Day 3 - Getting in the rhythm ... but also hitting a few speed bumps.

Parents:

Your children have impressed me already.  They are eager and willing learners.  They have demonstrated that they already have some reading stamina, are actively participating in comprehension discussions and mastered some math games.

I look forward to talking to parents about our classroom procedures on Back to School Night on Thursday August 31st beginning at 6:00pm.  We are partners in your child's success.

Day 1 -- check (and a few notes on "homework")

Dear Salamander Parents;

We did it, we got through day 1, one of the most  b   o   r   i   n   g   days of the year because we have to recommit ourselves to school-wide and classroom expectations.

The class did well as a whole.  We didn't really jump into academics, but we practiced cafeteria behavior, tried a Kaboom subtraction game, talked a little about growth mind set, wrote a short readers' response and started to set up our science notebook.  Recess & specials went off without a hitch.

The only thing we will have to work on a class goal is listening.  I have kids talking while I am talking (big NO NO), then asking questions when they should have heard the answers.  This for me led to a less than orderly dismissal.

My first goal is safety.  We will practice our dismissal behavior again tomorrow before the actual event.

Please join class Dojo so that you can see the areas where your child excels in terms of behavior and where he or she needs work. All of our rules are rooted in safety and respect at school.

The kids had "homework".  They will have a blue homework folder and their agenda will live in it, traveling back and forth to school daily.  We were fortunate to get the funds for this "big kid" agenda and I am committed to helping the kids become more organized -- it's actually a totally different area of the brain!  Feel free to add in personal events like soccer games or birthdays.
Today's homework was to put in their name and address in the front - spelled and capitalized correctly.  Tomorrow they will be bringing home a safety contract for a signature as homework.  The real homework packet will be distributed on Friday and due the following Friday.  I encourage your kids to read daily.  They will be stronger and more confident students if they do.  The packet will have reading and math worksheets.  Spelling will also be part of homework, but it is self-paced based on a students' needs.

If you have any questions before we have time to discuss details at Back to School night, please email me and I will clarify.

Send 'em back tomorrow!

Eclipse 2017

Oh how I wish we started school one day earlier!  Third graders do study the Sun and Objects in the sky and although we don't specifically learn about lunar and solar eclipses, I encourage your family to get a little Solar Fever!

1.  SUNGLASSES are not enough.  Really.  Do not risk it.  Do not let your children (or you!) look directly at the sun EVEN at the fullest eclipse times.  The "best moment" is 1:10pm.

2.  There will be a Solar Eclipse viewing in the plaza in downtown Round Rock.  Check out this link
https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/event/solar-eclipse-viewing-party/
to see a description of the event sponsored by the library in conjunction with the Space Science Institute and Williamson County Astronomy Club.  They will have 500 pairs of safe viewing glasses but this link has directions to create your own easy peasy viewing box.

3.  Can't go anywhere or make anything?  Two pieces of light cardboard!  Put a pinhole in one and use the other as a screen.  Hold the sheet with the hole up (your back is to the sun) and watch on the screen (your view will be reversed)

Back to School 2017

C'mon and meet the teacher!  Mrs. Shogan's portable is on the playground side of the building right next to the delivery lane.

Supply Drop Off on Thursday, August 17th.  Last names A-L from 4:00 - 4:45pm and M - Z from 4:45 - 5:30pm

First Day of School is Tuesday August 22nd.  We have a new schedule this year - 5 minutes earlier and 5 minutes later.  Students should arrive at 7:15am.  Tardies are at 7:40am.  Dismissal will be at 2:55pm.

1.  3rd graders go straight to the portable classrooms after entering the main building through the front or back doors.  Please do not drop students off from the driveway!
2.  Students should wear tennis shoes for recess and specials and may bring a water bottle and healthy snack.
3.  Students should bring a book to read this week while we establish our workshop routine.

Back to School Night!  This open house event is Thursday, August 31st beginning in the classroom from 6:00 - 6:30pm and then moving to the cafeteria from 6:45 - 7:30pm with a presentation by our new Principal Denise Sharp.  

This is an opportunity to gain information about the 3rd grade, expectations and other information ... but if at any time you have a question, don't wait.  Email is the preferred contact:  susan_shogan@roundrockisd.org

Just listened to our great "Days of the Week" song again.  I'm getting excited for the new year!
Check out the talent.