10 Years Have Passed!

I have not accessed or updated this blog in over 10 years, so it's about time that I make a post!  I wonder what my students have done over the past 10 years?  

Since 10 years has passed since I've seen my 4th graders, they are likely attending college and possibly entering their junior year!  I hope they have chosen some amazing colleges and set meaningful educational goals.

Bye for now!

~Mr. Palladino

Hello Summer 2014!

After a year of hard work and fun, our school year has come to an end!  I hope you all created as many wonderful memories as I did.

I know we'll always remember our field trips to Edison Labs, the Food Bank, and Ellis Island.  Remember how you created episodes of "Lafayette Live" and so many Power Point presentations.  Our 2nd Annual Talent Show was lots of laughs and so much fun to do!  Think of all the work you've done in class and the fun you've had on the playground.  Don't forget the great projects like our shoebox circuits and math board games.

Use this space to write about some of your memories of this past school year.  Talk about the funniest, most memorable moments from our year...and comment on your classmates' writing.  Don't forget to check in over the summer and let us all know what you're up to.  Have fun!

~ Mr. Palladino :)

Summer Report!

After a year of hard work and fun, we have all finally finished our first year at Lafayette!  I think you'd agree that it was a year filled with lots of learning. laughs, and memories.

I know we'll always remember our field trips to Edison Labs, the Food Bank, and the Museum of Natural History.  Remember our assemblies like the Mayhem Poets, and all the projects you did for Reading Road Trip?  Think of all the work you've done in class and the fun you've had on the playground.

Use this space to write about some of your memories of this past school year.  Talk about the funniest, most memorable moments from our year...and comment on your classmates' writing.  Don't forget to check in over the summer and let us all know what you're up to.  Have fun!

~ Mr. Palladino :)

Summertime!

So summer is finally here!  Hopefully, you've already begun enjoying the time away from school and trying to beat the HEAT on these awfully hot days!  I know I've been spending some time in the pool trying to keep cool.  But before that, I had to pack up my classroom at SBS and get ready for my big move to Lafayette!  I can't believe I'll be seeing most of you next year in 4th grade!  I'm also excited to see some former students as 5th graders!  Making a big move to a new school can be tough, but I know we all have lots to look forward to!

Your "Optional Summer Challenge" was to check in on the blog, so I'd love to hear what you've been up to so far this summer!  Let me know if you're going down the shore, spending time in the pool, visiting with friends, reading great books, or anything else.  I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

So, How Was the Test?

You can finally put away those Number 2 pencils and scrap paper....the NJASK is over!  It was an interesting week of testing.  I hope all of you felt prepared for the test, and weren't so nervous once it began.  I was so proud of how well you handled the pressure, and how you were so respectful during the test.  I know it was hard to sit and remain working quietly for so long each day, but I think you realized how important it was that all of your classmates have the chance to do their best on the test.

SO....How was the test?  What was the hardest part of last week?  What was the best part?  Was the test exactly what you were expecting?  Did you feel prepared for the test?  Tell us how you feel now that the test is over!

Ready for the NJASK?

So, all the preparation and practice is over and the testing is soon to begin!  The NJASK starts on Monday with two days of Language Arts and two days of Math.  We all know it's going to be a week of testing, but also a week of fun, with just a few hours of testing but extra recess and no homework!  Remember, every third grader in New Jersey is going through the same thing as you at the same exact time! 

I understand how many of you must be feeling about the NJASK coming up.  Some of you might be nervous about what the test might ask.  Some of you might be confident about remembering all of the things we've been learning this year.  You might worry about having to sit for so long to take the test each day.  But some of you might be excited about the extra recess you'll get, and the nice, free afternoons you'll have with NO HOMEWORK!

Check in here about your feelings about the NJASK.  Tell us how you are feeling, what you might be worried about, but what you're also looking forward to.  I've answered hundreds of your questions about the test, but if you have any more, ask them here!  After the test, we'll have another post about your thoughts to see how it went.  If you're curious about how last year's students did, look for the post one year ago and see what they wrote!

International Day at SBS!

This past week, students at SBS enjoyed our International Day celebration!  It was a wonderful day, full of information, excitement, and fun.  3P students first enjoyed a parade of international fashion as we watched our classmates, teachers, and parents modeling authentic traditional clothes from around the world!  We then learned even more about Australia, The Philippines, and France in presentations by some parents.

Learning so much about other countries helped me realize what makes these countries special:  their unique languages, special cities, favorite games and sports, delicious foods, and many other things.  However, since we may have an international audience on this post, I'd like to hear from anyone that reads this blog, and hear about the things that make YOUR country special.  Discuss the unique games we play, or the traditional foods you love.  Write about your favorite cities in your country or anything that makes your country stand out from the rest!

To inspire you, enjoy some photos below from International Day!  Make sure to check out some 3P students trying their hand at bilboquet, a traditional French game.