Our entire class made the December reading goal and got to move their fish to the "minnow" level.  Good job kids!  Remember to bring games to school tomorrow for our game day reward.  Tomorrow is the last day of school until the new year.  School dismisses at 2:55 p.m. and then resumes on January 3rd.  I hope everyone has a marvelous Christmas!

Early Out Wednesday

Remember that tomorrow, the 15th, is early out.  The students are dismissed at 12:55.  Also, on Friday for our "no missing work activity" the children are creating a project that involves a hammer.  If your child could bring a small to normal size hammer to school that day, it would be greatly appreciated.  I have stressed the need for not swinging backpacks and being careful with them, but would love you repeating those instructions!  Please put your family name on the hammer so we get the right one returned to you!  Thanks for your support!

November "Turkey Trot/Jump-rope Champions"

As a class, the students in our room had been working hard at running the mile gearing up for the school's annual turkey trot.  Well, the day of the turkey trot, the weather was not conducive to having a race outside, so the PTA decided instead to have a jump-roping contest.  I felt bad at first for all the hard work the kids had done, but I shouldn't have worried.  Two of the three top girls and two of the three top boys were from our class!  Way to go Mrs. Madson's third grade!  You made me proud!

November Reading Goal

Our entire (goofy) class made the November reading goal.  For achieving their goal, they were able to do an art activity.  Our class made Christmas cards for the Meals on Wheels Program.  What a great group of kids!

Monday is Pajama Day!

We have been working on getting all of our missing work caught up.  I had told the students their reward would be a pajama day, and it is time to pay up!  This Monday, December 6th, the students are welcome to wear their pajamas to school.  Please still make sure they wear shoes appropriate for the weather.  I am sending home the missing work notes today, December 2nd, because I will be absent December 3rd.  Can you believe it is already December?  Time flies when you are having fun.

A Little Late...

Mrs. Goodliffe took pictures when the kids took their pumpkins downtown to the pumpkin walk for Republic Mortgage at Halloween.  She sent me the pictures, but I have been a little late getting them on here!  Enjoy! 

First Trimester Award Winners

Here are our first trimester Cougar Citizenship Winners!

Here are our first trimester Cougar Scholar Winners!

Good job kids!  Tomorrow the turkey trot was changed to an indoor "Jumpin' Turkey Activity."  The weather forecast is for snow, so we will have a jump rope contest instead of a running contest.  Make sure the kids wear comfortable shoes!  We do not have school Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday,  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Schedules

Remember this Wednesday, November 17th is early out.  The students are dismissed at 12:55.  Also, there is no school the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 24th. It is a teacher preparation day between the trimesters.  Our school chose to work the preparation day before the school year began, but most of the secondary schools chose to work it between the trimesters.  I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. 

Veteran's Day

I wish I would have thought to take a picture today, but we had an incredibly awesome speaker today in honor of Veteran's Day.  Mrs. Bitton's great uncle came and spoke to the entire third grade about being a veteran and what the holiday means.  We originally thought the presentation would take about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes.  The kids were so engrossed and asking so many good questions that the presentation ended up lasting an hour and a half.  I think the kids could have lasted longer, except we were getting to the end the school day.  That is pretty amazing to think 90 third graders could sit still and be engaged for that long.  It shows how interesting it was.  He has served in many areas of the world, with the first being in Vietnam.  He told about bathing and washing his clothes in his helmet.  He told about sleeping on the ground.  (This brought on lots of questions and brought out lots of information about bugs, snakes, rats, mice, and monkeys that bothered him as he tried to sleep.) He had many medals and awards that he brought along in shadow boxes. He has been wounded three times in battle.  It really made me and the students realize what sacrifices our veterans have given for our country.  It also made me proud to be an American as he talked about how the sacrifices were worth it, because he wanted each of the students to live in even a better place as they grow to adulthood.

October Reading Goal

These are the members of our class who achieved the October Reading Goal.  They got to attend an assembly of reader's theaters performed by the faculty.  Good job kids!

Decorating Pumpkins

Our class was able to decorate pumpkins for Republic Mortgage for the city's pumpkin walk on Friday.  On Thursday, three of our awesome room-moms came and helped us decorate the pumpkins.  Thanks so much to Mrs. Goodliffe for going and buying the pumpkins, gathering art supplies, providing treats, and giving of her time.  Thanks also to Mrs. Collom and Mrs. Francom for coming and helping!  You are great!

Pumpkin Walk Entries

As you can tell, our class had some very creative entries for our pumpkin walk!

Crazy Footwear Day

Career Day- Red Ribbon Week

I told the kids today that I was going to be a ninja when I grew up.

Here are out future teachers!

Here are our future sports stars.  We have a surfer, a hunter, a football player, a baseball player, a bull rider, a cowboy, a karate kid, a golfer and a basketball player.

Here we have a model, a telephone salesperson, and a veterinarian.

We have an archaelogist, a snake hunter, a fireman, a construction worker, and a toy-maker.

Here we have three future nurses.

Here we have two future hairdressers.

Here we have a cook and a baker.

Hat Day for Red Ribbon Week

As you can see, we had a very successful hat day today at school!  Remember, tomorrow is "Career Day" where you get to dress up as what you want to be when you grow up.  I can't wait to see all the great ideas!

Practice Cheer for Red Ribbon Week

Our class needs to perform a cheer for red ribbon week:

Practice for next week-

Said to the tune of Yankee Doodle:

Mrs. Madson's class is great

and drugs we will not take.

Instead we'll hop, jump rope, and skate

and many friends we'll make.

We are too smart to take drugs,

we know not to try it.

We'll keep our bodies clean of drugs,

and then we'll be so fit.

Mrs. Madson's class is great,

we are really cool.

We know drugs are dumb and that's

WHY WE RULE THE SCHOOL!

Red Ribbon Week

Next week, from October 25th through the 29th, is our school's Red Ribbon Week.  The PTA does a fantastic job involving the school in activities to promote healthy lifestyle choices.  Please help us support them.  On Monday, they are encouraging everyone to wear red to show, "I support Red Ribbon Week". On Tuesday, the students are encouraged to wear fun hats, "Hats off to living drug free".  On Wednesday, dress like what you want to be when you grow up, "My future is drug free". On Thursday, wear crazy shoes, socks, boots, or slippers, "Stomp out Drugs!" On Friday, wear your favorite team jersey, sports clothes, or cougar shirt, "Live strong and drug free!"  I think it will be a really fun week full of activities.  Join in the fun!

Early Out Wednesday- Conferences Wednesday and Thursday

Remember early out is this week on Wednesday, October 20th at 12:55.  We have parent/teacher conferences on Wednesday and Thursday.  I am excited to get to meet with each of you about your student.  I only have a couple of students who have not brought back their appointment sheets yet.  If you can't remember when your appointment is, or if you have not seen the slip, please email or call me: sherri.madson@besd.net or at school (435) 257-2590. Thanks!

Parent-Teacher Conferences Next Week

I am sending home appointments today with your child for parent/teacher conferences.  With 30 students and parents to conference with, it will be challenging to make any changes.  Please make sure and send back the slip with your child as soon as possible so that I can make any changes that are necessary.  I have had to double up a couple of conferences in order to fit all the families in.  I am excited to meet with each of you next Wednesday or Thursday evening.  Thanks for sharing your awesome children with me!

Short Week

Remember that this week is a short week at school.  We have school from Monday through Wednesday and then have Thursday and Friday off for fall break.  Then, next week, we have early out on Wednesday and Parent-teacher conferences on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings.  Can't wait to see you there!

September Reading Challenge Met and Conquered!!!!

Our entire SILLY wonderful class made the September reading goal this month!  Yeah!  We are missing two of our students today so they are not pictured, but the entire class gets to participate in the extra 20 minutes of PE time this Friday!  Way to go Mrs. Madson's Class!!!!

Friday Planting

Our grade level has been lucky enough to receive a bunch of tulip bulbs from Thanksgiving Point to plant at our school.  We are planning on planting the bulbs this Friday.  If you have a small hand shovel or trowel....something that would dig up the soil in small patches, could you please send it with your student on Friday?  Also on Friday we have the fire department visiting to do a fire drill and an assembly.  It is also the day for our September reading goal party.  Most of our class met the September challenge and will get an extra 20 minutes of outside PE time to celebrate.  For October we will be using the same goal.....all homework papers completed for the month with the at home reading completed.  Please remember to be collecting empty toilet paper rolls for our class.  I can't believe it is already October....time sure flies when you are having fun!

Book Orders Due Oct. 1st

If you wanted to order books on the book order this time, please send them in tomorrow October 1st.  I have a great class!  They worked so hard today!  We got through a lot of work and they did an amazing job! Please remember to send in toilet paper tubes.  I only have a couple of students left without their fish on the wall for the reading incentive program this month.  On Oct. 8th, we will be having an extra 20 minutes of PE schoolwide for students who have achieved their reading goal.  Please check and make sure your child is doing their nightly homework.  Our goal in September and also for October is to have all homework papers turned in and complete!  Thanks so much!

Please Collect and Send in Toilet Paper Tubes

I found a fun science lesson tonight that I would like to use next week.  One of the items I need is an empty toilet paper tube for each child.  Would you mind collecting and sending one in with your student in the next couple of days?  Thanks so much for the help!

Picture day has been successful!  What a great looking group of kids are in my class!  They are always cute, but on picture day, boy do they shine!  Just a reminder that if all the kids homework is turned in this month, including reading 4 nights a week for 20 minutes, they get to have thier fish hung up in the hall for the school-wide reading incentive program.  Also, on October 8th, they get to have an extra 20 minutes of PE time outside for achieving their goal.  If they do not reach the goal, they will be inside the building during that time doing work.  We are getting really close to all of the kids making the goal.  Let's "Dive Into Reading!"

Pictures tomorrow!

Tomorrow, Wednesday Setpember 28th, we will be having individual and class pictures taken at 9:40 a.m.  If you would like to purchase pictures, please make sure your child brings the envelope back tomorrow morning.  If you would not like to purchase pictures at this time, that is fine, but please still make sure your child comes to school and is dressed how you would like them to look for the group photo.  Thanks so much!  By the way, we have had perfect attendance on Monday and Tuesday......we are hoping for a whole week so we can get a sticker on our class sheet by the office!

Reading Groups and Pictures

Today begins our first day of guided reading at McKinley for this new school year!  I am so excited to get started!  Also, don't forget that on Wednesday we have individual and class pictures.  I sent home the envelopes for pictures last week.  We are trying to get a sticker on the board by the front office.  In order to do this, our class needs to have 100% attendance for one week!  Obviously, don't send your child to school if they have a fever or are throwing up, but otherwise, please try to get them to school.  I love this group of kids.  They are fabulous!  Thanks for doing such a great job parenting them to be responsible, respectful children!

New Card Pulling System

I am sending home a note on Friday to explain a new card pulling system I have implemented this week in our class.  This is a great group of kids, but they tend to be very social, even during instructional time.  I am sure this is something we can correct.  Every child starts the day with a green card.  If I have to remind them to be quiet during instructional time, or if their noise level goes beyond what is acceptable during work time, I will have them pull a card to yellow (yellow is a warning).  If I have to remind them again, then they will be asked to pull their card to red (if they have a red card, they will miss break).  If they have to pull a card again, it goes to gray, and I will call home.  During the day, kids can earn their way back to green.  I also have cards that the students can pull "UP" to.  If I catch a student doing something really great, I will give them an orange card.  If they earn another positive move, their card will move to blue.  The highest they can earn is a purple card, and I will also call home for this- but this will be a fun call to make!!  On Fridays, I will write on the days of the week that your child does not end the day on green.  If they have pulled down, please discuss with them their behavior.  If they have pulled "UP" or end on green (no note), then please praise them for doing a great job.  Thanks for your support!!

2010-2011 is going to be a great year!

I just wanted to take a minute to let you know.....I already love this new little class of mine!  I guess I shouldn't say little.....there are actually quite a few of them.  This is the largest class I have ever taught.  But, they are a very sweet and polite group of kids.  They are really kind to each other, and are very appreciative of the things I do.  It sure makes me want to do even more!  They are awesome.  Parents, you are doing a great job with these kids!  They are kind of a chatty group....which I guess goes along with the being friendly part, but I sure do love them!

Wear Green! Thursday September 9

Remember that the PTA is asking that we all wear green as part of their safety week.  They have done a great job talking to us about safety and have some great posters up around the school reminding us to be safe.  The kids all have green ribbons and pledge cards they signed pledging to be safe.  Let's all support our great PTA!!

Remember that there is no school on Monday in observance of Labor Day!  See you bright and early on Tuesday morning! Have a great weekend!

September Reading Goal

Here are a few pictures of our classroom this year.  I have a fairly large class of 29 energetic, fabulous, brilliant children this year!  Our school is having a school-wide reading program this year titled "Dive Into Reading".  Each month we will have a goal set, and if students reach that goal, they will get a chance to put their fish on a new level, and also get the opportunity to participate in a special activity.  This month, our class goal is to turn in all homework for each of the weeks of September, completed. Each student in our class is very capable of achieving this goal, so I look forward to the entire class getting to participate in the class activity.  Also.....reminder to all our third classmates.....each Friday we have sharing in our class.  This is not show and tell, so please do not bring toys, but it can be news to you, your family, your neighborhood, the world, etc.  It can be something you just want to tell, it can be a photograph, a news article, etc.  Today we successfully completed the third day of third grade!  Great job!

September 1, 2010

Remember this year we only have early out once a month.  It is the first Monday of each month (so it is September 1st).  The students are dismissed two hours early, at 12:55.  I have enjoyed the first two days of class.  This seems to be a great group of bright polite children.  I am looking forward to a great year!

School Web Page

I am really excited that our school is going to have an up-to-date web page this year!  Here is the link:
http://www.mckinley.besd.net/index.php

You will be able to check lunch calendars, check on upcoming events, etc. from this link.

Remember that school starts on Monday August 30th at 8:20.  Just come straight into the classroom on the first day of school.  During school I will take you on a tour and show you where we will be lining up for school on subsequent days.  Can't wait to start a new school year!

Welcome to 2010-2011 School Year!

I am so excited for this new year here at McKinley Elementary School!  I have heard great things from the first and second grade teachers about this new group of fabulous kids!  I am going to try and update this blog frequently, so please check it for upcoming classroom news!

Third grade is the first time that students have had to transfer information from a book to paper to do their work instead of writing in their books.  Because of this, I have the students use notebooks in class, one for each subject area.  I never have them rip assignments out of their books.Instead, they turn in the entire notebook, and I return it.  That way, we never lose assignments and they can see if they need to redo an assignment they did not understand.  We will use the notebooks that are on sale right now for about 15 cents apiece. 

Weekly homework will be sent home on Mondays and will be expected to be returned on Fridays.  I ask that students spend 30 minutes a night doing homework.  Approximately 20 minutes of that time should be spent on at-home reading.  If your child has other work from class that he/she needs to finish, please initial off on their homework when they reach the 30 minute limit.  I realize that children need time to play outside and have dinner and conversation with their families. 

The school has a handbook that will explain dress code policies, attendance policies, and other information that is excellent.  If you did not receive a handbook at back-to-school night, please let me know so that I can send one home to you. 

Do not hesitate to ever contact me with questions or concerns.  It is great to work as a team with your child and with you as parents.  We get so much more accomplished with open communication and common goals.

I am looking forward to a great year!

Sherri Madson
McKinley Elementary School (435)257-2590