Week 34

Class Notes:

MONDAY: 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. 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.

TUESDAY: The Bike Rodeo - The annual Mitchell Bike Rodeo will be held on Tuesday, May 19th. 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.

Also this week:

In Math, students are learning about measuring weight and liquid volume using standard units such as grams, kilograms, and liters. They are building hands-on understanding by holding, comparing, and estimating the weights and volumes of everyday objects. Students are also exploring how to measure liquid volume using tools like beakers and learning to read measurement scales accurately. Through these activities, students are developing stronger estimation and measurement skills in real-world contexts.

In Fundations, we will begin 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 also learn other silent letter combinations. 

In Literacy this week, students will read excerpts from What is a Life Cycle? (The Science of Living Things) by Bobbie Kalman and Jacqueline Langille as we explore how living things grow and change over time. Students will describe the different stages of a life cycle and explain why life cycles are important for the survival of a species. We will compare and contrast amphibian and reptile life cycles and learn about the stages of a ladybug beetle and frog life cycle. Students will also strengthen their sequencing skills by writing about events in order using clear transition words and details from the text.

In Social Thinking this week, students will focus on strategies for managing anger in healthy and respectful ways. We will discuss how everyone feels angry sometimes, but it is important to calm down before reacting so we do not hurt other people’s feelings or bodies. Students will practice using counting strategies to help calm themselves in different scenarios and will learn how assertive communication can help them respectfully express what they want or need. Through role-playing and class discussions, students will explore positive ways to handle strong emotions and solve problems with others.

Repeat Announcements:

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

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