Miss Pellin's Post
January 4th to January 8th

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! Winter break ends on Monday, January 4th!

This week will be the first of two weeks that our class will be roller skating for gym (10:00-10:40).

The First Week of 2010 at School:

Science: We will begin the study of space.

Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: We will continue to study culture and immigration in chapter 3. We will be celebrating Culture Day on Thursday, January 14th. Each student should be prepared to share something about his or her cultural heritage with the class.

Math: Students will not be tested on graphs. We will begin the study of measurement (Chapter 20). There will be a multiplication "x6" test on Friday, January 8th.

Spelling: There will not be a Spelling test this week. We will study analogies.

Reading: We will focus on English this week.

English: We will begin to study letter writing. This will include learning how to address an envelop, learning each student's own address, and the key parts of a letter. Students will also edit friendly letters helping them understand the format and punctuation of letters.

In addition, students will pick a celebrity to write a letter to. The students will need to find the address of the celebrity they would like to write to online by Thursday, January 7th. You can normally find the celebrity's fan club website by using google. On the fan club websites it includes an address that letters can be sent to. Students will need to bring in an envelope with a stamp for this letter.

Things to Remember:
Monday 12/21: Winter Break begins - have a great holiday.
Monday 1/4: Classes begin after winter break!
Friday 1/8: We will have a multiplication test.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
December 14th to December 18th
Winter break begins on Monday, December 21st! Have a great holiday.

During the first two weeks after winter break, our class will be roller skating for gym (10:00-10:40). Ms. Stainman, our gym teacher, would really appreciate a few parent volunteers to come to Prairieview to tie roller skates. Please email her at tstainman@ccsd66.org.

Our class will also go on a bowling field trip on Tuesday, December 15th. If your child would like to buy a snack, please do not send more than $10 with them.

On Friday, December 18th, the students will go to the Tivoli movie theater to see the movie Unaccompanied Minors. This trip will be in place of a holiday party.

The Sixteenth Week of 2009 at School:

Science: Our Chapter 9 (weather) test will be on Tuesday, December 15. Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: We will continue to study of culture in chapter 3. We will be celebrating Culture Day on Thursday, January 14th. Each student should be prepared to share with the class something about his or her cultural heritage. You will find a packet on what to do in each students binder on Monday, December 14th.

Math: There will be a chapter 5 test on Monday, December 14th. Then we will begin the sutdy of graphs. There will not be a multiplication test this week.

Spelling: There will be a "Winter Words" spelling test on Friday, December 18th.

Reading: There will be a vocabulary quiz using the words from the The Mysterious Giant of Barletta on Monday, December 14th. Students will learn about apositives, problem/resolution, synonyms/antonyms, and types of genres.

English: We will work on writing a poem about a snowman!

Things to Remember:
Monday 12/14: There will be a chapter 5 Math test. There will be a vocabulary quiz.
Tuesday 12/15: There will be a chapter 9 Science test. The students will go bowling.

Friday 12/16: We will have a Spelling test. Students will go to the Tivoli theater.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
December 7th to December 11th

Special Holiday Project!
Each year Prairieview runs a service project around the holidays. Our efforts will benefit a deserving family. Each classroom at Prairieview has a family or an individual that is in need at this time. We haven't received any gifts yet, so anything you can bring in will be greatly appreciated!

Our family includes:
~ a fifth grade girl
~ a grandma
~ a mom
~an uncle (age 54)

In order to make this a special holiday, we have “adopted” them. If you could send in a NEW, not used, present for one or more of the family members that would be greatly appreciated.

Directions for our class family gifts:***
*Please wrap the gifts if they are not food items.
*LABEL the item with what it is with a post it note.
*Label who it is for.

Some ideas for NEW (not used) gifts include, but are not limited to:
Fifth Grade Girl: Scarf, hat, mittens, books, games, etc.
Gift certificates to consider: Jewel, Best Buy, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, K-Mart, Sears, JC Penney’s, Carson Pierre Scott, Chili’s, TGIFridays, Subway, McDonalds, Burger King, etc.
***ALL DONATIONS NEED TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL ON OR BEFORE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8th!

The Fifteenth Week of 2009 at School:
Science: We will conclude our study of weather. Students will be tested on Chapter 9 (weather) on Tuesday, December 15. Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: There will be a Chapter 12 and Downers Grove test on Monday, December 7th. Students should use their study guide to prepare for the test. Then we will begin the study of culture in chapter 3.

Math: This week we will continue to study time. There will be a multiplication "x5" and "x10" test on Friday, December 11th. There will be a chapter 5 test on Monday, December 14th.

Spelling: There will be a Spelling list #16 test on Friday, December 11th.

Reading: We will begin to study the strategy of connections. We will read the story The Mysterious Giant of Barletta. There will be a vocabulary quiz using the words from the The Mysterious Giant of Barletta on Monday, December 14th.

English: We will finish our study of verbs. There will be a unit 3 verb test on Friday, December 11th. Students will receive a study guide on Monday, December 7th.

Things to Remember:
Monday 12/7: There wil be a Social Studies test.
Tuesday 12/8: This is the last day for Christmas donations.
Friday, 12/11: There will be a Spelling test. There will be multiplication tests. There will be a unit 3 verbs test.

Monday 12/14: There will be a chapter 5 Math test. There will be a vocabulary quiz.
Tuesday 12/15: There will be a chapter 9 Science test.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
November 30th to December 4th

I hope everyone had a great holiday! I look forward to seeing you all on Monday, November 30th and Tuesday, December 1st for conferences. Remember that there will be no school on Friday, December 4th.

Don't forget our Special Holiday Project!
Each year Prairieview runs a service project around the holidays. Our efforts will benefit a deserving family. Each classroom at Prairieview has a family or an individual that is in need at this time. We haven't received any gifts yet, so anything you can bring in will be greatly appreciated!

Our family includes:
~ a fifth grade girl
~ a grandma
~ a mom
~an uncle (age 54)

In order to make this a special holiday, we have “adopted” them. If you could send in a NEW, not used, present for one or more of the family members that would be greatly appreciated.

Directions for our class family gifts:***
*Please wrap the gifts if they are not food items.
*LABEL the item with what it is with a post it note.
*Label who it is for.

Some ideas for NEW (not used) gifts include, but are not limited to:
Fifth Grade Girl: Scarf, hat, mittens, books, games, etc.
Gift certificates to consider: Jewel, Best Buy, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, K-Mart, Sears, JC Penney’s, Carson Pierre Scott, Chili’s, TGIFridays, Subway, McDonalds, Burger King, etc.
***ALL DONATIONS NEED TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL ON OR BEFORE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8th!

The Fourteenth Week of 2009 at School:
Science: We will continue the study of weather. This week we will focus on the types of clouds. Expect to see a study guide come home at the end of the week. Students will be tested on Chapter 9 (weather) on Thursday, December 10. Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: We will finish the study of Chapter 12 (local government) and of Downers Grove. Expect to see a study guide come home on Tuesday, December 1st. There will be a Chapter 12 and Downers Grove test on Monday, December 7th.

Math: This week we will continue to study money and then begin the study of time. There will be a multiplication "x4" test on Thursday, November 3rd.

Spelling: There will be a Spelling list #15 test on Thursday, November 3rd.

Reading: We will continue to study the author's point of view and we will read fractured fairy tales. A the end of the week students will write their own fractured fairy tale.

English: We will continue the study of verbs including helping verbs.

Things to Remember:
Monday 12/1: Parent/Teacher conferences.
Tuesday 12/2: Parent/Teacher conferences.
Thursday 12/3: There will be a multiplication "x4" test. There will be a Spelling test.
Friday 12/4: There will be no school.
Monday, 12/7: There will be a social studies test.
Thursday, 12/10: There will be a chapter 9 science test.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
November 23rd to November 27th

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Remember we will not have school beginning Wednesday, November 18th. I look forward to seeing you all again on Monday, November 30th and Tuesday, December 1st for conferences.

A Special Holiday Project!
Each year Prairieview runs a service project around the holidays. Our efforts will benefit a deserving family. Each classroom at Prairieview has a family or an individual that is in need at this time.

Our family includes:
~ a fifth grade girl
~ a grandma
~ a mom
~an uncle (age 54)

In order to make this a special holiday, we have “adopted” them. If you could send in a NEW, not used, present for one or more of the family members that would be greatly appreciated.

Directions for our class family gifts:***
*Please wrap the gifts if they are not food items.
*LABEL the item with what it is with a post it note.
*Label who it is for.

Some ideas for NEW (not used) gifts include, but are not limited to:
Fifth Grade Girl: Scarf, hat, mittens, books, games, etc.
Gift certificates to consider: Jewel, Best Buy, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, K-Mart, Sears, JC Penney’s, Carson Pierre Scott, Chili’s, TGIFridays, Subway, McDonalds, Burger King, etc.
***ALL DONATIONS NEED TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL ON OR BEFORE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8th!

The Thirteenth Week of 2009 at School:

Science: We will continue the study of weather. Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: We will continue to study present day Downers Grove and learn about local officials.

Math: This week we will continue to study money. Students will learn how to make change. Please check your child's binder for a letter asking for a baggy containing 5 nickels, 5 pennies, 5 quarters and 5 dimes. This will be used to study money and will be returned at the end of the unit. There will be no multiplication test this week.

Spelling: There will be no Spelling test this week.

Reading: We will study the author's purpose. Students will learn why it is important to know the author's purpose when reading.

English: We will continue the study of verbs.

Things to Remember:
Wednesday 11/25 - Friday 11/27: Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
November 16th to November 20th

Parent Teacher Conferences will be arriving shortly. I sent home a sheet with your child listing the day and time of your conference. Please make sure you sign this and return it!

If you child signed up for the roller skating party, it will be on Tuesday, November 18th.

Yearbook: Now's the time to place your orders. Yearbooks are $10.00 and the deadline for your orders is Tuesday, December 1, 2009. Please make checks payable to Lifetouch. Please make sure your student's name, teacher's name and grade level are marked on the order form. If you have multiple students, please fill out one for each child. Yearbook order forms went home with your child on November 12th and there are a few extra envelopes available; please try not to lose them. If your child loses it, you can send an envelope with the following information on it: student's name, teacher's name and grade level along with a check made payable to Lifetouch for $10.00. It is very important that you put the information on the envelope; Lifetouch does not know who your child's teacher is.

Prairieview Yearbook orders are not paid for at registration!

The Twelfth Week of 2009 at School:

Science: We will continue the study of weather. We will be learning about both the water cycle and different types of clouds.

Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website
http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: We will continue to study present day Downers Grove and the local government. Students will learn about the medical, health, and education centers in present day Downers Grove. We will also study who is in charge in local government and what services local government provides.

Math: This week we will finsh our study of t-charts. There will be a quiz on t-charts on Wednesday, November 18th. Students will be allowed to use one example t-chart as a guide for the quiz. Then we will begin to study money.

This week students will study multiplying by 3. There will be a test on "*3" on Friday, November 20th. Students will receive two minutes to complete 20 multiplication by 3 questions. Practice sheets will be coming home throughout the week.

Spelling: This week we will study Spelling “list 14.” This list will be handed out on Monday, November 16th. Students will be tested on this list on Friday, November 20th.

Reading: We will continue to work on the reading strategy of "self questioning." We will work read the story The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco. There will be a comprehension check for the story The Keeping Quilt on Wednesday, November 18th. Then students will complete an extended response to a question about Patricia Polacco.

English: We will continue the study of verbs.

Things to Remember:
Tuesday 11/18: There will be a roller skating party after school.
Wednesday 11/18: There will be a t-chart test. The will be a reading comprehension check.
Friday 11/20: There will be a Spelling test. There will be a multiplication by 3 test.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
November 9th to November 13th

Wednesday, November 11th is Veterans Day. There will be no school. Please plan accordingly.

The Eleventh Week of 2009 at School:

Science: We will begin the study of weather.

Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website
http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: We will continue to study present day Downers Grove and the local government.

Math: This week we will continue to work on t-charts.

We will begin working on multiplication this week. Please look for a packet coming home on Monday, November 9th on multiplication. This week students will study multiplying by 2. There will be a test on "*2" on Friday, November 13th. Students will receive two minutes to complete 20 multiplication by 2 questions. Practice sheets will be coming home throughout the week.

Spelling: This week we will study Spelling “list 13.” This list will be handed out on Monday, November 9th. Students will be tested on this list on Friday, November 13th.

Reading: We will We will start to work on the new reading strategy of "self questioning." We will work on this strategy while reading The Keeping Quilt. There will be a vocabulary quiz on words from The Keeping Quilt on Friday, November 13th.

English: We will begin the study of verbs. We will begin to look for action verbs in sentences. Then we will work on plural and singular verbs. Finally, we will look at past and future tense.



Things to Remember:
Wednesday 11/11: There will be no school for Veterans Day.
Friday 11/13: There will be a Spelling test. There will be a x2 multplication test.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
November 2nd to November 6th We had a boo-tiful time at our Halloween Party and Halloween Parade last week. Thank-you to all the volunteers who helped make it possible.

The picture above is Pierce Downer the founder of Downers Grove! We will be taking a field trip to Downers Grove as part of our Social Studies unit about our city on Wednesday, November 4th from 9 am to 2 pm. Everyone will eat at Giordano's restaurant (please send a cold lunch if you did not sign up for a pizza lunch). If you would like, though it is not necessary, you can also send $5-$8 in cash on the day of the field trip. Your student can spend this money at any of the downtown Downers Grove shops. Each student will be responsible for their own money. I have all my volunteers to come on the field trip with me. Thank you!

The Tenth Week of 2009 at School:

Science: The matter test has been changed to Friday, November 6th. Students will receive a study guide on Monday, November 2nd.

Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website
http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: Expect a quiz on the history of Downers Grove on Tuesday, November 3rd. Then we will begin to study present day Downers Grove and local governments.

Math: We will begin the study of "T" charts. This Make-a-Table problem solving is one strategy for solving math story problems. We will be learning the strategy by solving problems together in class. This type of strategy is one area of emphasis on the coming ISAT tests. Look for a packet and a letter of explanation in your students to be left at home folder.

Spelling: This week we will study Spelling “list 12.” This list will be handed out on Monday, November 2nd. Students will be tested on this list on Friday, November 6th.

Reading: This week we will begin studying cause and effect. Students will make a class book of their own version of Give a Mouse a Cookie.

English: This week we will finish our final draft of our Haunted House paper. Then we will begin the study of verbs.

Things to Remember:

Tuesday 11/3: There will be a Downers Grove history quiz.

Wednesday 11/4: There will be a field trip to Downers Grove!
Friday 11/6: There will be a Spelling test. We will have a Science test on Chapter 11 (matter).

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
October 26th to October 30th

There will be no school on Friday, October 30th. Please plan accordingly.

It's our Halloween week. Please keep in mind the following guidelines when helping your child pick out a Halloween costume for our Halloween party and parade (parents may come at 12:30 pm to watch our school parade) on Thursday, October 29th:

1. As part of the Halloween party, the students will be decorating their own pumpkins. Students will not be allowed to carve the pumpkins or use paint. They can use things like permanent markers, pipe cleaners, hats, clay, stickers, etc. Please send decorating supplies with your child. The picture at left is an example of what can be done!

2. We only have 15 minutes for costume changes. Please make sure your child can change into his/her costume easily and by themselves. If the costume can be worn over their clothes, then both the time to change and the chances of losing any clothes is minimized.


3. If the costume involves make up, please apply it before your child comes to school. If you send your child in with make up then your child has to be able to apply it themselves.

4. Please do not send any weapons (guns, swords, etc.) as part of the costume. Save those for trick-or-treating.

5. We will not have time to change back into our clothes for dismissal. Your child will wear their costume home.

We will be taking a field trip to Downers Grove as part of our Social Studies unit about our city on Wednesday, November 4th from 9 am to 2 pm. Everyone will eat at Giordano's restaurant (please send a cold lunch if you did not sign up for a pizza lunch). If you would like, though it is not necessary, you can also send $5-$8 in cash on the day of the field trip. Your student can spend this money at any of the downtown Downers Grove shops. Each student will be responsible for their own money. I have all my volunteers to come on the field trip with me. Thank you!

The Ninth Week of 2009 at School:

Science: We will study physical changes that are mixtures and solutions. On Thursday, October 29th we will have our "What's the Matter?" in class presentations.

Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website
http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: We will finish learning about the history of Downers Grove. Students will receive a study guide on Tuesday, October 29th for the history of Downers Grove quiz. Expect a test on this unit on Tuesday, November 3rd.

Math: This week we will finish Chapter 4. There will be a test Wednesday, October 28th. Students will receive a study guide on Monday, October 26th. For extra practice students can complete page 98 & 101 in their textbook.

Spelling: This week we will study Spelling “list 11.” This list will be handed out on Monday, October 26th. Students will be tested on this list on Thursday, October 29th.

Reading: We will be focusing on English this week (our Halloween descriptive writing piece).

English: This week we will continue descriptive writing. Students will work on using sensory words in their writing They will also learn different types of "hooks."




Things to Remember:
Wednesday 10/28: There will be a math quiz.
Thursday 10/29: We will have our Halloween party and parade. There will also be a Spelling test.
Friday 10/30: There will be no school.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
October 19th to October 23rd

Our class was in the local section of the Chicago Tribune on October 15th! The newspaper shared the following:



The Rotary Club donated dictionaries to all third grade students at Prairieview Elementary School on September 30th. Bob Tostrowski, Brian Andersen, and Robert Carlo came to each class to deliver dictionaries and to stress the importance of reading.

Wednesday, October 21st will be an early dismissal day (11 am) please plan accordingly.

We will be taking a field trip to Downers Grove as part of our Social Studies unit about our city. On Thursday, October 15th a permission slip for the Downers Grove field trip will be sent home. The signed permission slip is due on Friday, October 23rd. You may also send $7.50 along with the signed permission slip to cover the cost of a Giordano's (Downers Grove) pizza lunch. If you do not wish to have your child participate, please send a cold lunch on the day of the field trip (no money is necessary). Everyone will eat at Giordano's restaurant (cold or pizza). If you would like, though it is not necessary, you can also send $5-$8 in cash on the day of the field trip. Your student can spend this money at any of the downtown Downers Grove shops. Each student will be responsible for their own money. I need four more volunteers to come on the field trip with me. The first four parents to email me are welcome to come. Please email me at mpellin@ccsd66.org if you are interested. Thank you!

Please keep in mind the following guidelines when helping your child pick out a Halloween costume for our Halloween party and parade:

1. We only have 15 minutes for costume changes. Please make sure your child can change into his/her costume easily and by themselves. If the costume can be worn over their clothes, then both the time to change and the chances of losing any clothes is minimized.


2. If the costume involves make up, please apply it before your child comes to school. If you send your child in with make up then your child has to be able to apply it themselves.
   
3. Please do not send any weapons (guns, swords, etc.) as part of the costume. Save those for trick-or-treating.
   
4. We will not have time to change back into our clothes for dismissal. Your child will wear their costume home.

The Eighth Week of 2009 at School:

Science: We will continue to study matter. This week we will work on Lesson 2. We will learn more about the water cycle.

Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website
http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: We will continue to study the history of Downers Grove. We will learn about how Downers Grove played a part in the underground railroad.

Math: This week we will continue the study of Chapter 4 which deals with subtracting large numbers and borrowing. On Friday, October 23rd students will be tested on their basic math subtraction facts. Students will need to complete 40 subtraction problems (subtracting numbers ranging from 1 to 10) in two and a half minutes. Students will be given practice subtraction tests on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Spelling: This week we will study Spelling “list 10.” This list will be handed out on Monday, October 19th. Students will be tested on this list on Friday, October 23rd.

Reading: We will use the strategy of comparing and contrasting when reading the story Surfer Seal. There will be a vocabulary quiz on words in Surfer Seal on Tuesday, October 20th.

English: This week we will begin descriptive writing. Students will make a haunted house out of construction paper and write a paper about their haunted house. Before we begin this we will do a series of descriptive activities to help prepare students for their paper.



Things to Remember:
Tuesday 10/20: There will be a vocabulary quiz.
Wednesday 10/21: This will be an early dismissal day.
Friday 10/23: There will be a Spelling "list #10" test.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
October 12th - October 16th

Remember Monday, October 12th is Columbus Day and there will be no school. Please plan accordingly.

On Thursday, October 29th we will have an "in class" field trip. Scientists from “High Touch-High Tech” will be coming to present "What's the matter!" - a presentation all about matter. An informational sheet was sent home on Friday, October 2nd. Please send $6.50 in a labeled envelope by Tuesday, October 13th.

Third Grade Intramural Games will be starting for all third graders in November. Permission slips are available through the PE department this week. If your child is interested in this before school program, please have your child bring home a permission slip. Thanks!

Please keep in mind the following guidelines when helping your child pick out a Halloween costume:

1. We only have 15 minutes for costume changes. Please make sure your child can change into his/her costume easily and by themselves. If the costume can be worn over their clothes, then both the time to change and the chances of losing any clothes is minimized.

2. If the costume involves make up, please apply it before your child comes to school. If you send your child in with make up then your child has to be able to apply it themselves.

3. Please do not send any weapons (guns, swords, etc.) as part of the costume. Save those for trick-or-treating.

4. We will not have time to change back into our clothes for dimissal. Your child will wear their costume home.

The Eighth Week of 2009 at School:
Science: We will continue to study matter. This week we will work on Lesson 2.

Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website
http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: We will continue to study the history of Downers Grove. The original inhabitants of Downers Grove were the Pottawatomie Indians. The first pioneer was Pierce Downer.

Math: This week we will begin the study of Chapter 4 which deals with subtracting large numbers. On Friday, October 16th students will be tested on their basic math addition facts. Students will need to complete 40 addition problems (adding numbers ranging from 1 to 10) in two and a half minutes. Students will be given practice addition tests on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Spelling: This week we will study Spelling “list 9.” This list will be handed out on Tuesday, October 13th. Students will be tested on this list on Friday, October 16th.

Reading: We will continue reading the story The Night of the Pufflings. We will write an extended response on this story. We will begin the strategy of comparing and contrasting.

English: We will continue the study of nouns. This week we will work on possessive nouns. Students will have a noun quiz on Thursday, October 15th. Students will fill out a study guide in class on Wednesday, October 14th.

Things to Remember:
Monday 10/12: This is Columbus Day and there will be no school.
Thursday 10/15: There will be a noun quiz.
Friday 10/16: There will be a Spelling "list #9" test. There will also be a math addition facts test.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
October 5th - October 9th
I learned a lot about my reading class this week! Each of them made an excellent presentation of their "Me" bag. This week we will read about pufflings. Isn't the picture adorable!

Remember Monday, October 12th is Columbus Day and there will be no school. On Thursday, October 29th we will have an "in class" field trip. Scientists from “High Touch-High Tech” will be coming to present "What's the matter!" - a presentation all about matter. An informational sheet will go home on Friday, October 2nd. Please send $6.50 in a labeled envelope by Tuesday, October 13th.

The Seventh Week of 2009 at School:
Science: We will continue to study matter. Students will study mass, density, and volume this week. These are the three crucial measures of matter (the stuff that things are made of).

Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: We will begin to study Downers Grove. Students will learn about our town's location and history. This is an opportunity for students to relate to their studies. Walking around town and visiting the historic sites would be a fun thing to do on the week end!

Math: This week we will continue the study of Chapter 3 which deals with estimating and problem solving. There will be a Chapter 3 test on Wednesday, October 7th. Students will receive a study guide on Monday, October 5th.

Spelling: This week we wil study Spelling “list 8.” This list will be handed out on Monday, October 5th. Students will be tested on this list on Friday, October 9th.

Reading: We will begin the new reading strategy of clarifying. This week we will focus on telling the difference between facts and opinions. We will be applying this strategy to the story The Night of the Pufflings. There will be a vocabulary quiz on Thursday, October 8th on words from this book. Students will receive a study guide on Monday, October 5th.

English: We will continue the study of nouns. This week we will work on common and proper nouns. We will also study singular and plural nouns.

Things to Remember:
Wednesday 10/7: There will be a Chapter 3 Math test.
Thursday 10/8: There will be a vocabulary quiz.
Friday 10/9: There will be a Spelling "list #8" test.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
September 28th - October 2nd

Thank-you to all the parents who donated items for Johny Appleseed Day. Everyone enjoyed making applesauce this Friday! This week students enjoyed writing their "Me" bag paper.

This week is Center Cass 66's magazine drive. Please help the PTO to help Prairieview. Information about how to participate can be found at http://www.ccsd66.org/PTO/MagazineSales/Magazine09.pdf . Thanks!

Picture day is Thursday, October 1st.

The Sixth Week of 2009 at School:

Science: This week we will finish studying the "Scientific Method" and begin the study of matter. There will be no test on the introductory chapter.

Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: There will be a quiz on hemispheres on Tuesday, September 29th. Students have already received a study guide.

Math: This week we will begin the study of Chapter 3 which deals with differnet addition properties and adding large numbers. Students will be preparing note cards identifying the new addition properties.

Spelling: This week there will be a Spelling “list 6” that will be handed out on Monday, September 28th. Students will be tested on this list on Friday, October 2nd.

Reading: We will finish studying Mulan and our focus on prediction.

English: Students will present the items in their "Me" bag to the class on September 29th and 30th. We will begin the study of nouns.

Things to Remember:
Monday 9/28:
Tuesday 9/29: "Me" bag papers will be presented. There will be a Social Studies test.
Wednesday 9/30: "Me" bag papers will be presented.
Thursday 10/1: This is Picture Day at Prairieview.
Friday 10/2: There will be a Spelling "list #6" test.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
September 21st - September 25th

Saturday, September 26th is Johnny Appleseed’s birthday. We will be having a celebration! A note will be sent home as a reminder on Friday, September 18th. Your child will be asked to bring in a peeled, cored, and sliced apple to school on Friday, September 25th to be used to make applesauce for the class. We are looking for donations of small bowls Friday. If this is something you are interested in helping with, please email me or send the items in any day before Friday. Thank you in advance for your help!

Tuesday, September 22nd is an early dismissal day! Please plan accordingly.

The Fifth Week of 2009 at School:

Science: This week we will continue to study the "Scientific Method."

Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: We will study hemisphere this week. We will also study the North Pole, the South Pole, the Equator and the Prime Meridian. Look for a quiz on hemispheres during the week of September 28th in your child's assignment notebook.

Math: This week we will finish Chapter 2. There will be a test on Chapter 2 on Thursday, September 24th. Students will receive a study guide for the test on Wednesday, September 23rd.

Spelling: This week there will be a Spelling “list 5” that will be handed out on Monday, September 21st. Students will be tested on this list on Friday, September 25th.

Reading: We will continue reading the story Mulan in order to teach prediction. Students have received Mulan vocabulary words and will be tested on the words on Wednesday, September 23rd. There will be a Mulan comprehension check on Tuesday, September 22nd.

English: This week students will write a "me bag" paper. On Monday, September 21st students will receive a letter asking them to bring to class three items that are important to them that will fit into a provided brown paper lunch bag. They will write a paper explaining the items importance and will present the items to the class on September 28th and 29th.

Things to Remember:
Tuesday 9/22: There will be a Mulan comprehension check. There will be early dismissal.
Wednesday 9/23: There will be a Mulan vocabulary test.
Thursday 9/24: There will be a Math test.
Friday 9/25: There will be a Spelling "list #5" test. It's Johny Appleseed's birthday!

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
September 14th - September 18th

This week my Science class experimented with bubbles. No matter what the shape of the wand, bubbles are always round! Almost half the class predicted that the bubbles would be the sahpe of the wand. Experiments often teach you surprising facts!

The Prairieview magazine drive has kicked off! Check in your child's binder for more information on the magazine drive.

The Fourth Week of 2009 at School:

Science: This week we will continue our introductory Science unit. Students will learn about the scientific method.

Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66. If you were having trouble accessing the book on line, the website should be up a running now.

Social Studies: This week we will continue to study the seven continents and the four oceans. There will be a continent and ocean quiz on Thursday, September 17th.

Math: The test on chapter 1 was pushed back until Monday, September 14th. Students will prepare for the test by completing pg. 23 in the Math textbooks. For the rest of the week we will work on comparing numbers and rounding. Chapter 2 is a short chapter; be aware that there will be a test sometime during the week of September 21st.

Spelling: This week there will be a Spelling “list 4” that will be handed out on Monday, September 14th. Students will be tested on this list on Friday, September 19th.

Reading: We will begin to study the reading strategy called "prediction." When you read a mystery story you often ask yourself "What can happen next?" This is a good example of prediction. When a reader engages in a story using prediction, they encourage themselves to consider and remember every detail. We will be reading the story Mulan in order to teach prediction. Students will receive Mulan vocabulary words and will be tested on the words during the week of September 21st.

English: This week we will finish our study of subjects and predicates. We will also learn about the dangers of "run on" sentences. By the end of the week we will have completed chapter 1 in our English textbooks. There will be a graded review on Thursday. We will have a practice chapter 1 test on Friday, September 18th.

Things to Remember:
Monday 9/14: There will be a chapter 1 Math test.
Thursday 9/17: There will be a continents and oceans quiz.
Friday 9/18: There will be a Spelling "list #4" test.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
September 7th - September 13th

It was great to meet each of you at curriculum night. Everyone had a great week in class, I have been very pleased with the effort! My Social Studies class did a great job using the cardinal directions to find their prize during our savenger hunt!


This week we will have not have school on Monday, September 7th due to Labor Day. I hope you have a great Labor Day weekend! Classes resume on Tuesday, September 8th.

The Third Week of 2009 at School:

Science: This week we will continue our introductory Science unit. Students will learn how to use different Science tools such as forceps that will be used to conduct experiments. We will use the inquiry skills of inferring and formulating to help us during an experiment using bubbles. Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website http://www.thinkcentral.com/to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Social Studies: There will be a direction quiz on Wednesday, September 9th. I moved the quiz back one day due to the long weekend. Then we will begin to study the continents.

Math: We will study place value for 5 and 6 digit numbers. We will also study problem solving using logical reasoning. There will be a test on chapter 1 on Thursday, September 10th. Students will prepare for the test by completing pg. 23 in the Math textbooks.

Spelling: This week there will be a Spelling “list 3” that will be handed out on Tuesday, September 8th. On Friday, September 4th students took a practice "list 3" test. If a student recieved minus one or zero on the practice test then they will recieve a challenge spelling list instead of the regular list on Tuesday, September 8th. Students will study these words at school and should study them at home as well. There will be a graded test on “list 3” on Friday, September 11th. It is very important to practice these words with your child because there is limited class time for practicing words.

Reading: This week we will continue to study character, setting, and plot.

English: This week we will finish our study of commands, statements, exclamations, study subjects and predicates.

Things to Remember:
Monday 9/7:There will be no school. Enjoy a safe and happy Labor Day.
Wednesday 9/9: There will be a Social Studies quiz.
Thursday 9/9: There will be a math quiz.
Friday 9/9: There will be a Spelling "list #3" test.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post

August 31st - September 4th

I am looking forward to seeing each of you at curriculum night at 6:30 pm. You will begin the night in the multipurpose room/ lunch room and learn new procdures from Principal Schultz. Then you will go to your child's homeroom. Later you will switch to your child's math teacher's room. During the evening we will discuss this year's third grade curriculum and any other questions you might have about the up coming year. You will also have the chance to sign up for conferences.

I really enjoyed getting to know both my homeroom and my math classes this week. I am pleased with the effort shown by each of my classes.

The Second Week of 2009 at School:

Science: This week we will begin our introductory Science unit. We will study the skills needed for inquiry such as inferring and formulating. Students can use their new Science textbook online from the website http://www.thinkcentral.com/ to help understand the subject. In order to access the Science textbook at home go to the same website. The user name is your parent connect number. The password is ccsd66.

Math: We will study patterns and place value this week. Students will learn many different ways to write one number (standard, expanded, and word form). Students will also be practicing problem solving.

Social Studies: We will study directions. We will learn about cardinal and intermediate directions. This week we will go on a scavenger hunt throughout the building using our directions to navigate where we are going. On Tuesday, September 8th there will be a quiz on directions. Students can use their Map Essentials book (pg.12-15) and their study guide, which they will receive on September 1st, to help prepare for the quiz.

Spelling: This past week we took a practice Spelling test on List 1. Now the Spelling tests will begin to count for a grade. This week there will be a Spelling “list 2” that will be handed out on Monday, August 31st. Students will study these words at school and should study them at home as well. There will be a test on “list 2” on Friday, September 4th. It is very important to practice these words with your child because there is limited class time for practicing words.

Reading: This week we will be working on the reading strategy visualization. Students will be visualizing stories and vocabulary words. Visualization coincides with plot/subplot, character, setting, and themes. It also goes hand in hand with description and details. In order to use the strategy of visualization, we will read several stories including Dogzilla. We will have a vocabulary quiz on words from Dogzilla on Friday, September 4th. Students will receive a study guide at the beginning of the week.

English: We will begin to study sentences. Students will be able to tell the differences between statements, questions, commands, and exclamation sentences. Students will also work on punctuation. We will begin by reviewing end marks.

Things to Remember:
Tuesday 9/1: Curriculum Night will begin at 6:30 P.M.
Friday 9/4: There will be a Spelling "list 2" test. There will be a reading voabulary quiz.

Tuesday 9/8: There will be a directions quiz.

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin’s Post!
August 24th – August 28th

Welcome to 3rd grade at Prairieview Elementary School! I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer and is ready for a fun and exciting school year. I am looking forward to a great year! Each week you can find out what is happening in the classroom by viewing my blog. My blog will always have a "Things to Remember" section to let you know the important events for the upcoming week.

I look forward to meeting you at the District Open House on Monday, August 24th from 9-11 am. This is a great time to come in and get organized for the new school year.

Things to Remember:
Monday 9/24: District Open House (9-11 am)
Tuesday 9/25: This is the first full day of school!

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065

Miss Pellin's Post
June 1st to June 5th

I have enjoyed all my students so much this year!! Thanks to all the parents who have helped make the 2008/2009 school year such a great one! Remember Friday June 5th is an early dismissal day, please plan accordingly. Students will be dismissed at 9:30 am.

YEARBOOKS: will be handed out to students on June 5th. Any students who did not purchase a yearbook may do so on a first-come-first-serve basis on June 5th; they will go on sale after morning announcements. The cost will be $10.00 and children wishing to purchase should have exact amount. Checks can be made out to Prairieview. There is a limited supply. Prairieview yearbook orders were not paid for at registration. A flyer was sent out on November 13, 2008 and orders were due by Monday, December 1, 2008.

Monday, June 1st will be a very busy day for the third graders at Prairieview! In the morning, we will go bowling. In the afternoon, we are fortunate enough to have scientists from “High Touch-High-Tech,” come back to Prairieview, in order to enrich our studies on matter. Please make sure your child has both a signed permission slip and their money in to me if they have not done so already. Your child should bring a sack lunch to school with no peanuts on Monday, June 1st!

On Thursday, June 4th we will have our school picnic! Each child will receive a hot dog, bag of chips and a bottle of water. They will also get their choice of an ice cream bar after they have finished their lunch. If they do not eat hot dogs, they will need to bring their own lunch.

Field Trip: The Chicago boat tour field trip will be on Tuesday, June 2nd. Students can bring $8- $10 to Navy Pier for ice cream or a souvenir. This is optional! Our four parent chaperones for the bus trip will be:

1. Raul's Mom
2. Kaelyn's Mom
3. Paul's Mom
4. Alex's Mom

Please meet us at Prairieview at 9am on June 2nd. We will also have several parents who were invited to meet us at the boat (at ~10:15 am).

1. Jack's Mom
2. Kyle's Mom
3. Zach's Mom
4. Sydney's Mom
5. Maddie's Mom

Each chaperone will be required to pay an additional $6 charge. The buses will return to Prairieview at approximately 2pm. More information will be given out as the field trip approaches. Each child should bring a sack lunch to the boat trip with no peanuts!

The Last Week of 2009 at School:
Home Room
Science: This week we will review matter and study electricity

Social Studies: This week we will finish our study of Chicago.

Language Arts
Spelling: There will be no Spelling for the rest of the school year.

Reading: There will be no Reading for the rest of the school year.

English: There will be no English for the rest of the school year.

Math: There will be no Math for the rest of the school year.


Things to Remember:
Monday 6/1: We will go bowling and have High Tech, High Touch visit. Please have your child bring a sack lunch with no peanuts.
Tuesday 6/2: We will go on the Chicago boat trip today. Please have your child bring a sack lunch with no peanuts.
Friday, 6/5: School will be dismissed at 9:30 am!

Contact Information:
E-Mail address: mpellin@ccsd66.org
Voice mail: (630)783-5065