Happy Holidays!!

Hey kids, I hope that you are enjoying your holiday break!! I also hoped that you had gotten everything you ever wanted for Christmas. If not, just remember to be thankful!! I must say that I am enjoying my BREAK! It has been wonderful and relaxing. Write me and tell me about your break and what you're doing on your days off .....

Love you!

Ms. Bell

Shopping "smart" during the holidays.....

Hello kids! I hope that your holiday break was a great one! I know my was filled with lots of food and desserts! Yum! Yum! My break also consisted of SHOPPING! The video is of "me" with Fox News 17... Now, let's get down to business - LEARNING - YES!!

I am thankful......

The Pilgrims, as we have studied about through the 13 colonies celebrated the first Thanksgiving in America. We are so "thankful" for so many things, what are some things you are grateful and thankful for?

Voting is important......,

Hey kids, I hope that you've had a great weekend! We are counting down until election day!! How many more days until November 4?

As you are aware, I can not keep my mind off of the election. We will continue to keep track of the polls in our classroom. For now, you can click on the link below and listen to the 'School House Rock Songs" related to voting and the election. http://disneydvd.disney.go.com/schoolhouse-rock-election-collection.html#/?page=Preamble

Oh, don't forget to remind your parents that early voting ends on this Thursday, October 30th.

Since, we've just finished our unit on explorers, VOTE your favorite explorer. Who would you choose as your favorite explorer and why?

Oh, why is voting so important???

If you were president......

Last night was round 2 of the presidential debate. In class today, we discussed about the importance of responsibility. We also talked about the many responsibilities a President has to lead our country. Think about the issues we have in this country, and if you were President of the United States what "changes" would you make and why?

How would you help the people in our country?

If someone is undecided about voting; what would you tell them to convince them to vote?

It's me again.......oops I must have hopped the wrong way!

Knock, knock!! Who's there? It's me frog.......

Q. How many frogs would fit in your glass of water?A. Toadily too many.
Q. Why did the frog make so many mistakes?A. It jumped to the wrong conclusions.
Q. What do frogs play at recess?A. Jumping jacks and leapfrog.
Q. What is a frog's favorite snack?A. Cheese and croakers.
Q. Why are frogs good at baseball?A. Because they catch a lot of fly balls.
Q. What is a frog's favorite cheer?A. Hop-hop-hooray!
Q. Why couldn't the snake talk?A. He had a frog in his throat.
Q. What do frog's say after telling a joke?A. Git-it git-it!

How much is it worth??

Can anyone tell me how much one dinar is worth in US dollars? If you were an explorer and had only one dinar left - what would you spend it on? First, you'll need to find out how much it's worth! Good luck!

If you were an explorer.....

This week we will begin a unit on explorers. These explorers traveled to various places around the world in search of land, money, and various treasures. If you were an explorer, where would you go and why? If you could only take five items what would you take on your trip? Why would you take these things?

Can you guess the place where these pictures were taken? Hint: it's somewhere in the western part of the United States. It's very, very dry there!

Another Creature...................

Hey Kids! I was telling you about the 'new' visitor at my house - well here goes!!! He's as happy as can be, but I must admit I was kind of scared to get close. As long as he stays on the outside - I'm GOOD! As you are aware, I do not like the 'whole' reptile or amphibian family!! Anyway, he's pretty peaceful and he usually comes during this season or when it rains. I haven't seen him in a couple of days, do you think he'll come back?? Maybe he's preparing himself for the presidential debate or perhaps the Atlanta/TSU game this week.........................huuuuuuuummmmmmmm???

It's Marvelous Monday.....!!!!!

Hey kids, the weekend is over! I hope that you had a good weekend, with lots of fun!! Did you watch the Titans game on Sunday? It was a little rocky for the Titans in the beginning, but they pulled it off!! Go Titans!!!! This is definitely football season!

What's your favorite sports' team? Or what's your favorite sport? Write me a note telling me what your favorite sport or team is and why it's your favorite. Use very good reasons that will persuade someone to agree with you.

Oh, have you started selling some things for the fundraiser? Get on it!!!!!

Dipping your feet into liquid rubber...?????

Did you know that the Mayan civilization had rubber? This sounds pretty 'gross' to me!!!!

Hey kids, imagine what it must have been like when the Mayan's discovered that they could make rubber shoes to play games by dipping their feet into a liquid rubber mixture.

How would you like to deep your feet into a liquid rubber mixture? How is this different from today's shoes? Would you like to wear rubber shoes like the Mayans, instead of your favorite tennis shoes? How do you think they removed this 'rubber'?

Are you interested in tutoring services for your child?

I would like to take this opportunity to invite your child to participate in New Covenant Christian Church’s after school tutoring program. This program is free of charge; it’s our way to give back to the community. The purpose of the after school program is to provide additional help with your child’s school work so that he or she is successful in school. In addition to helping your child to reach his or her goals; I ask that each child is respectful and responsible. At New Covenant we provide an environment that is safe and orderly. The program will meet every Saturday from 10:00 – 12:00 p.m. held at New Covenant Christian Church (2201 Osage Street). We will begin on Saturday, September 27th. We will meet only once a week. However, this may change we will notify you in writing. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at the church (320-1590) or school (291-6382 ext. 1209) I look forward to working with you and your child.

Ms. Bell

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

On Friday, we were almost finished with our book "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes". We read the last sentence and it stated that "Sadako made her last paper crane". What do you think will happen to Sadako and why?

On another note, Sadako wanted to spread a message of peace and hope. In our world today, what kind of message do you want to send? What our some things you can do to make a difference in our community? Think about some things that are going on in our world and community today like war, people who are still homeless, in hospitals, and people that are sick like Sadako. In addition, to the many other events that happen in and around us today.

The spider I found in my back yard....YIKES!!!!

Hey kids, the weekend is over, but you would not believe what I found in my back yard!!!!!Not a snake, cow, dog, cat, but a SPIDER! It wasn't a small, tiny spider, but an ENORMOUS SPIDER!!! Oh my gosh a 'HUGE' SPIDER!!!! Are you scared of spiders??? Well, I'm not, but I wouldn't want it near me! YUCK!! I tried to exam the spider wondering what kind it is. My neighbor thought it could be a 'bananna spider' WHAT? I'm not for sure..however, if you click on the link below you can search to see. Look at the picture and see if you can match it with your research. What kind of spider do you think it is? and why??? I wonder if it's poisonous???

Here's the website: http://www.termite.com/spiders/index.html

Oh, I hope your weekend was a good one!!!

If you could interview a family member........

I'm sure all of you had a little extra time to spend with your relatives during our Labor Day holiday. If you could interview a family member to learn facts about your family heritage what questions would you ask them? What are some things you would be interested in knowing? Remember to use interrogative sentences. For example: I might ask my mother - How did I get my first name?

Just a little note to my parents - graded papers will be coming home this week. Please sign or initial each paper and return them with your child.

Thank you!!!

Labor Day!!

Hey kids, don't forget Labor Day is on this Monday, September 1st! I know you'll miss me, but don't show up for school!! It's a day off! I must admit, I love you'll, but we all need a 'DAY'! Did you know that Labor Day is a day where we honor our nation's workers? Have you ever thought about what you wanted to be? If you could have any job, what would it be? Why would you choose this job?

Oh, study hard on your day off! Study those multiplication facts..........!!!!

Author Study! Patricia Polacco

This week we were able to do an author's study. We read and will continue to read books by Patricia Polacco. One of my favorite books of the bunch was "Thank you, Mr. Falker". I enjoyed this book because it speaks about a teacher (Mr. Falker) who really took the time to help a child that needed help!! The book also teaches us that we all have weaknesses, however we can overcome these weaknesses and accomplish GREAT things!!! Obstacles may come our way, but we will continue to do our best in everything! So, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK AND WHY????

The Place We Call Home - Tennessee

In class today we talked about our home state Tennessee. We briefly discussed the geography of Tennessee (the land, water, plants, animals). We also discussed how geography affects where and how we live. As it relates to land, we spoke about the great fertile farmland of Tennessee and we found my very small hometown of Huntingdon on the map. I shared my experience of living in a small town, and my first horse ride. Some of you wanted to talk about your experience on a farm, but we ran out of time. HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO SHARE about your experience on a farm. How was your experience?

Another day down!!

It's another day and we MADE IT!! Things are going good so far and I am constantly thinking about my students!! We are well on our way to a successful school year!!

Parents today I have sent home the first newsletter and a letter regarding our recent multiplication test. Please read the newsletter and letter carefully. Also, sign the test and get it back as soon as possible.

To my students study those vocabulary words (test on Friday) and listen to your new multiplication CD! You can do it!! Students let me know what you think about your new CD! Do you like it? Is it helping you learn the facts? When are you listening to it?

Our First Day!!

Whewwwwwwwww!! The first day is finally past us!! I know dismissal was LONG, but it will get better. To my students, not too bad, especially after a summer vacation. We will continue to work hard on our rules and procedures. We will also thrive to stay on the "right track". I have high expectations for you and I only expect the best in everything that you do!! Continue to work hard and you will see awesome and great things happen this year!

To my parents do not forget to check my webpage for updated homework assignments and newsletter.

Educational Websites for kids

www.portaportal.com for educational websites for kids related to all subject areas. Then, type in jordan75 in the guest name box.

"Dive into another school year!!" Supply List.....

Welcome Back to School!!! Hopefully, your ready to gear up, buckle up and take the ride through another school year. I am currently working very hard in my classroom to get us prepared for another year. I am looking forward to getting the year off on the right track.

Below, you will find the link to the school supply list. http://www.jonespaideiaes.mnps.org/Page9713.aspx

On another note, don't forget about Open House! "Meet the Teacher" night is on Thursday, August 7th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. This is a time to meet "me"!

Finally, the first day of school is on Monday, August 11, 2008. Don't forget it's a half day!

Enjoy the rest of your time off because it's time to get started...........

What did you do this summer?

To my students, I hope that you've had a great summer! Can you believe it's over?! WOW! seems like only yesterday when we were getting out of school. Now it's time to get 'back to the basics'. I am excited to start another year! Please tell me what you've done this summer. Did you go to the beach? Hang out at home? Visit grandma? Maybe a waterpark?

BAHA New Orleans

A group of teachers and I from Nashville Public Schools were able to visit New Orleans. This trip was a part of a grant were we toured New Orleans and learned about the history (Battle of New Orleans), and culture.

This was my summer in LA!!

Los Angeles was fun! In addition, it was good just to see my brother Marcus. I really enjoyed the diversity of food and people in LA. Chinatown is were you would want to go for some 'real' authentic Chinese food. Soul food? Take a visit to Crenshaw or to the South Central area. There's so many people in LA that are of various races, cultures, and lifestyles. It's so different from Nashville. I was able to tour the "Walk of Fame", Beverly Hills and Baldwin Hills. HUGE houses and mansions! COOL! Shopping in LA was great! I also enjoyed touring the beaches of LA! YIPPEE! It's a great place to visit, but nothing is ever like HOME! What did you do this summer?