Week 27

Class Notes:

Congratulations to our 3rd graders who participated in Mitchell’s Battle of the Books—we are so proud of their hard work and enthusiasm for reading!

Mock Trial

We are excited to pilot a special program in partnership with the Commonwealth Museum! As part of our study of the events leading up to the American Revolution, we will learn about the Boston Massacre. Students will participate in a mock trial to decide who was responsible for the events of that day. With judges, witnesses, redcoat costumes, and handmade tricorn hats, students will step back in time and bring history to life through this engaging, hands-on experience.

Students will be creating their own costumes and props in class, but we are looking to borrow three judges’ robes for the day—graduation gowns would be perfect. If anyone is able to donate or lend one for the day, we would greatly appreciate it!

Fundations (Phonics & Spelling):
We will begin Unit 10, which focuses on double vowel syllables (also known as “D” syllables). Click HERE for Home Support Resources. The trick words for this unit are: cousin, earth, Monday, ocean, piece, Tuesday, world, and young.

Writing:
Students will continue working on literary essays, with a focus on using evidence from the text to support their ideas about characters. Students will edit their writing to include meaningful transitions, and correct sentence structure, punctuation and spelling. 

Math:
We will begin a month-long exploration of fractions. In the first lessons, students will learn about unit fractions by drawing and labeling shapes divided into halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, and eighths. They will also practice expressing each part as a fraction of the whole.

Social Studies:
Our Social Studies lessons will focus on life in Massachusetts during the 1760s, when relationships between Britain and the colonies began to change. Students will explore the time period leading up to the American Revolution (approximately 1763–1774), thinking about the role of rules, laws, and government, and how people respond to unfair situations. They will examine primary sources, including a military map and an engraving by Paul Revere, and read informational texts to better understand why British soldiers were in North America, the taxes imposed on the colonies, and the growing tensions of the time.

ELA MCAS Testing:
The ELA MCAS will take place on Monday, March 30th and Tuesday, March 31st. We take a low-key approach to standardized testing and encourage students to simply do their best—just like any other day! You can support your child by helping them get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and pack some favorite snacks. A few encouraging words can make a big difference!

Spring Conferences:
Thank you for your quick responses to the spring conference sign-up! The first set of conferences will begin on April 9th. I will plan to meet with you in our classroom (Room 11) unless you let me know that you would prefer a Zoom meeting—I’m happy to accommodate what works best for you.

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 Ms. Chen (Oscar's mom), 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 10 of Fundations

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

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

Tuesday, May 5th-- Tentative Date for Trip to the Statehouse

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

Created 3/2026

Jennifer_ramras@needham.k12.ma.us