Mrs. Fraser

BIBLE VERSE

Character Trait:  Seeker

Reference:  Jeremiah 29:1

Verse:  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Definition:  Searching to know more of who God is

Opposite:  Lack of interest in the things of God

SPELLING

LESSON 20  Pattern Words:   R-Controlled Vowels (air, ear, er, ir )

1.  stir

2.  first

3.  silver

4.  chair

5.  learn

6.  early

7.  stairs

8.  skirts

9.  heard

10.  nearly

11.  fearful

12.  airport

13.  answer

14.  upstairs

15.  thirteen

16.  covered

17.  together

18.  shepherd

High-Frequency Words

19.  engine

20.  symbol

Challenge Words

*  temperature

*  thermometer

PARENT CORNER

SUPERINTENDENT’S STATE OF THE SCHOOL ADDRESS

Superintendent Debbie Siebert will hold the fifth annual State of the School Address  Monday, January 28th at 7:00 PM in the G. L. Johnson Chapel.    As a school community, it is beneficial for everyone involved to have a clear understanding of how well we are meeting the mission of Fresno Christian Schools.  Along with reporting on the school program Mrs. Siebert will present information regarding the financial picture of our school.  As we work together to strengthen Fresno Christian the more information we have about all aspects of the program the more effective our unified efforts will be.

PEACH BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Congratulations to the following students who were chosen to compete in our Oral Interpretation Assembly on Monday, January 27th from 12:30-1:30 PM in the North Lobby Chapel!

Josh Lino

Billy Magulas

Aidan Munoz

Shirley Rylander

All students did a fabulous job in presenting their poems to the class and should be proud of their accomplishments!  Parents are all welcome to attend the finalist round of the 1st-3rd grade Oral Interpretation Assembly. Students will be selected to advance as representatives of Fresno Christian Schools to the Peach Blossom Festival held at California State University, Fresno in early spring.

Parent conferences will be held next week, February 3-7 for grades 1-6.   Monday through Friday are minimum release days with dismissal at 12:00 PM.   Conference appointment forms will be sent home this week on Monday.  Please return your conference confirmation by Friday of this week.  If you need to reschedule, please call Mrs. Roberts  at 292-7704 – ext 103.   I look forward to sharing with you the progress your child has made.

The World’s Finest Chocolate Candy Bar Fundraiser is coming to an end!  Please turn in your money for all boxes checked out by Friday, January 31st.  *Reminder:  No returns will be accepted.  Please turn in the money with the student’s name and teacher written on the envelope.  Many thanks for all your hard work in making this a very successful fundraiser.

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

We are nearing the end of our 2013/14 Box Tops for Education promotion.  There are 3 more Fridays left to turn in Box Tops.  The last day to hand in Box Tops is Friday, February 14.  Each Box Top collected is worth cash for our school.  As an incentive we will be having a class contest.  The class bringing in the most Box Tops at the end of this promotion will receive a “prize”.  Below are the totals collected per class so far:

Mr. Broersma…738                                                Mrs. Tally…1393

Mrs. Ferguson…1144                                             Mrs. VanderKooi…484

Mrs. Fraser…1523                                                   Mr. Weimer…755

Mrs. Hancox…508                                                  Mrs. Witters…426

Mrs. Raymundo…872                                            Total…7843

Thank you for supporting Fresno Christian Schools!

CANDY GRAMS 

The California Junior Scholarship Federation (an organization promoting scholarship for service) at Fresno Christian Junior High is conducting its annual Candy Gram fundraiser.  The money collected will be used to buy books for a reading club.

CJSF is selling candy grams for Valentine’s Day.  The cost is $1.00.  Sales begins on Monday, January 27th and the candy grams will be distributed on February 14th.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDER

The February Scholastic Book Order will be offered  this week.  You may place your order online throughout the month of February and pay by credit card at scholastic.com/reading club.  Use the one time class activation code:  L9NJ4.  On-line orders are due by Friday, February 28.

VALENTINE’S PARTY 

We will celebrate on Friday, February 14th.  Our party will be from 1:20 PM – 2:40 PM.  The children will exchange valentines with each another.  Please be sure  your child brings a valentine for everybody.  A class list will be provided for your convenience.   Please bring your valentines on the DAY of the party, not any earlier.  Thank you!

Our annual Fresno Christian Auction/Dinner is our biggest school wide fundraising event.  This year will mark our 31st auction.  It will be held on Saturday, March 15, from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. in the FCS Gym.   We are raising money to enrich our program and develop our campus.  Last year’s receipts were over $100,000 and we hope to do even better.

Please be sure and order your tickets/tables as soon as possible.  Tickets will be going fast!  The success of the auction is based on a unique blend of guests (bidders) as well as  the number and quality of donations.  Attached to today’s newsletter you will find details for donations. Popular auction items include: boutique items, collectibles, vacation packages, jewelry, art, tools, dinner packages, professional services, electronics, garden supplies, gift certificates, etc.

You will also find details regarding a contest for students to help solicit donations.  There will be incentives for classes to reach their goals and encourage a team effort.  You may turn in the forms with your donation (or clearly mark auction donation) and our class will get credits towards a party. Your child will also receive tickets to put into a drawing!  You may get these from Mrs. Roberts.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

JANUARY

Monday, January 27 – FCS State of the School Address in G.L. Johnson Chapel  7:00-8:30  PM

FEBRUARY

February 3-7 – Parent Teacher Conferences / Early Dismissal at 12:00 PM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY SETH RADKE!

Monday, February 10 – No School / Lincoln’s Birthday

Friday, February 14 – Happy Valentine’s Day! / Party 1:20-2:40 PM

Monday, February 17 – No School / Washington’s Birthday

Wednesday, February 26 – Staff In-Service / 12:00 PM Dismissal

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

CHARACTER TRAIT:  Humility  

Reference:  Philippians 2:3

Bible Verse:  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Definition:  Allowing God His rightful place at the center of my life and giving Him the glory of praise I might receive  

Opposite:  Pride or self-importance

SPELLING

LESSON 19  Pattern Words:   R-Controlled Vowels

1.  yours

2.  share

3.  warm

4.  worry

5.  fourth

6.  course

7.  report

8.  corner

9.  before

10.  depart

11.  storms

12.  careful

13.  worker

14.   market

15.  warning

16.  shortest

17.  seashore

18.  forgotten

High-Frequency Words

19.  noisy

20.  mountain

Challenge Words

*  vitamins

*  minerals

PARENT CORNER

Third graders are enjoying the experience of sharing their poems in class.   They are all doing a great job!  By now all students should have their poems memorized and should be putting on their finishing touches with hand motions, facial expressions, or gestures.  We will be practicing our poems in class for Friday’s class speech meet on January 24th.

We will choose our classroom participants for Peach Blossom Assembly on Friday, Jan. 24th.  No parents will attend on  this day, but are welcome on the January 27th Assembly.   Keep practicing at home, as there are only a few days left before our classroom participants are chosen.

PEACH BLOSSOM ASSEMBLY

Parents are invited to the Oral Interpretation Assembly, Monday. Jan. 27th at 12:30 PM in the North Lobby Chapel.  This is where we have Worship on Mondays and Chapel on Tuesdays.

WORLD’S FINEST CHOCOLATES FUNDRAISER

 The children are doing a wonderful job selling chocolates!! Check out  your World’s Finest Chocolate boxes  from now until January 31st. Please turn in your money in the envelopes enclosed in your boxes to the campus secretary, Mrs. Roberts, not your teachers , (student’s name and teacher need to be written on them).

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

Elementary conferences are scheduled for the week of  Feb. 3-7.  School is dismissed at 12:00 PM each day during that week.  Your scheduled appointment time will be included in your child’s red Homework Folder attached to the newsletter  on Monday, Jan. 27th.  Please sign and return by Friday, Jan. 31st.  If you need to change your time, please call Mrs. Roberts at 299 1695, ext. 103.

KID’S CLUB

VALENTINE’S PARTY

 We will celebrate on Friday, Feb. 14th.  Our party will be from 1:20 – 2:40. The children will exchange valentines with one another. Please be sure  your child brings a valentine for everybody. 

BIBLE

This week the story of Genesis shifts to Joseph in Chapter 37.  Running through the Joseph stories is one theme:  the mystery of God’s providence.  The stories our third graders will study show God working out his purposes in spite of and through human evil.  Genesis 37 identifies Joseph as his father’s chosen and the one to whom God gave a dream.  This week we will study the story of how Joseph is despised by his brothers and sold into slavery and eventually finds himself in Potiphar’s house, an Egyptian official.  We will learn about Joseph’s God-given ability to interpret dreams.

READING

This week in reading we will focus on story structure including the main characters, setting, and problem.  We will also focus on the comprehension skills of determining facts and opinions along with developing key vocabulary words.

MULTIPLICATION FACTS

Check to see how your child is doing in short timed tests of factor facts.  Practice daily.  Students must pass 36 problems with 100% accuracy in 3 minutes before advancing to the next level to receive a “Congratulations!’ certificate.  This week will study the Factor Family of 3:

3 x 0 = 0

3 x 1 = 3

3 x 2 = 6

3 x 3 = 9

3 x 4 = 12

3 x 5 = 15

3 x 6 = 18

3 x 7 = 21

3 x 8 = 24

3 x 9 = 27

3 x 10 = 30

A copy of the multiplication chart will to attached to the newsletter to help students study their facts at home.

HEALTH/SCIENCE

We have been studying about “Shaping Up My Choices” and Food Group Finds.  Students have a Family Homework assignment along with the weekly math homework.  Look for the Lesson 2 “My Dinner Foods” in your RED FOLDER.  Complete the student activity and family activity together and return in your RED FOLDER this Thursday, January 23.  

In class, students will work together in 6 teams assigned to make a poster of assigned food groups Thursday this week.  If you would like to donate 6 poster boards, we will need 1 in each of the following colors: blue, green, red, orange, purple, and pink.  You may email me on Tuesday or Wednesday if you can help with these items.  Thank you so much!

COMING ATTRACTIONS

JANUARY

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY CYMBRIE STEELE!

Friday, January 24 – Class Oral Interpretation Speech Meet

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR BECKWORTH!

FEBRUARY

February 3-7 – Parent Teacher Conferences / Early Dismissal at 12:00 PM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY SETH RADKE!

Monday, February 10 – No School / Lincoln’s Birthday

Friday, February 14 – Happy Valentine’s Day! / Party 1:20-2:40 PM

Monday, February 17 – No School / Washington’s Birthday

Wednesday, February 26 – Staff In-Service / 12:00 PM Dismissal

 BIBLE

Character Trait:  Generosity

Reference:  Psalms 11:5

Verse:  Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.

Definition:  Freely sharing with others from what God has allowed me to have

Opposite:  Selfishness or holding on to things instead of sharing

SPELLING WORDS:  LESSON 18

This week is a review week.  Please review all words from Lessons 13-17.  You will find a study list of words attached to your newsletter on Monday.  There will be a multiple choice test this Friday.  Next week in Lesson 19 we will continue to write 5 more words in cursive as we study our weekly 20 words and 2 challenge words.  This will make 10 words to practice writing in cursive.

PARENT CORNER

MULTIPLICATION FACTS

Third graders will begin a special level program to learn our multiplication facts.  Each week we will concentrate on a particular factor family.  Students will study the facts at school and students should review them at home.  We will have a daily 3-minute timed test of 36 multiplication facts in that factor family.  Our goal is to pass the fact family each Friday.  This is a progressive test and we will learn facts up through the family of 9.  Students must pass one level with 100% accuracy before moving on to the next level. Students should pass all 9 levels by the end of the third quarter.  We will begin with the factor families of 0, 1, 2, and 3’s.  Now is a great time to purchase a set of multiplication fact flash cards for your child to help with daily practice in multiplication as  well as in addition and subtraction facts if you do not yet have these tools.  The Dollar Tree offers them very inexpensively.

Factor Family of 0

0 x 0 = 0

0 x 1  = 0

0 x 2 = 0

0 x 3 = 0

0 x 4 = 0

0 x 5 = 0

0 x 6 = 0

0 x 7 = 0

0 x 8 = 0

0 x 9 = 0

0 x 10 = 0

Factor Family of 1

1 x 0 = 0

1 x 1 = 1

1 x 2 = 2

1 x 3 = 3

1 x 4 = 4

1 x 5 = 5

1 x 6 = 6

1  x 7 = 7

1 x 8 = 8

1  x 9 = 9

1 x 10 = 10

Factor Family of 2

2 x 0 = 0

2 x 1 = 2

2 x 2 = 4

2 x 3 = 6

2 x 4 = 8

2 x 5 = 10

2 x 6 = 12

2 x 7 = 14

2 x 8 = 16

2 x 9 = 18

2 x 10 = 20

MATH COMPUTATION FACTS

Our second semester goals are to show proficiency in 100 addition and subtraction facts with 100% accuracy within 4 minutes time limit.  Students will continue to practice facts.  Requirements are to pass Addition Facts Form A with 100% accuracy and then pass Form B with 100% accuracy.  Then students will proceed to show proficiency in 100 Subtractions Facts with 100% accuracy within 4 minutes for Form A and then Form B.  A copy of Form A and B in Addition and Subtraction will be sent home for students to use as practice.  Math certificates will be awarded for passing each form and level.  Timed tests in computation facts will be given twice a week. Upon reaching these goals, a third grader becomes a Member of the Third Grade Math Club and will be invited to an Ice Cream Party near the end of the school year.

Students will then progress to earn entrance to the Fourth Grade by mastering 100 Multiplication Facts in Form A and B, 100 Division Facts in Form A and B for the Fifth Grade Math Club, and 100 Mixed Facts for Sixth Grade.  Students who reach this goal  become a Lifetime Math Member and will earn pizza with the 3rd and 4th grade teachers near the end of the school year.

LIBRARY DAY

Please note that every TUESDAY is Library Day at 2:00-2:45 PM for our third grade class.  Students should be returning their books every week.  They are required to check out 3 Red Star Books from the recommended reading list in the library each week.  They may keep their library books up to TWO weeks before they are overdue.

Please keep library books stored in student backpacks while at home so that their Red Star Books go back and forth to school every day.  Children have a routine to pull Red Star Books out  of their backpacks after lunch for daily Sustained Silent Reading.   Much reading time is wasted when children do not have their reading books to complete their reading assignments to be prepared for READING COUNTS quizzes on Wednesdays and Fridays.  Students are required to read a minimum of 1 Red Star Book per week and take a quiz with a passing score of 70% or above.  During the third quarter of school books chosen should now more closely match their lexile comprehension level.  You may check the individualized recommended reading list sent home for examples.  Most library books should have the lexile comprehension level on the inside cover of the book.  Thank you for helping your child develop a daily routine for this study habit.

READING

Last week students began a literature study of The Mouse and the Motorcycle focusing on skills for critical thinking in Chapter 1 including identifying story elements, recalling details, matching, comparing characters, making outcomes, drawing conclusions, predicting, as well as stating and defending an opinion. This week we continue our literature study in Chapter 2 .  We will learn about sequencing events, stating the main idea, identifying cause and effect and practice the critical thinking skills introduced in Chapter 1.

We also continue Unit 3:  Incredible Stories in leveled readers to build fluency and independence.  Students are studying key vocabulary and focusing  on comprehension skills.  Students are drawing conclusions based on story details by using graphic organizers in a conclusion chart along with improving oral reading accuracy through timed oral reading records.

ORAL INTERPRETATION

By now all students should have their poems selected.  This week we continue to practice our poems in class daily for next Friday’s class speech meet on January 24th.  Students should have their poems memorized by this Friday, January 17.  Begin to think about what voice expressions and hand gestures you would like to add to make your poem story come alive!  Sorry, no props are allowed per oral interpretation rules.

READING COUNTS

During the third quarter students are required to take a minimum of 1 Reading Counts quiz WEEKLY with a passing score of 70% or above for credit as part of the reading grade.  Please note that these quizzes cannot be made up at a later date unless absent.  Students are given daily Sustained Silent Reading Time to read their books.  They also have access to the computers on Wednesdays and Fridays in class to take quizzes.  Students are not allowed to use their books when taking a quiz other than inputting the title and author.

If you choose to take a quiz at home during the week after reading a Red Star Book, the student should be supervised by a parent.  You may print a copy of your child’s recommended reading list from home with books tailor fit to their interests and lexile comprehension level.  If students are taking Red Star Books home to read, please store them in student backpacks so that books are returned to school daily for use during Sustained Silent Reading each week.

READING COUNTS GOALS

Special Reading Certificates
BLUE – 25 POINTS
RED – 50 POINTS
BRONZE – 100 POINTS
SILVER – 250 POINTS
GOLD – 500 POINTS

 Year-End Awards

100 points- Ice Cream Party

500 points- Pizza with the 3rd and 4th grade teachers

MATH

ACADEMIC END OF THE YEAR MATH REWARDS

CHARACTER TRAIT:  Encouragement

Reference:  Romans 15:2

Bible Verse:  Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

Definition:   Supporting others in ways that inspire hope, courage, or confidence in others 

Opposite:  Gossiping

SPELLING

Lesson 17:  Pattern Words–Words with the (o) Sound

1.  loss

2.  also

3.  stall

4. haul

5.  fault

6.  often

7.  rainfall

8.  almost

9.  always

10.  caught

11.  bought

12.  lawyer

13.  authors

14.  naughty

15.  yawned

16.  daughter

17.  awesome

18.  thoughtful

High Frequency Words

19.  beside

20.  distance

Challenge Words

*presidio

*pueblo

Cursive:  Beginning third quarter, students will start to take their spelling tests in printing and cursive.  Third graders will be graded for spelling credit in printing and progress will be observed in cursive for handwriting.  This week the first 5 spelling words will be required in printing and cursive.  We will add 5 more words each week until we reach the required 20 words plus challenge words.  After several weeks, the training wheels of printing will be removed and spelling tests will be in cursive only.  You will be informed in a future newsletter which week the cursive-only requirement starts for spelling.

PARENT CORNER

WINTER WELCOME!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  What a peaceful and restful Christmas with family and dear friends!  I trust all of you had a wonderful Christmas vacation enjoying the holidays together. The class self-portrait quilt was absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!!   I loved it!  I consider it a magnificent keepsake from these special children.  Their interpretations of themselves were adorable!  A big, warm thank you to Emily Phillips for orchestrating  this one of a kind quilt with our class.  It is absolutely gorgeous!

I also want to thank all of the families in our classroom  for the beautiful expression of love sent through your Christmas cards and precious, thoughtful holiday gifts. I felt so blessed and loved and the Christmas party was such a delight for all!  Thank you  Patty Steele and the many hands that lovingly prepared and provided for our celebration together.   May God’s peace dwell in your hearts as we look forward to all that God has planned for us in 2014!

BIBLE

In January Unit 3 focuses on the start of the great nation of Israel, begins with the story of Jacob’s 12 sons and God’s blessings on Jacob with many sons. We will read the story of how Jacob flees from Laban to return to Canaan, the land God had promised to his family.  God wrestles with Jacob at the Jabbok River  as angels meet Jacob as he sets out on the final leg of his trip back to Canaan.  It is here that Jacob receives his new identity–Israel (he who strives with God.) This week we will see how God heals broken hearts and Esau is able to embrace and forgive his brother, Jacob for stealing his birthright and blessing.

 MATH

This week we will continue our study of measurement.  We will explore customary units of weight comparing ounces and pounds.  We will use benchmark temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit in ranges of COLD: 32 degrees Fahrenheit–when water freezes, COOL:  50 degrees Fahrenheit–a cool day when you need a jacket, WARM:  70 degrees Fahrenheit–a warm day, and HOT:  110 degrees Fahrenheit–a very hot day!  We will study about metric units to measure greater lengths in meters and kilometers.  We will learn about how centimeters are used to measure shorter things like a spoon or key and how decimeters are used to measure slightly longer things like a book, a vase, or a breadbox.  We will also discovery metric units of capacity and how liters and milliters are used to measure liquids.

SPELLING

This quarter students will study the following phonics patterns:

Words with the /o/ sound

R-Controlled Vowels:  ar, are, or, ore, our

R-Controlled Vowels:  air, ear, er, ir

R-Controlled Vowels:  eer, err, ur, ure

Contractions

Compound Words

Hard and Soft C

Hard and Soft G

Prefixes:  a-, in-, pre-, re-, un-

LANGUAGE ARTS:  PEACH BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

This week our third grade class will begin selecting poems to memorize for the class oral interpretation speech meet and advancement to the finalist round for selection as a representative to the Peach Blossom Festival in early spring.  All students are expected to memorize a poem as part of their oral language grade for third quarter in language.

Requirements include:

A minimum of 12-16 lines (3-4 stanzas)

Choose selections that allow children to “bring to life” their pieces through their voice and and gestures

Poem of integrity and value

Humorous or serious

Appropriate selection for age

Identify the title and author at the beginning of the selection

Vocal variety in volume, rate, pitch

Expression of voice and face

Hand and/or Body Movements

Eye Contact

Creativity Utilized

Meaning and Emotion

Naturalness and Sincerity

SOURCES FOR POETRY

Students may select from a variety of sources.  The school has a grade level resource book with Associated Christian Schools International collection of poems  and elementary speech materials for third grade including classic poets and more contemporary poets like Robert Louis Stevenson, A. A. Milne, Helen Steiner Rice, David McCord.  There are many poetry books at school in our classroom and in the library.  Parents are welcome to look on-line for poems and have your child submit a copy for approval by this Friday, January 10.

We will read many poems together in class and students should have a poem selected by this Friday, January 10.  We will all choose a different poem.  Once selected, students should begin to memorize their poem on a daily basis at home with parental guidance.   A “Helpful Hints” guide sheet for memorizing and presenting the poem will be sent home with the newsletter to assist parents on tips for a great, effective presentation.  Please continue to work individually with your child on these steps.  We look forward to sharing our favorite poems with our classmates.  Thank you for your cooperation in helping your children learn their poems.

Our class oral interpretation speech meet will be on Friday, January 24.  Guest judges will select 4 semifinalist on that day to participate in the finalist round with grades 1-6 Speech Assembly to be announced.

READING

There will be no book report project assigned this month as students will be memorizing poems for the oral presentation in Oral Language. Students will have the next 3 weeks  to practice and prepare the presentations of their oral poetry.

We will continue our leveled reading adventures and literature studies in reading groups.  Please note that your child will have a recommended reading list attached to your newsletter today.  These lists show the reading lexile comprehension level most recently received from the latest Scholastic Reading Inventory taken at the end of second quarter.  Beginning third quarter, third graders should be checking out books in the lexile score range listed at the top of the Recommended Reading List.  A list of books in your child’s interest areas are included as examples of matching their reading ability to books in the library.  The goal is to move away from books less challenging or too easy to those those more closely matched to students’ reading abilities when choosing selections  for READING COUNTS.

WRITING

This third quarter we will focus on learning to write fictional narratives or stories.  We will study about story elements including characters (imaginary people, animals, or creatures), the setting (time and place), the plot (sequence of events), the villain (someone or something that causes a problem), the conflict (a problem), and the resolution (how the problem is solved).

Third graders will learn how to develop a plot with a beginning, middle, and end.  They will also develop the characters and setting by using strategies like dress-ups, action, descriptive detail, and dialogue to make their stories interesting.  We will also focus on correct grammar, capitalization, and punctuation.

SOCIAL STUDIES

We will begin Unit 3 Community History this week with Chapter 5 How Communities Began.  Lesson 1 will include Exploring California and rulers who sent Spanish, English, and Russian explorers to California.  We will follow routes on a map.  We will learn about early communities including Spanish missions, presidios, and pueblos.  We study how to  read a time line.

HEALTH AND SCIENCE

Our class is starting a program to learn more about healthy eating and physical-activity choices called “Shaping Up My Choices.”  We will discover how to:

Build balanced meals using a food grouping system

Name the nutrients of each food group

Balance breakfast, lunch, and snacks with healthy choices

Read the Nutrition Facts label on food packages

We will also:

Learn about serving sizes of foods

Learn about the benefits of being physically active

Learn about healthy beverage choices

*After some of the lessons, students will bring activities home that you as parents can do together.  I would also like to invite any parent who is in the health or medical field to come and share with the children about their professions. Let me know if you would be willing to come and share with us. The children are so proud when  mom or dad or grandma or grandpa come to our classroom and share. 

BOX TOP TREASURE DAY

Just a reminder that this Friday, January 10 is a Box Top Collection Day so be sure to bring in your pre-counted boxtops on Friday.

SPIRIT DAY

Remember that every Friday is Spirit Day!  So be sure to wear your favorite FCS spirit wear on Fridays!!

COMING ATTRACTIONS

JANUARY

Monday, January 6 – Happy New Year!  School resumes

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA CALDERON!

MONDAY, JANUARY 13 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIC RUIZ!

Wednesday, January 15 – Half Day/Teacher In-Service /Release Time at 12:00 PM

Monday, January 20 – No School/ Martin Luther King Jr. Day

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY CYMBRIE STEELE!

Friday, January 24 – Class Oral Interpretation Speech Meet

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR BECKWORTH!

FEBRUARY

February 3-7 – Parent Teacher Conferences / Early Dismissal at 12:00 PM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY SETH RADKE!

Monday, February 10 – No School / Lincoln’s Birthday

Friday, February 14 – Happy Valentine’s Day! / Party 1:30-2:40 PM

Monday, February 17 – No School / Washington’s Birthday

Wednesday, February 26 – Staff In-Service / 12:00 PM Dismissal

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

                                                                                                    

CHARACTER TRAIT:  Christ’s Birth

Reference:  Isaiah 9:6

Bible Verse:  For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

SPELLING WORDS:  LESSON 16 

Pattern Words-Words with the /ou/ sound

1.  count

2.  louder

3.  cloudy

4.  frown

5.  towels

6.  power

7.  drown

8.  crowd

9.  pounds

10.  browse

11.  sounded

12.  however

13.  outdoors

14.  surround

15.  household

16.  downtown

17.  playground

18.  outstanding

High-Frequency Words

19.  different

20.  probably

Challenge Words

* ornament

* Bethlehem

PARENT CORNER

IN APPRECIATION

Thank you dear, dear parents for the beautiful Thanksgiving celebration and party last Tuesday. We appreciated your heart of giving for the children to share in such a memorable time together.   The third graders had a wonderful experience creating pine cone turkey centerpieces and Oreo Cookie Candy Corn eatable turkeys.  They all turned out looking very unique!!  We enjoyed a joyful day of praise, worship, and were blessed by Jeanette Rylander’s message in chapel  centered around thankfulness.  We also were blessed with Shirley’s family, her dad, Jacob, Baby Brother, and Jeanette’s grandparents, who participated in a Thanksgiving skit during chapel.  Great acting!! And third graders, you did a fantastic job on the reader’s theater play “Give Thanks for the Pilgrims!!!”

Grades 1-6 grades will be going skating on Friday, December 13 at Cal Skate of Clovis. Travel arrangements will be by CARPOOL.  A form will be coming home with more information.  Please return the form that is being sent home by Friday, December 6th.  Also, some of you asked if you could just meet us at the skating rink at 8:15 AM, rather than come to school in the morning.  This is great, but please make a note of that on your form so I know how many students I will still need to transport. You may also take your child from Cal Skate after our skating session is done at 10:00 AM rather than return to school.  If you are transporting students I will need you to arrive at school at 8:00 AM.  Thank you!

FRESNO CHRISTIAN MUSIC DEPARTMENT PRESENTS:

REVIEW CHARACTER TRAIT:  Thankfulness  

Reference:  Thankfulness I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Review Bible Verse:  Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

REVIEW CHARACTER TRAIT:  Thankfulness

Reference:  Thankfulness I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Review Bible Verse:  Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

SPELLING WORDS:  LESSON 15

Pattern Words-Diphthongs: oi, oo, oy

1.  oily

2.  loyal

3.  hood

4.  royal

5.  voice

6.  coins

7.  annoy

8.  brook

9.  joining

10.  choice

11.  looked

12.  rejoice

13.  spoiled

14.  pointed

15.  destroy

16.  enjoyed

17.  crooked

18.  understood

High-Frequency Words

19.  divided

20.  exercise

Challenge Words

*Squanto

*Wampanoag

PARENT CORNER

PTF FUNDRAISER

The Parent Teacher Fellowship has scheduled a Fundraiser dinner at Sweet Tomatoes for TODAY, November 18th, from 11:00 AM -8 PM.  Come fellowship with your friends, enjoy a great dinner, and help raise money to enrich our students’ learning experiences at FCS!!

READING/BIOGRAPHY BOOK REPORTS

Please note that biography book reports are due Wednesday, November 20th.

MATH TEST

We will have a math test on Tuesday, November 26 over Chapter 3 Addition and Subtraction.  A Pre-test will be sent home today to review concepts in Chapter 3.  Please return your completed Pre-test the day of the test.

WEEKLY HOMEWORK

Please return your Red Homework folder on Thursday with assignments  including corrections for an improved score, missing assignments, absent work, or incomplete work now finished for credit.

We will be having a class Thanksgiving celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 26th, from 1: 30-2:45 PM.  Our room parents  are planning some activities to encourage us to reflect on the things we are thankful for.  God has blessed us greatly!!

COLDER WEATHER

Please remember to send a JACKET daily with your child as the season changes to cooler weather.   Students will eat in their classrooms when the weather drops below 60 degrees or on rainy days.

TOGETHER WE CAN FOOD DRIVE

Once again we have the privilege to help the families of Pinedale this Holiday season!  We will be collecting CANned food Nov. 12th thru Dec. 6th to distribute through the Pinedale Book Buddies program.  Our High School students are already volunteering as Book Buddies and we would like to continue our support for their programs.

Our delivery this year will help families by providing food for Christmas.  Pinedale resource leaders put together a list of items most used in the community (see back of flyer sent home).  Please make sure to check this list before you shop.

There will be a prize awarded to the classes that bring the most items (1 prize for grades K-3, and 1 prize for grades 4-6).

If you are interested in making a financial donation, please send cash/check to the office and designate “Food – Pinedale.”  We have a program with Food Maxx where we use scrip & S.H.A.R.E.S. so FCS also benefits!

If you have any  questions, please contact Rob Foshee at rfoshee@fresnochristian.com .

FRESNO CHRISTIAN MUSIC DEPARTMENT PRESENTS:

“A Candlelight Christmas”

Kindergarten through Fourth Grades

Elementary Choir

Junior High Choir

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

5:30 pm

Fresno Christian Gym

COMING ATTRACTIONS

CHARACTER TRAIT:  Thankfulness

Reference:  Thankfulness I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Bible Verse:  Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Pattern Words-Consonant Digraphs- ch, ph, sh, tch, th, wh

1.  fifth

2.  then

3.  than

4.  which

5.  wheel

6.  shelter

7.  kitchen

8.  catcher

9.  children

10.  whether

11.  weather

12.  watched

13.  matches

14.  branches

15.  sandwich

16.  telephone

17.  dashboard

18.  photograph

High-Frequency Words

19.  recess

20.  subject

Challenge Words

* cornucopia

* Massachusetts

PARENT CORNER:

IN APPRECIATION

We had a fantastic trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium last Thursday!   Thank you so very much to all of the parents  who were able to join us and help chaperone students on this exciting experience.  The children loved the tactile, hands-on approach to interactive learning and and the opportunity to travel together.

We will be having a class Thanksgiving celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 26th, from 1:15-2:45 PM.  Our room parents are planning  activities to encourage us to reflect on the things we are thankful for.  God has blessed us greatly!!   You are welcome to join us!

READING/BIOGRAPHY BOOK REPORTS

Please note that biography book reports are due Wednesday, November 20th.

MATH

This week in math we will work on subtracting  by regrouping tens and hundreds, estimating differences by rounding numbers, subtracting  four-digit numbers, and subtracting  when regrouping involves zeros.

MATH HOMEWORK

With the shortened week, there will be no new math homework packet.  Red Homework Folders are due on Friday with missing assignments, corrections for an improved score, absent, or incomplete work.

WRITING

This week we will be writing a personal narrative about our experience in Monterey.

TOGETHER WE CAN FOOD DRIVE

Once again we have the privilege to help the families of Pinedale this Holiday season!  We will be collecting CANned food Nov. 12th thru Dec. 6th to distribute through the Pinedale Book Buddies program.  Our High School students are already volunteering as Book Buddies and we would like to continue our support for their programs.

Our delivery this year will help families by providing food for Christmas.  Pinedale resource leaders put together a list of items most used in the community (see back of flyer sent home).  Please make sure to check this list before you shop.

There will be a prize awarded to the classes that bring the most items (1 prize for grades K-3, and 1 prize for grades 4-6).

If you are interested in making a financial donation, please send cash/check to the office and designate “Food – Pinedale.”  We have a program with Food Maxx where we use scrip & S.H.A.R.E.S. so FCS also benefits!

If you have any  questions, please contact Rob Foshee at rfoshee@fresnochristian.com .

FRESNO CHRISTIAN MUSIC DEPARTMENT PRESENTS:

“A Candlelight Christmas”

Kindergarten through Fourth Grades

Elementary Choir

Junior High Choir

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

5:30 pm

Fresno Christian Gym

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Gratefulness-Thankfulness

Reference:  Ephesians 5:20

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Definition:  An attitude of being appreciative and grateful for all circumstances that happen to you.

Opposite:  Little appreciation for what God and others do for me.

SPELLING:  Lesson 13

Pattern Words-Words with Silent Letters

1.  sign

2.  slick

3.  gnat

4.  rack

5.  knife

6.  kneel

7.  wrist

8.  knock

9.  whole

10.  whom

11.  whose

12.  wrong

13.  writing

14.  knotted

15.  wrench

16.  wrecker

17.  unknown

18.  checking

High-Frequency Words

19.  object

20.  directions

Challenge Words

* aquarium

* Monterey

 PARENT CORNER

HARVEST CELEBRATION CLASS PARTY

Thank you dear room parents for the fun, festive,  fall harvest party last week.  The third graders had such a wonderful time.  Your kind and creative activities were a joy for the children and a delight as adults to watch! You are all dearly appreciated!!  Thank you for all you do for our class to make our learning experiences extra special!!!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOE BOXES

These boxes, which will be sent to poor children around the world, provide an opportunity for our students and their families do something for someone else this Christmas. A pamphlet with ideas and the forms you’ll need was already sent home.  There are boxes in the office if you would like to pick one up.   Since we will be gone to Monterey Bay Aquarium for a field trip on Thursday November 7,  if you choose to participate in the Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box gift, please bring it to school on Wednesday, November 6th.

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM FIELD TRIP

Early Thursday morning, November 7th our third and fourth graders will depart for our trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium!  We will all gather in front of People’s Church and park in the tree-lined parking lot area near Fir Street.  Peoples Church has asked us NOT to park near the globe.  We will meet  at 6:00 AM and depart at 6:15 AM  so be sure to arrive early.   The return time will be  5:30 PM by charter bus.

Please have your child wear their FCS class t-shirt and bring a jacket or sweatshirt.  You will find a schedule, so please check the itinerary for details of our trip. Thank you!  The following parents have volunteered to serve as chaperones.

Ted and Andi Bull – Bus

Julia Calderon – Bus

Jennifer Dansby – Bus

Silva Emerian – Bus

Beverly Foshee – Bus

Preston and Kori Friesen – Car

Edward and Stephanie Garcia – Car

Melissa Gleason – Bus

Deanne Graham – Bus

Rhonda Griffin – Bus

Angela Mosesian – Bus

Natalie Munoz – Bus

John Nidever – Bus

Emily Phillips – Car

Lisa Radke – Bus

Ernie Ruiz – Bus

Patty Steele – Bus

Keith Tozlian – Bus

Those who chose not to pay in advance as part of our group rate by October 31, will need to pay the full price admission of $34.95 at the door.  

PLEASE NOTE:

Students need to bring a sack lunch (no lunchboxes please).  Bring a separate snack/water bottle on the bus for our two rest stops.  Lunches will be stored under the bus.   Spending money ($10.00) is optional.  Bring a book to read.  Backpacks will be kept on the bus.  Be sure to bring a sweatshirt or jacket as the charter bus air-conditioning is kept cool to avoid illness.  Students may want to put a small travel pillow or thin travel blanket for the ride home.  NO ELECTRONICS…THEY TEND TO GET LOST/BROKEN/CAUSE HURT FEELINGS…THANKS

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM SCHEDULE

6:00 AM  —  ARRIVE @ FCS

6:15 AM  —  LEAVE FCS

***15 MINUTE PARK STOP @ CASA DE FRUTA (Restrooms & Snack)

9:45 AM  —  ARRIVE AT AQUARIUM

10:00-11:30 AM  —  SCAVENGER HUNT WITH GROUPS

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM  —  LUNCH

12:00-1:30 PM  —  FINISH SCAVENGER HUNT & SHOPPING

1:30 PM  —  MEET JUST OUTSIDE OF AQUARIUM ENTRANCE (Use Restrooms before)

2:00 PM  —  LEAVE MONTEREY

***15 MINUTE PARK STOP @ CASA DE FRUTA (Restrooms & Snack)

5:30 PM  —  ARRIVE @ FCS

***COVERED BOXES NEEDED

We are in need of 6 covered boxes to pack lunches for 3 classes for our field trip on Thursday.  Lunches will be stored under the bus.  If you can help with this, please send by Wednesday.  Thanks so much!

 COMING ATTRACTIONS