Thoughts from Third Grade

~Miss Van Dykes Classroom~

Month: January 2015
Hello Parents and Guardians of Third Graders!
To start, thank you for your thoughtful and encouraging Christmas gifts. They were a
blessing to me.
January has gotten off to a bit of a bumpy start. We had two snow days last week and a
baking party. Thankfully this week has been smoother and we are beginning to get into the
swing of things again. Please keep a close watch on your email on nights/mornings when
you think there may be a snow/cold day. We will always be closed when CPS closes but
Salem also may choose to close when CPS doesnt.
Also, We are drawing to the end of the 2nd quarter. I anticipate doing a lot of catch-up
grading this weekend. By next Monday, if your son or daughter is missing work, it will show
up in the grade book. Grades will be finalized on Friday, January 23rd.
Winter seems to be a hard month for a lot of people (I know it is for me). Remember on
these cloudy days to keep seeking Christ even when you dont feel Him. He is who He
says He is: our Rock, our Comfort, our Provider, our Hope. Let Him be the Sunshine that
your soul so desperately needs.
As always, praying for you your children.
In Him,
Hayley Van Dyke

A note on homework:
Reading Logs- Reading logs are worth 10 points total (two points for each day). Please make sure your student is filling
in their reading log each day as they read and returning them on Mondays. (This reading can overlap with project
research if applicable)
Math- On nights when students dont have WPs I encourage them to do 10 minutes of practice on xtramath.com. You
should have received your students individual code and classroom code. Let me know if you have questions about this.

Bible:
We will be taking a close look at what the Bible says about friendship especially by
examining the life of David. Students are working on Philippians 2:1-5 right now and will
move on to a passage in 1 Samuel after that.

Literacy:

Math:

In Literacy students have continued on

in writing an informational piece. Expect
to help them research in the coming
days. We have also progressed into using
the literature circles model for
studying literature. They are in separate
groups and are taught how to use
comprehension strategies in order to
contribute to a discussion. The picture
below shows you just how much they
have enjoyed reading time!

In Math we will continue to plow ahead.

Concepts are becoming more difficult so I
will give as much assistance as I can in class
but please take time to work through math
homework with your child at home as well.
Also please use the log in code sent home
with your child a few weeks ago to help
them log into Xtra math for more fact
practice.

Social Studies:
Students are learning the roles and purposes
of the three branches of government. We will
also have the privilege of having Mrs. Flowers
(from kindergarten) teach Social Studies once
a week as she pursues her Illinois teaching
certification.

Dont Forget:

Science:
Students are enjoying a unit on rocks
and minerals. Because of Mrs. Abbeys
recent surgery, Ms. Ali (from after care)
has been assisting with Science.

- Important Dates:
January 19: NO SCHOOL (MLKJ Day)
January 21: Book Orders Due (Online Only
Please)
January 23: End of Second Quarter
January 30: Half Day
February 6: All School Spelling Bee
-On snowy days, please send your child to school
with a dry pair of shoes. This keeps our classroom
dry and clean!
- P.E. days have been switched to THURSDAY and
FRIDAY due to a necessary change in the
enrichment schedule.