Week 28

ELA MCAS Testing
The ELA MCAS will be administered on Monday and Tuesday. We take a low-key approach to standardized tests and encourage students to do their best—just like any other day! This test is untimed, allowing students to work at their own pace. Parents can support their third graders by ensuring they get a good night's sleep, eating a hearty breakfast, and bringing some awesome snacks. A few reassuring words go a long way, too!

Early Release Day Reminder
We have an Early Release Day on Wednesday, with dismissal at 12:15 PM.

Wishing a very happy Passover and a joyful Easter to all who celebrate! There will be no school on Friday in observance of Good Friday.

Spring Conferences
It’s hard to believe it’s already time for spring conferences! Conferences will be scheduled from April 9th through April 16th. For your convenience, I will meet with parents both in the classroom and on Zoom.  Please email me if you prefer a Zoom meeting so I can plan accordingly. Click HERE for the link. I look forward to speaking with you and sharing your third grader’s portfolio of work.

Fundations (Phonics & Spelling):
We will continue with Unit 10, which focuses on double vowel syllables (also known as “D” syllables). Click HERE for Home Support Resources.

Reading

We will begin our 4th Fishtank unit, The Animal Kingdom. Students will read and analyze texts to explore the following essential questions: What is the animal kingdom? What types of animals make up the animal kingdom? Why are life cycles important? Are all animal life cycles the same? What happens to animals in an ecosystem when the environment changes? How have animals adapted to meet changes in their environment?

Math

We will continue to explore fractions and represent them on a number line. Students will practice understanding fractions as equal parts of a whole and locating them accurately between whole numbers. We will also begin comparing fractions and explaining our thinking using models and number lines.

Social Studies

In Social Studies, we are exploring how the people of Massachusetts responded to growing conflict with Britain in the years leading up to the American Revolution. Students will learn how tensions in Boston increased between 1770 and 1775, beginning with the Boston Massacre, which sparked stronger feelings against British rule. We will also study key events like the Boston Tea Party and the battles of Lexington and Concord, and how these moments inspired colonists to stand up for their rights and move toward independence.

Second Step & Social Emotional Learning

This week, students will focus on managing disappointment and building positive coping strategies. We will learn how negative self-talk can make strong feelings even stronger, and how using positive self-talk can help us stay calm and in control. Students will practice coming up with encouraging phrases they can use when things don’t go as planned, as well as setting new goals and creating simple plans to move forward in a positive way.

Link to photos from Battle of the Books.

Looking forward to a great week ahead!

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. Doyle (Jack'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 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