December 23rd at 7:00
Don't forget to bring your family and friends to the center of town tonight for Caroling on the Common. Dress in your most festive holiday scarf and hat. Song sheets and hot chocolate will be provided.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Math Assessment - unit 5
The unit 5 Math assessment will be given on Thursday the 20th. Study guides will go home Monday the 17th. Unit 5 teaches place value through millions and introduces decimals through hundredths. The best review is to ask your child to record numbers that you say and then read them back to you. Ask the value of the varied digits. See if he/she can fill in the blanks on a number grid. The decimals are the challenging part. They should be fine fine with the place value.
Snowflake Festival
The annual Snowflake festival will be celebrated by the third grade classes on Friday the 21st at 1:00. A list of needed supplies was reviewed with they students and they volunteered to bring in one that interested them. Notices are in the backpacks. If circumstances do not allow you to send along the requested item please let me know so I have an opportunity to make other arrangements. If you could send in the supplies by the 19th that allows us time to do a quick inventory and make any needed adjustments by the 21st. Thank you!
Pilgrim Assessment
Our study of the Pilgrims will be assessed December 12th and 13th. Students will be asked to play the role of a Pilgrim who had just arrived in Plimoth. They will write a letter "home" to a relative in England telling about their decision to journey to this new land. Study guides were sent home Monday. The students have their own notes from their reading - Samuel Eaton, Sarah Morton, Mass Our Home, and Life on the Mayflower, which they will be able to use when writing their letter. A persuasive pillar will be available to help them outline their thinking.
Report Cards
Report cards were sent home today with all elementary students in the district. The report is yours to keep. Please return the envelope tomorrow with your signature on the front indicating you received the paperwork. If your child participates in title one reading or is an English Language Learner those reports are also enclosed in the envelope. There is a tear off at the bottom of those reports for your signature. Your child should return the form to their teacher tomorrow as well. It is important that we be sure all reports have been reviewed by an adult. If you have questions about any of the descriptors on the report card please let me know: ahurley@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us.
Gingerbread Shoppe
The Coolidge School Gingerbread Shoppe will be open the week of December 3rd. Our class is schedule to shop Wednesday the 5th from 9:30 to 10. Envelopes for money and lists went home today. Please send the envelope back with the students on Wednesday. Mark your child's name and my name clearly on the front of the envelope. Cash or checks for a reasonable amount should be enclosed. Students will keep the envelope in their orange homework folder until we go to the Shoppe. Please review the list, limits, and expectations with your son/daughter before they come to school. The students are very thoughtful with this activity. I hope you enjoy your surprises.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!
I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday. I am grateful for the gift of your sons/daughters. Thank you for sharing them with me!
Books and Beyond
Keep Those Reading Sheets Coming!
The Books and Beyond home reading program sponsored by the PTO is in full swing. All of our students have at least two stickers on the class chart - one for their summer reading, and one for a first sheet. Many have multiple stickers. In order to reach the ten star goal and receive a medal in May students should turn in one sheet a month. During November students should turn in their third sheet. Any home reading done for title one or for the homework log should count toward the Books and Beyond reading.
The Books and Beyond home reading program sponsored by the PTO is in full swing. All of our students have at least two stickers on the class chart - one for their summer reading, and one for a first sheet. Many have multiple stickers. In order to reach the ten star goal and receive a medal in May students should turn in one sheet a month. During November students should turn in their third sheet. Any home reading done for title one or for the homework log should count toward the Books and Beyond reading.
Poems of Thanks
It Is Not As It Seems
The students worked very hard on their "I Am Thankful" poems. We read aloud the poem "I am Thankful" by an anonymous author who showed us there is good in all things. After our read aloud the students were asked to write a list of things they did not like. Then they were challenged to find the positive in the person or task they had listed. We saw many chores in a new light . . . homework, making our bed, doing the dishes, cleaning, setting the table all were found to have some redeeming purpose. Be sure to read the poem with your child. Perhaps they could share it at Thanksgiving or your next gathering of family and friends.
The students worked very hard on their "I Am Thankful" poems. We read aloud the poem "I am Thankful" by an anonymous author who showed us there is good in all things. After our read aloud the students were asked to write a list of things they did not like. Then they were challenged to find the positive in the person or task they had listed. We saw many chores in a new light . . . homework, making our bed, doing the dishes, cleaning, setting the table all were found to have some redeeming purpose. Be sure to read the poem with your child. Perhaps they could share it at Thanksgiving or your next gathering of family and friends.
Fact Practice
I risk sounding like a broken record when I stress the importance of fact mastery. Students who have not yet mastered their basic addition and subtraction facts will find it difficult to solve the more complex, multi-step computation that is part of our curriculum. PLEASE practice basic math facts nightly - with an app, a computer program, xtra math, pencil and paper, or flashcards. Students should be able to solve 100 addition or subtraction facts in 5 minutes with 100% accuracy. Unit 4 in Everyday Math introduces multiplication - it will be a challenge to learn multiplication if addition and subtraction are not mastered.
Life Cycle of the Tree
Our science unit for November will be a study of trees. We will research the six stages of the life cycle and discuss how a tree grows and dies, why photosynthesis is important, and why we need trees to live. Students should use their study guides to review for the tree assessment. Students will be asked to label each picture in the life cycle and describe the stage in detail. We have practiced this daily using a unit I made for the interactive whiteboard. The assessment will be completed by pencil and paper. It will not be electronic this time.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Hurley's Complete Global Read Aloud
The One and Only Ivan is Class Favorite
We completed all 300 pages of our global read aloud text. The One and Only Ivan is our new class favorite! It is a wonderful story of triumph, sorrow, heartbreak, and dreams come true. Read it again as a family. Have your third grader read aloud for you with expression. Cry together. Cheer together. Enjoy a great discussion of the message.
We were not able to Skype with our buddy class in California but the program was still a success. We participated in an online wiki group with classes from around the world. 30,000 students on 6 different continents read simultaneously. What a great accomplishment. There is a possibility that there will be a second session in the spring. If so, we will certainly participate. We look forward to the announcement of the program and can't wait to see what text is selected!
We completed all 300 pages of our global read aloud text. The One and Only Ivan is our new class favorite! It is a wonderful story of triumph, sorrow, heartbreak, and dreams come true. Read it again as a family. Have your third grader read aloud for you with expression. Cry together. Cheer together. Enjoy a great discussion of the message.
We were not able to Skype with our buddy class in California but the program was still a success. We participated in an online wiki group with classes from around the world. 30,000 students on 6 different continents read simultaneously. What a great accomplishment. There is a possibility that there will be a second session in the spring. If so, we will certainly participate. We look forward to the announcement of the program and can't wait to see what text is selected!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Plimoth Plantation
Living History Here We Come!
We will visit the living history museum of Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II Wednesday, October 24th. In order to take in all the sites the grade three staff have voluntarily extended the school day. The PTO has generously agreed to cover the cost of the buses so students need to pay only the museum admission. There were many parents who volunteered to chaperone - Thank you! The lucky lottery winners were Mr. Wells and Mrs. Foley.
Students should arrive at school Wednesday morning at 7:40. Buses will leave at 7:50. Electronics are allowed, but are the responsibility of the students. They must be left on the bus as backpacks are not allowed in the village. Students should bring a "bus pack" with a morning and afternoon snack, and a book, sketch pad, electronics, or other entertainment for the ride down and back. Upon arrival at school students will put their lunch in the class bin which will be taken off the bus to the lunch pavilion at Plimoth. Lunches should be bagged separately from snacks, be fully disposable, and clearly labeled with the students name. NO PEANUT BUTTER lunches or snacks please! We will be traveling with students who have nut allergies. We will tour the village, homesite, and barn in the morning. After lunch the buses will move to the waterfront where the students will board the Mayflower II and visit Plymouth Rock. We will depart for home at 2:00 and plan to arrive at Coolidge around 3:30. Students should be picked up in the gym at 3:30. If your son/daughter is being picked up by someone other than their parent/guardian please notify us in writing by Tuesday.
We look forward to this exciting educational adventure.
We will visit the living history museum of Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II Wednesday, October 24th. In order to take in all the sites the grade three staff have voluntarily extended the school day. The PTO has generously agreed to cover the cost of the buses so students need to pay only the museum admission. There were many parents who volunteered to chaperone - Thank you! The lucky lottery winners were Mr. Wells and Mrs. Foley.
Students should arrive at school Wednesday morning at 7:40. Buses will leave at 7:50. Electronics are allowed, but are the responsibility of the students. They must be left on the bus as backpacks are not allowed in the village. Students should bring a "bus pack" with a morning and afternoon snack, and a book, sketch pad, electronics, or other entertainment for the ride down and back. Upon arrival at school students will put their lunch in the class bin which will be taken off the bus to the lunch pavilion at Plimoth. Lunches should be bagged separately from snacks, be fully disposable, and clearly labeled with the students name. NO PEANUT BUTTER lunches or snacks please! We will be traveling with students who have nut allergies. We will tour the village, homesite, and barn in the morning. After lunch the buses will move to the waterfront where the students will board the Mayflower II and visit Plymouth Rock. We will depart for home at 2:00 and plan to arrive at Coolidge around 3:30. Students should be picked up in the gym at 3:30. If your son/daughter is being picked up by someone other than their parent/guardian please notify us in writing by Tuesday.
We look forward to this exciting educational adventure.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Reading Takes You Places
Nightly Reading Counts Toward Medal
The PTO sponsored Reading Takes You Places program has kicked off the 2012-2013 season. Students who completed their summer reading are able to advance to the first station automatically. The nightly reading the students undertake should be recorded on both their homework log and the RTP sheets. Students who complete ten levels are rewarded for their success at a celebration in June.
Reading may be accomplished in several ways: read to self, read with someone, or listen to reading. The important thing is that your son/daughter read. The more you read, the more you grow. The more you grow, the smarter you get. We have some very well read, very smart children here at Coolidge. Thank you PTO for coordinating this important program year after year.
The PTO sponsored Reading Takes You Places program has kicked off the 2012-2013 season. Students who completed their summer reading are able to advance to the first station automatically. The nightly reading the students undertake should be recorded on both their homework log and the RTP sheets. Students who complete ten levels are rewarded for their success at a celebration in June.
Reading may be accomplished in several ways: read to self, read with someone, or listen to reading. The important thing is that your son/daughter read. The more you read, the more you grow. The more you grow, the smarter you get. We have some very well read, very smart children here at Coolidge. Thank you PTO for coordinating this important program year after year.
Do You Wordle?
wordle.net
Yesterday we used wordle to create a character analysis of some of the friends we met in our global read-aloud text. The students loved watching the whiteboard as I typed their descriptions into the program. We sorted and rearranged our words until we found a poster combination we liked and then added it to our read-aloud portfolio.
Several students plan to use the site to create covers for their writing journals. I suggested it also makes a great tool to practice the weekly spelling words. Ask your son/daughter to go online and wordle with you.
Have you wordled today?
Yesterday we used wordle to create a character analysis of some of the friends we met in our global read-aloud text. The students loved watching the whiteboard as I typed their descriptions into the program. We sorted and rearranged our words until we found a poster combination we liked and then added it to our read-aloud portfolio.
Several students plan to use the site to create covers for their writing journals. I suggested it also makes a great tool to practice the weekly spelling words. Ask your son/daughter to go online and wordle with you.
Have you wordled today?
Monday, October 1, 2012
Massachusetts QUIZ 10/4
The Great Bay State
Students will use the shared grade-level Ipad again on Thursday to identify the important features, cities, water waterways, and their home location on an outline map of Massachusetts. Questions will be short answer and multiple choice format. A workmat map will available for reference.
We have read about the great Bay State in our text, Massachusetts Our Home and we have practiced completing maps ourselves. Outline maps and study guides were sent home Friday for anyone anxious to use the weekend to review and again today in the orange homework folders. I know the students will continue the quality work they demonstrated on their previous science and social studies assessments.
Students will use the shared grade-level Ipad again on Thursday to identify the important features, cities, water waterways, and their home location on an outline map of Massachusetts. Questions will be short answer and multiple choice format. A workmat map will available for reference.
We have read about the great Bay State in our text, Massachusetts Our Home and we have practiced completing maps ourselves. Outline maps and study guides were sent home Friday for anyone anxious to use the weekend to review and again today in the orange homework folders. I know the students will continue the quality work they demonstrated on their previous science and social studies assessments.
Hurley's Join Global Read Aloud
The One and Only Ivan
by Katherine Applegate
The Global Read Aloud was founded last year to allow students of all ages, abilities, and cultures to share a common reading experience. The students in room 35 have joined with hundreds of classrooms around the world to jointly read The One and Only Ivan. The story is realistic fiction. It recounts the life of a mighty silverback who has lived for 9,855 days in capitivity along exit 8 of the highway.
The book was published in January 2012. Unfortunately, the main character, Ivan, died on August 20th of this year also. The trailer we used to preview the text warned that the story would break our hearts and then mend them again. It already has.
Check in with your son/daughter for their daily update. Once we have finished you might want to have a family reading project so everyone can share this great story.
by Katherine Applegate
The Global Read Aloud was founded last year to allow students of all ages, abilities, and cultures to share a common reading experience. The students in room 35 have joined with hundreds of classrooms around the world to jointly read The One and Only Ivan. The story is realistic fiction. It recounts the life of a mighty silverback who has lived for 9,855 days in capitivity along exit 8 of the highway.
The book was published in January 2012. Unfortunately, the main character, Ivan, died on August 20th of this year also. The trailer we used to preview the text warned that the story would break our hearts and then mend them again. It already has.
Check in with your son/daughter for their daily update. Once we have finished you might want to have a family reading project so everyone can share this great story.
Monday, September 24, 2012
The Great State of Massachusetts
Massachusetts QUIZ - Thursday, October 4th
Are you smarter than a third grader? Who knows more about out great state . . . you or your son/daughter? Students have learned the important cities, towns, waterways, and topographical features of The Bay State. They will be asked to locate and draw them on an outline map of Massachusetts. Make a game of it. Each person takes a map and list of locations to identify. Set a timer and start. See who correctly locates all the features in the shortest amount of time. Winner chooses the toppings on the next family pizza night. Learning should be fun!
Are you smarter than a third grader? Who knows more about out great state . . . you or your son/daughter? Students have learned the important cities, towns, waterways, and topographical features of The Bay State. They will be asked to locate and draw them on an outline map of Massachusetts. Make a game of it. Each person takes a map and list of locations to identify. Set a timer and start. See who correctly locates all the features in the shortest amount of time. Winner chooses the toppings on the next family pizza night. Learning should be fun!
Majestic Monarchs
Life Cycle QUIZ - Thursday, September 27th
Students will complete an assessment on the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly this Thursday, September 27th. A student created study guide went home in the orange homework folders Monday. The students will be asked to draw, label, and describe the four stages of the Monarch life cycle. Students should use correct scientific language and draw pictures with as much detail as their writing. On the reverse side of their orange life cycle the students have listed must have vocabulary that will help them score a 3 - meets the standards. A second list of vocabulary will help them achieve a 4- exceeds expectations. Ask your son/daughter to explain the stages to you orally at the start of the week and then ask them to draw and explain by the middle of the week. You will be surprised by how much the students have absorbed by observing our habitat.
Students will complete an assessment on the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly this Thursday, September 27th. A student created study guide went home in the orange homework folders Monday. The students will be asked to draw, label, and describe the four stages of the Monarch life cycle. Students should use correct scientific language and draw pictures with as much detail as their writing. On the reverse side of their orange life cycle the students have listed must have vocabulary that will help them score a 3 - meets the standards. A second list of vocabulary will help them achieve a 4- exceeds expectations. Ask your son/daughter to explain the stages to you orally at the start of the week and then ask them to draw and explain by the middle of the week. You will be surprised by how much the students have absorbed by observing our habitat.
Curriculum Night a Success
THANK YOU FOR COMING!
It was a pleasure to meet so many of you at curriculum night and share with you the hopes and dreams of your sons/daughters. The students loved reading your letters Friday morning and checked to see if I had given you a basic fact test. They were anxious to see how you did.
I trust the information I shared about our schedule and the topics we will cover in our studies this year was helpful for you. I think you all enjoyed your turn with the interactive whiteboard. It was nice to see the team work in helping each other master the stylis. The students use our whiteboard to its full potential throughout the day.
As the year progresses I am sure that new questions will arise. Please feel free to contact me at any point.
It was a pleasure to meet so many of you at curriculum night and share with you the hopes and dreams of your sons/daughters. The students loved reading your letters Friday morning and checked to see if I had given you a basic fact test. They were anxious to see how you did.
I trust the information I shared about our schedule and the topics we will cover in our studies this year was helpful for you. I think you all enjoyed your turn with the interactive whiteboard. It was nice to see the team work in helping each other master the stylis. The students use our whiteboard to its full potential throughout the day.
As the year progresses I am sure that new questions will arise. Please feel free to contact me at any point.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Math Study Guide
Unit One Math Asessment 9/20
Students will complete and correct a study guide for all math assessments at school in advance of the unit tests. The study guide will be found in their orange folder along with their completed and corrected workbook pages for the unit two nights before the test. Please use these materials to review and to strengthen any areas of challenge in preparation for the test.
The unit one assessment will include: time- standard, elapsed, and clock face; data charts and graphs - don't forget the title and labels as well as the identifiers on the x and y axis, be able to transfer tally marks to a bar graph; show monetary amounts two different ways - different coin/bill combinations; name-collection boxes - 10 different ways to say/show a number; compare amounts of money using greater than and less than - be sure you know the symbols > and <; complete a number flow chart and determine pattern and missing numbers; and explain what equals means.
Students will complete and correct a study guide for all math assessments at school in advance of the unit tests. The study guide will be found in their orange folder along with their completed and corrected workbook pages for the unit two nights before the test. Please use these materials to review and to strengthen any areas of challenge in preparation for the test.
The unit one assessment will include: time- standard, elapsed, and clock face; data charts and graphs - don't forget the title and labels as well as the identifiers on the x and y axis, be able to transfer tally marks to a bar graph; show monetary amounts two different ways - different coin/bill combinations; name-collection boxes - 10 different ways to say/show a number; compare amounts of money using greater than and less than - be sure you know the symbols > and <; complete a number flow chart and determine pattern and missing numbers; and explain what equals means.
New England Quiz
New England States and Capitals 9/21
Our grade level Ipad will be used to assess student knowledge of the New England states and capitals on Friday the 21st. The students should be able to identify the six New England states by name, locate them on a map, and tell the name of their capital city. Students should also be able to locate the six New England states on a map of the United States. Study guides to help review will be in the orange homework folders Monday the 17th.
Our grade level Ipad will be used to assess student knowledge of the New England states and capitals on Friday the 21st. The students should be able to identify the six New England states by name, locate them on a map, and tell the name of their capital city. Students should also be able to locate the six New England states on a map of the United States. Study guides to help review will be in the orange homework folders Monday the 17th.
How to Prepare for Directions Quiz
QUIZ - Thursday 9/14 and Friday 9/15
Students will take a quiz 9/14 and 9/15 on their cardinal directions. They will be asked to locate the primary and secondary directions on a compass rose and to identify the name and abbreviation for each. Students will have access to a work mat with a compass rose and will respond to multiple choice and short answer questions on an Ipad. Study guides were sent home today to help with review.
Students will take a quiz 9/14 and 9/15 on their cardinal directions. They will be asked to locate the primary and secondary directions on a compass rose and to identify the name and abbreviation for each. Students will have access to a work mat with a compass rose and will respond to multiple choice and short answer questions on an Ipad. Study guides were sent home today to help with review.
Face the Facts
Basic Math Facts = Nightly Practice
A baseline assessment of the basic math facts is given the first week of school on all four math operations. One hundred basic facts in addition, subtraction, and multiplication are allotted 5 minutes for accurate completion. Eighty division facts are allotted 4 minutes. The Commonwealth of Massachusettts standard is mastery of the addition facts at the end of grade one. Addition and subtraction should be mastered at the end of grade two. Multiplication is the end of grade 3.
Our baseline assessment shows the need for regular nightly fact practice as many of the students did not successfully meet these standards. It is extremely important that the students master their basic facts so that they can successfully complete the more complex multi-step computation that is part of the third grade curriculum. Flash cards, worksheets, guizzes and games are great ways to help your child improve their math skills. We will be testing the basic math facts regulary here at school until the students have reached the mastery goal. Your assitance at home in helping them achieve success is truly appreciated.
A baseline assessment of the basic math facts is given the first week of school on all four math operations. One hundred basic facts in addition, subtraction, and multiplication are allotted 5 minutes for accurate completion. Eighty division facts are allotted 4 minutes. The Commonwealth of Massachusettts standard is mastery of the addition facts at the end of grade one. Addition and subtraction should be mastered at the end of grade two. Multiplication is the end of grade 3.
Our baseline assessment shows the need for regular nightly fact practice as many of the students did not successfully meet these standards. It is extremely important that the students master their basic facts so that they can successfully complete the more complex multi-step computation that is part of the third grade curriculum. Flash cards, worksheets, guizzes and games are great ways to help your child improve their math skills. We will be testing the basic math facts regulary here at school until the students have reached the mastery goal. Your assitance at home in helping them achieve success is truly appreciated.
Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?
Make Time for Time!
Digital technology has made the standard clock almost obsolete. So much so that many of the students cannot tell time by reading the hands on a clockface. Please take the opportunity to ask you son/daughter the time whenever you see what they call an "old-fashioned clock." Practice drawing hands and times on clocks. Play online games with clock faces. When completing their nightly HomeLink, if the time comes from a digital read, ask them to draw the time on the back of the page as practice. This will help them master the third grade standard of telling time to the nearest minute and of differentating bewteen before and after the hour.
Digital technology has made the standard clock almost obsolete. So much so that many of the students cannot tell time by reading the hands on a clockface. Please take the opportunity to ask you son/daughter the time whenever you see what they call an "old-fashioned clock." Practice drawing hands and times on clocks. Play online games with clock faces. When completing their nightly HomeLink, if the time comes from a digital read, ask them to draw the time on the back of the page as practice. This will help them master the third grade standard of telling time to the nearest minute and of differentating bewteen before and after the hour.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Welcome New Students
Welcome Anirav and Arbaaz!
Anirav and Arbaz are new third grade students who will be joining our happy clan here in room 35. We are excited to have them with us and look forward to learning more about each other. Anirav is just moving to Shrewsbury. Arbaaz attended a private school in town last year so some of you may be friends already from baseball, soccer, scouts etc. I know students and parents alike will show them what a warm, friendly place Coolidge is.
: ) Ms. Hurley
Anirav and Arbaz are new third grade students who will be joining our happy clan here in room 35. We are excited to have them with us and look forward to learning more about each other. Anirav is just moving to Shrewsbury. Arbaaz attended a private school in town last year so some of you may be friends already from baseball, soccer, scouts etc. I know students and parents alike will show them what a warm, friendly place Coolidge is.
: ) Ms. Hurley
Open House a Success
Students Like Classroom
Twelve of twenty students visited room 35 for "Open House" last Thursday. Everyone liked the room and their new home away from home. The tables, welcome letters, and class library were all very popular. The computers and whiteboard were things students wondered about. MCAS was also a topic of inquiry. Several students left supplies in their lockers so they do not have to bring them on the bus Tuesday.
I look forward to greeting you all soon and giving you a proper tour of room 35.
: ) Ms. Hurley
Twelve of twenty students visited room 35 for "Open House" last Thursday. Everyone liked the room and their new home away from home. The tables, welcome letters, and class library were all very popular. The computers and whiteboard were things students wondered about. MCAS was also a topic of inquiry. Several students left supplies in their lockers so they do not have to bring them on the bus Tuesday.
I look forward to greeting you all soon and giving you a proper tour of room 35.
: ) Ms. Hurley
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Open House Thursday
Fourth grade tour guides will welcome new and returning students Thursday night from 5:00 to 6:30 for an open house. Room 35 is ready and waiting for you. Stop by and take a look around your new "home away from home." Feel free to bring your supplies with you and leave then in your locker so you don't have to drag heavy bags on the bus next Tuesday. I put up your locker tags already so you will know where to leave your things. Our lockers are across from our classroom. I did not put out desk tags though. I have to save some surprises for the first day of school! Our first game will be Is This Seat Mine?
: ) Ms. Hurley
: ) Ms. Hurley
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Summer Book Swap a Success
We Love to Read!
Over 100 Coolidge students and adults met Monday night to share their love of reading. Twenty faculty and staff read with the students and checked in on their summer vacations. Students enjoyed seeing former teachers and friends and had an opportunity to get to know their new teachers and classmates too. I met Mallory, Anika, Ethan, and my buddy Steven whom I met the week before at the summer enrichment program at Floral. Of course I visited with my "formers" the Dylans, Sarah, and Emma.
Books from home and school were discussed and exchanged before the magic show. Magician Fran Flynn made books and book worms appear and disappear. He made letters form sentences, and made an adorable white bunny pop out of a box. Everyone enjoyed a popsicle as they were heading home to read their new book.
Over 100 Coolidge students and adults met Monday night to share their love of reading. Twenty faculty and staff read with the students and checked in on their summer vacations. Students enjoyed seeing former teachers and friends and had an opportunity to get to know their new teachers and classmates too. I met Mallory, Anika, Ethan, and my buddy Steven whom I met the week before at the summer enrichment program at Floral. Of course I visited with my "formers" the Dylans, Sarah, and Emma.
Books from home and school were discussed and exchanged before the magic show. Magician Fran Flynn made books and book worms appear and disappear. He made letters form sentences, and made an adorable white bunny pop out of a box. Everyone enjoyed a popsicle as they were heading home to read their new book.
Story Walk Re-built
Thank You Mr. Flynn and Leaders of Tomorrow!
The Jordan Pond Story Walk will re-open tomorrow - Thursday, August 2nd. Mr. Flynn of Al's Oil and Flynn Truck Stop has covered the financial cost of replacing Sheep Take a Walk and the Leaders of Tomorrow provided the labor to rebuild and post the stations. Shrewsbury is fortunate to have such wonderful neighbors who were unwilling to let the thoughtless actions of those who destroyed the walk the first night it was open ruin this wonderful experience for their friends.
Be sure to walk the story with your family. If you have sheep bring them along. Sheep Take a Walk is a joint project of Friends of the Shrewsbury Library and Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation. It will be open until early next week.
The Jordan Pond Story Walk will re-open tomorrow - Thursday, August 2nd. Mr. Flynn of Al's Oil and Flynn Truck Stop has covered the financial cost of replacing Sheep Take a Walk and the Leaders of Tomorrow provided the labor to rebuild and post the stations. Shrewsbury is fortunate to have such wonderful neighbors who were unwilling to let the thoughtless actions of those who destroyed the walk the first night it was open ruin this wonderful experience for their friends.
Be sure to walk the story with your family. If you have sheep bring them along. Sheep Take a Walk is a joint project of Friends of the Shrewsbury Library and Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation. It will be open until early next week.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Wiffle Ball Anyone?
Jacob Boudreau Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament
Jake was a happy fun-loving young boy with a gigantic heart. He attended Beal Early Childhood Center, Calvin Coolidge Elementary School, and Sherwood Middle School. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Two of his favorite activities were wiffle ball and attending the Hole In the Wall Gang a camp in Connecticut.
The second annual Jacob Boudreau Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament will be held Saturday, August 4th at the Coolidge fields. Forty teams of 3 to 5 players will compete in three categories: adult, teen, and youth. The registration fee of $25 per player will benefit the Jacob Boudreau Memorial Scholarship which is awarded each spring to a graduating Shrewsbury High School senior. Tournament registration begins at 8:00, play begins at 9:00. Additional information about this terrific event along with registration forms and rules can be found at: jacobmboudreaumemorialfund.com.
Talk with your parents and friends about entering a team. I guarantee fun and excitement! There will be prizes, food, and raffles too.
Jake was a happy fun-loving young boy with a gigantic heart. He attended Beal Early Childhood Center, Calvin Coolidge Elementary School, and Sherwood Middle School. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Two of his favorite activities were wiffle ball and attending the Hole In the Wall Gang a camp in Connecticut.
The second annual Jacob Boudreau Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament will be held Saturday, August 4th at the Coolidge fields. Forty teams of 3 to 5 players will compete in three categories: adult, teen, and youth. The registration fee of $25 per player will benefit the Jacob Boudreau Memorial Scholarship which is awarded each spring to a graduating Shrewsbury High School senior. Tournament registration begins at 8:00, play begins at 9:00. Additional information about this terrific event along with registration forms and rules can be found at: jacobmboudreaumemorialfund.com.
Talk with your parents and friends about entering a team. I guarantee fun and excitement! There will be prizes, food, and raffles too.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Book Swap Monday
First Annual Summer Book Swap
I am looking forward to the first annual Summer Book Swap on Monday the 30th from 5:00 to 6:00. I'll look for you so we can read together from 5 to 5:15 during the "read to someone" session. There is a magic show at 5:15. We get to take a popsicle with us when we leave at 6:00. Don't forget to bring a book with you to share, donate, or swap!
: ) Ms. Hurley
I am looking forward to the first annual Summer Book Swap on Monday the 30th from 5:00 to 6:00. I'll look for you so we can read together from 5 to 5:15 during the "read to someone" session. There is a magic show at 5:15. We get to take a popsicle with us when we leave at 6:00. Don't forget to bring a book with you to share, donate, or swap!
: ) Ms. Hurley
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Story Walk to be Rebuilt
Thank you Mr. Flynn (Flynn's Truck Stop on Hartford Turnpike) and Shrewsbury Leaders of Tomorrow for agreeing to rebuild the Sheep Take a Hike story walk at Jordan Pond. After learning that some shortsighted individuals destroyed this joint project of the Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of the Shrewsbury Library the first night it was displayed Mr. Flynn stepped forward and offered to cover the expense of reordering the books and re-posting the displays. Local high school students who belong to the fabulous group Leaders of Tomorrow will cut, laminate, assemble, and stake the 17 stations around the pond as soon as all the materials can be collected.
I had an opportunity to read and walk Monday and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I was excited for my students and their families to read their way around the pond too. I am grateful that you will not be disappointed thanks to the generosity of Mr. Flynn and our always helpful high school students.
I'll let you know when the story walk reopens.
I had an opportunity to read and walk Monday and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I was excited for my students and their families to read their way around the pond too. I am grateful that you will not be disappointed thanks to the generosity of Mr. Flynn and our always helpful high school students.
I'll let you know when the story walk reopens.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Story Walk Destroyed By Vandals
I am saddened to report that vandals have destroyed all 17 stations of the Jordan Pond story walk. Sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of the Shrewsbury Library Sheep Take a Hike was told at 17 stations along the Jordan Pond trail. It was a wonderful story telling to be enjoyed by all Shrewsbury residents. Unfortunately, some selfish individuals destroyed the entire presentation during the night Monday, denying their friends and neighbors the opportunity to share this engaging tale. I hope that whomever made this unfortunate choice will find a way to repair the damage and restore the walk for the benefit of the community.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Jordan Pond Story Walk
Sheep Take a Hike Around Jordan Pond
July 16th - 20th
The Friends of the Library and the Parks and Recreation Department are co-sponsoring a story walk around Jordan Pond for children and their families. The story walk will begin at the Ridgeland Street entrance to the walking trail. Pages from the book Sheep Take a Hike will be posted along the path so you can enjoy the story at your leisure.
I'll watch for you when I walk the trail and read the book. If you go let me know if you like the story and the walk!
Shrewsbury Summer Concerts
Summer Concert Band
7:00
Dean Park Bandstand
Wednesday, July 11th
Wednesday, July 25th
(In case of rain the performances will be held at Oak Middle School.)
Friends of the Library Summer Concert
6:00 - 7:30
Town Common Bandstand
Thursday, July 19th
Thursday, August 21st
(In case of rain performance will be held at the Senior Center.)
Southgate Summer Concert Series
7:00
Southgate Bandstand
Tuesday, July 10th
Tuesday, July 17th
Tuesday, July 24th
Tuesday, July 31st
(In case of rain the performances will be held at Oak Middle School.)
Friends of the Library Summer Concert
6:00 - 7:30
Town Common Bandstand
Thursday, July 19th
Thursday, August 21st
(In case of rain performance will be held at the Senior Center.)
Southgate Summer Concert Series
7:00
Southgate Bandstand
Tuesday, July 10th
Tuesday, July 17th
Tuesday, July 24th
Tuesday, July 31st
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Happy Fourth of July!
Shrewsbury Celebrates the Fourth of July
Shrewsbury’s Annual Fourth of July Celebration will take
place at Dean Park on Wednesday. The festivities will start with a bike and
doll carriage parade at noon.
Children’s games and family picnics will follow.
My favorite was activity was always the pie eating contest.
(Helpful hint: Don’t wear white to eat blueberry pie.) I worked for Parks and Rec years ago
when this tradition started. There was a BIG parade from the Town Hall to Dean
Park and a rock concert at night. One year we had a greased pig contest. I
don’t know if anyone ever caught Porky. Maybe he is still hiding out somewhere
in town.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Crepes Around the World
FYI -
The Shrewsbury Public Library will hold a multicultural festival - Crepes Around the World at 12:30 this Saturday, June 30th. Members of the SPS Multicultural Advisory Team will demonstrate how to prepare Indian, Chinese, French, and Mexican crepes. Participants can sample the crepes and try their hand at making their own.
This sounds fun and yummy. If you attend let me know how your crepes come out.
: ) Ms. Hurley
The Shrewsbury Public Library will hold a multicultural festival - Crepes Around the World at 12:30 this Saturday, June 30th. Members of the SPS Multicultural Advisory Team will demonstrate how to prepare Indian, Chinese, French, and Mexican crepes. Participants can sample the crepes and try their hand at making their own.
This sounds fun and yummy. If you attend let me know how your crepes come out.
: ) Ms. Hurley
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Free Fridays at Local Museums
According to the Shrewsbury Daily Voice local museums are offering free admission on Fridays this summer. I am passing along the dates, locations, and contact information so that you can take advantage of what sounds like a great opportunity.
ENJOY!
: ) Ms. Hurley
ENJOY!
: ) Ms. Hurley
The
Highland Street Foundation has arranged for various attractions around the
state to be admission-free on Fridays. For more information, call 617-969-8900 or visit www.highlandstreet.org.
June 29th: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Peabody Essex
Museum, Heritage Museums & Gardens, Museum of African American History, and
Tanglewood.
July 6th: Boston Children’s Museum, Stone Zoo,
Cape Cod Museum of Art, Wenham Museum, and Sterling & Francine Clark Art
Institute.
July 13th: Franklin Park Zoo, Children’s
Museum in Holyoke, Danforth Museum of Art, Decordova Sculpture Park &
Museum, and Reagle Music Theatre.
July 20th: Buttonwood Park Zoo, Mass Audubon Visual
Arts Center, Hancock Shaker Village, Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown
Museum, and Higgins Armory Museum.
July 27th: Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Children’s
Museum in Easton, Springfield Museums, N.E. Historic Genealogical Society, and
New Repertory Theatre.
August 3rd: Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Norman Rockwell
Museum, Amelia Park Children’s Museum, Fuller Craft Museum, and Arnold
Arboretum.
August 10th: Battleship Cove, Berkshire Museum, Cape Cod
Children’s Museum, Fruitlands Museum, and The Sports Museum.
August 17th: Institute of Contemporary Art,
Edward Gorey House, New Bedford Whaling Museum, Garden in the Woods, and
Concord Museum.
August 24th: Boston Harbor Island Alliance, USS Constitution
Museum, American Textile History Museum, Old Sturbridge Village, and Basketball
Hall of Fame.
August 31st: JFK Library & Museum, Plimoth
Plantation, The Discovery Museums, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art,
and EcoTarium.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Summer Institute 2012
iPad Classroom
I participated in Shrewsbury's first Summer Institute, an opportunity for SPS educators to join together collaboratively to explore select topics on 21st century education. What a fanstastic experience!
I am fortunate to have had an interactive whiteboard installed in my classroom last fall. It opened new avenues for my students to engage in active learning. With all the talk of iPads I took the opportunity to enroll in an institute course titled iPad Classroom. Twenty of my colleagues and I spent a week together exploring the unlimited opportunities offered by this new technology.
I know summer vacation has barely begun but I am so excited to share what I learned with my class this fall. I created a Show Me for several class activities, made a Scribble Press template for an All About Me text, and replaced the pencil and paper assessment of the New England states and capitals with an interactive review through Socrative.
I look forward to blending small teacher guided groups, peer collaboration, and technology to offer a unique, fun, enriching learning experience for the students in room 35.
: ) Ms. Hurley
I participated in Shrewsbury's first Summer Institute, an opportunity for SPS educators to join together collaboratively to explore select topics on 21st century education. What a fanstastic experience!
I am fortunate to have had an interactive whiteboard installed in my classroom last fall. It opened new avenues for my students to engage in active learning. With all the talk of iPads I took the opportunity to enroll in an institute course titled iPad Classroom. Twenty of my colleagues and I spent a week together exploring the unlimited opportunities offered by this new technology.
I know summer vacation has barely begun but I am so excited to share what I learned with my class this fall. I created a Show Me for several class activities, made a Scribble Press template for an All About Me text, and replaced the pencil and paper assessment of the New England states and capitals with an interactive review through Socrative.
I look forward to blending small teacher guided groups, peer collaboration, and technology to offer a unique, fun, enriching learning experience for the students in room 35.
: ) Ms. Hurley
Summer Reading Carnival
I saw a great photo online in the Shrewsbury Voice of Eric from my class last year, now a fabulous fourth grader, at the Shrewsbury Public Library Summer Reading Carnival. Did anyone else go? Did you have fun? It's not too late to register for the SPL Summer Reading Program. Stop by the children's room or look online to find out about the cool prizes you can win.
Remember, for the first time ever, summer reading gives you credit for your first stop in the Coolidge Reading Takes You Places program. My goal is to help every student in room 35 receive a reading medal next May.
: ) Ms. Hurley
Remember, for the first time ever, summer reading gives you credit for your first stop in the Coolidge Reading Takes You Places program. My goal is to help every student in room 35 receive a reading medal next May.
: ) Ms. Hurley
Congratulations and Welcome
Congratulations on your successful completion of second grade!
WELCOME TO GRADE THREE
I enjoyed meeting you on your tour of the "penthouse" and am very excited to have a class list with the names of the newest members of the room 35 learning community.
I hope you stayed cool the past few days. Keep in touch with me:
ahurley@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us
and let me know how your summer reading, math fact practice, RAZ Kids, and vacation in general are going. I look forward to a great year together.
: ) Ms. Hurley
WELCOME TO GRADE THREE
I enjoyed meeting you on your tour of the "penthouse" and am very excited to have a class list with the names of the newest members of the room 35 learning community.
I hope you stayed cool the past few days. Keep in touch with me:
ahurley@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us
and let me know how your summer reading, math fact practice, RAZ Kids, and vacation in general are going. I look forward to a great year together.
: ) Ms. Hurley
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)