We have a busy week ahead!
Tuesday is our field trip to the Statehouse. Our bus will leave Mitchell at 9:30 AM (parent chaperones, this is 30 minutes later than we originally planned). Please pack lunch for your 3rd grader. Be mindful that students will need to carry their own lunches so please pack accordingly. No glass bottles or nut products. Thank you.
Wednesday is an Early Release Day; 12:15 dismissal time. We will also have our first State Fair Assembly Rehearsal in the cafeteria
The Math MCAS will be administered on Thursday and Friday. We take a low-key approach to standardized tests and encourage students to do their best—just like any other day! Parents can support their 3rd graders by ensuring they get a good night's sleep, eat a hearty breakfast, and bring some awesome snacks. A few reassuring words go a long way, too!
State Fair Projects are due next Tuesday, May 12th. As we get ready for our State Fair presentations, students will be practicing their presentation skills in small groups. This gives everyone a chance to rehearse, build confidence, and get helpful feedback before sharing with the whole class.
We will be focusing on key skills such as completing all parts of the project, speaking clearly with a strong voice, facing the audience, and showing knowledge of their topic. You can review the expectations with your child by clicking on the State Fair Presentation Rubric HERE.
Last week, the Acton Discovery museum came and introduced the children to the topic of Earth Science (our next Science unit). Students will will bring home a model for sedimentary rock as well as a salt crystal. Thanks to the PTC for funding this enrichment grant. Please read this letter about the materials we will be using in case your child has any allergies. Please reply to me if you anticipate any concerns for your child being in contact with these materials.
From Laura Young, our Music Teacher: Preview Information for Strings Program 2026-2027
Repeat Announcements:
Field Trip #1 – State House: We are excited for our upcoming 3rd Grade field trip to the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday, May 5th. Students will travel by bus with the Mitchell third grade, departing at 9:30 a.m. and returning by approximately 1:30 p.m. Please be sure to return the signed permission slip by Monday, April 27th. Students should bring a disposable bag lunch (no glass bottles, please). We look forward to a fun and educational day. If you are interested in joining us, chaperones are welcome to ride the bus (space permitting) or meet us there in Doric Hall at 10:30 a.m. Please let me know if you would like to attend and your preferred method of transportation.
Field Trip #2 – Little Red Schoolhouse: Step back in time with us! On Monday, May 18th, our class will visit the Little Red Schoolhouse at the Needham Historical Society. Students will experience what school was like in the 1850s, participating in old-fashioned lessons and reflecting on how school has changed over time. There is no fee for this trip, but a permission slip (coming home Monday) must be signed and returned.
To help bring the experience to life, students are encouraged to bring a “historical” lunch in a basket, small metal pail, or wrapped in cloth—simple items like sandwiches and fruit are perfect. Please avoid modern packaging and remember no peanut products due to allergies. We’re excited for this fun and immersive learning experience.
State Fair Home Project is due on Tuesday, May 12th. Details HERE.
State Fair for Parents is on Friday, May 15th, 8:30–9:30 AM.
The Bike Rodeo - The annual Mitchell Bike Rodeo will be held on Tuesday, May 19th, with a rain date of Tuesday, May 26th. This special event teaches our third graders the essentials of being a responsible bike rider in the community. There are four content areas: bike safety, bike maintenance, helmet safety, and the road course. Students who participate in all four areas will earn a bike license, demonstrating that they are ready to ride more independently in their community. Please review this Bike Rodeo presentation to help your child practice.
What do I need to bring? Students should bring their helmet and two-wheel bike. If you are unable to provide a bike or helmet, we have both available — generously donated by the Needham Police Department. If your child is bringing their own bike, we recommend labeling it with their name using masking or painter's tape. Bikes can be parked outside the Mitchell gym on the day of the event.
Mystery Reader
Thank you to Mrs. Shea (Maddie'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 material for Unit 12 of Fundations
Click HERE for home support materials for Unit 11 of Fundations
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
Special Subject Schedule
Monday -- Art
Tuesday -- P.E. & Spanish
Wednesday -- Media
Thursday -- P.E.
Friday -- Music & Spanish
Important Dates
Tuesday, May 5 - Statehouse Trip
Wednesday, May 6th - Early Release Day
Thursday, May 7 - Grade 3 Math MCAS, Session 1
Friday, May 8 - Grade 3 Math MCAS, Session 2
Friday, May 15th-- The State Fair, 8:30AM-9:30AM
Monday, May 18th-- Trip the the Little Red Schoolhouse
Tuesday, May 19th-- Bike Rodeo
Created 5/2026
Jennifer_ramras@needham.k12.ma.us