Just a quick post this week.  Please know that the faculty at Worthington Elementary  are committed to keeping our children safe. 
We have a high school orchestra concert tomorrow morning.  The symphonic choir will sing through the halls on Wednesday.  Thursday brings the class breakfast and the Jaycee's Secret Santa and sing-a-long.  I was able to get everything on our child's list- a bike, skateboard, rip sticks, and clothes.  Many, many thanks for your generosity!
Thanks, also, to Johanna's momma and grandmomma.  They brought in stollen and gingerbread cookies for us to sample after we studied the traditions of Germany!  
We won't have a spelling test this week, nor a number of the week.  Please continue to practice those pesky times tables!  We have introduced 2, 5, 3, and will start 4 when we get back.

I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Enjoy those babies...I will surely miss them these next two weeks!

Just a reminder to talk about the Seven Habits...

	Habit 1 — Be Proactive You're in Charge I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.
	Habit 2 — Begin with the End in Mind Have a Plan I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.
	Habit 3 — Put First Things First Work First, Then Play I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.
	Habit 4 — Think Win-Win Everyone Can Win I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.
	Habit 5 — Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood Listen Before You Talk I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.
	Habit 6 — Synergize Together Is Better I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am humble.
	Habit 7 — Sharpen The Saw Balance Feels Best I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find meaningful ways to help others.

It's hard to believe that we only have 9 more days until Christmas break!  SO glad that I got that nasty flu out of the way...we keep washing those hands and sanitize our desks often.  Our class seems to have been spared...fingers crossed.
This week we will be reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson.  It is a favorite of mine that I love to share with the kids each year.  It brings a beautiful message about acceptance and the meaning of giving.
 We also will be "traveling" around the world studying the traditions of many different countries.  We get to board our Polar Express and explore how different cultures celebrate this time of year.  Make sure you check out our passports and luggage tags!
Please keep sending in donations for our Secret Santa!  I'd like to get our child's shopping completed this weekend, and it would be nice to get most of the things on the list.  So far, I think we are at $60.  The kids have been so kind and generous...anytime they find change on the playground, it goes into the  jar!!
Kelley, Lukas' mom, is planning our Christmas breakfast that will be Thursday, December 20th at 9:00.  If you didn't sign up to donate to this party and would like to contribute, please get in contact with her or send a note to go home with Lukas. 
We've got lots of fun(educational in disguise!)activities in the next two weeks...we'll be keeping busy and getting things done! 

Thanks for being a partner in your child's education! 

Tho fall OAA scores are in!  Third grade overall did well, with our class having a 90% passage rate.  This week, I plan on having student conferences to discuss each individual score with the kiddos.  If you have any questions AT ALL, please text me or give me a call! 
We are continuing to collect money for the Secret Santa child.  The kiddos can bring in any amount of money through December 14th.  That gives me time to shop!  What a fabulous way for this class to pay it forward!
We have started our multiplication facts last week.  Every week, we learn a new song/trick to help us memorize the facts.  We've learned how multiplication is repeated addition, and also how to show multiplication as arrays.  We really need to know the facts by heart, so that doesn't get in the way of the process.  You will see a practice log coming home this week.  Your child can practice any way that works for them...as long as they are practicing!  Each Friday we will have a 2 minute quiz.  They must achieve an 85% to pass.  If they don't reach 85%, they still must study that set for the next. week.  We will introduce new sets each week, and your child can retest on Wednesdays.
Mr. Saxton visited our class on Thursday!  He spoke and answered their questions, then read Big Al.  We made so many connections with the Seven Habits!  He loved the class so much, he'd like to come back and teach a social studies lesson!  Thanks, Mr. Saxton...you rock!!
Thank you for being a partner in your child's learning!