Today students  were shining at a students who were strugaling but mostly doing fine.  Also today, they didn`t  clap when Ms. Yousifi clapped at lunch.  In reading we learned Amazon horned frogs can camouflage with their horns under a leaf and it can eat prey the size of a dinner plate.  It can't it larger things than itself.  If you step on one it can defend itself and attack humans.  - Student reporter:  Anthony L.  In math we learned to find a fraction on a number line and to show how many jumps and how many spaces to find the numerator and denominator.

Welcome to Room 212!  It was wonderful to meet many of my new students and their families last night at Family Orientation.  I am very excited about this school year and the opportunities that UP Education Network has in store for our children.  Teachers have been hard at work since August 1st planning fun but rigorous lessons that will both challenge and engage our students.  The classroom is almost ready to welcome you and I hope that you will find it to be comfortable and motivational. 

Our first day of school is Wednesday, August 27th.  Students are expected to be at school no later than 7:45 a.m., and by 7:15 a.m. if they would like breakfast.  The first day is an early dismissal day, and students will be dismissed at 12:30 pm.  Make sure to contact me if your child will be going home a different way than as originally planned.  Students MUST be in full uniform.  Students not in uniform will not be admitted into the classroom.  Students do not need any supplies on the first day, but are encouraged to bring a bookbag.

As stated during orientation, we welcome you into our classrooms at any time.  I just ask that you do not interrupt any teaching and learning time during your visit.  It is always best to reach out to me prior to your visit so that I can have any materials ready for you that might be needed.  Please remember that all visitors must check in at the office before entering other areas of the building.  I look forward to working with all of you this year as we challenge your students and push them to achieve at the highest level.  ~ Mrs. Mark

Hello everyone,

As we near the end of the school year please remember that students are expected to be in school EVERY school day, including the last day.  We are learning important skills for fourth grade during these last few weeks. Missing school also sends a message that it is not important to attend.  It is not acceptable to start your child's summer early.  Thank you.

Our schedule for the next few days:

Wednesday, 6/18 Full Day 
Thursday, 6/19  Full Day
Friday, 6/20  Full Day
Monday, 6/23 Full Day
Tuesday, 6/24 Half Day
Wednesday, 6/25 Half Day - Last day of School -- Report Cards Distributed

~ Mrs .Mark

Welcome to our final countdown to the last day of school, which will be a half-day on June 25th.  Tuesday, June 24th will also be a half day.  Please remember that I will be teaching lessons EVERY day, including the last day of school, to prepare your child for fourth grade.  Students should continue to be on time and ready to learn every day of June.

Monday is ORANGE day in room 212 for our alphabet countdown.  If your child has something orange to wear that would be great, but please do not go out and buy something.  All of our alphabet countdown activities are optional.  

A flyer was sent home on Friday to let you know that there will be a family information meeting for Up Academy Holland on Wednesday, June 11th from 6:30 - 7:30.  JB Edwards Uniform will also be there on the 11th from 4:00 - 7:30 p.m. for uniform fittings for next year (small cafeteria).

The first day of school for your fourth graders attending Up Academy Holland will be on August 27th.  Family Orientation sessions will be held on August 20th and 21st.  Please visit their website  for a complete school calendar.  I am excited to announce that I will be the third grade lead teacher for for UAH next year, and I look forward to greeting your children in August as they move on to fourth grade.

Have a great weekend! ~ Mrs. Mark

Hello everyone!  It has been nice to enjoy some spring weather and some outdoor recess.  A couple of parents recently asked why I didn't make students do their missing homework at recess.  Although I do occasionally have some students come in and do their work at this time, it is rare and it is for reteaching, not punishment. Research has shown the following about taking away recess:

• It does not change behavior.  It is the same 4 or 5 children every day who are not doing their homework, and taking away recess will not make them start doing it.  Only the family can change this behavior.
• This is my 20 miinutes of lunch time, and I like to use this time to connect with students and families, eat with children who need some counseling, talk to clinicians, etc.  It is a better use of my time to help children deal with anger, loss, and trauma and reduce behavior problems in class.
• Homework is expected to be completed at home.  It is the responsibility of the family to make sure that it is finished and returned to school.  I provide the assignments, post it on the board, review it, and post it on my website. 
• Students NEED exercise to learn.  Exercise helps the brain to connect to new material and retain it in their memory and play helps to develop creativity and cooperation.  For many students this is the only exercise they get each day.

If your child is having difficulty getting homework done, or getting it back to school, there are some things you can do to help him/her:

• Schedule a specific time for homework, and do not waiver from this time.  Most children do better if they go home and have a snack and then do the homework. Make sure it is well before bedtime.  If your child does their homework somewhere else before coming home, schedule a time to check it over.
• Do not allow your child to watch television or do other leisure activities until you have checked the homework and have supervised it being packed into the folder/bag.
• Make it your child's responsibility to do homework.  I only assign work that we have already reviewed, and so you should allow your child to do the work independently.  If he/she cannot complete the assignment, it is important for me to know that.  Just write a note on the paper and I will reteach it to him/her.  

I am always available to sit down with you and develop a home-based homework plan with your child.  Children will have more and more homework as they age, and it is important that you help them to develop good study habits at an early age. ~ Mrs. Mark

Hello everyone.  I hope that you are enjoying these 70 degree days.  Please be aware that our classroom does not have working air conditioning, and is typically very hot.  It is suggested that students dress in layers so that they may remove sweaters to be cool once the room heats up in the afternoon.  I also suggest that students bring a water bottle to school to remain hydrated in the hot weather.

UP Education Network has launched a new web page for UP Academy Holland - you can access this page through this link:  http://upeducationnetwork.org/up-academy-holland/

There are also two informational meetings scheduled for nexxt week:
Family Information Session
Tuesday, April 15, 2014 (6:00PM - 7:00PM)
John P. Holland Elementary School Cafeteria
85 Olney Street, Dorchester, MA

Family Council Planning Session
Tuesday, April 15, 2014 (7:00PM - 8:00PM)
John P. Holland Elementary School Cafeteria
85 Olney Street, Dorchester, MA

Please also note that although I am very willing and excited to meet with any parent who wishes to speak to me, you must have an appointment to do so.  I cannot meet with parents who come in to talk during instructional time.  I would also like to remind you that you must check in with the office prior to visiting any classrooms.

There will be no school on Friday, April 18th in observation of Good Friday.   There is no school from 4/21-4/25 due to the spring vacation, and students will return to school on Monday, April 28th.   A Happy Easter to all who celebrate!   ~  Mrs. Mark

Along with the arrival of the warm weather, some unwanted behaviors have also arrived in room 212.  Students talking out, walking around the classroom, stealing, and destroying property all take away from important learning and instruction.  I want to take this time to review the rules and expectations of our classroom.

The rules are simple:
1.  Follow directions the first time they are given.
2.  Raise your hand to speak or leave your seat.
3.  Respect your teacher, your classmates and your school.
4.  Keep hands and feet to yourself.

The consequences for breaking these rules:
Green:  I am doing fine :)
Yellow:  Warning - time to make some changes.
Orange:  Time out - I need to sit separate from the class for 20 minutes to finish my work alone.  I can use this time to reflect on how to change my day around.
Red:  Parent letter - a letter will be emailed or sent home for my parents - I will stay in time out until the end of the day.  If my parents don't respond, I will call them during recess tomorrow to tell them of my behavior.
Purple: I will lose an activity and/or a recess.  


Students who continue to be disruptive after receiving a purple card will be referred to Saturday Detention. If this does not help behavior they may receive a suspension.  

With your support we can ensure that each child in my classroom learns in a peaceful and safe environment. ~ Mrs. Mark

Our English Language Arts MCAS is complete, and I want to thank you for getting your children to school on time. The children worked very hard and most tried their very best on the examination.  You will receive a score report from the state some time in October.   Our predictive data showed that most children are predicted to pass the examination, and I'm sure you will be pleased with their progress.

We are now turning our focus to the math examination in May, while continuing to develop your child's literacy skills for the remainder of the year.  Many children have still not mastered the multiplication facts.  This is a KEY skill for 3rd grade, and not having a quick recall of the facts will hinder your child's ability to be successful on the MCAS.  Children are expected to know 100 facts at this point in the year.  I will email all parents this weekend with your child's current proficiency level.  If your child is below 85%, please practice the facts for 15 minutes each night (beyond the nightly facts homework) to help your child memorize them.  They can also go on to Extra Math to practice on the computer or on your phone (they all have an account).  

My students have started an interest-based research project based upon a topic they have identified as something they would like to learn about.  Topics have ranged  from dance, Hindu language, Nigeria, and black holes to Jamaica and Michael Jordan. We have already begun by writing letters to "experts" in the field.   I am hoping to take my students to the Boston Public Library to do some research and check out books, and so if you are available to join us on a Tuesday please let me know.  I will be inviting parents to the classroom to view the projects once they are completed some time in May.

Enjoy your weekend! ~ Mrs. Mark