Doodle 4 Google!

Are you bored?  Are you filled with artistic creativity and have no idea how to share it with others?  Do you find yourself tempted to sketch, draw, and doodle in class when you should be working?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, an exciting opportunity awaits!  Google has just announced a competition for students grades K-12 called, Doodle 4 Google!  You can learn more about this competition and how to enter, by clicking here!  I hope you take advantage of this opportunity to be creative!

Happy Birthday Chets Creek!

Yesterday was Chets Creek's 14 Birthday!  I'm sure you realized that when you spotted the blow-up birthday cakes outside, were treated to delicious cake at lunch, and witnessed the unveiling of the new candle in the front lobby of the school!  Fourteen years of learning and fun!!!  Hooray!!!  For our friends that were absent on Thursday, take a look at the Chets Creek candles, new and old!

We've had some pretty great themes at Chets Creek!  Which candle is your favorite?

Book Clubs Are Underway!

Reading all alone,
Can sometimes be a bore.
We've seen reading with others,
Makes us love it that much more!


Groups choose a book together,
Read at home or on the bus,
And then in class sit closely, 
To ask questions and discuss!


What are your thoughts about the characters?

How did the author create suspense?
Did the story teach a lesson?
What do you think will happen next?


Did the beginning engage the reader?
Was the author's word choice wise?
Does the book's theme seem familiar?
Did it leave you satisfied?


We're concluding book clubs now,
Though there is no need to cry.
We'll choose new books and genres,
And give it another try!

Did you enjoy the book clubs this time around?  Any thoughts or ideas for next time?

Auntie Claus Arrives!

Today Mrs. Phillips had to step out of the building and invited, in her place, the fabulous Auntie Claus!  We entered what had previously been our media center, but today was transformed into the North Pole to hear a story read aloud by our honored guest.

We took our seats and eagerly awaited her arrival.  Once we greeted her warmly, she settled in to share a classic holiday book, Merry UnChristmas, by Mike Reiss.  We were very excited to hear he is also a writer for The Simpsons.  It was an adorable story about a town where it is Christmas 364 days of the year!  Can you imagine?  Do you think that would get a little tiring?













We closed our adventure with milk and cookies served by elves!  Check us out receiving and devouring our mid-morning treat!  Yum!!!











Did you enjoy meeting Auntie Claus? How were the cookies?  They sure looked good!

The Call of Battle!

Calling all readers!  The battle begins!  This year, as third graders, we are able to compete in the Battle of the Books.  This is a competition of third, fourth, and fifth grade readers who, after reading books from this list, are able to compete and attempt to earn a spot on the final battle team!  There are books for everyone;  books about ghosts, animals, sports, history...a variety of genres to choose from!  The battle is in the distant future.  For now we are gathering supplies and beginning to develop our battle skills.  The good news is, we have already read one book from the list...The Earth Dragon Awakes!  The bad news is...we currently only have one copy of each book, and with 53 friends in our classes, it will be difficult to prepare.  We need your help!  If you would like to donate books from the list to our classroom, we would greatly appreciate it!  It's time to start reading!    

Slime Time!!!

In celebration of students meeting the Readers To Leaders reading goal for the first nine weeks, Mrs. Phillips allowed reading teachers to slime her this morning after Flag Raising!  92% of our students are on their way to reading one million words this year!  For this particular celebration, all students were able to attend, however, for the next celebration only students meeting the goal will be invited.  As third graders, having read at least 6 chapter books in the first nine weeks is expected in order to be on the right track.  We are so proud of the efforts of our readers!  Keep up the good work!  Stay tuned for news about the next celebration!

The Power of One!!!

Today we were reminded of the importance of being a "bully buster!"  Bullying is the act of purposely and repeatedly harming another with words or actions.  Bullying is often a way of gaining power over another person, but today we learned how to put a stop to it!  We will stop being bystanders!  We will tell a trusted adult if we are the victim of, or witness to, bullying!  We are going to be on the lookout for all types of bullying; physical, verbal, cyber, etc.  We know we have what it takes to keep Chets Creek a safe and happy place where students feel free to learn and enjoy themselves!  Let us know what your plans are to stand up to bullies!  


For more information about bullying and the quest to end to it...check out these websites!

• http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/what-is-bullying.aspx
• http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org
• http://library.thinkquest.org/07aug/00117/bullying.html