Mr. Draper's 3rd Grade

It seems like just yesterday we were meeting one another and sharing our summer adventures.  Now, the leaves are falling off of the trees and students are bringing back interim reports.  We are undoubtedly off to an excellent start, already 1/8 of the way through the school year.  Our work at AT&T is already halfway done and we’ve enjoyed every moment.  If you have a chance to visit Longcoy, be sure to look for our class advertisements.  Each student selected a product to create and used their persuasive writing abilities to lure consumers.  Today was a frenzy of activity.  The students worked to publishing information on their endangered animal and used Google images, Audacity, Flip Video, and Media Player to construct their reports.  Reflecting on the growth of each student from Back to School Night to present day, I am very proud of each student, how they’ve conquered the  challenges they’ve faced, and are preparing for those to come.

So far, everything has run smoothly at the AT&T Classroom.  Students have been engaged in a variety of technologies including SmartBoard, PPT, Kerpoof, and Moodle.  Although our first week has just finished, we’re starting to feel like veterans.  Our off site classroom is a wonderful learning community.  Each day we exchange ideas, information, and learn collaboratively in an environment full of novel opportunities.  I know we’re all a bit more motivated utilizing the equipment at our fingertips.  One of the most rewarding parts of our journey thus far has been the time we spend together as a class.  Not only in the classroom, but on our bus rides and on the KSU Campus, we experience a sense of camaraderie impossible without this experience.  Our group is shining brighter day by day.

After much anticipation, we have a new class pet.  Our class mascot is a Painted Turtle, which was lovingly named “Martie.”  He is currently about the size a silver dollar, but should grow larger as he gets more comfortable in his aquarium.  Stop by if you’d like to see him!  We are all excited about having something to study and care for throughout the year.

He’s NOW OFFICIALLY AN OLD MAN! just kidding : ) Happy Birthday, buddy!

This week we’ve been exploring the many career paths available to individuals who study the Sciences including: astronomers, physicists, physicians, and a myriad of other professions.  We’ve had the opportunity to discuss what each of these vocations entails in the hope of spurring some young minds into the challenging field of science.  One of the many occupations we discussed included surgeons, focusing on the work of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, the first surgeon to successfully perform cardiac surgery.  We then performed simulated surgery using the website: http://www.edheads.org/activities/knee/ Check it out to get a true feel for what a surgeon must perform.  I’ll post soon with a special SURPRISE!  Until then…

Last night’s AT&T Open House was a tremendous success!  Thank you to everyone who made the effort to come out and watch the presentation.  We will begin our work in the classroom on September 13th and continue until October 22nd.  Permission slips will go out on Friday (media/pictures) and need to be returned on Monday.  Should you have any questions about the process, please email or call me about what your student’s involvement in the program.  I am excited about the year to come and can’t wait to create some experiences that will hopefully impact your child forever.  Our first academic week of school has been wonderful.  Students are challenging each other to go above and beyond their potential.  I have no doubt that each and every student will engage their inquisitive nature and grow as a lifelong learner.  

We had a wonderful first day in 3rd Grade!  I look forward to a challenging school year full of insightful discussions and experimental inquiries.  Each student will bring with them their own set of skills and experiences to enrich our community of learners.  As we embark on this journey, know that there will be many twists and turns, but together we can successfully navigate our path towards developing lifelong learners.

As our first day of school approaches, we ready ourselves to collectively embark on a year full of enriching learning opportunities.  One of these learning opportunities will offer students a chance to interact with their academic material in a way they never have before using technology. We will be attending the AT&T classroom for two hours, every day, beginning on Sept. 13th.  This classroom, located on the campus of Kent State University, will provide us with a wealth of technological resources unavailable at our home school.  To learn more about the classroom please visit: http://www.rcet.org/index.php/att-classroom/ More information with be forthcoming as our year progresses.  Enjoy your weekend and get ready to challenge yourself!

YOU DID WHAT THIS SUMMER ?!?!?

Welcome to 3rd Grade!  I can’t wait for our school year to begin.  I look forward to meeting all of you on “Back to School” night and hearing about your fantastic summers.  I have been busy getting our room ready for learning and now it just needs one more thing: YOU!  See you soon : )