This year I am teaching the 3rd and 5th grade special needs students. Currently I provide special instructional services in an inclusion setting as well as pull out to the learning center as needed. Whether in the classroom or in the learning center, students will use the same curriculum materials and are expected to learn to the state standards.

The only homework I am assigning this year is in 3rd grade math. The students were all given a yellow homework folder to take home on a daily basis, (except on Fridays). Most of the students are completing their homework and returning it in a timely manner. Thank You for your support at home. The homework "grade" does not go into my gradebook as a grade, but I do check to see if the students understand the lesson. The daily practice and reinforcement of the lessons helps them to develop their mathematical thinking . Also, the plus/minus credit may help boost their quarterly grades. So, keep working on that homework!

In Reading, I use Accelerated Reader as a tool for additional reading practice. Reading those AR books and taking quizzes is a fun way to gain and monitor reading practice. Encourage your child to check out AR books at the Library. This year you can even check which books have AR quizzes using the Las Brisas web site, in case you have some books at home that can be used for AR.

Important dates to remember are: December 3 - eary release, December 19 - no school. December 21-January 2 - winter break, January 5 - back to school, Janauary 14 - early release, January 19 - no school MLK day