Families~
Here's a few updates for everyone on this very brisk Monday (That Groundhog is such a fraud!):
1) GOLF NIGHT IS TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 5:30. Please look for the note I am sending home today for more details. Even if you didn't sign up, you are still welcome to come!!!
2) Also coming home tonight there is a note concerning Spring "conferences." Those of you receiving notes that say I am not requesting a conference, you're all set. If you do get a note that says we need a conference, I'll be contacting you shortly to set up a time.
3) Book Orders. The new book orders are coming home today and will be due March 14th in hopes of getting the books delivered before Spring Break.
4) IAR/PARCC Tests. The state-wide tests start next week. We test Math the 11th-15th and Reading the 18th-22nd. The tests will be on Chromebooks for the 1st time, so we'll just hope it all goes smoothly :).
5) Please keep encouraging positive work habits at home such as practicing multiplication facts, reading a book, and working on MobyMax.
Monday, March 4, 2019
Friday, February 22, 2019
Upcoming Events
Families~
Here's a quick update with some upcoming events:
1. 3rd Grade BREAKFAST BUDDIES: On Wednesday, the 27th, the students and 1 adult are invited to come in for a "Breakfast Buddies" time. For more details (and to sign up) click here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpIwcrRKh3M79v9u8eLYuKB0S0NpnTIOtEu5e13o_-aX6YMQ/viewform
2. GOLF NIGHT: In the students' folders from last night, you should have found a Planet Fun Golf Night form. This is my favorite night of the year where we can all get together for some fun! If you think you could make it, please fill out that form and send it back ASAP.
3. GENIUS HOUR: If your child has not yet talked to you about their passion project, please bring it up with them and check in with their plan to get it moving :). Most students have a great grasp on what they are doing and have a clear vision of how to accomplish it.
Here's a quick update with some upcoming events:
1. 3rd Grade BREAKFAST BUDDIES: On Wednesday, the 27th, the students and 1 adult are invited to come in for a "Breakfast Buddies" time. For more details (and to sign up) click here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpIwcrRKh3M79v9u8eLYuKB0S0NpnTIOtEu5e13o_-aX6YMQ/viewform
2. GOLF NIGHT: In the students' folders from last night, you should have found a Planet Fun Golf Night form. This is my favorite night of the year where we can all get together for some fun! If you think you could make it, please fill out that form and send it back ASAP.
3. GENIUS HOUR: If your child has not yet talked to you about their passion project, please bring it up with them and check in with their plan to get it moving :). Most students have a great grasp on what they are doing and have a clear vision of how to accomplish it.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
GENIUS HOUR!!! (and Snowcation)
Families~
Hope your all staying warm inside these few days! ***If you snap a picture of your child cuddled up reading a book and email it to me (nbuono@sd308.org), they can earn a ticket when we return on Friday!!!
I thought I'd jump on and share an idea for discussion with your child on their days off (in addition to them going on MobyMax and practicing multiplication facts)!
GENIUS HOUR!!!
Last week (on Friday) we introduced a "passion project" that I've done for the last few years. It is NOT a home project! No, seriously. However, it may be a good idea to converse with your child and check in every-so-often with how they are progressing. So what is the Genius Hour? It's almost indescribable, but I'll do my best. The purpose is to allow the students to select ANY topic that interests them - but it's more like an "I wonder..." question that launches them into a topic. It can be ANYTHING that is researchable. They will then CREATE something (ANYTHING) and present it in front of the class. I really don't want it to be just a posterboard or powerpoint, although that could work. Rather, I'd love the kids to build or create something. In past years, many students have done something electronically and brought in the device to project their final product (how to code, created an app, made their own DIY video).
Once we really start diving in (once some research is done), the students can bring any and all supplies they need to school to work on it. Anyway, it's just an awesome opportunity to allow students to maximize their creativity and work on something that interests them individually. Here's a couple videos that explains the project way better than I can :) :
Feel free to explore online for ideas. Please just start to have that conversation at home to guide your child to finding something that truly captivates them. There is no due date for this project. Once a student is fully researched, project completed, and ready to present, they can! Then, they can start their next Genius idea! Can't wait to see what we create this year!
Monday, January 14, 2019
Looking Forward to 2019
Families~
Everything has been FABULOUS since returning from Winter Break! We got right back into the groove last week, and hopefully we'll keep operating at a high level. Here's a few updates for the foreseeable future:
1. We just started our ALL FACTS multiplication tests. The students need to master all multiplication facts up to 10 x 10 (no 11s or 12s). Almost every student did master their basic facts, and the kids were happy to learn there are only between 6 to 10 facts left for each to learn. Please encourage and guide them towards mastery of those final facts.
2. Keep checking for their tests and student planners! Keep that line of communication open so they know how much you care about their learning.
3. Thanks for continuing to encourage the students to read, practice math facts, and log onto the blog!
4. We just took our Winter round of STAR testing (the standardized tests we looked at during conferences). The district will send those scores home soon, but if you're very curious, feel free to email me, and I'll let you know. I've already shared those scores and discussed the outcomes with each individual student during a 1-on-1 mini conference, so they know if they met their goal or not in both Math and Reading. We'll take those tests again once more in the Spring to see where they stand as they head into 4th grade!
5. Hope your family had a relaxing break, and here's to the best 2019 we can create!
Everything has been FABULOUS since returning from Winter Break! We got right back into the groove last week, and hopefully we'll keep operating at a high level. Here's a few updates for the foreseeable future:
1. We just started our ALL FACTS multiplication tests. The students need to master all multiplication facts up to 10 x 10 (no 11s or 12s). Almost every student did master their basic facts, and the kids were happy to learn there are only between 6 to 10 facts left for each to learn. Please encourage and guide them towards mastery of those final facts.
2. Keep checking for their tests and student planners! Keep that line of communication open so they know how much you care about their learning.
3. Thanks for continuing to encourage the students to read, practice math facts, and log onto the blog!
4. We just took our Winter round of STAR testing (the standardized tests we looked at during conferences). The district will send those scores home soon, but if you're very curious, feel free to email me, and I'll let you know. I've already shared those scores and discussed the outcomes with each individual student during a 1-on-1 mini conference, so they know if they met their goal or not in both Math and Reading. We'll take those tests again once more in the Spring to see where they stand as they head into 4th grade!
5. Hope your family had a relaxing break, and here's to the best 2019 we can create!
Monday, November 26, 2018
Snow Day Update!
Families~
Hope you are enjoying your snow day!!! Here's a few updates with what's going on in class:
1. Multiplication Tests. Things are going well...but could still use improvements. Please keep encouraging and checking in with your child about their progress on the timed tests.
2. STAR Tests. We will STAR test the 1st week of December (next week)!!! These are the tests we looked at during conferences, and I'm expecting to see some awesome growth during this half-way check! I'll be conferencing with each student individually this week to let them know of their goal on the STAR and fluency checks for the winter checkins.
3. Book Orders. The flyers went home right before Thanksgiving Break. This will be the last opportunity to order a book or two for your student in time for Christmas!
4. Please keep the conversations about school going every night! Last week, we had 9 students not turn back in a form, even though we had it written in the planner and it was in their home folder. Please just continue the full triangle of student-teacher-parents going so we can keep working towards independent success.
5. Blog. Please remind your child that when they say they are bored at home, they have the ability to log in to many different programs on the blog that would really benefit them in the long run. (And I have checked every day to see which students have logged in over this extended break - very proud of them)! It's such a good routine to get in, especially with Christmas Break around the corner!
Hope you are enjoying your snow day!!! Here's a few updates with what's going on in class:
1. Multiplication Tests. Things are going well...but could still use improvements. Please keep encouraging and checking in with your child about their progress on the timed tests.
2. STAR Tests. We will STAR test the 1st week of December (next week)!!! These are the tests we looked at during conferences, and I'm expecting to see some awesome growth during this half-way check! I'll be conferencing with each student individually this week to let them know of their goal on the STAR and fluency checks for the winter checkins.
3. Book Orders. The flyers went home right before Thanksgiving Break. This will be the last opportunity to order a book or two for your student in time for Christmas!
4. Please keep the conversations about school going every night! Last week, we had 9 students not turn back in a form, even though we had it written in the planner and it was in their home folder. Please just continue the full triangle of student-teacher-parents going so we can keep working towards independent success.
5. Blog. Please remind your child that when they say they are bored at home, they have the ability to log in to many different programs on the blog that would really benefit them in the long run. (And I have checked every day to see which students have logged in over this extended break - very proud of them)! It's such a good routine to get in, especially with Christmas Break around the corner!
Friday, October 19, 2018
October Classroom Update
Families~
1. Conferences are coming up the week of October 29th-November 2nd!!! I have sent final confirmation times out to everyone. PLEASE let me know ASAP if you cannot make the indicated time so we can reschedule.
2. Respect. As a class family this year, we have struggled with our consistency in which we show respect to each other and to teachers. It's been a slow grind and I understand the kiddos are only 8-9 years old. However, as I've told the students 100s of times now, I refuse to lower my high expectations just because they are not being met. I will remain flexible in HOW we meet those expectations. This week has been SOOOOO much better than the previous 2-3 weeks, so I'm optimistic that we've turned a corner. I think the kids have finally realized how much more fun we can have as a class if we just keep operating at a high level.
Please remind your child that you expect them to be giving 100% respect not just to Mr. Buono and their classmates, but also Specials teachers and TAs.
3. X Timed Tests. We are 3 weeks into our timed tests. We've been writing in our planners to study our basic facts, but a lot of our beautifully honest children have reported that isn't happening in every family. Now, some students have been working hard at home doing things like Flashcards, playing a game called Math Magician on the computer, printing of X quizzes from the Math tab of my blog, or finding other games to play with 2 dice with an adult at home. Those students who have made those choices feel sooooooo proud about their progress, which makes them feel confident, which makes learning fun, which turns into them always working hard, which makes them successful not just this year, but for the rest of their lives. Please help them at home with their facts by suggesting ways to study and how you can be a part of their learning.
4. Nightly Activities. I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but please keep positive conversations flowing about their learning. Checking/Discussing their planners (vs asking do you have homework) is a great place to start. In addition, we have about 10-12 students who have made AMAZING progress in both Reading and Math, and more importantly just in their attitudes towards learning and now embrace that Achievement Via Individual Determination mindset. It shouldn't be too much of a surprise to know that those are the students who have those conversations with an adult each night, log on to the blog to play Dreambox or MobyMax or even Typing Club, and study for their tests and multiplication facts. If you have been all over this throughout the year, then keep it going! If not, now would be a perfect time to start getting into a new routine :)
5. Students' Activities Outside of School. If your child participates in anything that is important to them outside of school (Sports, musicals, etc.) feel free to share their schedule/date of performance. I've already made it out to several students' activities and I enjoy it so much! Our school days are quite rigorous these days, and any chance I get to show the kids how much I care about them individually, I really try to take advantage of. After all, I started teaching 12 years ago because of how much I believe in and care about children, not because of how much I care about curriculum or the politics of education!!! Your child means so much to me, and I can't remind them of that enough.
Sorry so long, but as always, I appreciate the support from your end! It will help your child on their road to future independent success!
1. Conferences are coming up the week of October 29th-November 2nd!!! I have sent final confirmation times out to everyone. PLEASE let me know ASAP if you cannot make the indicated time so we can reschedule.
2. Respect. As a class family this year, we have struggled with our consistency in which we show respect to each other and to teachers. It's been a slow grind and I understand the kiddos are only 8-9 years old. However, as I've told the students 100s of times now, I refuse to lower my high expectations just because they are not being met. I will remain flexible in HOW we meet those expectations. This week has been SOOOOO much better than the previous 2-3 weeks, so I'm optimistic that we've turned a corner. I think the kids have finally realized how much more fun we can have as a class if we just keep operating at a high level.
Please remind your child that you expect them to be giving 100% respect not just to Mr. Buono and their classmates, but also Specials teachers and TAs.
3. X Timed Tests. We are 3 weeks into our timed tests. We've been writing in our planners to study our basic facts, but a lot of our beautifully honest children have reported that isn't happening in every family. Now, some students have been working hard at home doing things like Flashcards, playing a game called Math Magician on the computer, printing of X quizzes from the Math tab of my blog, or finding other games to play with 2 dice with an adult at home. Those students who have made those choices feel sooooooo proud about their progress, which makes them feel confident, which makes learning fun, which turns into them always working hard, which makes them successful not just this year, but for the rest of their lives. Please help them at home with their facts by suggesting ways to study and how you can be a part of their learning.
4. Nightly Activities. I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but please keep positive conversations flowing about their learning. Checking/Discussing their planners (vs asking do you have homework) is a great place to start. In addition, we have about 10-12 students who have made AMAZING progress in both Reading and Math, and more importantly just in their attitudes towards learning and now embrace that Achievement Via Individual Determination mindset. It shouldn't be too much of a surprise to know that those are the students who have those conversations with an adult each night, log on to the blog to play Dreambox or MobyMax or even Typing Club, and study for their tests and multiplication facts. If you have been all over this throughout the year, then keep it going! If not, now would be a perfect time to start getting into a new routine :)
5. Students' Activities Outside of School. If your child participates in anything that is important to them outside of school (Sports, musicals, etc.) feel free to share their schedule/date of performance. I've already made it out to several students' activities and I enjoy it so much! Our school days are quite rigorous these days, and any chance I get to show the kids how much I care about them individually, I really try to take advantage of. After all, I started teaching 12 years ago because of how much I believe in and care about children, not because of how much I care about curriculum or the politics of education!!! Your child means so much to me, and I can't remind them of that enough.
Sorry so long, but as always, I appreciate the support from your end! It will help your child on their road to future independent success!
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
October Already???
Families~
WOW! October already!!! We are really rolling right now with our routines and expectations. The students have settled in nicely and they are feeling pretty good about meeting some of those high expectations we set at the beginning of the year. Here's a couple updates:
1. Conferences. Notes went home yesterday for times to sign up. Please send it back ASAP to ensure we find a time that works for you. As the note indicated, I LOVE for students to attend the conference as well - I've done that every year and it allows for FULL transparency between that perfect triangle we mentioned at curriculum night - student, parent, teacher together. If you wish for them not to attend, I support that choice as well :)
2. Personality types. Hopefully your child has come home and discussed their MBTI letters with you! They have explored all the links provided on the blog during class, and they have been VERY excited to learn about some possible strengths and weaknesses in themselves. In addition, the main reason we take the tests is to understand that not everyone in the class may think and feel the same way they do, yet we need to find a way to be respectful of ALL classmates thoughts/feelings. What a beautiful and important thought process when you consider the way the world is today!
3. Multiplication. Starting THIS Friday, we will be doing a 3 minute timed multiplication test for the rest of the year. We start with only the x0,1,2,3,4, and 5 fact families. This does include problems like 9x4, because it is a 4 fact. Please buy flashcards, find games through my blog or other websites, and encourage your students to practice whenever possible. We will have all facts MEMORIZED up to 10x10 by the end of the year, and hopefully these first "basic" facts memorized by Thanksgiving. We're looking to improve our score each week, so please assist at home any way you can!
4. Continued work at home. For the 178th time, PLEASE check their planners nightly as everything we are doing in class can be found in there. In addition, they can work on MobyMax, DreamBox, or Typing Club on a nightly basis.
WOW! October already!!! We are really rolling right now with our routines and expectations. The students have settled in nicely and they are feeling pretty good about meeting some of those high expectations we set at the beginning of the year. Here's a couple updates:
1. Conferences. Notes went home yesterday for times to sign up. Please send it back ASAP to ensure we find a time that works for you. As the note indicated, I LOVE for students to attend the conference as well - I've done that every year and it allows for FULL transparency between that perfect triangle we mentioned at curriculum night - student, parent, teacher together. If you wish for them not to attend, I support that choice as well :)
2. Personality types. Hopefully your child has come home and discussed their MBTI letters with you! They have explored all the links provided on the blog during class, and they have been VERY excited to learn about some possible strengths and weaknesses in themselves. In addition, the main reason we take the tests is to understand that not everyone in the class may think and feel the same way they do, yet we need to find a way to be respectful of ALL classmates thoughts/feelings. What a beautiful and important thought process when you consider the way the world is today!
3. Multiplication. Starting THIS Friday, we will be doing a 3 minute timed multiplication test for the rest of the year. We start with only the x0,1,2,3,4, and 5 fact families. This does include problems like 9x4, because it is a 4 fact. Please buy flashcards, find games through my blog or other websites, and encourage your students to practice whenever possible. We will have all facts MEMORIZED up to 10x10 by the end of the year, and hopefully these first "basic" facts memorized by Thanksgiving. We're looking to improve our score each week, so please assist at home any way you can!
4. Continued work at home. For the 178th time, PLEASE check their planners nightly as everything we are doing in class can be found in there. In addition, they can work on MobyMax, DreamBox, or Typing Club on a nightly basis.
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