Spelling List - Corrections

Dear Families,

I apologize that the weekly spelling word list is not always accurate. This week there are a couple changes to the list of words you will download and print for Lesson #20. Here are some of the changes you will need to make as you begin practicing for our Friday spelling test:

1) You will find the word theatre on the Spelling Tic-Tac-Toe list, but we will be spelling the word theater instead. (no-theatre yes- theater)
2) There are five words missing from the spelling word list on the Vocabulary Lesson #20 pdf: multicolored, inform, northern, different, and theater (those words are on the Tic-Tac-Toe list).

Sorry for the inconvenience.

-Mr. Pfaff

Volunteer Help Needed

Volunteers,

On Thursday January 30th, our class has an Art Lit lesson that requires some additional helping hands. Help is needed throughout the lesson which is scheduled from 9:00-10:30, but would require some additional help setting up or cleaning up (15 min. before and/or after) if you are available. It will take place in the Art Lit portable, and Janice Jensen is organizing the materials and presentation. The lesson focuses on Claude Monet, and the class is really excited (I am too). Please let me know if you would be willing to help out with this exciting art lesson.  If you have never volunteered before, you will need to complete a quick background check found on the Beaverton School District website. It takes two days to process, so make sure you complete it by the 27th. Thank you. 

Brian Pfaff

Baby Food Jars Needed

Dear Families,

We are working on a winter project that requires baby food jars (and lids). If you have some at home that you have been collecting, or if you usually recycle them after use, could you please set aside a few and send them into class within the next week? Thanks.

-Mr. Pfaff

Trial

Dear Families,


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Homework and Specials Information

Dear Families,

Our specials rotations is as follows A- P.E. (dress accordingly), B- Technology, C- Music, D- Library (make sure to turn in your books so that you may check out new ones).

This week for homework each student will need to do math (click on "Math HW Unit 1"  under Math Homework sidebar heading to view), and spelling (click on "Spelling Tic-Tac-Toe Lesson 2" under the Spelling Vocabulary sidebar heading to view our 20 spelling words for the week).  You will need to download the document as a pdf before printing. This week writing homework is being completed in class to support the students in building a clearer idea of what is expected for future homework assignments.  Therefore starting on Monday 9/23, students will be completing writing homework at home.  New homework will be updated online on Monday of each week.

All homework is due on Mondays (always, unless there is no school).

I printed the homework this week for everyone, just to get started on the right foot.  Starting next week (9/23),  I will not be printing for those families who offered to print homework from home (during curriculum night I sent a clipboard around where you would've indicated your preference/accessibility).  I appreciate your help in that area.

Spelling: Although the Spelling Tic-Tac-Toe page is not due until Monday of each week, we will be doing our weekly spelling tests on Friday of each week.  Therefore, it is important to make time early in the week to practice your words.  It will not help you to do your spelling homework on the weekend before it's due, since the test will have already been completed the previous Friday.  This week there are 20 spelling words (which will be the norm).  Next week there will be an additional 10 "focus" vocabulary words that will also be a part of our weekly spelling test.  We will maintain that for the remainder of the year.  Tic-Tac-Toe activities only relate to the 20 spelling words, and are not required for the 10 vocabulary words.  However, it would be helpful for you to practice your vocabulary words at home as well.

Check your child's backpack today to make sure that their homework folder made it home.

Thanks,
-Mr. Pfaff

Getting To Know You

Dear Parent(s),

Welcome to another school year!  My name is Brian Pfaff and I will be your child's third grade teacher.  I am so excited to be working with you and your child this year.  I look forward to getting to know your child, and to the adventure we will have together this school year.

In my fourteen years of experience I have learned that good teaching begins with making your child feel at home in the classroom.  At SMES we want all of our students to come together as a learning community made of unique individuals, each with his or her own learning styles, interests, history and hopes.  Would you help us with this by taking a moment to write about your child?   What is your child like?   What are the things that you, as a parent, know would be important for us to know?   What are your child's interests?   We want to know how your child thinks and how you see your child as a learner and a person.  Please take a moment to write us and share your thoughts and insights.  You can mail this letter to me at school, send it to school with your child, or email it.  The mailing address is:

Brian Pfaff c/o Sexton Mountain Elementary

15645 SW Sexton Mountain Drive

Beaverton, OR 97007

brian_pfaff@beaverton.k12.or.us

Thank you for taking the time to do this!  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call (503) 672-3560.  We look forward to working with you this year!

-Mr. Pfaff

Passport Club

Dear Families,

This coming Wednesday (November 14th) is our next Passport Club Check Date. It has been so much fun watching the students get excited over geography. If you need another map to study for next week, please let me know. In addition, there is a link in the helpful websites column which will take you to an online quiz. This quiz will help prepare the students for next weeks Check Date. Have a great weekend!

-Mr. Pfaff

The last Passport Club Check Date before the winter break will be on Dec. 19.