Week 3

Last week...

We had another fantastic week filled with both learning and fun. Students created their “hopes and dreams” for our year together in third grade and started working with new table teams after a seat shuffle. We completed the Fundations Level 3 orientation, joined Google Classroom, and practiced logging into Clever on our new iPads. Team-building activities kept the energy high—the cup challenge and class Kahoot were our favorites. Students enjoyed a special visit from our strings teacher, Ms. Casados, who introduced the third graders to the exciting opportunities in the strings program.  We also learned new group games and celebrated with our very first 30-second dance party. What a wonderful week it has been!

This week...

This week we will begin Unit 1 in Fundations, focusing on closed syllables. In reading, we’ll continue exploring Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes, as students describe characters’ traits, motivations, and feelings while explaining how their actions drive the sequence of events. In math, we’ll interpret and represent data using scaled picture and bar graphs, and practice solving one- and two-step story problems with addition and subtraction. We are also launching ST Math and starting our Second Step curriculum, a social-emotional learning program that helps students build important social skills for success in and out of the classroom. To strengthen teamwork, cooperation, and communication, students will play engaging games—and of course, we’ll be smiling big on Thursday for Picture Day!

Third Grade Homework Expectations:

3rd graders are expected to read for 20-25 minutes each night. Third graders can choose to read independently, read with a partner,  listen to audiobooks or enjoy a family read aloud. The big idea is to encourage a life-long love of reading!

School Picture Day :

School Picture Day is this Thursday, September 11th. 

Beginning Strings:
Our Strings teacher, Ms. Casados visited the 3rd grade and introduced the Needham Strings Program. To learn more about the program, click on this LINK. The deadline for registration is this Thursday, September 11th.

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!

Jump Rope Club:

Jump Rope Club will start up on Thursday September 18th. Jump Rope club is a before school program that meets every Thursday 7:55-8:10 on the basketball court or in the gym depending on weather. It is a great time to connect with other Mitchell learners, and start your day off right with some exercise! Mr. Darling, Mr. Martin along with parent volunteers hope to see you there! No sign ups are necessary to participate.

Links for more information: 

Click HERE for more information about ST MATH. 

Click HERE for more information on the Orientation unit of Fundations

Click HERE  for home support materials for Unit 1 of Fundations

Special Subject Schedule

Monday -- Art

Tuesday -- P.E. & Spanish

Wednesday -- Media

Thursday -- P.E.

Friday -- Music & Spanish

Important Dates

Thursday, September 11th -- Picture Day

Wednesday, September 17th -- Early Release Day, 12:15 dismissal

Tuesday, September 23rd -- No School, Rosh Hashanah 

Thursday, October 2nd -- No School, Yom Kippur

Wednesday, October 8th -- Early Release Day, 12:15 dismissal

Monday, October 13th -- No School, Indigenous Peoples Day

Thursday, October 16th -- Curriculum Night

Wednesday, October 22nd -- Early Release Day, 12:15 dismissal

Created 9/2025

Jennifer_ramras@needham.k12.ma.us