Mr. Sosa's Class

What's Going On In Class? 1/3/12-1/20/12

2012-01-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

Math:

Students will recognize patterns in division. They will use models to solve problems using number sentences to record their solutions. They will use lists, tables, and charts to generate, describe, and identify patterns. Students will use mental math strategies to compute with division. Students will explore and model division story problems that involve partitioning/fair-sharing division and story problems that involve measurement/repeated subtraction division. Students will also use invented strategies and concrete objects to modelproblems in real-world contexts.Students will justify their thinking verbally, with manipulatives, and with written words, and they will explore simple equations to represent story problems. Students will display math concepts using concrete models in problem solving connected to everyday experiences.
Students will use concrete objects and number lines to construct, model, and compare fractional parts of whole objects or sets of objects.

Language Arts:

For three weeks we are focusing on procedural texts. Students need to be able to follow and explain written, multi-step directions, as well as locate and use graphic features.
In terms of writing expository and procedural texts, students are expected to write brief, well-focused pieces. Students also are expected to write letters for a variety of purposes using appropriate conventions.

Science:

The students will make and observe models of the relationship of the Sun, Earth and Moon. The students will understand the position, orbit and order of the planets in relation to the sun.

Social Studies

All about citizenship. What makes you a good citizen? The qualities you possess and the actions you take.

Family Art Night

2011-12-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

Please come join us from 6:30 - 7:30 in the KCE cafeteria this Thursday, December 15 for another fun Family Art Night.
There will be materials here for you to make cards, old fashioned paper tree ornaments, and drawings.
Looking forward to seeing you!!
Elizabeth Conti and Jen Raybourn
512.464.5528
elizabeth_conti@roundrockisd.org
Kathy Caraway Elementary School

What's Going On In Class 12/05-12/16

2011-12-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

Language Arts:
Mr. Sosa's class will be reading & writing poetry! Students need to be immersed in the reading and writing of poetry, familiarizing themselves with various authors and styles. Students should read a variety of poetry styles, including narrative poetry, lyrical poetry, humorous poetry, and free verse in order to be able to talk about the characteristics of each of those types of poetry, as well as to understand how imagery is created through each type of poem.

As students write poetry, I will model and scaffold instruction to assist students in transferring knowledge regarding sensory language into the poetry composed. The students are the authors who will draw on reali-life experiences to create poetry.

Math:

Students will investigate patterns and relationships between whole numbers and geometric figures. They will identify and extend whole number and geometric patterns to solve problems. They will use lists, tables, and charts to generate, describe, and identify patterns.

Science:
The students will use tools to measure, record and compare weather in various locations. The students will describe the properties of the sun and its role in the water cycle.

What's going on in class?

2011-10-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Reading:
We are going to focus on expository texts. We are taking a shift from fiction to nonfiction. Students need to be able to recognize the organizational features associated with expository text in order to comprehend at a deeper level, as well as to write expository text effectively. Main idea is a key focus in this unit, where students must actively sort through details in order to come up with the “big idea.” Students also need to be able to identify and explain cause-and-effect relationships and use text features to locate information.

Writing:
Research will be conducted on a topic of student choice. It may stem from what is being taught in science or social studies at the current time. During the research process students will be researching topics for which they already possess background knowledge. Students may start with a hobby they already have (skateboarding, caring for an animal) or something they do on a regular basis (caring for a sibling, cooking for others).

Math:
We are starting multiplication! Students begin using thinking strategies to develop efficient methods for learning multiplication basic facts with the Use Tens strategy, which works for the x5 facts. The Use Tens strategy highlights that 5 is half of 10, so the product of a fives facts will be half of the product of a related tens fact. This strategy can be extended to help students easily figure out products beyond the range of the basic facts.

In this unit students begin the lessons to use Doubling to learn the x2, x4, and x8 facts. The doubles, or the x2 facts, are really the addition doubles, which were among the easiest for students to learn when learning addition facts, so if students know their addition doubles, they already “know” their x2 multiplication facts. In this unit that connection is made and students practice Doubling and using that strategy to learn the x2, x4, and x8 facts.

Science:
The students will explore different forms of energy, including mechanical, light, sound and heat/thermal. The students will demonstrate and observe that work is done when forces, such as pushing, pulling, magnetism and gravity, cause change.

The ballots are in!

2011-10-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

The votes are in and here are our classroom government officials:

Senate: Inwoo, Ashley, and Kyan
Representatives: Ashmal, Matthew, Yachna, Bryce, and Wade
Judges: Brodie, Cooper, and Sara

They will be in charge of making laws, enforcing laws, and coming up with fair consequences. And of course The President(Mr. Sosa) and Vice-President(Mrs. Gomez) have the authority to veto any laws.

Virtual Homework

2011-10-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,

I am starting to assign homework on-line. That way the kids can complete assignments at home or anywhere with internet access. All the links for the homework assignments are on the Homework section of our class blog at http://mrsosashomework.blogspot.com/ . The students are given a week to complete the on-line assignments. I will post what assignments are due for the week. We do go to the computer lab once a week and I will use that time for short lessons and opportunities to work on the homework for the week. If you do not have computer access for your student please let me know and I will allow time in class for them to complete the assignments. I will send cards(super hero cards) home with the student's passwords to access these websites. Here are a list of the websites we will be using:

Discovery Education(http://www.discoveryeducation.com/)
-Includes assignments from all subject areas.
-Login information is on the student's super hero card.

Discussion Corner(http://mrsosasdiscussioncorner.blogspot.com/)
-Short writing assignments to be completed on-line.
-No login required. Just post a comment with your child's first name only.

First In Math(http://www.firstinmath.com/)
-Assignments involving math concepts.
-Login cards already sent home a few weeks ago.

Learning.Com(http://www.learning.com/)
-Includes assignments for keyboarding and technology.
-Login information is on the student's super hero card.

Pearson(https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com/snpapp/login/login.jsp)
-Math assignments and a virtual copy of the student's textbook.
-Login information is on the student's super hero card.

Stemscopes(http://roundrockisd.stemscopes.com/login)
-Science Assignments with some light reading.
-Login information is the same for everyone. Username: Superkid Password: sosa
-Remember to put your name on the end of assessments!

If you have any questions feel free to email me. The login cards will go home tomorrow. The virtual homework is already posted. If your child loses their card email me and I will send you their log in information.

Walk or Bike to School on Wednesday!

2011-10-04T14:42:00.001-07:00

Here's a friendly reminder to be sure to walk or bike to school tomorrow! If you live too far, feel free to park a few blocks away and walk the rest of the way. We're proud of our students and families who are wanting to improve their quality time together and become more fit while they're at it. Besides that, it helps us save on gas and treat our world more carefully! See you on the street:)

Harvest Festival

2011-10-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

HARVEST FESTIVAL 2011

Saturday, November 5th
12:00-3:00

WRISTBANDS will be available for purchase for only $12!
(All children 4 and under are $8) Wristbands will be $15 for 5 and older and $10 for 4 and under on the day of the Festival so DON'T WAIT!!
**This includes unlimited access to all activities at the Festival except for food.

NEW THIS YEAR Purchase your Wristbands online at
http://www.caraway.my-pta.organd/ click on "Harvest Festival"

Wristband order forms will also be going out in
Tuesday folders on 10/4.
***All wristband pre-orders will be available for pick-up on the day of the Festival***

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
If you are interested in helping out PRIOR to the day of the Harvest Festival, please contact Shelby Soleimani at shelby.soleimani@gmail.comor call/text at (978) 590-9799.

Fall Conferences

2011-09-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

Here is the official listing of available time slots for parent conferences. Please email me (jesse_sosa@roundrockisd.org) your best couple of choices, and I will place you as best as I can. This is on a first come, first serve basis, and I will try to update what's been taken as often as possible. If you absolutely cannot make any of the times for this designated week, let me know and we can work out an alternate time slot. Looking forward to meeting with you all!

Tuesday, October 4

9:30-9:50 Sherri Springfield(Bryce)
3:00-3:20 ~~Kathleen Zeller(Frank)~~

Wednesday, October 5
9:30-9:50 Kornfelds(Ky An)
3:00-3:20 Faculty Mtg.

Thursday, October 6
9:30-9:50 Tawny Kocian(Isaiah)
3:00-3:20 Jen Felch and Andy Price(Cooper)

Monday, October 10 (No school)
9:00-9:20
9:30-9:50
10:10-10:30 Roseann Villegas(Ally)
10:40-11:00 Cynthia Sagues(Sara)
11:10-11:30 John Youngblood(Wade)
11:40-12:00 Neetu(Yachna)
1:30-1:50 Anita Pradeep(Raksha)
2:00-2:20 Kelly Conrad(Wade)
2:30-2:50
3:00-3:20
3:30-3:50 Cheryl Maltrud(Brodie)
4:00-4:20 Catherine South(Colette)

Tuesday, October 11
9:20-9:40 Hyun Jung Kim(Inwoo)
9:40-10:00 Dawn Howell(Ashley)
3:00-3:20 Letty Cantu(Matthew)

Wednesday, October 12
9:30-9:50 Amina Momin(Ashmal)
3:00-3:20 Colette Kapoor(Diya)

Thursday, October 13
9:30-9:50 A.M. Training
3:00-3:20 Kathleen Zeller(Frank)

Give a HOOT Family Fun Picnic

2011-09-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 30th
5:45p-7:30p
Caraway Soccer Field

Bring your family, a blanket and/or lawn chairs, and a picnic dinner.
There will be a bounce house for the kids sponsored by Upward Sports.
The Caraway PTA will provide lemonade and water.
Lick It, Bite It, or Both has donated delicous mini cupcakes.

Scholastic Books

2011-09-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

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.
Follow the prompts to set up your account to use all year long!
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 Activation Code: HFMNM

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,
Mr. Sosa

2011-2012 Caraway and PTA Dates

2011-08-25T08:09:00.001-07:00

August 17 5:30-7:30 pm Family Skate Night, Playland Skate Center
August 19 8:30– 10:00am Meet the teacher, school supply drop-off and refreshments
August 23 School Begins, PTA hosts all family reception in front of school on blacktop
August 26 2:45 pm PTA hosts Popsicles in the Park (Oakview Park, next to the school)

September 5 No School (Labor Day)
September 6 6:30 Back to School Night Open House; 7:00 General PTA Meeting
September 14 Early Release 12:45 pm
September 30 7:00-9:00 HOOT Family Picnic & Movie Under the Stars in front of school

October 5 National Bike and Walk to School Day
October 10 No school (Columbus Day and Parent/Teacher Conferences)
October 13 6:00-8:30 pm Family Skate Night, Playland Skate Center
October 24-28 National Red Ribbon Week, Drug Prevention Awareness
October 26 Early Release 12:45 pm
October 27 6:00-8:00 pm PTA Hosts Science Night for Families

November 1 7:00 General PTA Meeting (open to all families) & 5th Grade Program
November 5 12:00-3:00 pm Caraway Harvest Festival (formerly known as carnival)
November 10 6:00-8:30 pm Family Skate Night, Playland Skate Center
November 23-25 Thanksgiving Break

December 7 Early Release 12:45 pm
December 19-30 No School-Winter Break
December 29 3:00-5:00 pm Family Ice Skating Event, Chaparral Ice in Northcross Mall

January 3 School resumes
January 12 6:00-8:30 pm Family Skate Night, Playland Skate Center
January 16 No School (Martin Luther King Holiday)

February 1 Early Release 12:45 pm
February 7 7:00 General PTA Meeting (open to all families) & 1st Grade PE Program
February 15 6:00-8:30 pm Family Skate Night, Playland Skate Center
February 20 No School (President’s Day)

March 3 Family Dinner Night
March 7 Early Release 12:45 pm
March 12-16 Spring Break

April 3 7:00 General PTA Meeting & 3rd Grade Program
April 6 No school (Holiday)
April 12 6:00-8:00 pm PTA Hosts Science Night for Families
April 19 6:00-8:30 pm Family Skate Night, Playland Skate Center

May 2 Early Release 12:45 pm
May 7-11 National Teacher Appreciation Week
May 10 6:00-8:30 pm Family Skate Night, Playland Skate Center
May 11 Field Day
May 15 7:45 am Breakfast Honoring All Parent Volunteers & PTA Officer Installation
May 25 Last Day of School (assuming there are no bad weather make-up days)
May 28 Memorial Day; Bad Weather Make-up Day #2 (if needed)
May 29 Bad Weather Make-up Day #1 (if needed)

Meet Mr. Sosa

2010-08-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

This is my fourth year to teach and I am fortunate to have all four years here at Caraway. I am excited to be starting a whole new year full of possibilities, but I am even more excited to be your child's teacher!

My educational journey started in Fort Worth, Texas at Castleberry Elementary. There I was fortunate to have enthusiastic and inspiring teachers. However, my aspirations to become a teacher did not blossom until my junior year of high school. That year I enrolled in a program that allowed my to go to the local elementary school a couple of times a week to help out in a classroom. I had the unique opportunity to work with my own former second grade teacher. I didn't know it back then, but some of her passion had rubbed off on me.

After graduating from Castleberry High School, I attended The University of Texas at Austin where I began the process to turn my blood burnt orange. I immediately fell in love with Austin and its many social opportunities. I knew that I wanted to start my life here. After graduating in December 2007 I was lucky to get a job here at Kathy Caraway Elementary.

When not cultivating young minds, I enjoy spontaneous trips to Enchanted Rock with college friends, kayaking on Town Lake, Disc Golf with one of my best friends, Texas football games, and vegging on the couch with my puppy Mia. I have a twin brother and we are the youngest of seventeen siblings(including step and half siblings).

I want our classroom to be a place where engaging and culturally sensitive instruction take place. A place where together we will build a positive, supportive, and accepting learning community. A place where students leave the room confident and intrinsically motivated to be life long learners.

I believe that kids don't get in trouble because they want to be in trouble. They are usually bored, lacking motivational experiences, not expected to be engaged, lacking direction, have too much down time, and the list can go on. I will be clear with students about what it is I expect of them and let them have a voice in their learning. By keeping their thoughts in my mind when planning engaging lessons I hope to build a strong community of learners.

Welcome to third grade!

Welcome 3rd Graders 2011-2012!

2009-08-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new year! I look forward to getting to know each and everyone of you! If you have any questions feel free to email me at Jesse_Sosa@roundrockisd.org or call me at 464-5558. I am a firm believer in having an open line of communication with parents.