AR Program

A big congrats goes out to Fabio and Maria Jose. Both students have passed the 10 point goal and received their first prize as well as getting their picture on the AR bulletin board. The next school goal for both students is 25 points. Keep up the good work. I also wanted to reward the class for their great reading. Our class total is at 35 points. When we reach 50 points then we will receive a class reward of a popcorn and movie party.

Endangered Animals

As an extension of our habitat unit we discussed animals that are endangered and extinct. Each student was responsible for researching an endangered animal to learn more about it and why it is endangered. As a whole we researched animals from all over the world and from different habitats. We learned that the main factor for land animals was habitat destruction due to the cutting down of trees. A main factor for ocean animals was pollution. We talked about ways to help save these animals and ways in which we can all do more to help the Earth.

Each student in the class wrote a letter to President George Bush, asking him to help save their endangered animal. Here is a copy of Fabio's letter:

Dear President Bush,

Hello, my name is Fabio. I am in 3rd grade at Escuela Anaco in Venezuela. I am writing you a letter because I want you to save endangered animals. The sea otters are dying. They live off the coast of Asia. They are endangered because of oil spills and entrapment. We can help the sea otters by telling fishermen to stop spilling oils and entraping them.

Thank you,

Fabio M.


The letters will be mailed shortly and the children are awaiting a response.

Habitats the Movie

Check out some of the students reading what they wrote about habitats.

More on Habitats...

We have finished our unit on different habitats. Our bulletin board shows all of the hard work we have accomplished. The children each wrote a 8 sentence paragraph about one habitat. To show off their artistic abilities I had each student do a tear art to represent something from their habitat. Tear art is when children can only tear a piece of paper. They are not allowed to draw or cut. I always love how their perception comes through their artwork.

Open House

I wanted to thank all the parents who came to Open House. A lot of preparation gets put into setting up the classroom and the handout that was passed out. I enjoyed speaking with all of you. A big thanks goes to Mr. Johnson who was by my side the whole night translating for me. 1st Quarter needs next month, followed by Parent-Teacher Conferences. I will make sure to have another translator with me.

Habitats & Cooking

The students have been busy learning about four different types of habitats: tundra, forest, desert and ocean. They have learned specifics about each habitat. Recently they were divided into four groups and each group is writing a paragraph on each habitat. Their writings will be displayed around the classroom next week.

We are going to set aside a day each couple weeks to do a cooking lesson. The ingredients or the lesson will tie into something we are learning about each class. I will be asking for donations for ingredients or possibly a ride to Uni Casa to buy supplies, as some things need to be bought the day before. If anyone is interested in cooking with us, please come see me.

Our First Field Trip

Welcome to the Jungle

Ms. Susan’s Notes....

I wanted to start by saying hello and thanking all the parents for being patient as this school, country and language are all new to me.

I have started taking Spanish lessons so I hope to be able to communicate more efficiently to several of the parents as the year goes on.

I have met almost all the parents but for those of you I have not gotten a chance to introduce myself to I hope to see you at Open House. I will have handouts regarding homework policy, classroom rules and expectations, grading policy and curriculum. It is being held on September 11 from 5:30 - 7:30. Please bring the whole family!

I have an open door policy and if you have any concerns about your child’s education please come and talk to me. I feel that teaching is a 3 person effort: the student, the teacher and the parent. Please don’t wait until conference time.

Each month I will be sending home a monthly newsletter. This blog will also link to the newsletter so it can be viewed online.