Read it to Beat it Challenge

Yesterday we all enjoyed our field trip to the US Cellular Arena to be part of "Read it to Beat it." We joined over 4,500 other students to break the world's record for the largest read aloud.

Prior to the event, each student recieved a "goodie bag" containing gift certificates, a new book, and a United Way t-shirt.  We were then entertained by mascots from the Bucks, Admirals, and Wave as well as WMYX's Van "The Man" McNeal as he energized the crowd for the exciting event. 

The main attraction began when Ryan Grant, Craig Counsell, and Tom Barrett began reading to us from three different books.  After they had succesffuly read to us for over 30 minutes, and the attendance was confirmed, the record was broken and the event will be listed in the Guiness Book of World's Records.

After lunch, the students were entertained by shows from the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Schlitz Audubon Center.  These shows taught the students about Wisconsin's bird's of prey and about the importance of the honey bee. 

To watch a brief newscast of the event, click here.  At about the one minute point, see if you can spot one of Kozy's teachers.  To see more pictures, click here.

Christmas Song Riddles

Many of you have been listening to WMYX these last few weeks and have been surrounded by Christmas Songs twenty four hours a day. I thought it appropropriate to post some riddles to see how well you know the song titles. 

Following this link will take you to a set of picture riddles.  Each picture can be decoded to a title of a popular Christmas song.

Following this link or this link will take you to word puzzles.  For these puzzles, the titles of popular songs are reworded in a very complex way.  For example, "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," is rewritten as "Approach everyone who is steadfast." 

Some of the riddles are easy enough for third graders.  Some will even stump their parents.

Science Test Friday

Don't forget to study for Friday's test.

Food Drive

Thank you to everyone who brought in food for our school food drive.  As a class, we brought in 57 items that have been donated to Cudahy Project Concern.

Science Test

Next week Friday, December 16, the students will be taking their next science test.  Please spend some time studying for the test with your child.  Students should plan on studying for at least 40 minutes if they are to do well on the test.  Click here to download the study note.

Yes You Can! assembly

Yesterday students at Kosciuszko were treated to an assembly led by paraolympian Lloyd Bachrach.  Lloyd was born missing most of the bones in his legs, but he didn't let that stop him. During his presentation Lloyd stressed that the only thing standing between a child and his/her dreams is the child's own motivation. 

Lloyd detailed how he learned to do things differently than other children, but still did them.  He played baseball, volleyball, and swam as a child.  In high school he placed at the state championships for gymnastics. As an adult, he participated in the Atlanta Paraolympic Games for volleyball.

Lloyd stressed that despite the challenges he faced, he continued to persevere and accomplished what he set out to do.  He never let other people tell him what he could or could not do. 

Visit http://www.yes-you-can.net/index.php to learn more about Lloyd Bachrach.

Accelerated Reader Update

It's been a while since I've posted an update of the students' progress in Accelerated Reader.  Last quarter the students did a very good job and the vast majority of the students reached their quarterly goal.  This quarter, the students are having more difficulty.  We are now just over 1/3 of the way through the quarter, and only half of the students are on track to reach their point goal for the quarter.  Please remind your child to read nightly.  Those students falling behind are required to spend their recess inside reading.

So far our class has read a total of 2,537,667 words this year.
Our Word Leaders for the quarter are:
John - 448,011
Lucas - 79,685
Kenna - 74,277


Our Word Leaders for the year are:
John - 1,195,040
Kenna - 186,950
Jaycob - 135,866

Ronald McDonald Visits Kozy

Yesterday students in grades 1-4 were able to attend an assembly hosted by Ronald McDonald.  During the assembly the children learned that it's important to give back to their friends, family, and community.  Students learned that they could give of their time, their talents, and gifts.

Another Field Trip

At the beginning of the school year I sent home a sheet listing each field trip we would attend this year.  We now have one more.  Just recently our school was given the opportunity to attend the Read it to Beat it, Guiness World Record Challenge.  In conjunction with Winterfest, the United Way, the Brewers Foundation, and Half Priced Books are attempting to break the world's record for the largest group read alound. 

Ryan Grant, Craig Counsell, and Tom Barrett will be reading to an assembled croud of over 5,000 children which will break the world's record and enter us all into the Guiness Book of World Records.  In addition to the read aloud, there will be presesentations by the Milwaukee County Zoo, Schlitz Audubon Center, the Milwaukee Bucks Energy Dancers, and WMYX. 

The fee for this trip is $1.50.  Permission slips and payment is due next Wednesday, December 7.  Chaperons are free.  I am limiting this trip to three chaperones.  Priority will be given to those that return the slips first and to parents unable to attend the other trips.

For more information, click here.

Food Drive

Kozy will be having it's annual food drive beginning Monday.  Donations will be delivered to Cudahy/St. Francis Project Concern.  The class that brings in the most food earns a ice cream party.

Each day has a different theme, each day's theme is listed below.

Monday: Peanut Butter
Tuesday: Canned Tuna
Wednesday: Canned Soup
Thursday: Canned Fruit or Vegetables
Friday: Anything.

!!!Date Change!!! for the Holiday Concert

!!!DATE CHANGE!!!

Mark your calendars, the Winter Concert has been rescheduled.  The concert will now be held on January 10, 2012 at 6:30. 

Movie Day

As the children collect Eagle Tickets, teachers count them and record the number the class has earned as a group.  Because each class at Kozy has earned over 100 Eagle Tickets, Mrs. Berner rewarded the school with a morning movie.  Today the children gathered in the gym to watch the movie, Two Brothers.  Thank you to the third graders for their excellent behavior during this event.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Thank you to all of the parents that attended parent-teacher conferences tonight.  I enjoyed meeting all of you and look forward to working with you throughout the remainder of the year. If you have any further questions, please contact me.

Christmas Carol

Hometown Holiday at the Cudahy Family Library

On November 26, join your friends at the Cudahy Family Library for a Hometown Holiday celebration.  At 1:30, you can enjoy "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" followed at 2:30 with a visit by and pictures with Santa Claus. The event caps off with a tree lighting ceremony complete with hot chocolate and cookies.

Letter from Your Child

Dear Mom and/or Dad,

     Last week you saw my report card, and next week you will speak to my teacher.  This report card is my teacher’s attempt to describe my actions and accomplishments at school.  When you read the card, and talk to my teacher, please remember that he is describing someone near and dear to you, so please don’t get “uptight” if you see something you do not agree with.  I hope you will accept me as I am.

     Remember that all children do not learn to walk and talk at the same age, nor do they learn math and reading at the same rate.  Please do not compare me to my brothers and sisters or friends, because I am unique to this world.  Be realistic in setting my goals.  I need to be challenged, but not pushed beyond my ability.  I want to be successful and I need time to “smell the flowers” while I am still a child.

     Please remember that my report card is a picture of me at school.  It is a whole different world from the one at home.  Can you imagine having 22 children my age at the dinner table tonight, or 200 children in our backyard playing?  Don’t be surprised to find that I respond in a different manner at school.

     My teacher knows me as I am at school.  You know me as I am at home.  The “real me” may be somewhere in between.  I know you see me as a unique individual who can make you proud and bring you much happiness.  I will try my best.

With love from your child.                  

Mr. Source Assembly

Yesterday, the students participated in an assembly led by Mr. Source, a martial arts instructor.  During the assembly the students learned a few self-defense techniques while also learning about self-discipline, responsibility, and respect.  Students also learned about peaceful ways to deal with bullies.

The children really responded to Mr. Source and I was impressed both by their behavior and by the speed at which they learned his lessons.  As a fund raiser for the Kozy PTA, Mr. Source will be offering Tae-Kwon-Do lessons that emphasize learning, focus, discipline, and respect.  Lessons are $30 for a 3-week session with all proceeds going directly to the PTA. 

Sign up sheets are going home with your child today.

Veteran's Day

Yesterday, Friday, November 11, was Veteran's Day.  To celebrate the students at Kosciuszko assembled at the flag pole.  Once there, several fourth grade students spoke about the US military and the reasons behind the Veteran's Day holiday before we recited the Pledge of Allegiance as a school

Report Cards and Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher conferences will be held November 21; your child should have brought home a note detailing your parent-teacher conference time.  Please look for it tonight.

Also, tomorrow, November 11, your child will be brining his/her report cards home.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the report card.

Field Trip

Just a reminder, tomorrow is our field trip to First Stage Children's Theather.  We will be seeing the play Don't Tell Me I Can't Fly. Here is a review from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Dance Party

To celebrate the end of the first quarter, every Kozy student who did not have an office referral for the quarter participated in a dance party. Students had a wonderful time dancing to songs like the Chicken Dance and the Freeze song.  To see pictures from other grades, visit Kozy's School Site.

October Newsletter

The October issue of the Third Grade Tribune was sent home with your child today.  Please take a moment to read through the information.  If you would like a digital copy, click here.

Accelerated Reader Home Connect

Parents now have the ability to track their child's progress on AR.  By following this link, you can view your child's scores on tests and their progress towards his or her goals.  This is a wonderful tool that will allow you to closely monitor your child's success. 

Science Test

This is a reminder that there is a science test this Thursday.  Don't forget to study!  If you need a little help, try reviewing the PowerPoints here.

Measurment Mania

Today, as part of our data collecting unit, the students collected data using rulers and yard sticks.  They began by measuring the length of the classroom and reporting it in feet and inches.  They then measured how far they could jump and reported that distance in feet and inches and then just inches.  In our next class, we will  graph our jump data.  We will also discuss why different groups measured different distances for the length of the room. 

Harvest Party

Our class will celebrate our Harvest Party on Monday, October 31. If you signed up to bring food, and you received a reminder slip, please remember to bring in your items. We have 23 students in our class.

WKCE

The WKCE is here! This is a test that is administered to all Wisconsin students. Testing will take place Tuesday-Thursday, October 25-27 & November 1 & 2. The students will take tests each day in the areas of reading and math.

Research has shown children do much better on these tests in a classroom setting rather than an individual setting. Unless it is unavoidable, please be sure your child is at school every day during the testing period. The following suggestions can also be followed at home to prepare your child to do his/her best.

Heavenly Hats

Please help Kozy support the HEavenly Hats Foundation.  This foundation uses any money raised to pay the shipping cost to send hats to cancer patients around the country.  Kozy's goal is to raise $250.00.  Students wishing to participate should bring one dollar to school on Thursday, October 20.  Students bringing the dollar will be allowed to wear their favorite hat to school.

Visit http://www.heavenlyhats.com/ for information about this charity.

Accelerated Reader

We are about 2/3 of the way through the first quarter and the students have been doing a very good job on their AR tests.  Most students are on perfect pace to reach their quarterly goal while many have already reached it.  For those who have reached their goal, I would like to remind them that they are still responsible for reading nightly and taking AR tests.

Next quarter the goals will be significantly harder to reach for the students.  All students should expect a goal at least 50% higher while some should expect one more than double of what they have now.  Please encourage your child to read at least 20 minutes each night.

As a class, the students have read 885,364 words this quarter.  The following students are our word count leaders:

John-329,392
Kenna-63,296
Jordan-51,492

Friday Wrap-Up (on a Monday Morning)

Last week was a very productive week in third grade. 

In math we began our first section on data collection. Students went to different classrooms throughout the school and collected data.  They then categorized it, graphed it, and then analyzed the data to draw conclusions about it.  They have been doing a very good job so far and I look forward to seeing their continued good work.

We also spent a good deal of time on their first major writing assignment.  Students planned, wrote, and revised a paragraph about an aspect of Adventure Day.  Paragraphs were expected to be well organized while also containing adverbs, adjectives, and prepositional phrases.  Paragraphs are due today for those who didn't finish them in class on Friday.

We have nearly finished our first science chapter on matter.  You should expect to see a note about the first science test late this week or early next with the test scheduled late next week. 

Color Weeks

Kindergarten annual color weeks begin next week, October 17.  They would love it if every student joined them in celebrating the wonderful world of color.  See below for the color days:

Week of 10/17

Monday-red

Tuesday- orange

Wednesday-yellow

Thursday- green

Friday- blue

Week of 10/24

Monday-purple

Tuesday- brown

Wednesday- black

James Howe

Today, at 4:00, James Howe will be visiting the Cudahy Library (Click here for full post).  I encourage all families to attend this wonderful event.

Our Next Field Trip is Coming Up

This is just a reminder that our next field trip, First Stage Children's Theater, is November 11.  The permission slip and money for this field trip is due next week Friday, October 21.  If you need a new permission slip, you can download one here.  The fee for the field trip is $8.  Chaperones need to pay $8.75.

Adventure Day

Today the children participated in the long awaited Adventure Day on a beautiful October day.  Unlike last years' class, they were able to "treasure hunt" and rock climb in warm, sunny weather and the children made the most of it.

Each group worked hard at Pulaski Park and managed to solve the clues and navigate the park with little trouble allowing them to find each station and earn their prize.  After, they each channeled their inner monkey and climbed the 25' rockwall.  Many students reached the top multiple times. Finally, they returned to the classroom where they learned a little bit about Chinese writing and wrote their names in Chinese.

It was a great day and the children had a fantastic time. 

To see more pictures, click here.

Fall Festival

The second annual fall festival will be held at General Mitchell on Saturday.  Stop by during the day for games, crafts, and contests.  At night there will be a dance party, trivia contest, and costume contests.  Food and beverages will also be available.

James Howe

James Howe, author of Bunnicula, will be speaking at the Cudahy Family Library on Thursday, October 13, at 4:00 pm.  This is a wonderful opportunity to hear a nationally famous author speak about his books and the process of writing.  Take the time on Thursday to go and listen; perhaps you will be inspired to become an author yourself.  Form more information, visit: http://boswell.indiebound.com/ or http://www.cudahyfamilylibrary.org/teen.html

Make-up Picture Day

Tomorrow is the make-up picture day.  If you didn't have your picture taken at form & fee day, or if you'd like your picture retaken, come prepared tomorrow.

Progress Reports

Today your child was sent home with a mid-quarter progress report. Please review this report, sign it, and return the bottom portion to school with your child on Monday. 

Addition

Many parents should have received a note yesterday regarding addition facts.  Based on a recent assessment, I assigned each child a different set of addition facts to memorize. These facts should be practiced nightly until your child has them memorized (can answer immediately without counting on fingers).  Several students did not receive this note because they have mastered their facts; however, students should still review their facts to ensure they stay sharp.

Walk to School Safety Assembly

Wednesday, October 5, is our annual walk to school day and to prepare for it the students participated in an assembly led by the Cudahy Health Department.  During this assembly the children learned how to be safe while going to school.  Tips included:

• Wearing helmets when on a bike or skateboard
• Walking, not riding, your bike accross the street
• Staying on the sidewalks
• Looking both ways before crossing the street
• The importance of wearing bright or reflective clothing at night. 

Watch your child's folder, and this blog, for more infromation about walk to school day.