Our afternoon (1:30-2:30) of cleaning the Rancho campus and Arroyo Avichi Creek is only a week away (Friday, Sept. 18). I am still hoping to find 5-7 parents to help supervise groups. Please let me know if you can join us. Thanks!

Although we couldn't watch President Obama give his speech to students on Tuesday (something to do with the TV not being digital and how that affects what cable can deliver to my classroom), students did hear it. I had printed out the speech beforehand and read it to the students--not nearly as good as hearing the President himself deliver the speech! I think the students were able to understand and appreciate his message, and we used the speech as a springboard for writing goals for this trimester. We will continue to set goals throughout the school year.

We celebrated Admissions Day on Sept. 9, with "golden" orange slices served on blue napkins (California's colors are blue and gold--Go Cal!). Happy Birthday California! Your child can tell you the year California became the 31st state to join the Union. We also recognized Constitution Day on Thursday, marking the 222nd anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution. We are very fortunate to live in this wonderful (although currently budget-challenged) state, and this amazing country!

Please send in your pink directory forms as soon as possible. Lots have come back already, so thank you! And, speaking of recent flyers, I hope everyone is planning to come to the Family Dinner on Oct. 2. It is a very fun evening! We have received a few contributions for our classroom basket, but need more. Any donations will be happily accepted.

We are marching along academically. Chapter 3 in the math book covers estimating--a very useful skill. The key concept for estimating is that it involves 2 steps: first, round the numbers and second, do the calculation. The answer to the calculation is the estimate. The goal is to understand the process, and to use the correct terminology in a mathematics context, understanding that rounding is not the same as estimating but a step in the process. It would be great to talk to your child about ways in which you use estimating in your daily life.

I will begin giving math facts timed tests next week, covering addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts (I'll add in division later). Each timed test will cover only one operation. The 3rd grade standard is that all students have mastered addition and subtraction facts, as well as multiplication facts to the 10s. In 4th grade, they are expected to master multiplication and division facts to the 12s.

Students took the Accelerated Reader leveling test this week, and the results for your child are in this week's Friday folder. Now that everyone has their baseline reading level, we'll talk in class about what the AR goals will be for each student for each month. This will be part of their reading comprehension grade. I'll give you more information after we have discussed it in class.

Mr. Ceresa has graciously volunteered to help with preparing the wood for our California maps. Thank you! Once the wood is ready, I'll schedule our "California Map Day." I'll need volunteers to help, as students glue on different colored beans to create a map showing the regions, major rivers, and largest cities of California.

Have a great weekend!