Classroom Service

Please help donate for our classroom service project next week! We will be making fleece blankets and hats to donate to the Road Home Homeless Shelter. Our parent volunteers are looking for pieces of fleece (any size will work) or cash donations to purchase fleece. Please send items no later than Friday December 18! Thanks for your willingness to give!

Math Powerpoint Link

http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0Afg6oFhaAYqXZGNzcjY4cHFfNTVkd3dudDRnNw&hl=en

Busy, busy, busy

It is a busy time of year. Please check out the calendar and the homework notes to stay posted on what is coming up. We have lunch workers this week! A big thanks to those students who were chosen to help out! Remember if you weren't picked this time, we will have opportunities later in the year.

Also is you need help with math before our test on Wednesday, please see me during recess, before, or after school. I want to help you and make sure you understand!

A Great Way To Say Thanks!

Here's an easy way to say thanks to troops. Check out this site! :)
http://www.letssaythanks.com

Have A Great Break!

Thank you!

Thanks for all your comments on the blog surveys. I appreciate your input. Over the next few weeks you maybe seeing some changes because of your suggestions. There were quite a few today, so look at all the few new additions. I'm still working on figuring out the calendar, but it's there for you to see! I'm sure it will get better with time :)

Rainforest Presentation Tomorrow!

The Living Planet Aquarium will be coming to Liberty tomorrow afternoon to do a presentation on the rainforest! I forgot to include the information on your homework packet. It should be fun though!

Turkey Trot

The school's turkey trot will be this Friday. We are also collecting food and donations for a food drive.

I NEED YOUR FEEDBACK!

I'm trying to get some data about how the classroom blog. I've set up a survey for parents and other adults. I'll be talking to students about it in school. Would you please take a few minutes and fill out this survey to help me? The link is
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=bw7EPAji6O0ownJ38fgMZA_3d_3d
I'll also be sending a paper copy home. You don't need to fill about both because they are the same questions. The more feedback I get the better so I can make the blog best for you, the readers. THANKS!
Miss Smith

Thanks!

Thanks to everyone that attended parent teacher conferences! It wa great to meet with you.
Students,
I added the links for the math practice sites so look for them on the right hand side.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Remember to wear your costume to school in the morning! The parade starts at 9:15 and we'll have our class party afterwards. It will be a fun filled, spooky day!

Friday In Class

WRITING
http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/letter_generator/

Math
http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/great_graphs_5/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/maths/activities/interpretingdata.shtml
http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/math4/e/dataingraphs3p.cfm

Bar graphs
http://www.amblesideprimary.com/ambleweb/mentalmaths/grapher.html
http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/math4/e/readinggraphs3p.cfm

Pictographs
http://www.haelmedia.com/html/mc_m2_001.html
http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/lets_graph/
http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/math4/e/pictographs3p.cfm

Line graphs
http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/math4/d/linegra4l.cfm
http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/math4/d/linegraph4p.cfm

Grant for technology

If students or parents are interested in seeing more technolgy in the classroom, check this out! I know that I'll be writing an essay, but I think more essays won't hurt :)

Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope -- a goodwill program designed to minimize the technology gap in the U.S. educational system --recently announced a 100-word national essay contest that calls upon parents, students, and teachers across the U.S. to improve technology in classrooms by submitting an essay for the chance to win a portion of over $1 million in technology from Samsung.The initiative will reward winning writers with a Samsung GO Netbook and their local schools with cutting edge Samsung products, Microsoft software, DIRECTV educational television programming and cash grants as well as special @15 gift cards supplied by Best Buy.

Follow this link for more details.
http://pages.samsung.com/us/4seasons_hope/education.jsp

Dates to remember...

I hope you all had a wonderful fall break! It was so nice. Here are a few things to remember for October:

• Eat lunch with your parents! October 12-16



• Red Ribbon Week October 12-16



• Steve James Assembly 7pm October 12



• School Pictures October 13



• Reflections Due October 23



• Halloween Parade and party October 29



• End of term October 29



• October 29th is also a 1/2 day



• No school October 30th

This month some of our big ideas are: Maps and geography, the moon, habitats, living and nonliving things, clarifying our reading, graphs, comparing numbers, and lots more :)

Can't find a book?

Check out these websites if you're looking for a book to read.

For everyone: http://www.slco.lib.ut.us/booklists/grade3.pdf

Girls: http://www.toledolibrary.org/kidsplace/pdf/GirlsRead.pdf

Boys: http://www.guysread.com

Field Trip

On Friday, we will be going learn about careers and many businesses are bringing their vehicles to show us. We will be leaving aroudn 10:30 and be back in time for lunch! I'm excited and I hope you are too :)

Book Orders

Book orders are due on Thursday September 17. You can send cash or check with your order form to school, or order online! The link is:

http://pcool.scholastic.com/parentordering/login.jsp

User Name: SmithLiberty
Password: reading

There are some great books!

ME BOOKS!

Just a reminder.....Me Books are due Wednesday September 9. If you're not done, make sure to work on them over the long week-end!

President Obama Speaks!

Today President Obama addressed the nation's students on the importance of education and setting goals. You can watch his broadcast again at http://www.whitehouse.gov or http://www.ed.gov

We need your help!

Liberty's Carnival is just around the corner (Friday September 11). At the carnival, a silent auction will be held for different themed baskets. Third grade has been asked to make donations to the basket "Make Mom's Day". Items in the basket are anything that would make Mom happy. We brainstormed today and came up with quite the list: Pepsi, shampoo, clothes, make-up, shoes, lotion, etc. The possibilities are endless! We'd love to have you donate some items for our basket. Please make sure donations are brought before Sept. 9 so they will be ready for the carnival. Thanks for all you do!

FIELD TRIP!!

Our class is going on a filed trip to the Nature Center! We will be leaving at 10:35 on Tuesday Sept. 1 and returning around 1:30. Please return the note to let me know if you are having school or home lunch.

Thanks!

(A Note to Parents) BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

Just a reminder that back to school night is Thursday August 27. I will only be having one session (it will be the first session after the PTA meeting in the gym.) I am taking classes for my Master's Degree and I'm trying to at least get to part of my class Thursday evening. I appologize if this is incovenient for any of you. If you have lots of questions or discussion items, we can schedule a seperate time to meet. Thanks for understanding. I hope all parents can make it!

All About Me Book

Sorry that this wasn't up yesterday. Below are a few pages to give you ideas for your Me Book. My book will also be available on Back to School night to see. Each page should include some sor to picture, magazine clipping, drawing, sticker or other visual element and a few sentences describing the person. The sentences can be hand written or typed.
Thanks for working hard together on your book! Remember they aren't due utnil September 9 so take your time on them.

All About Miss Smith

As promised, here are the answers to my previous questions:

1. What color is my toothbrush? My toothbrush is white and purple.

2. How many brothers and sisters do I have? I have three brothers and two sisters.

3. What color is my car? My car is silver.

4. Where did I go to college? I spent four years in Logan at Utah State University and I'm still taking classes from them!

5. How many years have I taught at Liberty? Last year was my first year here and I'm excited about the second.

6. What is the name of the other state I've lived in? I lived in Tennessee for a little while.

7. Am I right handed or left handed? I am right handed.

8. What is something I like to do? There are so many things but to name a few: read, hike, bake treats, spend time with friends and family, watch movies, and try new things.

9. Do I have a pet? I don't have a pet, but I really like dogs.

10. Do I like my job as a teacher? I don't like my job, I LOVE IT!!



I'm excited for this upcoming year! Enjoy your last few days of summer and I'll see you Monday morning at 8:45! Don't be late!

7 days....

One week until school starts! Are you ready?

A Note To Parents--Back to School Supplies

Dear Parents,

The time has come to start thinking about the upcoming school year. I know many of you are out doing back to school shopping, so I’m providing a list of recommended supplies. These are NOT required. Hopefully this will help you in your shopping.

Student Supplies

~Wooden pencils (These work the best, especially with learning cursive!)
~2-3 glue sticks
~70 page spiral bound notebook
~Erasers (Most students prefer the pencil topper erasers)
~2 folders, any color or style as long as they have pockets

Classroom Supplies

~Clorox or Lysol antibacterial wipes (We go through a lot of these to keep the room clean, especially during the cold season J)
~Kleenex
~Post-it notes (any size)
~Ziploc Bags (Sandwich, quart and gallon size)
~Empty shoe boxes for project


The “Do Not” Brings

I like to keep distractions in the classroom to a minimum. If I send home something with your child, it is because it is a distraction and should not be brought back to school. These items should be left at home: toys, mechanical pencils, pens, markers, and hand held pencil sharpeners that do not have a lid.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me! E-mail csmith2@murrayschools.org or 801-891-2661. Again, remember this is a list of recommendations. Everything that your child needs for school will be provided. Bringing all or some of these items would sure help us out!

I’m looking forward to a great year and getting to know you and your child better!

Thanks,
Miss Smith

Do you know your teacher?

Below is a list of questions about me. You can write down your answers and either save them or e-mail them to me. My address is csmith2@murrayschools.org If you do write, you may even want to share a little information about yourself. I will post the answers online right before school starts! Have fun!
1. What color is my toothbrush?
2. How many brothers and sisters do I have?
3. What color is my car? (Be careful because I just bought a new one J)
4. Where did I go to college?
5. How many years have I taught at Liberty?
6. I’ve lived in Utah and one other state. What is the name of the other state?
7. Am I right handed or left handed?
8. What is something I like to do?
9. Do I have a pet and what kind of animal is it or would it be?
10. Do I like my job as a teacher?

My Summer Vacation

Dear Past and Future Students,
I hope you're enjoying your summer vacation, because I know that I am. In June, I took a family vacation to the Cayman Islands. We swam with stringrays, visited a turtle farm and enjoyed time on the beach together. It's always a good time with my family. I've also been taking classes these summer to learn more which has been wonderful. Have you read any good books lately? I've read The Great Gilly Hopkins, Esperanza Rising, and Man's Search for Meaning just to name a few. There's some great books at the library if you want something new! Can you believe school starts in less than a month? I'm excited and I hope you are too! Well, enjoy your last few weeks of summer.
Miss Smith

Field Trip

This is when we went to the Cabela's, the landfill and LIberty Park. Enjoy the many faces of third grade!

Cemetery Field Trip

Puppet Show Preparation

To practice our reading and drama skills, we'll be putting on puppet shows next week! Here's some of our prep work with more pictures to follow!

FIELD TRIPS!

Can you believe it's May already?!? I can't! We're going on some pretty cool field trips this month, so just another reminder to put them on your calendar.

• May 19 Cemetery Field Trip 1:15-2:45


• May 21 Recycling Field Trip 9:00-3:00


• May 29 Traxx and Planetarium Filed Trip 9:00-3:00

Some of you signed up to bring lunches from home so don't forget them!

CHECK THIS OUT!!

Are you interested in learning more about the stars and our solar system? The University of Utah is having Astronomy Day this Saturday. Click on this link for more info!

http://web.utah.edu/astro/astroday.htmlhttp://web.utah.edu/astro/astroday.htmlhttp://web.utah.edu/astro/astroday.htmlhttp://web.utah.edu/astro/astroday.html

Forever Friends!

Playful Pottery

END OF THE YEAR TESTS!

The time has come for the end of year testing. We will be testing on May 4, 6, 11, 13, and 15. Please make sure you are at school these days. Also get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast to help you think! I know you'll do great!

Native Americans Video

Check out our visit to the Nature Center, our Mayan Mask, and Lacee's presentation!

March Adventures

March has been a great month so far! We've been studying a lot about Native Americans. We've gone to the Nature Center, listened to a guest speaker, Lacee Harris, and learned from the other third grade teachers. There is a lot of cool facts and information!
We've also been studying our times tables. We are getting better at them. Continue working on 6, 7, and 8. These seem to be the tough ones! We're finishing up time and measurement and will soon be working on probability in math.
In reading, we've started our new unit on voyages. Thanks to everyone who is coming to speak to our class about their voyages to other countries. There's still time and slots if you've been somewhere and would like to share your adventures with our class!
CRT tests are coming up in April and May (I can't believe the year has gone so quickly!) If you're planning on a vacation in those months, please let the school know so we can get all necessary testing done.

Dr. Seuss Day Video

We had so much fun celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday and Read Across America Day. We read Green Eggs and Ham, Bartholomew and the Oobleck and the Sneetches. We created a class book about food we don't like, played with oobleck, ate birthday cup cakes, and got a free book from Barnes and Noble.

Oobleck Recipe!
We had so much fun playing with Oobleck at school today. Talk with your parents and try making some at home! Just mix cornstarch and water together (you can add food coloring if you want to make it green.) Have fun with this neat substance that has the properties of both a solid and a liquid!

March 2 is Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss' birthday!

We will be doing some fun activities in class to celebrate this great man and to celebrate reading. If you have any Dr Seuss books you'd like to bring and share on Monday, it would be fabulous!

Also March 4 and 5 are Parent/ Teacher Conferences. Your child should have brought home a note with your time. I look forward to meeting with each of you and talking about your amazing kids! There will be no school on Friday March 6 because of the conferences!

Valentine's Video

Thanks to Mrs. Schafer for taking these pictures and for for Ms. Jennings for putting the party together! We had a great time!

February Big Ideas

Here are some of the exciting things happening this month:

Reading: We're reading stories focused on animal habitats! They give us lots of information and it's interesting to learn about the different types of habitats.

Math: We're finishing up graphing and working on measurement. See if you can find things around the house to measure. We're also still focusing on multiplication facts. Let me know if you need flashcards.

Social Studies: We'll be starting our Native American unit this month. There are 9 different groups we'll be studying with the other 3rd grade classes. Plan on lots of great activities and a fun project to wrap up the unit.

Spelling: Still practice your words every week. The first test scores for this term were amazing so keep up the great work!

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

• February 10: Harmon's Day. Buy groceries at the Harmon's on Redwood Road to help support our school!
• February 13: Ririe-Woodbury Assembly in the morning
• February 13: Class Valentine Party in the afternoon
• February 16: NO SCHOOL PRESIDENTS DAY
• February 17: NO SCHOOL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• February 25: Science Fair
• February 27: Spring Pictures

January is Coming to an End

Wow! Time sure flies when you're having fun and we've been doing lots of fun learning in Room 7. We're starting our new unit on animal habitats which is always exciting. We are doing some review on money and everyone loves playing with that! We've also started a new term, so turn in your work and stay on top of things! February is going to be great so keep posted to see what's coming up!
P.S. CHECK OUT THE NEW LINKS! THERE ARE SOME GREAT GAMES AND QUIZZES TO GET YOU THINKING!

A Historic Day

We were able to watch as Pres. Obama was sworn into office today! We're excited to watch the next 4 years of his presidency! Here are some of the things that we heard in his speech:

• Every person has the right to be happy.
• We are ready to face the challenges of this country.
• All Americans have to play their role.
• We should feed the mice.
• Where ever you are there's a job to do.
• A lot of homes and jobs have been lost.
• We'll stand by the nations of the poor people.

Important Dates for SCHOOL SPIRIT WEEK!

Thursday Jan. 15- Wear Liberty Shirts, Jason Hewlett Assembly

Tuesday Jan. 20- Hat Day

Wednesday Jan. 21- Sock Day

Thursday Jan. 22- Hair Day

Friday Jan. 23- Backwards Day

Our Future Leaders

With the Presidential Inauguration coming on January 20, here's a look at the future leaders of this country!

Book Orders

You can place your Scholastic Book Order ONLINE with credit card. Look for the sheet being sent home Monday with the book orders. This gives you all the details. If you have questions, feel free to ask!

Janurary Big Ideas

Here are some of the things we'll be working on during January:

Reading: We're finishing about our unit on Incredible Stories, including Raising Dragons and The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. We'll also begin our unit on Animal Habitats. I'm excited for this one. During Power Hour, we'll continue to build on our spelling skills, reading comprehension and fluency to be to 110 words a minute by the end of the year.

Math: We are working hard to not only learn but master multiplication facts. I'd suggest getting flashcards to practice at home. We'll have learned 0-6 and 10 by the end of the month and maybe more! We'll also work on graphs, including pictographs, bar graphs, and line graphs.

Science: Miss Leeflang is teaching us about force and gravity. She has some fun experiments to help us learn these concepts. We will also finish our slat dough landmasses. They are still drying and I hope they're ready to paint soon!

Writing: We are going to begin writing informational pieces about America. We'll also continue writing our own pieces.

I also hope that we can use the school's laptop computers more frequently in our learning. I think technology is a great tool and our class loves it! I think we may even work on Power Points in February!

Read-A-Thon

Happy New Year

One of my New Year's goals is to get this blog working, so here we go! Hopefully you can find everything that you need!