Spring Break!!!

Haven't updated in a while, but things have been crazy here at LC since Winter Break between ISATs, random days off, and hardly any outdoor recess :) Now that Spring Break has arrived, here's a few things the students can do over break:

1.  READ!!!  With the weather not looking like a typical Spring Break, what better thing to do than stay inside, cry about the cold weather, and READ an amazing book!


2.  RESEARCH BIOGRAPHIES!!!  We have been reading books/researching here at school for the last 3 weeks.  We haven't quite got as much time as we'd wanted, but the students should have a pretty good start.  However, the more they read online, the better they'll get to know their famous person.  They should be writing down important notes in their notebooks on the corresponding pages.  Any extra books for the Oswego Public Library would be helpful as well.


3.  In Social Studies, we've been following the events leading up to the Revolutionary War.  We've also been watching an animated series that follows our steps.  While we haven't quite gotten to the war itself, we are on the verge.  If the students would like to watch the next episode (because we WON'T watch it in class) here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLLg7l_rSuY (Part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfxrNXOZsYk (Part 2)


4.  Follow the college basketball tournament!  Every student from the class got 2 teams to follow and hopefully one of their teams will survive a little while.  They can follow the tournament bracket here:
http://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/basketball-men/d1

Classroom Incentives!!!

Parents~
Just wanted to let you know of a few incentives going on in our class right now.  Going home tonight will be 2 different sheets for you to hang on to and fill out as you go:

1.  Free ticket to Six Flags = Qualify by reading for 360 minutes AND filling out the sheet by February 20th.  The students can read ANY type of literature to accomplish this goal.

2.  Free ticket to Raging Waves = Qualify by exercising 30 minutes at a time.  For each 30 minutes of exercise, color in a block until the sheet is full.  Turn it back in by April 15th.

3.  Free ticket to a Kane County Cougars Game = Qualify by complete 2 book reviews and reading independently AT SCHOOL.  There is NO sheet that needs to be sent out, because this one will take place in the classroom.

If you have any questions about any of these programs, let me know!  Everything's been great since we came back from break, and I think they're starting to remember what a school is! Christmas Break = Loss of Brain Cells. LOL.

Merry Christmas

To all those who celebrate, I'd like to wish a very Merry Christmas to each of you.  I hope you find a little time to relax with the family and to let them know how much they mean to you.  Merry Christmas to all!

When I woke up this morning, I saw Santa sitting on my fireplace and I caught a picture of him :)

Winter Break and Extra Credit

Happy Winter Break!  While these last few weeks have been challenging with everything going on, I have never been more proud to be a part of Oswego School District and more importantly, Lakewood Creek.  Thank you all very much for the extra kind words the last few weeks.  I would also like to thank all those parents who were able to contribute to the Character Counts project of sending gifts to less fortunate children.  I know the students were so excited to know they could help! 

Each student received a sheet on Thursday showing some extra credit opportunities over break.  I also told the students I'd put a couple "easier" links here so they wouldn't have to seach back into other posts.  Here's some quick links:

1.  X Grand Prix (Racing game):
http://www.arcademics.com/games/grand_prix/grand_prix.html

2.  Printable X Timed Tests:
http://www.math-drills.com/multiplication.shtml
      Scroll down to the very bottom and find this:  Multiplying With 1 to 9 (Range 1 to 10)
      Click on letter A-J to get a test.

3.  Social Studies Roanoke-Links to help with research:
http://www.kidinfo.com/american_history/colonization_roanoke.html

A Few Updates...

Tonight is LC Night at Oswego High School!  The first game (coached by Mr. Harris and Mr. Wiemann) begins at 5:00.  It is also a "white-out" request, so please wear white if possible.

In addition, the book review page will be updated by early next week so you can keep up with what your son/daughter has been reading on their own and how they feel about the books. 

More importantly, some snowflakes are taped up outside the office doors.  Each snowflake has the name of a child from a local shelter.  On the back it states the gender/age along with a few simple requests for gifts for the holidays.  I know not everyone is in a position to give due to financial restraints.  However, please truly consider having your child grab a snowflake (or 2 or 3) and getting a gift for that child.  It's a great feeling for the children both giving and receiving!  I can fully speak for both sides since throughout my childhood, my family was the one receiving the gifts at the shelter.  Going from that situation to the one I'm currently in has been quite a journey, and I'm so grateful to work in the community I do, with families that can help others.

Lakewood Creek Night at OHS...November 30th

Come enjoy a free girls' High School basketball game on Friday, November 30th, at OHS.  The Sophomore team, coached by Mr. Harris and Mr. Wiemann (2 LC teachers) will start their game at 5:00 and Varsity will be right after them.  The best news is that if you bring the yellow sheet that went home last week, the entire family will get in FREE :)  If you need another sheet or have any questions, let me know!

Free Math Apps for iPhone/iPad

For the next TWO DAYS ONLY, you can get a free Beat the Computer App for your iPhone/iPad.  It's like electronic flashcards basically, but now your child can practice their facts on the go or while waiting for their siblings' sports practice to end!!!  Here's a link:
https://www.mheonline.com/apps/final_info/everyday_mathematicsbeat_the_computer_multiplication/ipad

Just go to the right where it says "Available on the App Store" and find it from there.  You can also just get it straight through iTunes if you want.  Great resource!

BTW, conference times will be coming home either Thursday or Friday this week with your exact time.  Thanks!