EOG Math LifeSaver

Have you been wondering what kind of questions will be on the End of Grade (EOG) test this year?!?! Here are some links that I have used every year to help my students pass the EOG's. This is the best resource I have ever used...and I'm glad I can share it with you!!! Enjoy!

3rd Grade Indicators- Example EOG math problems your child needs extra practice with.
Week by Week Essentials- Games and problems that can be done at home. The games are really fun!!!
Classroom Strategies- Additional ways you can teach math concepts at home.

Class Supplies

Here is a list of supplies your child will need at the beginning of the year!!! I hope by posting this list early, you will be able to purchase them when they are on sale ;)

Click here for this weeks deals!!!

3 boxes of #2 pencils (no mechanical)
3 Black and White Composition notebooks
4 Pocket folders ( 1 of each color: red, yellow, green, purple)
1 Pocket folder with prongs (blue)
2 packs of notebook paper
cap earsers
2 Clorox Wipes
2 Tissue boxes
2 Bottles of hand sanitizer
1 box of Ziploc bags (snack or quart size)
1 pack of dry erase markers
1 box of crayons
1 box of colored markers
ream of colored copy paper

Welcome Parents and Students!!!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to 3rd grade! Thank you for sharing your child with the Smith family this year. The start of a new year holds the promise of new discovery and learning as well as the prospect of personal growth in all areas. I look forward to learning more about each child as we venture out this next year together.

To tell you more about myself, I’ve taught both 3rd and 4th grade. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University (GO PIRATES!!!) and went back to school to earn my Master’s Degree in Business Administration at Central Michigan University.

I teach because I love to. It’s my goal to see each child reach his/her fullest potential. We have many fun activities planned, but they are always educationally sound. If I motivate the students to learn, then part of my mission is met.
I tend to keep students busy so there is little time for misbehavior. If we find a problem arises, I assure you it will be handled with respect. The students will help plan our classroom rules and consequences. We will share them with you shortly.

I find that communication is the key to success in our classroom. Your child’s homework folder will go home daily and needs to be checked for any important notices. Check the pockets for the papers to “return” and the ones to “keep”. 3rd grade also uses a behavior chart that will be inside the homework folder. I will write down any issues your child may have had throughout the day...good and bad. Please initial the behavior chart daily.

You will also receive a bi-weekly newsletter to keep you current on projects and upcoming events. The first newsletter will include a place for you to sign and put your email address if you’re interested in being part of our classroom communication in that manner. No “forwards” or junk mail will be sent with this; it is strictly used to remind you about upcoming field trips, tests, etc…

My door is always open. If you have something to share, please don’t hesitate to send a note with your child or email me. I love to have parents help in the classroom! I check my email nightly and would be glad to communicate that way. I also have conference times during the day, if you’d like to speak with me in person. You may call the school office (919-662-2458) to arrange that.
I look forward to a wonderful year with your child!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Buchanan

Summer School Deals for July 11-17

School Deals have begun!!! If you are a teacher or a parent or just in need of supplies, these deals may appeal to you! Enjoy!

Target
Glue sticks (2 pk.)- $.20

CVS
Papermate Pens (10 pk.) limit 1- FREE
Scissors limit 1- FREE

Office Max
Sharpie Markers (black, 12 pk.)- $3

Walgreens
Sharpie Markers (multi-color, 12 pk.)- $3.99
Expo Markers (4 pk.)- $1.99
Colored index cards (70 pk.)- $.39

Staples
Sunday-Wednesday ONLY:
Pocket Folers- $.01 (limit 10, but ask if you can get more)
Pencils (8 pk.)- $.01 (limit 2)
Paper (rebate)- $01 (limit 2)

All week (all items are limit 2):
BIC Pens (4 pk.)- $1
Mini Staplers- $1
Pencil Box- $1
Highlighters (6 pk.)-$1
Scissors- $1
Glue Sticks (4 pk.)- $1
Photo paper (50 pk.)- $1
Post It (cute shapes)- $1
Rose Art Crayons- $1
Dry Erase Board- $1
25%-50% of backpacks

Office Depot
Mr Sketch Markers (12 pk)- Free after rebate ;)
Swingline LightTouch Stapler- Free after rebate ;)
Plastic Page Protectors (25 pk)- $1 after rebate (limit 3)
Impact Binders- $1 after rebate (limit 3)
Stanley Pencil Sharpener-$9 after rebate
1" Binders (12 pk.)- $12.99 after rebate

WalMart
Shower Caddy's- $3
3 drawer storage containers- $5
Command Hooks (2 pk.)- $2.50
Colorful File Crates- $3
Composition books- $.25
BIC Mechanical Pencils (6 pk.)-$1
Sharpie (2 pk.)- $1

Teacher Appreciation Days
Staples- July 27th
Office Depot- Breakfast Aug. 14 (9-11am), Teacher Appreciation Week Aug 8-14

Summer Deals July 18-24

The teacher trick: even though each store sets limits...they usually have exceptions for teachers, so be sure to ask for all the stuff you want to get A LOT of before you check out ;)

Michaels
Teacher Fridays- 10% off entire purchase including sale items
Classroom posters and borders- Buy 2 get 1 free

CVS
Paper Mate Pens (8 pk.)- 3 for $1
Expo Markers (4 pk.)- $1.99

Walgreens
Pilot G2 Pens (2 pk.)- $.19
Each $.49- Glue sticks, pencil boxes,BIC highlighters (5 pk.)
Each $.29- Notebooks, earsers (2 pk.), Sheet protectors (10 pk.)
Each $.09- Pocket folders, highlighters, rulers
Sharpie Markers (4 pk or 8 pk)- $3.99
Each $.99- Markers (10 pk.), Pencils (25 pk.)
Crayola Crayons (24 pk.)- $.79
Target
TI-84 Calculator (if you have someone in highschool)- $97
Scissors- $.50
Pencil box- $.50
BIC pens (10 pk.)- $.60
File Crates- $2
Lunch boxes- $9

Staples
Sunday-Wednesday Only:
$5 minimum purchase for penny deals.
liquid glue (limit 2)- $.01

All week:
BIC mechanical pencils (5 pk., limit 2)- $.25
Slider pencil cases (limit 2)- $.25
Index cards (100 pk., limit 2)- $.25
Photo paper (4x6 photos, 60 pk., limit 2)- $.25 after rebate
Copy paper ream (limit 2)- $1 after rebate
Dry Erase Fine markers (limit 2)- $2
Dry Erase boards (limit 2)- $2
Stapler (limit 2)- $3
BIC Highlighters (12 pk., limit 2)- $3
Post It Staples brand (12 pads of 100, limit 2)- $5
X-ACTO Pencil sharpener (limit 2)- $9 after rebate

Office Depot
Labels (BOGO)
Post It removeable labels- $.99
Sharpies- 40% off
Expo- 40% off
Plastic Carts and Drawers- 40% off

Office Max
Sharpie Singles (limit 3)- $.25
XACTO pencil sharpener (limit 3)- $.25
Scissors (limit 3)- $.20
Glue sticks (2 sticks and 1 liquid combo; limit 3)- $.25
BIC pens (10 pk.; limit 3)- $.50
USB Drive 8GB- $17.99

Kroger
Crayola Crayons (24 pk.)- $.25
Crayola Markers- $1

Teacher Appreciation Days:
Staples
August 14 from 9:00-12:00 (first 100 teachers get a FREE gift)
Office Depot
August 8-14 ( ), Appreciation Breakfast Aug. 14 (9:00-11:00am) Click here to see deals!!!

The End is Here...

I have truly had a blast this year with this group of students.  They have proved that teamwork and cooperative learning can help all of us to excel by leaps and bounds.  Problem solving, critical discussions and debates create endless solutions.  Compassion, empathy, and friendship are characteristics each student in my class possesses. We can do anything we set our minds to...and the rewards are tremendous! 

Our class did a STAR-tastic job on the EOG's!!!  In math, 91% of the class made 3's and 4's and in reading, 78% of the class made 3's and 4's!!!  They have impressed me so much!  I look forward to watching them continue this success in the years to come.  Have a wonderful summer and good luck in 4th grade next year!

September 2009

July 2010

"My Wish"

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find his grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big


Love,
Mrs. Buchanan

Goodbye Shay!

Shay has been our peer student throughout this year.  She has had a wonderful personality and has been a huge help in our classroom.  We will miss her greatly, but we are extremely excited for her graduation from Garner High School this week!  May you have the best of luck in college!

Outside Snapshots

We were outside and since it was a nice day and everyone was at school that day, it would be nice to take a class picture! Here's the final outcome:

Our serious side...

And our super fun side!!!

Mini-Book Exchange

About 10 students participated in the class book exchange.  The goal was to barter books for some extra summer reading book choices.  There were many books to chose from and all different genres.  Everyone seemed happy to walk away with something new to read!

The Egg Drop Contest

We decided to have a friendly group competition this week...and the winners would enjoy a few slices of pizza for lunch one day!!!  The Egg Drop Contest quickly took off as students were asked to create a contraption that would protect their egg from cracking or breaking when let go from the highest standing point on our playgroud. 

This has to be the first year that NO EGGS BROKE!!!  Here are the winning teams:

The Unbeatables

Egg Backpacks

The Cotton Bowls

The Egg Savers

The Egg-cellents

The Egg Saver 5000

Gazette Memo May 17-21

EOG week was a huge success!!! I witnessed each and every child using all the test taking strategies we had previously worked on in class. I know they all tried their best and were determined to prove how much they’ve learned this year. Unfortunately, I will not get scores back until Friday so I won’t have any information to give you until then…what a suspenseful week ahead of us!


There are still 4 weeks left of school. We will be reflecting on the year, completing end of the year assessments, working on beginning 4th grade math and reading, and celebrating our achieved goals from this year. There are many activities I would like to do with the class…so I will need each student to bring in $4 for all the end of year activities. If they do not pay, they will not be able to participate (that would be terribly sad because they all deserve to take part in them). I wish I could pay for everyone, but that extremely hard to do in this economy.

Thank you for your never-ending support. Like I’ve said 100 times, I have thoroughly loved teaching this group of children. They have reminded me why I love to teach and have motivated me to work hard all year. I will miss them tremendously…they already know tears could be shed…mine of course!

Things you need to remember this week:


**Bring in $4 as soon as possible.
Tues.- Wear yellow or black.
Wed.- Bring bubbles.
Thurs.- Wear a hat!

End Of Year Calendar

Just click here!

Percentages to Pass the EOG!!!

Have you ever wondered what percentage your son or daughter has to make in order to pass the EOG?!?!?  The links below will answer this question:

Reading...click here!
Math...click here!

Extend 2 Reading...click here!
Extend 2 Math...click here!

They are going to do FANTASTIC!  The suspense is killing me ;)

Gazette Memo May 3-7

What our class needs:
• $1-$3 prizes for the EOG Prize Wall
• Chips and Salsa for Wednesday

Five more school days left…before the EOG’s!!! I can’t wait (said with excitement)!

Wednesday is Cinco de Mayo and we will be celebrating by talking about Spanish cultures and reading books related to this day. I figured a little chips and salsa would spice up our day!!!

I am in dire need of more prizes for our EOG wall. I have a feeling most of the class will do pretty well and I want to reward them for persevering and setting high goals. I am so thankful for having such a talented group! They are ready to prove to everyone how much their brains have soaked up!

Have a great week! And remember…lots of rest, positive attitudes, eating enough and staying hydrated can really make a difference!

PS…NO HOMEWORK NEXT WEEK!

Booking with the Pack Donations

Our class would like to thank all of the people who have donated books to our classroom library.  We have received over 250 donations from stand-up citizens of our community (Katie and Cathy) as well as from an incredible program through NC State University (Kristen Mattox (student athlete intern) coordinated by Jennifer MacNab).  This program strives to promote and improve literacy among all members of the NC community through collection and redistribution of books. 

A huge sense of enthusiasm has swept across the classroom and the desire to read is the highest its ever been.  We all know that if "today you're a reader, tomorrow you're a leader!"  We appreciate everything you've given us!!!

Gotta Keep Reading

Click here!!!

Gazetter Memo Apr. 26-30

What our class needs:
• $1-$3 prizes for the EOG Prize Wall
***Prizes= Rewards for trying so hard!

Sometimes, this time of the year can be very frustrating and nerve-racking for you and your child. Here are some strategies to support your child at home:

BEFORE TEST:
• Praise your child for work well done.
• Assure your child knows that you value a good education.
• Encourage your child to take responsibility for homework and class work.

WEEK OF TESTING:
• See that your child is rested and eats breakfast.
• Make sure they arrive to school on time and that they are relaxed.
• Do not send them if they are sick.
• Do not make any appointments on test days.
• Bring a light jacket to stay comfortable.

End of Grade Test

The North Carolina End of Grade (EOG) test is coming up, and I want each of my students to be as successful as possible. Therefore, preparation is key! Here are a few resources borrowed from Mr. Ray's Tar Heels that may help them get ready for the EOGs coming up in two weeks!

Online Math and Reading questions...with immediate feedback!!!

The Texas Education Agency has an archive of released test questions. The Texas Standard Course of Study is very similar to North Carolina's, and therefore has similar test items.

The North Carolina Department of Education's released sample items for reading.

The North Carolina Department of Education's released sample items for mathematics.

A website from North Carolina State University that contains interactive sample questions aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, the End of Grade Test, and Bloom's Taxonomy.

Well's Elementary has a wonderful site with great tips and strategies.

An article on the effects of EOG's on parents, students and teachers...everyone is stressed.

Super Star Lock-In

On April 16, students who had improved in academics or behavior or students who had continued keeping their grades up, were rewarded with an invitation to the Super Star Lock-In!!!

These student listened to Mrs. Jenkins read Micheal Recycle in honor of the up and coming "Earth Day."

They created two banners to remind students at school the importance of Going Green and helping to save our planet. 

Afterwards all the third graders played games outside and in the gym.  They cooled down with popsicles and then ate mouth-watering pizza from Sophie's. 

Finally, all the kids changed into their pajamas and watched "The Bee Movie" in the mega-huge library theater. 

They had so much fun and we did too!!!  Keep persevering and remain courageous risk-takers!!!   

Soil Scientist

The students had an amazing time with the Soil Scientist! They even got to take home a few goodies to share with you all.  Here are some pictures of some of the experiments we did together:

Mrs. "G"

Which soil holds the most water?!??!?  It's definitely NOT humus!

Magic Diaper Absorbing Powder

Hydrophobic Sand

Earthworm Races

Soil Sugar Tubes

Volcano Eruptions

Study Island

Parents...I just wanted to make sure you all know that your child CAN get on study island from home. This has rigorous academic content that is both fun and engaging.  It is research-based with proven results for all students. It is also very easy to use!!!  We don't always get this program every year, so I hope you will be able to take advantage of it while we do have it.  Your child already knows thier username and password since we have been using this program at school.  Click here to log on now!!!

Edible Soil Party Pics!

Eating dirt...what a delicacy!  The class really enjoyed reflecting on our soil unit by making and eating these tasty little treats...have you ever tried clay, humus and sand?!?!? 

Before

The Masterpiece

The Aftermath

Oh...and yes...I had some too!!!