Week 26

Class Notes:
We have a busy and engaging week coming up with a mix of creativity, new topics, and some fun events for the students.

Spring conferences are also right around the corner. Stay tuned for April conference dates. I will send a separate email soon with a link where you can sign up for a conference time. 

Wednesday is an Early Release Day and Global Play Day. This special event celebrates the importance of unstructured play for students in schools around the world. Third graders are welcome to bring in board games, card games, or basic art supplies from home to enjoy during our play time. Battle of the Books is also on Wednesday. It's exciting to see so many 3rd graders participating in this amazing program! 

Science:
As a culminating activity for our electricity unit, students designed DoodleBots—robotic drawing devices that create colorful patterns as they move! The kids had a blast while demonstrating everything they’ve learned about electrical energy and circuits.

Social Studies:
We will begin a new Social Studies unit this week: Massachusetts and the American Revolution. This unit explores the decade leading up to the war (1763–1775), focusing on how life in Massachusetts changed as tensions grew between the colonies and Great Britain. Through primary sources, artwork, and videos, students will investigate the “why” behind the Revolution.

Writing:
Students will continue writing short literary essays that include bold claims about the characters they have been reading about. They will support their ideas with evidence from the text and learn how to thoughtfully incorporate quotes into their analysis.

Fundations:
We will wrap up Unit 9: r-controlled syllables. These are syllables where the letter r changes the sound of the vowel (such as ar, er, ir, or, and ur). I will administer the end-of-unit assessment on Friday. Please visit the Home Resources link for activities and ideas to support your child’s learning at home.

Cursive:
Cursive writing lessons will continue this week as students build fluency and confidence with letter formation.

Math:
We will complete our fourth math unit: Relating Multiplication and Division. Students have been learning how to multiply and divide larger numbers by breaking factors into smaller parts. I will administer the end-of-unit assessment on Friday. Our next unit will focus on fractions.

MCAS Preparation:
Students will take the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) on Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31. In class, we will spend some time reviewing strategies and practicing the types of questions students may see. We take a low-key approach to test preparation to help keep stress levels low and ensure students feel confident and comfortable. Our focus is on reminding students to take their time, read carefully, and show what they know.

Closing Note:
Thank you for your continued support at home. As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I’m looking forward to another great week of learning with your children!

Repeat Announcements:

Third Grade State Fair

Our classrooms are about to buzz with excitement as students dive into researching their assigned states! Through engaging research and hands-on activities, they will explore geography, history, and culture in ways that truly bring their learning to life.

There is also a special at-home component of the State Fair project, due Tuesday, May 12th. Students may choose from two creative project options to showcase their knowledge and highlight what makes their state unique. To learn more about the at-home choices, click HERE.

The third-grade teachers are thrilled to invite families to celebrate our students’ hard work at the Third Grade State Fair!

Friday, May 15th
8:30–9:00 AM — Visit classroom to explore student projects
9:00–9:30 AM — State Fair Concert in the cafeteria

We are so proud of the effort and enthusiasm our students are putting into this exciting project and can’t wait to share their learning with you. We hope you’ll join us for this special celebration!

Mystery Reader

Thank you to Mr. Shea (Maddie's dad), last week's Mystery Reader. Would you like to volunteer as our next Mystery Reader? Click HERE to sign up.

Scholastic Book Ordering:

If you would like to order books through Scholastic Book Clubs, our online ordering code is DPC2T (purchasing online is required).  SHOP OUR CLASS PAGE. By building your home library with Scholastic, you will also be helping to build our classroom library. The more books students order, the more free books we get for our classroom library!

Library Reminder: 

Our book swap day in the Media Center is every Wednesday. Please help your child remember to return their library books.

Links for more information: 

Click HERE for home support materials for Unit 9 of Fundations

Click HERE for home support materials for Unit 8 of Fundations

Click HERE for home support materials for Unit 7 of Fundations

Click HERE for home support material for Unit 6 of Fundations

Click HERE for home support materials for Unit 5 of Fundations

Click HERE for home support materials for Unit 4 of Fundations

Click HERE for home support materials for Unit 3 of Fundations

Click HERE for home support materials for  Unit 2 of Fundations

Click HERE  for home support materials for Unit 1 of Fundations

Tech Tips

Many students are excited to access Clever and our Google Classroom from home. 

Directions to Access Clever from Home:

Click HERE for a handy link to Clever

Click Log in with Google

Enter student username (initials + # @students.needham.k12.ma.us)

Enter student password 

Click on ST Math App, Amplify App then Boost or other NPS approved learning apps. 

Directions to Access Google Classroom from Home:

Open a web browser (like Chrome or Safari).

Go to http://www.classroom.google.com and click "Go to Classroom."

Sign in with your school-provided Google account and password.

Special Subject Schedule

Monday -- Art

Tuesday -- P.E. & Spanish

Wednesday -- Media

Thursday -- P.E.

Friday -- Music & Spanish

Important Dates

Wednesday, March 18th-- Battle of the Books

Wednesday, March 18th-- Early Release Day & Global Play Day

Monday, March 30th-- MCAS (ELA Session 1)

Tuesday, March 31st-- MCAS (ELA Session 2)

Wednesday, April 1st-- Early Release

Friday, April 3rd-- No School, Good Friday

Wednesday, April 15th-- Early Release

Monday, April 20th-- April Vacation Week

Monday, April 27th-- Classes resume

Friday, May 15th-- The State Fair, 8:30AM-9:30AM

Created 3/2026

Jennifer_ramras@needham.k12.ma.us