Homework Clarification

I apologize that our first week of homework, using the links on this blog, has been so confusing and frustrating for many of you. I am working hard to smooth this process out, making it something useful, efficient, and supportive for everyone.
To clarify, homework is always due on Monday, unless there is no school. In that case it will be due on the following day of school (Tuesday in most cases). 
Spelling and Vocabulary words for the entire winter trimester can be found by clicking on the link found in the right column, and then selecting the current week of school from the folder (it appears as two dates signifying the beginning and the end of the homework week e.g. Dec. 5- Dec. 12). Spelling (Sp) and vocabulary (Vocab) documents are printable from home. The spelling provides Tic-Tac-Toe activities for the students to work on. You will notice that the vocabulary and corresponding spelling documents have numbers indicating the specific unit of instruction. For example,  Sp 11 (Dec. 12- Jan. 3) is connected to the document Vocab (11-15) because the 11 is the unit of instruction. Therefore, select the appropriate spelling document dates and corresponding vocabulary unit number words each week to focus on with your child.
My goal is to update the Writing and Math homework every weekend, so that it is available Monday morning for the new week of school.
Thanks for your patience and understanding. 

Welcome To Our Class Blog

     In an attempt to be in better communication with the families of my students, I have created this blog containing pertinent information about homework, educational support links, coming events, as well as a closer look into the topics and curriculum that are impacting these children at school.
     After my first few weeks, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the unique qualities, personality traits, and interests/motivations of these wonderful third grade students.  Looking ahead, I hope to gain an even better grasp on the needs and strengths of each child so that I might be able to better prepare myself to challenge and motivate them in the coming trimesters.
     Each week I will post new homework to be printed, completed, and turned in by each student. Homework is always due the first of the week (Monday usually). Please try to click on the homework documents (right column) to see if you can print them for use. If you cannot print them for any reason, I have sent a letter home where you can indicate that you need me to print them for your child. I am happy to do that, I just need to know from you as soon as possible.
     If you have any additional questions please email me at brian_pfaff@beaverton.k12.or.us

Please feel free to add your own postings to this blog, but make sure to take into account that this is public access, and we want to make sure that everything stated is appropriate for viewing. 

Cayuga Nation in Turmoil

Cayuga fortress under attack

Several incidents last week have thrust our tribe into conflict with the neighboring tribes; Onondaga, Mohawk, Seneca, and Oneida. Early in the week Talks Crazy vanished from the Mohawk Nation. Believing that our Cayuga nation was responsible, the Mohawks promptly retaliated with an attack aimed at our village near the river. One of our longhouses was set on fire, and food was stolen. After the dust settled, Paytah, an elder member of our bear clan, was missing. However, a total of seven Mohawk warriors were captured in the siege. Our tribe is up in arms and ready to return the aggression, but hopefully the mysterious newcomer from the north will bring about peace amongst our 5 nations.  The events of the coming weeks will be crucial to the future peace of the nations of the Iroquois League.