Polar Express Day!!!

The big day is finally here!!! I have been so bummed to not be able to post pictures of the projects we've been working on (they are top secret!) all week, but I'm really looking forward to our last day before break! We will first plow our way through the rest of our math lesson on decimals (tenths and hundredths) before wrapping up our gifts and digging into our treats in the afternoon. The last day is always so fun!!! The biggest highlight for me, admittedly, is getting to wear my pjs to work. Oh, how lovely!!! So comfy!!! It also happens to be ugly sweater day, so if I can get my hands on a copy of the staff picture I'll post it for your viewing pleasure!

Kiddos tomorrow can wear their pjs and bring a pillow, blanket, and/or stuffed animals (or "friend," as Josiah calls them). We want to be extra cozy for our afternoon!!!

Thank you so much for a great fall so far! I'm blessed with some very sweet, kind, and conscientious students who genuinely want to learn and grow into young men and women who will one day influence the world. I am eager to continue this year and guide them as they grow in their abilities and independence. Thank you for all your support at home! Keep them reading and physically active every day!!!! And don't forget to record minutes on their Fargo Force calendars! :)

Whoa, projects!!!

Well, today was not your typical Monday. Students came in and instantly began working on their social studies projects so that we could wrap them up and clear the way for the rest of the week. We spent the morning completing and presenting, and the afternoon making tie blankets for Project Linus.

Here's a clip we watched this afternoon to explain what and why we participated. Thank you to Westside PTA for supporting this project!!!

Social Studies Presentation --- How have past communities transformed into present communities?

Project Linus

Coping with the Tragedy

My heart is heavy after this past week's events. We have suffered our own losses in the district and now face a national tragedy as well. It is likely many students have seen footage over the weekend and may have had many questions and concerns. It is mostly important that we assure students that, as a school and their family, our utmost priority is to keep them safe at school, and we will continue to do so. So hug them a little tighter and cherish the moments you have with them. I have included some information that was sent out to our staff. Read and use as you see appropriate.
Mrs. Clarey

Alan Kazdin, a professor of child psychology at Yale University, offers the following four tips for parents help children cope:

Don't Over-Talk This
Parents can easily project their own fears onto their children. Your children will likely hear about it, so your child has questions. Answer at the level of the question. Parents shouldn't dwell on the tragic nature of it, but don't be evasive. Don't lie; don't withhold.

Shield Children from the Media
After 9/11, children suffered trauma from overexposure to the media. Child psychologists call it "secondary terrorism." As parents, we sometimes take the stance that our children need to be tough and "they might as well know the truth." But psychologists say they need to be "coddled, cushioned and comforted" now so they can be emotionally stronger later.

Reassure, Reassure
If your child develops a fear of school, tell him or her, "This is so rare. Something this terrible has never happened before. This never happened to mommy's school. Grownups are doing everything to keep kids safe."

Remember that through "middle childhood," kids have normal excessive fears: the dark, sharks, etc. If they say, "I don't want to go to school," help them distance themselves from it. Repeatedly reassure without dismissing their fears, and give them a hug. Touch makes a huge difference.

Polar Express

Thank you to everyone contributing to our party next Friday! I am so looking forward to next week and all the activities and projects we have planned...Polar Express, Project Linus, and a few that are top secret. If you own a copy of the book The Polar Express please send it with your child on Monday. Also, everyone will want to have their own flashlight as we will be doing a lot of reading in the dark next week!

On a sadder note, please watch the news and decide as a family how to address the tragedy in Connecticut. I know I will be hugging my family and cherishing my time with them more than ever...

Polar Express

The last week before holiday break our third graders will be completing a Polar Express unit during their reading block. We will read the book and complete various activities. The main idea of the story is the belief that anything is possible!

On the last day of the unit we will be watching the Polar Express. While watching the movie, we would like to serve the students Polar Express Trail Mix and hot cocoa.

If your child would like to bring in something to add to our trail mix or bells, that would be GREAT! Please contact me regarding what you would like to bring (lclarey@west-fargo.k12.nd.us, or just click on CONTACT ME) ASAP!

Polar Express Items:

1. 1 Box Golden Graham Cereal

2. 1 bag mini marshmallows

3. 1 bag sweet chocolate chips

4. 1 large canister of hot chocolate mix

5. 1 package of holiday napkins

6. 25 lidded disposable coffee cups (similar to what you get your coffee in at a gas station or a coffee shop)

Please wait for your confirmation from me prior to picking up your item, and please send everything by Wednesday, December 19th!!! 

Thanks for your help!!!

Social Studies Unit 2

Starting today, students began working in groups on their final project for Mrs. Farkas. Their job is to show two communities (past and present) and how they've changed over time. They will show the same topics in each, for example: protection in their "past community" might look like canons and a walled in town, while today it would look like police, etc. Some of the other topics they focused on were homes, streets and roads, types of transportation, technology advances and inventions, jobs, etc. Many students have already brought in supplies from home, and many plan to bring more Thursday. We will continue working during class each day through Monday. Here are two groups' beginning stages...I can't wait to show you everyone's final product!!!

Getting Into It!

Love getting "down and dirty" and really doing learning versus just sit and soak it in. Here are two classroom events that I thought you'd enjoy seeing!!!

Event #1: Testing for Calcite
The students learned that calcite reacts with cold acid by producing many bubbles which either rise to the surface (think about boiling water on your stove) or stick to the surface of the calcite. When we tested 4 rocks we observed that the bubbling effect looked different in the vinegar than the calcite, so we decided to evaporate the vinegar to see what solids would be left behind. A geologist in the field would use hydrochloric acid for this test, but we used white vinegar for ours. Shown in these pictures are our results!!!

Photo 1: (labeled according to location on the tray)

Top: plain vinegar - our cold acid

Row 1: Marble (#3) and Basalt (#1) - both rocks

Row 2: Sandstone (#4) and Limestone (#2) - both rocks

Bottom: Calcite - mineral

Calcite - solid material reminded us of powdered sugar or crunchy snow

Limestone - this rock clearly shows evidence of calcite!

Sandstone - this rock had a solid remaining, but the structure of the crystal patterns and color was noticeably different from the calcite. After this test we were able to conclude that sandstone does not contain calcite.

Yesterday we began Unit 5 in math, which focuses on larger numbers. Today we practiced writing, reading, and ordering numbers through the ten thousands (10,000s). We learned a game called Number Top-It, and the kids loved the strategy involved in placing each digit to try to create the largest number!

One last reminder...tomorrow is Spirit Day!!! Wear your Westside or Packer apparel!!!

Book Orders

I am extending the deadline to submit December book orders through Thursday since I'll be out of the building tomorrow for writing training. You can submit online through midnight Wednesday, or order via catalog & check to school on Thursday. As I was assembling them, I noticed that The Polar Express  was on the front cover of one of the pamphlets (and at about half off). If you are looking for a great holiday book, that's it! Also, we'll be reading it over the last week prior to Christmas break, and anyone who has their own copy is encouraged to bring it in that week!!!

Several of my sweet kiddos have started to ask what I would like for my Christmas gift. Please know that I in no way expect one, but since so many kids have asked I thought I'd give you a few ideas. I truly don't need anything, but I'm always picking up things for my classroom. I would so appreciate gifts that benefit my students and our classroom as well. Ideas: games or puzzles (my indoor recess stash is getting a little worn), Expo or Mr. Sketch markers, colored cardstock, a copy of The Polar Express, or a gift certificate to Hobby Lobby (I've been telling the kids that I'd really like to make some big floor cushions for them to use during reading time, and that would help cover the cost of fabric and the fiber fill). Some of the kids asked what they could get just for me, so I've told them that I love to drink coffee (especially mochas), read, sew, garden, cook, and play games and sports with my two boys (who are much more athletic than I). :)

If you happen to get this tonight (I know I tend to post very late and you may not still be up), remind your son or daughter that I'll be gone tomorrow and to be ready for a sub! I'm expecting great kids to represent our class!!! Can't wait to get back to them on Thursday!!!

Important Announcements!

Report cards were sent home on Friday! Please make sure you got yours!!!

Book orders are due on Wednesday. If you would like anything in the order to be put aside secretly for Christmas gifts, please email me and we can make arrangements to leave those items in the office.

November Fargo Force calendars should be turned in ASAP! If you have a minute, please total the minutes on your calendar! Thanks!!!

This Friday will be Packer Pride Day...wear your Westside or Packer apparel!

Remember to wear boots, snow pants, etc every day! Students are expected to arrive in the proper attire in the morning and wear the same apparel on the way home!

Looking forward to a great week!!!