Mr. Suarez & Ms. Mitten
Jill Mitten
English Language Arts & Social Studies
Conference 9:30-10:00
We have had a few parents ask us about our wishlists so here they are!
Thank you for any and all donations. We are truly grateful!
3RD ASPIRE SCHEDULE
7:45-8:55 Block 1--Reading/Math
8:55-9:25 Snack/Circle Up/Typing Club (Homeroom)
9:25-10:10 Specials
10:10-11:10 Block 2--Reading/Math
11:15-11:55 Science (Mitten’s Class)
Writing (Suarez’s Class)
11:55 Bathroom
12:00-12:30 Lunch
12:30-1:00 Recess
1:05-1:45 Writing (Mitten’s Class)
Science (Suarez’s Class)
1:45-2:25 M/W Social Studies (Mitten)
T/Th Social Studies (Suarez)
Every Other Day Silent Reading/Read Aloud
2:25-2:50 Gator-aide
Fridays: Extra Recess Reward
2:50 Pack Up/Clean Up
2:57-3:00 Dismissal
Beginning next week, interim testing will begin (practice STAAR). Please be sure that your child has had a good night's sleep, has a snack, and has a charged device when they come to school along with their charger (just in case). The dates of testing are below:
Wednesday 1/22 - Reading/Language Arts Interim Assessment
Tuesday 1/28 - Math Interim Assessment
Parents interested in telescoping information in the spring or summer can find the district dates at this site.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM DR. GRIFFIN
Dear parents of 3rd grade ASPIRE students,
Some of you may be aware that Mr. Suarez has been having some health issues. He has tried his very best to continue to come to school, even when not feeling well. However, his doctor has advised him to take some time away from school in order to avoid exposure to viruses and other winter conditions.
We have been fortunate to have had Mrs. Jennifer Pichardo as his sub for the last several days, and she is available and willing to sub for the next few weeks. Mrs. Pichardo moved here this summer with her family (including two Gators) and has extensive education experience. She's already told me several times how much she enjoys working with your children.
Please email if you have any questions or concerns. We appreciate your understanding and support for Mr. Suarez, and would appreciate your thoughts and prayers for his recovery.
Monday, January 20th
-NO SCHOOL (MLK Jr. Holiday)
Wednesday, January 22nd
-Reading/Language Arts Interim Assessment
Friday, Jan 31
-Baby pictures (ages 0-12 months) due to Ms. Mitten
email to lisa.mitten@gcisd.net
-Yearbook artwork due
Reading & Language Arts:
I can explain the relationships among the major and minor characters.
I can explain how the setting affects the plot.
I can show my comprehension of a fictional passage and analyze text evidence to construct an extended response.
I can identify and document authors, titles, publishers, and publication years for my sources.
3rd Grade Math:
I can solve one and two step multiplication problems using strategies based on objects or recall facts.
I can represent multiplication facts by using a variety of approaches such as repeated addition, equal-sized groups, arrays, area models, equal jumps on a number line, and skip counting.
Science:
I can compare and describe day-to-day weather in different locations at the same time, including air temperature, wind direction, and precipitation.
Social Studies:
I can explain the significance of ethnic and cultural celebrations in my community.
Yearbook Artwork
This year, the yearbook theme is “Gators Glow.” Draw Spike (our mascot) among glow sticks or surrounded by neon lights. Create a "dance party" scene that features silhouettes of students with glowing accessories or use abstract shapes and lines that look like they are glowing, with gradients transitioning between colors. Consider incorporating geometric patterns that resemble neon signs and lights. Make sure your picture is drawn on 8 ½ x 11” white paper, you may use color. You can add backgrounds, but no tiny details. Please put your name and teacher’s name on the back. Your picture is due by January 31st to your homeroom teacher. Feel free to fill out the information below and attach to the back of your picture, but it is not required (you can simply write your information on the back of your illustration).
Note: One piece of art per class will go into the yearbook. Students in each class will vote on the artwork they would like to have illustrated on their homeroom’s yearbook page.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a0ItUJ8VHw2cvrixHB3kg959jRxZvAxE1N5_imIzmKs/edit?tab=t.0
January-February are tough months. We are coming off of winter vacation, the weather keeps us trapped indoors more often (yay inside recess), we have mid-year assessments, and the next long break is a bit away. We are working hard to keep students encouraged, motivated, and engaged. We do this because your kids are worth fighting for. They deserve all we've got to give.
Just as we believe in them, we hope they believe in their own potential and will fight for it, no matter what obstacle they may face.
Have you ever heard of Dabrowski's overexcitabilities? We have worked this year to help students identify their own overexcitabilities and the pros/cons that go along with them. As teachers, we have even been able to identify our overexcitabilities! Read more about the overexcitabilities here:
https://www.verywellfamily.com/dabrowskis-overexcitabilities-in-gifted-children-1449118
The GCISD Instructional Calendar for the 2025-2026 school year was approved by the Board of Trustees at its January 13 Regular Meeting. GCISD’s first day of school will be Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
A few holidays and important dates on the calendar include:
District holidays are on September 1, 2025, October 13, 2025, January 19, 2026, April 3, 2026, and May 25, 2026
Five professional development days (no school for students) are scheduled for September 22, 2025, November 3, 2025, January 5-6, 2026, and February 16, 2026
Thanksgiving Break runs November 24-28, 2025
Winter Break runs December 19, 2025 - January 2, 2026
Spring Break runs March 16-20, 2026
The calendar includes flexible minutes, which allows for two days for instructional planning (no school for students) on October 10, 2025, and March 13, 2026 (New this year)
The last day of school is on Thursday, May 21, 2026
In addition, the school day will be 10 minutes longer next year for students. To read more, please click the link below:
Miss the curriculum night or just want a refresher? Click the banner above to see the information in the slideshow!