End of the Year Party

Parents,

The end of the year celebration for our class is on Monday, June 6 at 1:30 P.M.
I am asking that parents donate $2.00 by Friday.
 I am going to purchase pizza. (I think 3 pepperoni and 2 cheese pizzas).
Also,  I am going to bring my big ice chest, I would like our students to bring two cans of sodas (for themselves)  so they can drink that with their pizza.
If you want to donate anything else please  allow for 20 students. e.g. cookies, candy, etc.


Tuesday, is clean up day. Please dress the kids in clothes they expect to get dirty. They are going to help me pack and put up our room.
 
Thank You,

Mr. Fierros

Summer Reading List 2 to 3

Summer Reading List

Dear Parents and Followers of this blog:

          The reading universe is at your fingertips, when you hold a book, you are looking at adventure, biographies, fiction and fun.  Let your child explore and find subjects that he or she might be interested in but don't assume they can find some great reads on their own !   Here are a few places to start your journey to reading excitement:

SAISD reading list for 2nd graders

But, don't let that selection hold you back!
Try Google, and type: 2nd grade book list

The lists that show up are huge and varied with all kinds of neat ideas and topics to check out.

And, don't forget our new Mission Public Library.  

Mr. Fierros

A STAAR SUMMER

Parents and Interested Readers of this Blog:

          This summer is going to be different. In the past when summer would arrive we kids, parents and teachers would take a big collective sigh and literally leave school behind until it was time to start again.
Reading, math, and writing was left to the wayside till late August (Heck, when I was a student, I remember how funny a pencil felt after 2 1/2 months of not touching one.)
But this not the case anymore:

         With the new STAAR test coming next school year, your child must be better prepared for an exam unlike any we have ever encountered.  This test starts at the "hardest" questions.  What we have been told, is that, "any student that achieved 'commended' status on their last TAKS test would just be passing on this new STAAR test!"

          What can you do to prepare your student for the test?

Good question!
1. During the summer a daily review, practice and read time of an hour daily must be done.
2. I will be sending home a math preview packet and posting a reading list for the summer months.
3. Get acquainted with our new public library.  Mission Library is the newest library and very close to our school.
4.  Journal write this summer.  It's easy!  Just get a spiral and have the kids chronicle something interesting, summarize a TV show, game, or even review an up coming movie....
5. Review the basics, add, subtract, multiply and divide....(you can't ever go wrong here) but do it on the computer....Triple A math is great site! Get Acquainted with this site!
6. As much as I can I will update (during the summer) the Spelling City Site with 3rd grade vocabulary words.   This will include  words from all subjects...
    I advise you to upgrade your membership on to spelling city premium membership for next year so you can access the really helpful definitions sites...

7. DON'T OVERDUE IT.......When your child has to do this like a chore everyday it becomes a burden and not effective....have them do research on: Yahooligans . The study zone is very good and gives them a chance to try some of the newly practiced skills....

8. Kids do what parents do....show an interest in the books they are reading...read them yourself!!!
talk about the interesting sites that you have discovered....This will get the kids motivated and want to explore and learn more....

STAAR is very real. I have found two excellent site explaining:
First, the kind of test it is, NEISD STAAR  and second, FYI  SAISD STAAR  for achieving success.


Thank You,
Mr. Fierros

Schedule for the Rest of the Year at Mission Academy

May 27     After school program ends

May  30    Memorial Day (student holiday)

May 31     Awards Ceremony
                  9:00 a.m.  2nd Grade     Please Note the change in time
                  1:30 p.m.  Magic Theatre

June 04     Family night at the Mission Baseball game
                Mission Lynx Choir will perform Anthem
                Mission Patrols will perform at 6:30 p.m.
                7:05 p.m. start time

June 06     End of the Year Classroom Parties   1:45 p.m.
June 07    Students Last Day.....

Super Franklin Reports/ New Project: Toothpick Bridges

Parents and Readers of this blog:

Absolutely the best reports so far. Our presentations started at 1:30 p.m. and finished at 2:30p.m.
Reports varied from display posters to several musical presentation, to models of reenactments of Dr. Franklin. I am going to place the posters in our hall way so the entire school can see how our students are really doing some really great work.....

  Toothpick Bridge Project

     Our students are going to create toothpick bridges.   The bridges incorporate design, math, engineering, and teamwork.  Your student will have a part to play in the construction of the toothpick bridge.
Here is a description of the team.
1. Foreman: Make sure team members do their job, monitors cost and budget and keep the team on schedule.
2. Architect: Uses computer software to design a bridge and prints out design. Help construct bridge. Architect makes sure design is followed by:
3.  Construction Chief: Construct the bridge according to plans, works with Architect and supplied by:
4.  Warehouse Supervisor:  This student sets up, supplies, request funds, drops off and delivers messages, and cleans up after construction.

Normally, I would place several sites on the blog to see what are Toothpick Bridges
but there is a huge amount of great sites:
Your best bet for you and your student is to Google: Toothpick Bridges 


However:  the West Point Bridge Design contest   website is absolutely worth downloading and trying.


This project will be done during Social Studies and Science time.
We will study different types of bridges and designs, history of bridge design will be also be taught.
The final grade will reflect also on Fine Arts.

REGISTRATION 2011-2012/ PURPLE COMMITMENT LETTER/ PROGRESS REPORTS

MISSION ACADEMY
REGISTRATION
2011-2012

REGISTRATION FOR ALL STUDENTS AUG. 9 THRU AUG.12 FROM 8AM- 4PM
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2011 until 7:00 pm
*COMMITMENT LETTERS ONLY HOLD YOU A SLOT
ALL STUDENTS MUST REGISTER FOR NEXT YEAR

YOU MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE BY AUGUST 22, 2011
ALL OF THESE REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET IN ORDER TO GUARANTEE YOUR ENROLLMENT AT MISSION ACADEMY.
 VIA: MRS. GUERRA, ATTENDANCE CLERK

The purple commitment paper that was sent out today must be returned ASAP. I have told our students that if all the papers are turned in tomorrow I will have a reward for them in the afternoon...

Progress reports went out today.
Mr. F

3rd grade preview 2

3rd grade preview words

Review of long sounds

1. life
2. rule
3. these
4. those
5. surprise
6. decide
7. spoke
8. mile
9. save
10. excuse
11. cone
12. invite
13. cube
14. price
15. erase
16. ripe
17. broke
18. flame

Class Notes

May 20 Benjamin Franklin Project Due

Friday: May 20 Benjamin Franklin Project Due:   I will be here after school on Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:00 to 4:00  if you and your child want to print out anything from the computer.  I do have a few poster boards available...

The Best in Attitude and Conduct

     The last two weeks are some of the most hectic, with testing, grades, last minute paperwork and such,
your students also feels the anxiety and excitement about the rapid approach of summer vacation.
Please remind your students to be and continue to be at their best behavior....whether the teacher (Mr Fierros is there or particularly not there) (hint lunch time)....I have always expected the best in attitude and conduct from our kids and I'm sure we will end up the year on a very positive note....

Awards Ceremony?

We are planning an awards ceremony (still in the planning stages) more info next week...

End of the year party?

End of the year party?  I really would like to order something instead of cook...( does get tiring making hotdogs and I really don't want to clean up Nachos....
I was thinking of perhaps ordering pizza or if any of our readers work at a restaurant and can get a great deal on some fun food for kids, please let me know...
Years past we had a parent who worked at Whataburger and we all got kid meals at a discount ...

No More TAKS.....It's now STAAR

Now for some really serious news:
TAKS the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills is now STAAR Texas State of Assessment of Academic Readiness.
This test (as described by some) starts at the hardest questions and goes from there....
This website: http://www.neisd.net/staar/ is the best link I have found explaining this test that your child will be taking next year.
This test is no lightweight, it is hard, and expects your student to know the basics and to be able to interpret what is being asked by the problems or questions...

My recommendations is to have your child continue reading, practicing spelling and definitions, and work on basics in math ( I am looking for a good math website).

This summer your child should:

1. get a library card and read at least two or more books a week

2. practice vocabulary and spelling words  every week and test

3. practice math facts: add, subtract, multiply and division

4. practicing writing: any topics but I am looking for a summer list for that also...

Summer should be fun but unlike in the past your child will be facing perhaps the toughest challenge ever asked of Texas students ever... I truly believe that if you do steps 1-4 you will go a long way in preparing your child for STAAR.

I  have been asked will I continue with the blog over the summer?  YES!!

I am going to post reading list for 2nd graders going to 3rd and for 1st going to 2nd....

Also I am going to continue posting spelling list on Spelling City.

Mr Fierros

May 20th Benjamin Franklin Project Due/TPRI

Several hints for creating or finding some great items for your child's Benjamin Franklin Project:

Go to google and type:   Benjamin Franklin coloring pages

I was amazed at the different items about Ben that showed up....


TPRI testing last week and this week...I have been duly impressed so far....by Friday I hope to have results uploaded and ready for your inspection...

Mr. F.

3rd grade list 1

Spelling Words  3rd grade list 1

Review of Short vowel sounds

18 words

crop
plan
thing
smell
shut
sticky
spent
lunch
pumpkin
clock
gift
class
skip
swing
next
hug
hospital
fantastic

Since we are focusing on shapes this week have your child practice with Tangrams
http://pbskids.org/sagwa/games/tangrams/index.html

Father-Daughter Cinderella Ball-Interest Form

It's that time again!  This years PTA will be sponsoring this "fun" event.

A random drawing will be held Tuesday, May 10, at 2:30 p.m. for the 48 Father .Daughter duets that will showcased on Friday, May 20th.  Students from PK - 8th grade may turn in their interest form to their teacher.  Only 6 lucky duets per grade level will be drawn.  If your name is drawn you will receive a special call to notify you.

Each duet will receive "4 tickets" to attend the event.

Date:   Friday, May 20th
Time:   6 -9:00 pm
Attire:  Fathers wear button up shirts and dark slacks.
            Daughters wear Spring flowing/ Sunday Best Dresses and comfortable dancing shoes
Cost:  $20.00 Duet  (PTA will be collecting the money on Wednesday, May 11 all day.)
Event:  Music, Dancing, Dinner and quality father/daughter time.

This year we will not have practice sessions:

__________________________                 ________________________
Student name (daughter)                                           Teacher Grade

__________________________                  ___________________
Father's name                                                       Daytime Phone Number

More Franklin Sites

Followers of our Blog:  This site is really a nice example of Franklin's Inventions

http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/exp_shocking.html

Mr. F

Mother's Day Celebration/

2nd Grade Moms and parents,

This Friday is our 3rd annual Mother's Day Celebration.
Please come by to see your child perform a poem that he or she has been practicing just for you.
(Let me know that you are going to attend so I can make sure your child has a stage part!)

Agenda for Mother's Day Celebration.


8:30     Breakfast Celebration
8:45     Welcome
9:00     Performances:

• patrols 
• 9:15    PK /ppcd
• 9:20     Kinder
• 9:30     Patrols
• 9:45     1st
• 9:55     2nd
• 10:05   Patrols
• 10:15   Mariachis
• After the performance there is an "Author's Tea Party" in the library.

Thank You Parents, As Always, You Are Making This A Memorable Year For Your Student....
Mr. F

the Benjamin Franklin Invention Project

The Benjamin Franklin Project

Object: Create a report about Benjamin Franklin and one of the inventions he discovered.

Format: The report can be created in one of several ways:

1. Diorama
2. Poster
3. Folder report
4. Reenactment
5. Model
6. Computer report (power point presentation)
7. Speech

1. Diorama:

• Using a shoe box create a scene that shows Ben Franklin's invention
• Must be labeled.
• Name, invention, description, when it was created, and uses.
• http://www.squidoo.com/shoebox-diorama

     2.    Poster

• Using a poster create a scene that shows Ben Franklin's invention

• Must be labeled.

• Name, invention, description, when it was created, and uses.
• http://printables.scholastic.com/printables/detail/?id=30359

3.         Folder Report

• Create a report about one of Franklin's inventions
• must be written with the following information: Name, invention, description, when it was created, and uses

4.   Model

• Create a model about one of Franklin's inventions
• Must be labeled
• Name, invention, description, when it was created, and uses.

5. Computer Report

• Create a power point presentation about one of Franklin's inventions.
• Similar to folder report.(see above)

6. Reenactment:

• Presentation as Benjamin Franklin explaining his inventions

7. Speech: Talk about invention must show some illustration to help explain about it.

Project will be due May  20