Tuesday, May 31, 2011

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

Monday, May 30, 2011

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:


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

Thursday, May 26, 2011

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.....

Monday, May 23, 2011

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.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

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

Saturday, May 14, 2011

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