Looking ahead to the week of April 27

Students enjoyed a visit from the Historic Columbia Society's "Traveling Trunk Show."  They were introduced the idea of Civil Rights, which students will be studying in their "Hard Times Lead to Good Times" social studies unit.

Hello, families!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and we hope to see you this weekend at the Sparkleberry Fair (April 25)!

State House field study:  Students will be receiving their last "Being There Experience" permission form Thursday, April 23, in their communication folders.  It is for the State House field study, which had to be rescheduled earlier this year, due to inclement weather.  Please sign and return this form, as soon as possible.  It is due May 7.  We will not need chaperones for this trip.

Book Fair preview:  The Book Fair will open Thursday, April 23.  Our class is scheduled to attend a Book Fair preview that same day!  If your child would like to purchase books during our visit, he/she may bring money Thursday.

Half-day:  Students will have a half-day Friday, April 24.  Lunch will be served.  If your child's transportation changes that day, please be sure to send a note or call the front office.

Homework:  Students will not receive a new homework packet Friday, April 24, due to testing.  They will not have homework the week of testing.  They'll receive a new homework packet Friday, May 1.

ACT Aspire Testing:  ...it's almost here!  I have created a "Wish Wall," where you can offer words of encouragement to our class, before ACT Testing.  Please take a moment to visit our wall and write a note!  Feel free to share this site with other family members, too!  Mrs. West's Class Wish Wall:  http://padlet.com/awest4/westclasswishes

Students are preparing for the ACT test, which will take place April 28 -30.  Please send in the items you'd like to donate, as soon as possible!  Thank you, in advance, for helping make testing more enjoyable for the children!  The following items are needed (23 of each):

• 3 days of juice boxes  - CHECK!  All three days of juice boxes have been donated! Yay!
• 3 days of breakfast type food (Muffins, cereal bars, Pop Tarts, etc) - CHECK!  All three days of breakfast have been donated! Yay!
• 3 or so bags of individually wrapped candy (Smarties, Nerds, etc… something that is not sticky and messy.) - CHECK!  All three days of candy have been donated! Yay!
• 3 days of a snack-type item (pretzels, baked chips, fruit snacks, etc.) - CHECK!  All three days of snacks have been donated! Yay!
• Napkins (enough for all three days) - CHECK!  All three days of napkins have been donated! Yay!

*Please note that we have nut allergies in our classroom!

From Mrs. O'Connor:  

Information for families about assessment in grades 3-8
With assistance from ACT, the EOC has developed a resource for school districts and schools to use to inform students and parents of students in grades 3-8 about upcoming changes in assessment. Although ACT has developed a letter and materials to educate families about ACT Aspire, this additional resource also includes a schedule for testing in South Carolina and reminds families that students will also be taking SCPASS in Science and Social Studies. We hope this will provide an additional tool to assist districts in educating students and their families about these important changes in testing.

For additional family-friendly information about overall changes in testing, visit the EOC website.

ACT Aspire will be given to all students in grades 3-8 over three days this month. Writing and English will be given onTuesday, April 28. Reading will be administered on Wednesday, April 29. Mathematics will be given on Thursday April 30. It is important to remember that this is a timed test! To find out how many questions will be given and the time students have to complete each section, please visit the home page of the S.C. Department of Education and click the ACT button. You’ll also find FREE test questions and resources! http://1.usa.gov/1FmTzIU#TestReadySC

Looking ahead:  As mathematicians, students will prepare for the ACT Aspire Test.  We'll continue our mixed operation quizzes after testing.  During language arts, students will wrap up reviewing for the ACT Aspire test.  They will study friendly letters toward the end of the week and enjoy a Read-In, to celebrate the conclusion of testing.  The children will continue working on cursive handwriting, as well.  As historians, the class will learn about the fall of cotton, the Great Migration, the New Deal, and emigration.

Report Cards:  If you have not done so already, please take a moment to look your child's report card and set goals for the last nine weeks of third grade with your child.  Sign and return the report card cover.  You may keep the report card and comments.

State Museum "Being There Experience" permission form:  Your child received a permission form for the State Museum a couple of weeks ago.  Please be sure to sign and return it, as soon as possible.  All forms were due April 16.   

I hope you all have a  great week!  Thank you again for all that you do!