Newsletters

Below you will find my weekly newsletter. My newsletter will be a spot to keep you updated on what your child has learned throughout the week. It will also provide you with information about what is happening within the classroom and the school. I will have a new newsletter posted each Friday. Check back weekly to read each newsletter!

Week of May 27th

In math, we did a few lessons on different shapes and their attributes. During reading and writing, students wrapped up their Wax Museum speeches. They had so much fun during the Wax Museum on Friday! Thank you to everyone who came in to see them. We also completed our last section of testing this year with math and reading Aimsweb.

Special: Next week, students will have SEL with Mrs. Olesen.

Week of May 19th

In math, we began Module 6 with covers geometry, time, money and data. In reading and writing, students have been working on their speeches for the Wax Museum. They are focusing on writing the speech from the historical figures perspective. In science, we did a Mystery Science lesson about plants and pollination. During Word Study, we have reviewed our vowel teams.

Special: Next week, students will have Music with Mr. Tremblay.

Week of May 12th

In math, we wrapped up Module 4 which focuses on find the area of shapes. In reading and writing, students have started researching a historical figure for the Wax Museum. They picked a Who Was? book and are in the process of filling out an informational booklet to collect all their thoughts. In science, we did a lesson from our Life Cycles unit which compared the life cycles of different animals. During Word Study, we have reviewed R-Controlled vowels.

Special: Next week, students will have Library with Mrs. Starkey.

Week of April 14th

In math, we began our unit on area. We have started with finding the number of inch tiles that can fit in a shape. In CKLA, we wrapped up our unit on Animal Classification. The students really enjoyed this unit! Next week, they will continue to research an animal and turn the research into a poster. We have also been doing some SAS prep through practice modulars.

Special: Next week, students will have STEAM with Mrs. Goudreau.

Week of April 21st

In math, we are working with finding the area of quadrilaterals using square units in inches and centimeters. In reading, students worked on creating a poster about the animal that they researched last week. They had to create a poster using the vocabulary they learned during CKLA to help them classify their animal. We also talked about forces using Mystery Science.

Special: After vacation, students will have PE with Mr. Martus.

Week of April 7th

In math, we have wrapped up our unit on Fractions. The students have enjoyed fractions and learning about all the different things you can do with them. In CKLA, students have learned about reptiles and birds this week. They were engaged in reading and writing about the different animals. These lessons led to many questions and their curiosity was increasing. We also talked about concrete and abstract nouns.

Special: Next week, students will have Music with Mr. Tremblay.

Week of March 31st

In math, we have been working on finding equivalent fractions and continuing to compare them. During our CKLA unit, we have learned about fish and amphibians. We compared and contrasted toads and frogs. We have also been doing some SAS test practice and prep. Students are working on building their stamina during our independent and whole group work.

Special: Next week, students will have Library with Mrs. Starkey.

Week of March 24th

In math, we have been working on comparing fractions on a number line. In reading and writing, we began our pilot unit for CKLA. This unit focuses on Animal Classifications. We have been learning about vertebrates and invertebrates. We have also been talking about the five main groups that fall under vertebrates and they are amphibians, mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. We also discussed the difference between warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals. They have been really enjoying the topic of this unit although they are very long lessons.

Special: Next week, students will have the Art with Mrs. Gott.

Week of March 10th

In math, we continued working with fractions. We started putting them on a number line which will help them start to understand equivalent fractions. We also worked on reviewing money which may appear on the SAS testing in May. In Writing and Reading, students began putting together their google slide presentations based on the animal they are researching for the Who Would Win bracket battle. They have been learning how partners can work in the same google document and have been working on their partner work skills. In word study/Fundations, students have been learning and reviewing the -le syllable. They have learned that this syllable always comes at the end of a word. We have also been learning how the -e in the syllable can disappear when we are adding suffixes such as -ing, -ed, -er, -est. It will stay when we are adding the suffix -s.

Special: Next week, students will have the SEL Rotation with Mrs. Olesen.

Week of March 3rd

In math, we worked on fractions and started to compare them when they had the same numerator. In writing and reading, they began researching their animal for the March Madness Who Would Win Bracket. They will begin creating a slideshow with their partner to use during our bracket competition. For Read Across America, students participated in different activities including the third grade book swap on Friday.

The class worked super hard on their STEAM projects and it was great to see many of you last night! All of the students worked really hard and their hard work definitely paid off.

No School: There is no school for students on Tuesday, March 11th due to voting.

Special Next Week: Next week, students will have Music.

Week of February 17th

In math, students worked on finding fractions within shapes and how to write fractions. In writing, we wrapped up our Informative writing unit. In reading, we continue learning about different types of poetry and students went on the hunt to find some that they liked for their poetry books. In Fundations, we worked on dropping the Y at the end of words when adding certain suffixes. In social studies, we worked on identifying the 7 continents and the 5 oceans. I think every student is excited about vacation!

Special Next Week: Next week, students will have Library with Mrs. Starkey.

Week of February 10th

In math, students wrapped up module 3 and we moved on to module 5 which focuses on fractions. In reading, we started talking about poetry and the different kinds of poems. In writing, they continued working on their informative writing about sea turtles. During Fundations, we worked on words that end in Y and having to switch to an I if we are adding a suffix. We started talking about geography during social studies and students worked on their map skills.

Special Next Week: Next week, students will have Art with Mrs. Gott

February Vacation: Please let me know if your student will be missing any part of next week so I can plan accordingly. Thank you!

Week of February 3rd

In math students wrapped up the last lessons in Module 3. We will be testing on the Early Release day which is next Tuesday. After we will be moving on to fractions. In reading, we finished up our characters unit where we read Because of Winn-Dixie. We watched the movie on Friday while wearing our PJs. In writing, we started our Informative writing unit. They are working on thinking and writing ideas about how to save the sea turtles for dangers they might face. In science, we are working on our last Mystery Science lesson for climate where they have to construct a paper house that can last through winds and crazy storms.

Special Next Week: Next week, students will have PE with Mr. Martus so they need to wear their sneakers to participate.

STEAM Night Materials: Please check with your child regarding materials that may be needed for their section of our mini golf hole. We started construction today but many groups may still need some materials.

Week of January 27th

In math, students worked on writing their own multiplication and division word problems. They also had to solve two-step word problems using multiplication or division. In reading, they started reading their books for book clubs and they met on Friday to discuss what they have read so far. In writing, they practiced their How-To writing and how to sort information within their writing. In science, they were learning about different climates and how places around Earth can have different summers and winters.

Valentine's Day - Friday, February 14th

Our class will be celebrating Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 14th. Non-edible celebrations are optional but welcome! Just as a reminder- please do NOT send in any food or treats with the cards. We will not be allowed to hand them out. Small items such as pencils are acceptable. If your child plans to participate, they should bring a valentine for all of their classmates. If you need an additional class list, please reach out to me so I can send one home with your child.

STEAM Night: We are going to be collecting materials for our STEAM project. We need any materials by Friday, February 7th. Lists for needed materials will be going home in your child's backpack today.

Message from Mrs. Starkey:

Hello Families,

In order to increase the frequency of checking out books from the library, Mrs. Starkey will be opening up an optional weekly morning check-in/checkout time for each grade level. If students would like, they may return any library books that they are finished with on their assigned day and check out new ones without having to wait until their next library class. The schedule will be as follows:

Tuesdays: Grades 2 & 3 (8:15 - 8:45)

Thursdays: Grades K & 1 (8:15 - 8:45)

This will begin on 2/4 and continue throughout the remainder of the school year.

Thanks,

Mrs. Starkey

Special Next Week: Next week, students will have STEAM with Mrs. Goudreau.

Movie Day: We will be watching Because of Winn-Dixie next Friday, February 7th. Third grade students are invited to wear Pajamas on Friday to watch the movie but they need to wear regular shoes.

Week of January 20th

In math, students practiced more with their 9 facts. They also looked at patterns that can be found on multiplication chart. During writing, students worked on elaborating their stories with feelings and actions. In reading, we read more of Because of Winn-Dixie. Students have been working hard on studying the characters that we are meeting and taking notes in their booklets. In Fundations, Unit 6 Week 1 focuses on open syllables. It also looks at why the letter why can say I or E depending on the word. In science, we have been working on a lesson which focuses on the weather in a location over several years to help determine if a snow fort building festival should be held there.

Special Next Week: Next week, students will have Music.

Movie Permission Slip: Winn-Dixie movie permission slips are due next Friday, January 31st.

Week of January 13th

This week, students have been building their understanding of their 6, 7, and 8 facts. Today they were introduced to their 9 facts. Many had their mind blown with the fun things that happen with the 9 facts and the exciting things you can do with your 9s. In writing, students practicing adding details to their sentences. In reading, we began our read aloud Because of Winn-Dixie which engages them throughout our character unit. In science, we completed our second lesson on weather and climate.

Special Next Week: Next week, students will have library.

Schedules: Just a friendly reminder that there is no school on Monday, January 20th.

Week of January 6th

This week, students started with their 6 and 8 facts using the distributive property. We also introduced the associative property of multiplication. We started our next reading unit which focuses on Characters and Character Traits. In science, we started our climate and weather unit. In Fundations, students were introduced to Schwa which is a vowel that does not make its typical sound.

Special Next Week: Next week, students will have art.

Schedules: Next week, there is an early release on Friday, January 17th and there is no school on Monday, January 20th.

Week of January 2nd

This week, students worked on the distributive property in multiplication. They practiced breaking up a factor to help them solve a more difficult equation. In writing, we started focusing on the importance of topic sentences. In reading, we read about New Years and did a Scholastic News.

I hope you had a wonderful holiday break and I hope you enjoy the weekend!

Week of December 16th

This week, students worked on their posters for the heritage breakfast. They had so much fun yesterday trying all the different foods that were brought in. We also started Module 3 in math which focuses on the rest of the multiplication facts.

Special: Students will have PE from January 2nd through January 10th. Please make sure your child has sneakers in order to participate.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and a relaxing break. I will see your child on Thursday, January 2nd!

Week of December 2nd

This week, students have been reviewing addition and subtraction with two and three-digit numbers. Students began researching their countries for the heritage project.

Special: Next week students will have music!

Heritage Breakfast: For our heritage breakfast on December 19th, our class is looking to collect regular sized Paper Plates. We would need all donations brought to school by Monday, December 16th. Your help would be greatly appreciated and will help make the event a success!

Movie Permission: The third grade students will be watching the Polar Express (Rated G) on Friday, December 20th. If you do not want your child to participate, please let me know and they can be provided with an alternative activity to complete in the office. Thank you!

Week of November 18th

This week, students reviewed nonfiction text by researching a national park. In math, students worked with decomposing number and compensating to help solve addition and subtracting problems. In writing, students wrapped up their constellation stories and began writing their final drafts. They also got to go an interactive virtual tour of Ellis Island.

Special: Next week students will have art!

Heritage Project: Please check your child's backpack for a packet regarding our heritage project that we will begin after Thanksgiving break. There are important dates and things that need to be returned after Thanksgiving break. If the survey portion is not returned by December 2nd, your child will not be able to start their project.

Week of November 12th

This week, students have been working on their narrative writing stories. They have been working on creating characters and their setting. We have wrapped up our unit on Traditional Literature. Next week, we will do a fun National Parks nonfiction project during reading. In social studies, we are diving into Ellis Island and how people immigrated from other countries. The students were very shocked this week to learn that the boats were not like the current day cruise ships and that there were no running water or TVs! :) In math, students practiced rounding to the nearest ten and hundred during vertical numbers lines and thermometers.

Special: Next week students will have art!

Field Trip: Field trip permission slips and forms went home via Parent Square yesterday. If you are planning on paying via check or cash, please send it with your child. You will still need to fill out the permission slips on Parent Square to give your child permission to join us on the field trip.

Week of November 4th

This week, students started rounding numbers on a vertical number line and a thermometer. We started talking about US Symbols and will be moving on to Ellis Island next week. In reading, students began learning about traditional literature and the different characteristics found in those stories. We have started writing a narrative unit in writing.

Special: Next week students will have PE so they will need sneakers in order to participate.

Math Homework: The students have started ripping their own pages out of the math books to make their math packets. We are slowly getting better at it but wanted to give you a heads up that some pages could have rips and tears throughout :)

No School: There will be no school on Monday, November 11th for Veterans Day.

Week of October 28th

This week, students started working with liters and milliliters in math. They practiced breaking down 1 liter into 1,000 milliliters. For reading, they finished up their cereal box book reports. They look awesome! They also finished typing their mystery stories in google classroom. Third graders enjoyed many Halloween activities this week throughout the different subjects this week. We will be starting new things next week!

Special: Next week students will have STEAM.

No School: There will be no school on Tuesday, November 5th due to voting.

Week of October 21st

This week, students started their second math module which focuses on place value and measurement. Student started learning about grams and kilograms. In writing, students started typing their final drafts of their mystery stories. They have also started brainstorming and working on their cereal box book reports for their mystery books. We have wrapped up our final Mystery Science lesson on fossils. Special: Next week students will have music.

Halloween: Please see the letter below regarding the Halloween party and parade.

Week of October 15th

This week students has wrapped up Modular 1 in math and students will take their first math assessment on Monday. In writing, students have focused on adding many details to their mystery stories that they have been working on. In reading, students have continued reading their mystery books and will start working on their cereal box book reports next week. Next week, students will start Unit 2 in Fundations which focuses on the variety of suffixes. Special: Next week students will have library.

Parent Teacher Conferences: Please buzz into the school through the lower level when you arrive for your conference time.

Mystery Books: If your child is still working on reading their mystery books for the cereal box book report, they may be coming home with it this weekend to read some more. These books should come back on Monday.

Tissues: If you are willing to send in a box or two of tissues, we would greatly appreciate it! It is certainly getting to that time of the year with different colds and illnesses.

Halloween: As seen in the Brookline Newsletter, third grade will be having their Halloween party from 12:15-1:15 p.m. on Thursday, October 31. Each classroom will be accepting two volunteers who have already been approved as district volunteers. As a volunteer for this party, please provide a craft, activity or game to run with students. If you need help brainstorming ideas, we can work together to figure something out. Please send me an email if you would like to volunteer during this party! I am still looking for one or two more volunteers.

Week of October 7th

This week students began writing their own mystery stories as a rough draft. They are working on adding many details and thinking outside of the box. In science, we completed our second Mystery Science lesson on fossils. In math, we have been diving into understanding the distributive property with multiplication. In reading, students picked their own mystery books that they will use with their cereal box book reports.

Cereal Boxes: Students need to bring in an intact empty cereal box by Thursday, October 17th. If you have an extra at home, please do not hesitate to send one in with your child. This can be helpful in case someone forgets theirs.

Tissues: If you are willing to send in a box or two of tissues, we would greatly appreciate it! It is certainly getting to that time of the year with different colds and illnesses.

Halloween: As seen in the Brookline Newsletter, third grade will be having their Halloween party from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 31. Each classroom will be accepting two volunteers who have already been approved as district volunteers. As a volunteer for this party, please provide a craft, activity or game to run with students. If you need help brainstorming ideas, we can work together to figure something out. Please send me an email if you would like to volunteer during this party! I am still looking for one or two more volunteers.

Week of September 30th

This week students discovered mysteries in both reading and writing. They will begin writing their own mystery stories next week. In math, students began making the connection between multiplication and division. During word study, we have begun the first unit in third grade Fundations. This has been a review for most but we will be getting into new phonics rules throughout the year. Special: Next week, students will have PE so they will need their sneakers.

Math Quizzes: This year with our new curriculum, we have frequent math quizzes. Those are graded but they are not your child's final grade. These quizzes and other assessments help us determine what students are understanding and what concepts are going to be reviewed to help your child understand them with more confidence. These graded quizzes are being sent home to allow you the opportunity to see how your child is doing on concepts but please know that I am working with your child in the classroom to build their foundation of certain skills.

Homework Reminder: Reading logs and math homework are due on Friday each week.

Parent Teacher Conferences: There are still some openings available for Parent Teacher Conferences. The sign up can be found through Parent Square. If you have any questions please let me know.

Week of September 23rd

This week, students learned about realistic fiction during reading. They also enjoyed learning how to write a paragraph and practice the different steps of the writing process. They started learning about their 2s facts and 4s facts. They also started learning about Fossils during science and will dive in deeper next week with our Mystery Science lessons.

Homework Reminder: Reading logs and math homework are due on Friday each week.

Upcoming Dates: October 1st is an early release. Please make sure Pick Up Patrol is up to date for that day as things may be different for you at home.

Parent Teacher Conferences: Parent Teacher conferences will be taking place the week of October 21st.

Times are listed below and the sign up will be sent out on Monday, September 30th at 3:30. Just wanted to give the opportunity to check schedules. These will be taking place in person. Can't wait to see you all!

Monday October 21st: 3:15, 3:30, 3:45 and 4:00

Tuesday October 22nd: 3:15, 3:30, 3:45 and 4:00

Wednesday October 23rd: 3:15, 3:30, 3:45 and 4:00

Thursday October 24th: 3:15, 3:30, 3:45 and 4:00

Friday October 25th: 3:15 and 3:30

Halloween: More information about Halloween will be coming out next week in my weekly updates.

Week of September 16th

This week, students have taken their first math quiz and it is in their backpack. After, the quiz student have been diving into division through introduction lessons. Students also wrapped up Building a Reading Life and read with partners on Friday. In writing, students started talking about cursive and trying their hand at a few letters. Special Next Week: Students will have Music next week.

Homework Reminder: Reading logs and math homework are due on Friday each week.

Upcoming Dates: October 1st is an early release. Please make sure Pick Up Patrol is up to date for that day as things may be different for you at home.

Note About Third Grade: In general, the work expectations in third grade do increase from the previous years. They are times we are working on projects and can work with partners. However, most of the work completed in third grade is done independently and quietly. Please have conversations with your child to help them brainstorm about what those expectations can look like within the classroom. Thank you for your continued partnership!

Week of September 9th

This week we have been exploring arrays in math using hands-on materials and different pictures. For reading and writing, we have been working on parts of speech, punctuation and editing sentences. They have also been working on silently reading and find a good reading spot within the classroom. Special Next Week: Students will have Library next week.

Homework: Read 15 minutes each night and have a parent sign after you read - turn in Reading Log on Friday. Next week, we will be starting math homework. Please complete some math problems each night and turn in finished packet on Friday.

Week of September 3rd

This week we have been reviewing math skills and reading skills from second grade. Students have also been enjoying short Mystery Doug lessons during our science block. They have also been diving into book shopping and independent reading. Special Next Week: Students will have Art next week.

Homework: Next week, reading homework will begin. A reading log will come home on Monday and needs to be turned in on Friday. Homework grades are part of the report card per trimester. The following week, math homework may be introduced if things are working in our favor :)

Open House: Open house will take place on Wednesday September 11th from 6:00 - 7:30. Students are allowed to come to open house and there will be a scavenger hunt within the classroom and whole school.

Week of August 29th

It has been a great first two days of school! We have not been jumping into curriculum quite yet but third graders have enjoyed getting to know each other. We have started to go through our procedures and routines for our class community.

As a reminder, there is no school on Monday for Labor Day. Also if you have not updated your child's dismissal plans in Pick Up Patrol please do so. You can also call the main office if you have any questions about how to make those changes.

Picture day forms are in your child's backpack if you need them.

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