It's March Already!

March is finally here.  It's that in- between month that gets you all excited about things turning green again.  January and February are such dreary months and March promises warmer weather and good things to come.  The saying goes that "March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb".  Here's hoping it's true and winter will soon be a distant memory.  Hurry spring, hurry!

Next week also brings the third graders first ISAT test.  One of my students asked why is the ISAT test so important?  Interesting question and one I had to think about for a minute.  Why is the ISAT test so important?  I think the answer is  because it  gives us information and information is a good thing.  It gives us information about our teaching practices and  about what students actually learn.  We use it as a gauge and a guide.  We gauge ourselves against other districts and schools within the state and we use that information to help us become better teachers. The scores are analyzed and used  to guide teachers in their instruction. For the students and their families, it informs them of their strengths and short-comings as learners.  Overall,  I guess it's like an annual check-up to see how teachers, students and schools are doing. And as we all know, it's wise to get a check-up to make sure we are healthy:)  I have already told the students how important it is for them to get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast.  Both these things really do contribute to the brain working to it's full potential.  The students are well-prepared and ready to go.  After this year, the kids will think it's a piece of cake!

March Reading Incentives

Our March Reading Incentive will be sponsored by the Chicago Slaughter Professional Indoor Football Team along with Buffalo Wild Wings and GameWorks. Students who meet their goal will receive 2 ticket vouchers to a 2012 Chicago Slaughter game, a free kid’s meal courtesy of Buffalo Wild Wings, a free game card from Game Works, and other prizes. Since all reading must be done before Spring Break, and the month is shortened, the reading goals will be reduced:

Grades K-2     200 minutes

Grade 3           275 minutes

Grades 4-5      325 minutes

CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD - SATURDAY NIGHT,  MARCH 10th  

Our next science unit is on the moon.  Below is a link to the third grade blog which has all kinds of informative and fun links to help you learn about the moon. 


Link to the Moon!