Embedded Files
Class Notes:
Thank you so much for the incredible appreciation shown during Teacher Appreciation Week. I was truly touched by the thoughtful surprises each day. The cards filled with kind words & drawings were especially meaningful, and the luncheon, snack bar, coffee bar, candy bar, and flower station were all so wonderful. Every detail made us feel appreciated and celebrated. Thank you for your generosity, support, and for making the week so special!
The State Fair Home Project is due on Tuesday, May 12th. Please see the project details HERE.
We look forward to welcoming parents to our State Fair on Friday, May 15th from 8:30–9:30 AM!
Annual Book Fair in the Media Center – During our regular Media class on Wednesday, students will have the opportunity to shop for books at the Book Fair. If you would like your child to purchase a book or two, please send money with them on Wednesday. Parent volunteers will be available to assist our 3rd graders with their shopping.
Highlights of this week...
In Social Studies this week, students will learn about what school life was like in the 1850s as we prepare for our visit to our town’s Little Red Schoolhouse next Monday. We will explore topics such as teacher rules, the “3 Rs” (reading, writing, and arithmetic), school supplies, daily routines, lunchtime and recess games, and special events. Students will also learn how a one-room schoolhouse was run and complete activities from a Schoolhouse Choice Board to deepen their understanding of life as a student long ago.
We will also begin our final Science unit, Changes in the Earth. Students will explore how the Earth changes over time through processes such as weathering, erosion, and deposition. We will investigate how wind, water, ice, and other natural forces shape the land around us. Students are excited to become Earth scientists as we begin hands-on activities and observations throughout this unit!
We will wrap up Fundations Unit 11 (contractions) begin Fundations Unit 12; students will learn all about the sounds made by the ch (as in chorus) and ph (as in phone) digraphs. As with all digraphs, these two letters make one sound. Students will learn other silent letter combinations next week.
This week in math, students will learn how to measure objects to the nearest half-inch and quarter-inch using rulers. We will practice expressing measurements as fractions and mixed numbers, as well as identifying equivalent fractions. Students will also collect measurement data and use it to create and interpret line plots. By the end of the week, students will compare different line plots and present their own measurement data using appropriate units.
We will end our week with our exciting STATE FAIR on Friday! Please join us in our classroom at 8:30 AM to view all of the students’ state fair projects. Students are excited and prepared to share all the interesting facts and unique features of their states. At 9:00 AM, parents will move to the cafeteria to enjoy our State Fair Musical Presentation. The 3rd graders are so excited to perform for you on Friday!
Repeat Announcements:
Field Trip to the 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.
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
Would you like to volunteer as our next Mystery Reader? Click HERE to sign up.
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 12th-- State Fair Projects due
Friday, May 15th-- The State Fair, 8:30-9:30AM
Monday, May 18th -- Field Trip to the Little Red Schoolhouse
Tuesday, May 19th-- Mitchell Bike Rodeo (May 26th rain date)
Monday, May 25th -- No School (Memorial Day)
Wednesday, June 3rd -- Early Release Day; 12:15 Dismissal
Friday, June 19th -- No School (Juneteenth)
Monday, June 22nd -- Last Day of School; 12:15 Dismissal
Created 5/2026
Jennifer_ramras@needham.k12.ma.us
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