We Did IT!

To celebrate the completion of TAKS testing today, Caleb's mom showed up with treats for everyone! It was a complete and total surprise. Caroline referred to it as a RAK also known as a Random Act of Kindness. I received a special flowering plant that is actually called Orange Star. The students had lots of wonderful treats. I think the best part was when Caleb's mom led them all in a very rowdy game of Pictionary. A great time was had by all! Thank you Jill for the wonderful surprise.

TAKS Encouragement!!

The students did a great job creating posters and notes to encourage each other to do a good job and to not forget to use their strategies!!

Math Posters

Everyone participated in teaching the class today! We met in small groups to discuss a particular math topic and then presented the findings to the class. All in an effort to get ready for the big day tomorrow!

Musters' Meteorites

Here is our official field day name. We worked long and hard to come up with a name that was fiece enough. Did you know that a meteroite looks like a falling star!! Caleb's mom is going to purchase the red shirts and will let us know soon what the cost is.

TAKS Next Tuesday!

Here are the Super Stars diligently working on the practice TAKS test. We are going to review the answers in class and then I will send them home. What is the best way to be prepared for TAKS? 1. Get a good nights sleep. 2. Eat a well balanced breakfast (lots of protein) 3. Practice math facts for 10 minutes every day 4. Review TAKS practice.
Please take some time to review the practice sheets that are coming home and the practice test. Allow your child the time and opportunity to explain and show you how they are arriving at an answer. Let them teach you the strategies that they are using. The more chances the students have to explain and work the problems the better their understanding will be.

THANK YOU

Thank you everyone for making my birthday so special! It started with the surprise decorations on the door followed by many thoughtful gifts and cards from the students. During Morning Meeting everyone sang Happy Birthday and then Shnutez surprised us all by playing Happy Birthday on the violin. What could be more special than that? I appreciate all the thoughtful gifts and the class gift was the best!

Student Led Conferences

Great job Super Stars! I enjoyed listening to you discuss your goals and accomplishments with your parents. Several times I heard someone talking about using their strategies and I was so proud (Strategy Man would be proud too!). You did an excellent job explaining what we do in our school community. I know your parents were impressed! I know you will continue to thrive these last few weeks of third grade. SHINE BRIGHT!

What fraction is equal to 1/2?

The Super Starts were very busy exploring fractions today. We compared fractions to find which fractions are equal and why. Everyone sorted their cards differently and we all took a tour around the room to discover how.

Rosa Parks

We are continuing to study different times in history and how individuals had a voice and made a difference. This week we wrote letters to Rosa Parks. Here are some excerpts:

• Whom or what or how did you get the power to stand up to the mean driver and officers and show them what you are made of?
• Since I am a fan I'll say this you are the first gear in the machine in civil rights.
• I don't think I've ever heard of anybody who has used all 12 of our attitudes at once until I read about you.
• Rosa Parks you are a true hero and such a great role model for kids.
• The color of my skin is the mixture of white and brown, and even if I was white I would sit on the back of the bus with you.

Way to go, Super Stars! I like how you are thinking.

Have A Voice, Make A Difference

We continue to explore human and civil rights throughout history. Today the class split into two groups to present information about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Susan B. Anthony in a play format.

Rice University???

Dear Parents, I am in my spare time, The Director of the School Writing Project for Rice University. This is a program that allows teachers to meet and share writing ideas that are then carried back to the classrooms. As a participant of the program, the teachers can invite students to submit their classroom writings to be considered for the annual Spring Reading at Rice University. (This year it will be May 15th.) The work read at the Spring Reading will be published in Impressions. I have already shared this exciting news with your students and they are eager to write and submit as many pieces as they can. The selections for the reading will be selected by the School Writing Project by May 1st.

COOKIES!!!

Auction item: Baking and Decorating with Ms. Musters!

From my window...

From my window, I can see... a descriptive writing exercise. Come by the third grade hallway to see and read the work of your wonderful children.

Twenty and Ten

As part of our Have a Voice, Make a Difference planner we read Twenty and Ten. We practiced the reading strategy of asking questions while reading the five chapters. The students were captivated by this true story of how a group of children made a difference.