Classroom Photos

New photos to view under "Classroom Photos" tab. Enjoy! :)

Little Buddies

Our class gets the chance to be "Big Buddies" to Mrs. Hokes' Kindergarten Class this year. All the students love spending time with their "little buddies." Enjoy the pictures from our first get-together!

Student Expectations

I believe that when children are provided with a clear understanding of what is expected positive learning experiences can occur. Please talk with your child about the expectations listed below. These are very important guidelines that will help to ensure your child’s success at school!

• Raise your hand to be recognized.
• Listen carefully and follow directions.
• Always do your best work.
• Show respect to all.
• Move about safely and orderly
• Walk quietly in the hallways.
• Bring your STAR folder to school daily.
• Come to school prepared and on time each day.

What is your favorite Tampa Hot Spot?

As we have become more comfortable in our classroom community over the past three weeks, it's now time for us to open up and explore the city in which we live. Everyone has a favorite spot in their hometown. Think about where you and your family most like to spend your time. Is it at the local bowling alley? The aquarium? The library? How about the zoo? The movie theater? Your favorite restaurant? Your backyard? If it's a place you love, and it's in Tampa (your city), get ready to share your TAMPA HOT SPOT!

Your next step is to have a photograph taken of you in front of your Tampa Hot Spot (it may be a photo you already have taken during previous visits to the Hot Spot). Print the photo in the proper size (4" by 6") and write or type a paragraph describing your Tampa Hot Spot and why you like it so much. DO NOT attach your photograph to your paragraph, and DO NOT write on the back of your paper. Both photographs and paragraphs will be on display in the classroom. This project is due September 29th.

I have lots of Tampa Hot Spots including International Mall, Bailey's Restaurant, Hula Bay, my parents' backyard and the rooftop terrace at my own house to name a few. But if I were to choose one Hot Spot it would be Kate Jackson Park because I love to spend time with my two young cousins there. This summer we did a "photo shoot" after I completed a few photography classes and we had a great time. The girls love the fountains and the gardens. I've posted a few pictures from a day we spent at Kate Jackson Park.

Our Class Loves to Read

Last week the first Scholastic Book Club order was sent home with your child. I also sent home the new online ordering directions. Now it's easier than ever to find the right books for your child --and help us earn FREE books for our classroom library at the same time!

With the new online ordering from Scholastic Book Clubs, you can choose from a much wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card.

Best of all, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent places their order online.

It's so simple! Here's how it works:

• SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code (GTMCC). This code ensures that your order is sent to me.
• SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.
• SEND your order to me by the due date. Books will be delivered to our classroom.

Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not experience for yourself how convenient it is to order online?

Ordering online is fast, easy and secure. Plus our whole class benefits that to the FREE books we'll earn with every online parent order.

Happy Reading!!

Check out the new calendar changes!!

Please review the changes to the Hillsborough County School District Student Calendar changes at http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/info/calendars/pdfs/1011StudentCalendar.pdf

Getting into a routine!

What a wonderful first 2 weeks of school! We have launched our Reader's and Writer's Workshop and Math and Science are in full swing! Students are getting organized and know what is expected of them each day. :) Getting to know the students is lots of fun and I am excited to learn and grow with them.

Thank you parents for your continued support at home. Looking forward to a great year in 3rd grade!

Paperwork and Upcoming Assignments

We sent home lots of papers this week. I know that it seems like a lot, but these papers are important for us as the teachers and the office. Please make sure to send in all paperwork as soon as possible. It is greatly appreciated!!

There are a few students who are still in need of supplies. Please make sure that your child has all necessary supplies by Monday, so we can start the year off on the right foot. Thanks!

Important assignments this week (current and upcoming):
* Me Bag - Students put 5 items that represent who they are/what they love in a paper bag to share
* Favorite Book - Students bring in their favorite book (due no later than Friday)
* Writing Journal Cover - Students make a collage on the front cover of their writing journal. This is to help inspire them to write about things that are meaningful to them. They can include photos, mementos, etc, but remember: these items should be glued on to the cover (will give out tomorrow, due Monday)
* Hopes and Dreams - Parents fill out a brief questionaire relating to your hopes and dreams for your child this year

* Name Interview - Students will interview you about their name (ie. what it means, why did you choose the name, etc) A good internet resource for this assignment, if you are unsure of the meaning of your child's name, ishttp://www.behindthename.com/ (will give out Thursday, due Friday)

Your child will be bringing their STAR folders home each night. Please review these nightly and make sure your child returns to school with it on the following day.

We are off to a great start in 3rd grade!!

A Preview of 3rd Grade

I thought I would share some of the topics we will cover in 3rd grade this year:

Reading

*Building a Reading Community

*Being Active Readers

*Becoming Thoughtful Readers

*More in depth look at a variety of genres

*Book Clubs

*Becoming Analytical Readers

*And so much more!!

Writing

*Launching Writer's Workshop

*Narrative Writing

*Essays

*Writing Fiction

*Poetry

*Writing about Reading

Math

*Place Value, Addition, Subtraction

*Multiplication

*Division

*Fractions

*Measurement

*Plane Shapes

*Time

Science

*Matter

*Energy

*Earth in Space

*Living Organisms

*Interdependence

Social Studies

*Our Community

*Native Americans

*Holidays Around the World

*Economics

*Government

*Regions of the US

Looking forward to a fun-filled year of learning!!

What is Co-Teaching??

Are two teachers better than one? YES!! This year our classroom will be following the co-teach model. Over the past few years co-teaching has become more popular as schools need to comply with Classroom Size Reduction. This year, Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Thompson will be sharing all classroom duties together. Together we can lower the student-teacher ration and provide differentiated instruction in a manner that is not possible for one teacher. When teachers share the responsibility of instruction, lessons are more creative because two people are planning them. I think it will be nice to have another adult in the room to be able to provide a range of support to students and to share those "a-ha" moments. Looking forward to a great year!

A new school year about to begin...

I still get excited as each new school year begins! I love shopping for school supplies and setting up my classroom. My classroom theme this year is "Hollywood" which I implemented last year. I think having a classroom blog will be a great tool for parents and students as well as myself! A big thank you to Heather, Nick and Jen for motivating me to have a blog this year. I have a lot friends who have blogs that follow their personal lives and I even kept a blog to document a year of traveling I did with my husband in 2008-09. It can be found at http://thecampbelljourneys.blogspot.com if you are interested in taking a look! I look forward to meeting the adorable 3rd graders who will be an important part of my life starting on August 24th.