It is hard to believe that parent/teacher conferences are only about a week away. If you haven't yet sent in your confirmation I have sent home a reminder in this week's Friday folder. Please return the bottom portion of the form as soon as possible. Thank you.

I am sending home the next Scholastic order forms, but, as promised, I have set it up so families that would like to may order online. In addition to the books available through the flyers, those ordering online also have access to additional titles. I have printed out an introductory letter, with instructions, that is going home today in the Friday folder. To order online go to www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. Our class username is spry4 and our class password is room11. If you have any questions or problems, please contact me. Thanks.

I have been asked a couple of times this week for the information on how to access the online version of our math book. This makes me think that it might be helpful to provide that information again: www.eduplace.com/kids/hmcam. Our class username is rancho411 and our class password is ranchomath.

We are continuing to work on algebra concepts in math, and students seem to be getting more comfortable with variables and solving equations. Students will take the chapter 9 math test on Monday. Chapter 10 is much more concrete: multiplication. Students are expected to have mastery of all multiplication and division math facts to 10 by the end of third grade, and mastery to 12 by the end (hopefully well before the end) of fourth grade. If your child has not yet met the third grade standard, please spend time mastering the basic math facts. I will be testing them weekly on math facts, starting with multiplication.

We are getting close to finishing our first science unit, Environments. Students have been working on "I-Checks," which serve as the study guide for the upcoming science test. I'm planning to give the science test on Friday, Nov. 13.

We have been working on prepositions and prepositional phrases. Students need to have memorized the list of 40 prepositions by Friday, Nov. 13. They will be asked to recite them on Friday, and will have a language test focused on prepositional phrases.

Please help your child get at least 2 hours of reading completed each week outside of school hours. While most students met or nearly met October's AR goal, there are still students who are simply not reading. Research shows that reading comprehension is crucial to student academic success. The best way to become a better reader is to read. See me if you need book suggestions.

Reminder: there is no school next week on Wed., Nov. 11 because of Veteran's Day. It will be lovely to have a day off in the middle of the week, but it will also be a time of reflection for many of us, thinking about all the people who have made sacrifices and put themselves in harm's way for the rest of us.

Thank you for all the paper towels. We are set!

Enjoy the weekend!