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!