The Tale of Despereaux

Before the winter holiday begins, we want to devour the read aloud
The Tale of Despereaux. Despereaux Tilling will scamper into theaters December 19th and we wanted to read the book first.
Visit http://www.katedicamillo.com/ to learn about this amazing author, and to get a sneak peek at the movie. In addition to hearing the wonderful story, we will review good reading habits and strategies as well as practice specific reading skills.

Series and Parallel Circuits

In Science we have been learning about electrical circuits. We built series and parallel circuits in a recent lab and explored removing a bulb from each to observe what would happen.

We learned that in a series circuit, if one bulb burns out or is missing, then the circuit will open and none of the lights will remain lit. This is because there is only one path for electric current to flow with this kind of circuit.


We also learned that any bulb in the path of a series circuit receives the same amount of electrical current. With parallel circuits, on the other hand, there is more than one path for electrical current to flow. Therefore, if one bulb burns out, the other bulbs will still remain lit. What fun!! Check out this web site for some fun activities!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/activities/conductors.shtml

Please leave a comment regarding this blog entry. Make sure you related your comment to electricity, series circuits, and/or parallel circuits etc. This will earn you five success tickets. :)

Fractions are Fun!

Fractions are Fun!

Our current math unit, Different Shapes, Equal Pieces, concentrates on the use of an area model for fractions less than one whole. In this unit, we are also studying fractions in terms of "families". For example, one-half, one-fourth, and one-eighth are all in the same family. This is due to the doubling and halving relationship between these fractions. When the denominator doubles, the area of the fraction (in the area model) cuts in half.

Look at the visual.

One-half of 16 is 8 square units.
One-fourth of 16 is 4 square units.
One-eighth of 16 is 2 square units.

Through the use of this area model, we are also recognizing equivalent fractions as well as combinations of fractions and their sums.
One-half is equal to two-fourths and is equal to four-eighths.
One-fourth +one-fourth has the sum of one-half.
One-eighth +one-eighth has the sum of one-fourth.


The next "family" we will work with is one-third, one-sixth, and one-twelfth.

Can you determine, using doubling and halving, what the NEXT fraction in this family is?

Cafe of Learning Newsletter

Nov 10 newsletter.doc

A Plump and Perky Turkey

This week your child will find out about a clever turkey when we read November's Book of the Month, A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman. Go to www.teresabateman.com to learn about the author.
November lends itself to some humorous "turkey" stories. A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting and Diane DeGroat is one of our favorites. Visit www.evebunting.com to see her site. Turk and Runt by Lisa Wheeler is another holiday favorite. Who knows? This story may become a reader's theater!

Simply Shocking

We have started our unit on Electricity. Look at what we will learn:

Students Will Know:

· Similarities and differences between static and current electricity.

· The flow of electricity requires a closed circuit (complete loop).

· Some materials conduct electricity and some do not.

· Similarities and differences between series and parallel circuits.

· Alternative ways to produce electricity.

Students Will Be Able To:

· Identify current electricity and static electricity as forms of energy.

· Compare and contrast static electricity and current electricity.

· Construct a simple circuit using insulated wire, a battery, and a miniature light bulb and trace the flow of electricity.

· Construct and diagram a simple series circuit.

· Construct and diagram a simple parallel circuit.

• Explain that there are a variety of sources for electricity (for example, steam power, windmills, hydroelectric, geothermal).

Check out this web site for an introduction to Static Electricity. Click on view to see the demonstration and read the information below as well.

http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/phy03.sci.phys.mfe.zsnap/

Earth's Seasons

Here is another great site.

What Causes Earth's Seasons?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuiQvPLWziQ

This link may not work, so just type this address in your browser and see if it will come up.

Can Someone please explain Read, Think, and Explains!

Read, Think, and Expain questions give your child the opportunity to show their deep understanding of the question. The read, think, and explain questions are written at a higher order thinking level than the multiple choice questions, and should take more time to answer because of the thinking that is involved.
In class, we have worked on two point read, think, and explains, as well as, four point read, think, and explains. Your child should know the following about answering read, think, and explain questions:
1. Always restate the question stem as the first sentence in the answer. For example, if the question is how are Robert and James both alike in the story, their answer should begin with Robert and James are both alike in the story in these ___ ways. (Depending if it is a two point or four point problem.)
2. They must write proper nouns and not use pronouns unless it doesn't make sense to use the proper noun.
3. The question must be answered and then supported with proof from the text. Many times a student will answer the question, but then they won't supply the exact proof or detail from the text. To get full credit they must answer the question and supply proof.
4. When answering a question the student must be confident of their answer. The student can't write, "I think the answer is..."
5. Sentence structure, punctuation and spelling count. The answer must be written in a logical format, in complete sentences with proper spelling and correct punctuation.
6. If it is a two point question your child should answer the question using two specific details from the text. If it is a four point question, then four details are needed. Don't add extra details to fill up the lines. Just answer the question succinctly.
7. Close by restating the question. For example, "These are the two ways that Robert and James are alike in the story.

We will continue to practice these in class, and if you can review these questions on reading assessments, that would be appreciated. I am writing specific tips on how your child can improve their read, think, and explain answers and I can see such improvements!

Scarecrow Pete

On Friday we read a wonderful story written in rhyme called Scarecrow Pete written by Mark Kimball Moulton. The story tells of a budding friendship between a young boy and a scarecrow. The scarecrow helps the young boy discover the world of reading. Over the summer months they spend time reading all the classics. Ask your child about some of the classic books the Scarecrow and the boy read together. Hopefully they will mention Moby Dick, Alice and Wonderland, and Peter Pan- just to name a few!

Earth in Motion

Check out the web site on Earth in Motion. Just click on view and enjoy.

http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.eiu.seasonsgame/

Cafe of Learning Newsletter

OCTOBER 13 The Learning Cafe Newsletter.doc

Spelling Counts

Our goal is for your child to develop as a speller through spelling practice in class, spelling practice at home, writing words daily in Reader's and Writer's Workshop, utilizing our word wall, and using their individual word books. The words that are studied for a test on Friday, should then be applied as they write. For many, this isn't happening. Below is one a website that you may find helpful. If your child is writing a word that is in front of them, they need to practice spelling it correctly. We are not expecting them to spell rich, delicious words correctly,unless they are in their word books, but are expecting them to have a grasp on basic sight words at this point.
J. Richard Gentry has written a book that is available at Barnes and Noble called My Child Can't Spell that is a good resource. Also, check out the following site:
www.spellingcity.com

Mrs. Constande

Planet Fun

We are so proud of our fourth graders' Planet Brochures. Take a look and a listen to our Voicethread. The students told us at least one fact about the planet of their choice and one reason why we would want to travel to their planet as a tourist. Interesting ideas!! We can't wait to hear what you think. Leave us a comment!!

Art To Remeber Projects

Art To Remember Project on the Way HOME!!!!

cceart.blogspot.com


We have completed the Art To Remember Artwork and have them all stuffed in the envelopes, ready to head home. Included on the envelope, should be instructions on how to fill out the order forms so that you can receive all those fabulous items with YOUR child's artwork on them. This is really one of the greatest projects that we do because nothing is better than getting the artwork of a child, as it is fresh and honest. The following are answers to many questions you might have. If your answer is not there, my number appears on the sheet that is attached to your envelope. Give me a call.

What if my child did not finish their artwork? Well, that is not a problem. They are welcome to finish at home with whatever art medium you have available. Many were completed with crayon or markers, or a combination of both, so either of these would be fine.

What if my child did not do a piece of artwork? There were some students who were absent during several art classes or did not enter the school until after we were finished. They are welcome to do a piece of artwork. You can use a piece of copy paper but you must cut it down to 8' x 10 1/2". If you forget this step, I can cut it down when I get it. Make sure they put their first and last name, their teachers name, and Chets Creek, on the back. Have your child come to the Art Lab and get an extra envelope, which contains all the things you need to order.

What if my child does not like their artwork OR what if I would like them to draw something different? When we introduce this project to the students, we normally allow them (at least the older ones) to pick their own subject matter. We do stress the importance of choosing something that would be nice printed on one of these items. However, sometimes, the subject matter of the work is not necessarily something you would like to see on a coffee mug or a T-shirt. You are welcome to have your child draw another picture on a piece of copy paper (see above instructions) and send the new picture in the same envelope you received.

If I have another child that does not attend Chets Creek, can I have them do artwork and include it in the order? Absolutely! Again, just cut a piece of copy paper down to the size mentioned above and have them include their name on the back, their sibling's teachers name, and Chets Creek. You will have to get a seperate order form so that the company is not confused as to what artwork to print on what object. I should have extras in the Art Lab. You can put the artwork in the siblings envelope when your order is complete.

What do I need to return with my order? The order must have the original piece of artwork, the order form, and the payment.

How do I pay? A district change has stated that Duval Schools can no longer recieve checks for under $25 or over $250. So between those two amounts, you can write a check made out to Chets Creek Elementary. Under $25 must be cash.

Will I get my child's artwork back? Yes. If you make an order, the artwork will be returned with the items purchased.

When is my order due? Orders are due back to school by October 10th. Should you find that you did not get it turned in on time, please send it in anyway. If possible, I will make a late order. If I can't, then you can deal directly with ART TO REMEMBER and make arrangements.

When are we expecting the orders to arrive? This year, we are looking to receive them before the Thanksgiving break. If not then, then right after we return. They will be here in plenty of time for the holidays, especially, if your gifts are being sent out of town.

What if an item I have purchased comes damanged? Not a problem. Send the damanged piece in to the Art Lab. ATR keeps student artwork, digitally, until June. We can contact ATR and they will replace it and send it directly to you.

What if I want to order more items at a later date? Again, if you have put in a previous order, the artwork is stored digitally with ATR and they can simply pull it up and print it on whatever you like. You can work directly with ATR at that point.

What does the ATR fundraiser support? All funds raised by this project go to support the Cultural Arts at Chets Creek by bringing in quality presentations and performances for all our students. It also supports our annual Cultural Arts Week, which is a week long celebration of guest artists and family workshops that allow students and families to enjoy different aspects of the arts. The Arts Extravaganza evening event is also supported so that families can come enjoy and participate in the arts together. Finally, these funds help support the resources at Chets, allowing them to purchase special equipment and/or supplies for our students to enjoy.

Let me THANK YOU for your support of and through this project. I KNOW you will be WOWed by these objects with your child's original art. It make the item that much more special.

Blast Off!!

Our field trip to MOSH today was the best ever!! Ask your child about the sun's real name. It might be an extra credit question on our test tomorrow. Check out Ms. Anderson in the Rocket Chair. It was soooooo loud. (Sorry the pictures are dark but it was really dark in the Science Lab.)

Fall Carnival

An Adventure Around The World

Our Fall Carnival is right around the corner! It is on Thursday, October 23rd. We be in charge of the Ponies Booth. We will be sending home letters about having you volunteer for this booth. It is from 6-9 and we usually do a 30 minute block of time for you to help out. Please start thinking about if you will be able to volunteer! Please write a note in your child's planner if you are able to volunteer!!

The KIS Strategy

Last week we learned the KIS strategy for making an inference. ( This is not a kiss and tell strategy!) An inference has to be made when the information is not stated directly in the text. Many readers are hoping to go back into the text and find the answer righ there. Most of the higher level reading strategies require the student to make an inference.
The KIS strategy is this... The K stands for Key words in the text. As the student is reading, they should underline Key words that are important to the text. These are the words that will help the child make an inference later. The I stands for the Inference. What educated guess can they make about the text? Finally, the S stands for Support. The inference that the student makes should be able to be supported through the Key words in the text. We will continue with this strategy this week.

Reading Buddies

For the last two weeks our class had read with a first grade reading buddy from the Mackarado first grade class. Next week we will also read with first graders from the Mallard first grade classroom. The fourth graders are so excited to have an "audience" for their weekly repeated reading! The first and fourth graders also practice a reading strategy each week. This is a picture of what a first grader visualized while listening to their fourth grade reading buddy read Shoe Town.
We are so appreciative of the first grade classrooms welcoming us into their rooms each week.
The fourth graders feel empowered to share their reading strategies and knowledge, and they also love having someone to read to. The first graders benefit from having the same reading buddy each week, so they feel safe as readers with their buddy. They too, get to practice a reading strategy on their level and have someone to listen to them read.

Dream Big

September 24, 2008

Quote of the Day
"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."
– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Multiplication Clusters

The past few weeks we have been working on "building" multiplication clusters during our math workshop. The students learned how they could model clusters using array cards and then transfer their work onto graph paper. Be sure to take a look at the student work posted on our bulletin board and in the hallway so you can better understand how we use arrays to represent multiplication problems.

Multiplication clusters are a way of decomposing a multiplication problem into simpler facts which can be determined using mental math. The cluster is then recomposed to find the product of the initial problem. Multiplication clusters usually fall into three main categories (addition, subtraction, or doubling).

An example of an addition cluster for 9 x 8 might look like this:

...5 x 8 = 40
+ 4 x 8 = 32
= 9 x 8 = 72 (40 + 32)

In order to solve the more difficult problem of 9 x 8, the 9 can be decomposed into 5 + 4 and two simpler problems are created. In other words, 9 groups of 8 is equal to 5 groups of 8 plus 4 groups of 8. It is important to remember, at this stage, that we are only decomposing one of the two factors.

A subtraction cluster for 9 x 8 could be:

10 x 8 = 80
- 1 x 8 = 8
= 9 x 8 = 72 (80 - 8)

Similar to the addition cluster, 9 x 8 is looked at as a combination of two simpler problems. In this case, 10 groups of 8 minus 1 group of 8 equals 9 groups of 8.

Finally, a doubling cluster for 9 x 8 could be:

9 x 2 = 18
therefore 9 x 4 = 36 (18 doubled)
and 9 x 8 = 72 (36 doubled)

When you double one of the factors in a multiplication equation and keep the other factor constant, the product of the new equation is doubled. If you double the number in each group (9 groups of 2 doubles to 9 groups of 4), the total doubles from 18 to 36.

As we progress into bigger numbers, multiplication clusters will become an invaluable tool for our students.

Reminders

1. We are desperately in need of a second Build-A-Bear "Chet" for our classroom! With a class of 44 students, he is becoming double booked on the weekends! (What a popular fellow!) Even with his cousin, "Effiel", we could use another traveling bear. If you are interested in donating another Chet to our room, he is the "Curly" Build-A-Bear. (If you haven't been in the Build-A-Bear Workshop yet, you are in for a treat!

2. Open House is coming up! Check Monday's newsletter for more information.

3. Field trip permission slips and money were due last Friday!! (Again, we do not post any specific information about our field trips until after the trip for safety reasons.)

4. Progress Reports will go home Wednesday, September 24th (if all goes according to plan)!!

Eiffel Tower Base Words- ped

Here are the vocabulary words and their definitions for the week. We will do an activity each day to practice these words. The test will be next Tuesday. It will be multiple choice and fill in the blank. Research shows that the best way for students to learn and remember vocabulary words is to know greek and latin roots and prefixes. We of course have different ways to learn vocabulary, but this is one practice we will do throughout the year.
ped= foot

biped- a creature with two feet
centipede- a creature with 100 feet
impediment- something that stands in one's way; an obstacle
millipede- a creature with 1,000 feet
pedal- a lever that is moved with one's foot
peddler- a person who goes from door to door on foot trying to sell a product (wares!)
pedestrian- a person who walks across the street on foot
pedicure- a foot treatment that could include soaking the feet and polishing the toenails
quadruped- a four footed creature
tripod- a three-footed stand often used to balance a camera




http://www.thelearningworks.com/
You can go to this site, click search. Type in Greek and Latin Roots and the book will appear. This is the book that has the roots we will be studying. This manufacturer also sells a book on prefixes.

Please Post a Comment

Calling all parents and others that read our post. We have had so few comments from you. Since we made this blog for our parents to learn, we would like to know if you have any questions so far with any post we have written. Do you not understand a term, or do you want more info on something else we are doing in our class. Just ask and we would like to deliver.

100% PTA

Congratulations to our class for reaching 100% PTA Membership. Our class has won a POPCORN PARTY. How exciting. We are so privileged to have such a grand PTA!! Thank you for all you do!

Did you hear, Ms. Anderson was exuberant when she won the gift card from PTA??!!

Cafe of Learning Newsletter

The Learning Cafe Newsletter- 9-8.doc

Astronomy For Kids - KidsAstronomy.com

Scholastic Book Clubs

Dear Parent,
I have exciting news... You can now place your Scholastic Book Club orders online!

Browse all the great monthly Club selections at low prices and order online - all while helping our classroom earn FREE books, software, and resources.

Here's how it works:

Use the information below to access the Scholastic Book Clubs Web site.
Browse the titles with your child, and place your order with your credit card.
Your order will come to me, and your credit card payment will go directly to Scholastic's secure server. There's no need to send money to school.
After I submit the entire class's order to Scholastic, your order will be delivered to our classroom for your child to take home.

www.scholastic.com/parentordering

Class User Name: cafeoflearning
Password: chetscreek

Remember, placing your online credit card order is completely safe and secure. Ordering online is the most convenient way to use Scholastic Book Clubs. You can order anytime, right up until the online order due date. And this month, our class can earn additional FREE books, just for trying this online ordering service. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Ms. Anderson

Cafe of Learning Newsletter

The Learning Cafe Newsletter- 9-2.doc

Makeup Days for Duval County

Mark your calendar:

Makeup Days for Duval County Public Schools’ Students are Set!!

JACKSONVILLE – Tropical Storm Fay caused Duval County Public Schools’ students to miss three days of school at the beginning of this school year. The District currently has five days built into our school calendar in order to makeup any days missed due to weather.
Makeup days for students due to Tropical Storm Fay will be on November 10 and December 18 and 19. The storm also required us to move the end of the first quarter, changing the date for Teacher Planning Day from October 20 to October 24. Students will need to now attend school on October 20, not on Teacher Planning Day, October 24.

We will keep our eyes on Hanna as well.

Art Lab Needs You!!

Mrs. Snead, our Art Teacher, has a"garbage list" and "wish List". Your donations to the art lab will be greatly appreciated!!

"garbage list"

old CDs and DVDs

Syrofoam egg cartons

clean soup/veggie cans

craft scraps

small wood, metal, plastic pieces

Wish List

baby wipes

sponges

copy paper

Heavy Duty foil

wax paper

IVORY soap

hydrogen peroxide (for developing cyanotype photography)

liquid starch

new AA rechargable batteries

staple gun and staples

If you prefer to send in a gift card to purchase any of these items please put your Child's name and Home Room teacher on it.

Thanks!

Show and Tell Shoebox

This week your child will have the opportunity to bring in items in a shoebox from home. These items should represent their interests, hobbies, adventures, family, etc. We will use these items to get to know your child better as well as using these items to trigger story ideas! Have fun collecting!

Wii or Playstation

Hello,

Here are the results of an informal poll of our fourth grade students. Interesting data I must say!!

How many of you have your own cell phones? 17 out of 44
How many of you have your own laptop? 7
How many of you have access to the Internet? 41
How many of you have a Nintendo Wii? 22 half of our class

Play station 3? 6
Play station 2? 16
Nintendo Cube? 13
XBox 360? 12
PSP? 15
DS? 28
GameBoy? 30

How many of you play Club Penguin? 15
How many of you play Webkinz? 32

The students got all fired up and start shouting out different websites and games that they love to visit.

What does this have to do with reading?

Everything!

More to come!!

Red Reading/Writing Folders Needed

We are in need of 22 additonal red folders, (3 prong 2 pocket) for our Reading and Writing work. Leave us a comment if you are able to donate these to our class so we don't duplicate needed donations.





We already have reservations for Chet the Traveling Bear over the Winter Holiday. Please let us know if you have future travel plans and would like to reserve Chet. You do not have to travel far, it could be a special place like Grandma's house.

The PTA Fundraiser Entertainment Books will go home today. They ran out and now we have enough for our class to send home. They fundraiser will be due September 8th.

Thank you,


Mrs. Constande, Ms. Anderson, Mrs. Sani

Traveling Chet

Traveling Chet

Dear Families,

We have a class mascot named Chet! He loves to travel and is looking for some interesting travel destinations this year. Please let me know if you will be going somewhere and would be willing to host a visit with him. All you would need to do is email or write down about your trip with Chet and take a few pictures if possible. I will post it on his blog for you at http://travelingchet.blogspot.com/ The kids will get to enjoy his adventures and learn from him all year long.

If you have family members that live or travel in interesting destinations, Chet can also travel to them for a visit. If you would be willing to take him along or sponsor his visit to your families, please let me know.

Thank you,

Ms. Anderson, Mrs. Constande, and Mrs. Sani

andersons2@duvalschools.org

Ticket Tuesday

We have had a blast the last two days giving out Success Tickets. The students earn a ticket for such things as being helpful, answering a question, participating in a discussion, not giving up on a difficult assignment, or just being polite. Sometimes Ms. Anderson gets a little carried away and gives tickets out in groups of five or even ten at a time. We draw tickets on Tuesday and students go to the Treasure Chest pick a goodie. This is a great way to "catch students making good choices." What fun!!

We also started our seed list in our writing journals today. Ask your child what 3 seed ideas they wrote about. Reading Diagnostic Testing began today as well.

Science text books were passed out and students were introduce to the first lesson about our universe. Ask them what they learned today.

Thank you to the parents that already sent in the needed folders. We appreciate you quick response. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Remember we have an Early Release Day tomorrow, Wednesday, August 27th. Make sure your child knows how they will go home, especially if it is different than a typical school day.

Welcome Back!!

We are so happy to be back in school together. We were quite busy today, working on math diagnostic testing, decorating Science Journals and Writing Journals. We even started Daily Oral Social Studies, DOSS. Ask your child what they learned today in DOSS. Do they remember the largest lake in Florida? Your child received our first newsletter today. We will try to send this home every Monday. It is full of important information. Our students know how to get your attention so you will really read our newsletters. "Mama mama mama this is important!!" Sound familiar.

We are in need of a few folders. If you could help us out we need:

• 8 blue, 8 black, and 8 yellow folders, 3 prong with 2 pockets.

Thank you all so much for EVERYTHING you have already sent in. We are very appreciative and know how much you support your children. Thank you again.

PS I can't wait to try out our new Web Cam!

Tropical Storm Fay

Tropical Storm Fay certainly has a mind of her own. Looks like we will stay home Friday as well. Please be safe and take care of your loved ones.

Wonderful First Day!!

What a wonderful day we have together in fourth grade. We started with an assembly that relates to our theme - Around the World in 180 Days!! We watched a beautiful slide presentation and listened to fascinating stories by Bruce Junek who, with his wife, bicycled around the world for two years! Make sure you ask your child about the beautiful photographs that they saw.

Please send in all supplies as soon as possible. Each child is also asked to bring in a water bottle and a healthy snack daily. We look forward to a grand year! Let the adventure begin.

Fourth Grade Orientation

What a wonderful Orientation we had today. We are so excited about our year together in fourth grade. It was very nice to meet our new students, their parents , siblings and grandparents. We look forward to an outstanding year. We can't wait to get started next Monday!!

Weather Badge

Oh La La Help Needed

Each year, we have been so fortunate to have a few parents ask us how they can help the classroom in a greater sense. Some parents have time they’d like to donate, others would prefer to donate additional supplies. All of these donations are greatly appreciated! Here are a few ideas of ways you can contribute more to your child’s experience this year.

Volunteer Opportunities

• We appreciate help on Friday afternoons stuffing the “Friday Folders” with communications, flyers, newsletters, etc. If you are available to come in for an hour or so to work on these folders, please let us know.
• Early in the year, we love help with special a classroom project. The students will create their own, special, personalized writer’s notebook. These need to be covered in clear contact paper to preserve them throughout the year. This is a great short-term volunteer opportunity that parents can help with at home or in the classroom.
• We like to give my students and their families the opportunity to place book orders through Scholastic book clubs. If you would like to assist us in placing these orders from home, please let me know. We’ll be happy to have you trained. (This job does not require time in the classroom at all. Orders can be placed by phone or internet.)
• Every classroom needs a reliable room mother and chaperone parents. If you would like to volunteer for one or both of these roles, please be sure to speak to Ms. Anderson, Mrs. Constande or Mrs. Sani.
• We love a few good volunteers to turn to when it comes time for special class celebrations!
• Occasionally, we need assistance with laminating projects. Volunteers are appreciated to assist with the actual laminating process and/or cutting out the finished product.
• There will be many opportunities throughout the year for “short term” volunteer opportunities, too. Chets Creek traditions such as literary pumpkins, fall festival, holiday auction, arts extravaganza, end of the year celebration and many more require lots of parent support and are excellent ways for your to get involved without making a long-term commitment.

Donation Opportunities

• 8- 10 blue, black, and yellow folders, 3 prong with 2 pockets
  
• file folders
• portable CD players with headphones
• labels for printer (shipping and return address size)
• reams of white copy paper
• reams of white card stock
  
• gift cards to Amazon, Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble (great source for classroom books)
• gift cards to Michael’s, Target, Wal-Mart, Joann’s, Office Max (great sources for special projects throughout the year)
• cardboard or plastic magazine file boxes
• candy
• healthy snacks (We like to keep these on hand for students who didn’t get breakfast/lunch.)
• juice boxes/bags
• kid-size water bottles
• Lysol Spray
• Cinnamon and/or Vanilla Air Freshener
  
• Each year we’ve found that some of our students are unable to purchase their own supplies. If you’d care to donate duplicates of folders, notebook paper, pencils, soap, hand sanitizer, baggies, wipes, etc. that would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance for all your help throughout the year. We know this is going to be a wonderful year!