Communication is Key

We have created this blog with communication in mind. We, as teachers, want to always be in communication with our students' families. Below is an aricle from the Urban Extension website, and it expresses many of our views on communication.

Parent-Teacher Communication

Research shows that children do better in school when
parents talk often with teachers and become involved in the school. There are
number of ways that parents and teachers can communicate with each other, rather
than relying on the scheduled parent-teacher conferences. Close communications
between parents and teachers can help the student.

Parents who
participate in school activities and events will have added opportunities to
communicate with teachers. Becoming involved with parent-teacher organizations
(PTO, PTA, and Booster Clubs) gives the teacher and parent the possibility to
interact outside the classroom. In addition, the parent also will have input
into decisions that may affect their child's education.

Teachers usually
welcome meeting their students' parents early in the school year. Making an
effort to do this will help the teacher better understand you, your child, and
how you will support the education of your child. Teachers appreciate knowing
that parents are concerned and interested in their child's progress. And, this
helps open the lines of communication.

Another good investment in your
child's education is to volunteer. Depending upon parent's availability,
interests, and the needs of the school, the opportunities are endless. Some
suggestions include: lunchroom monitor, tutoring, library aid, classroom speaker
on a specific topic of interest, and concession worker at school events. Parents
should take stock of their skills and interests to volunteer. School personnel
may not know what parents want to do as a volunteer.

Phone calls and
visits to the classroom are also good ways to cooperate with teachers and keep
informed about your child's progress. Discuss appropriate times and means of
contact with the teacher.

Parent-teacher conferences are often scheduled
at the time of the first report card for the school year. For parents and
teachers, this is a chance to talk one-on-one about the student. The
parent-teacher conference is a good opportunity to launch a partnership between
parent and teacher that will function during the school year.

Article can be found at:
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/succeed/09-communication.html

It is our goal to be in constant communication with our students' parents. Without you, we would not be able to educate our students as successfully.

• If you are interested in joining PTA, please visit the AME PTA website by clicking here.
• If you are interested in volunteering at any time, please contact the front office at 570-3050.
• You can contact your child's teacher by calling the school at 570-3050 or by e-mailing your teacher at the appropriate e-mail which can be found below.
• Please check your agenda books and Friday folders for any notes from your teacher.

We would be more than welcome to hear your suggestions for better communication. Please feel free to let us know.

What can we do to communicate with you more?

Grandparents/Grandfriends Day

We are looking forward to hosting all of our Grandparents/Grandfriends this upcoming Tuesday, September 23rd. We are expecting a LARGE turnout, so please bear us with us on this day to make sure it is truly enjoyable for everyone involved!

Here is the schedule thus far for Grandparents Day:

8:00-

Kick Off Assembly with Superintendent Patricia Putty

8:15-8:35-

3rd Grade Spirit Walk

8:35-9:30-

Instuctional Time (Students only in the classroom, please)

9:30-10:15-

Stranger Danger Assembly

10:15-12:00-

Instructional Time (Students only in the classroom, please)

12:00-12:40-

Special Science Activity with Grandparents (in the classroom)

12:40-1:30-

Lunch (meet grandchild in Town Square if not doing Science Activity)

1:45-2:00-

Cookie Reception for Grandparents Only

You are welcome to come to any of the times in bold, but if you would like to get the most "bang for your buck", we recommend joinging us in our classrooms for our special Science activity and coming to lunch with us afterward.

We can't wait to meet you all this Tuesday and look forward to spending the day with you!

Spelling Words (Sept. 22nd-26th)

There will be no pre-test the week of the 26th because we feel these are important words for each of our children to practice. Please practice spelling words with your child nightly for the test on Friday.

1. now
2. off
3. for
4. almost
5. also
6. can't
7. cannot
8. about
9. always
10. today
11. until
12. again

Challenge Words

* February
* January
* Saturday
* Wednesday

3rd Grade Program

Who: All 3rd grade students

What: A program to demonstrate the content we have learned in our AHPLS classes

When: September 30th, 2008 @ 7:00 (Students should be in cafeteria no later that 6:40)

Where: AME gymnasium (students start in cafeteria)

Why: We want to share with you all of the things we've learned thus far


IMPORTANT: Students need to wear blue jeans along with a red, white, or blue shirt!

Million Magical Minutes

Your 3rd grade teachers dressed up as our favorite characters from the If You Give A Mouse A Cookie... series in an effort to encourage our students to read one million minutes! Reading is so important to every child's education. Our hope is that students are inspired to read and we want them to enjoy reading as much as we do.

Every night, students should be reading 20 minutes from a book of their choice. For every 20 minutes they read, students should color in a star on their star chart. Each Friday, these star charts will be collected and counted for a school total.

Once we reach 1,000,000 minutes, Mrs. Riney has even agreed to kiss a REAL FROG!!!

Please encourage your students to read EVERY night (that includes weekends)! Thank you for your support and please let us know if you have any questions.