallon-size ziploc baggies, Clorox Wipes, ream(s) of colored copier paper. Thank you for the baggies and wipes that have come in so far, and for the couple days when we received treats for afternoon breaks! We very much appreciate everything!

__**Mrs. Schenck**__ Thank you for all of your donations this year! We are looking for a camera for our classroom. If anyone has an old digital camera that they no longer use, the third graders would be very grateful. We would like to take pictures of all the exciting things that are happening this year.

Continue reading and working with your child. Parental support at home plays a large role in the success of your child here at school.