Week of September 14, 2026
Thank you to Rebecca Jacob and Sandy Fitzsimmons for helping during our library time.
Library books are due for return or renewal every Friday.
Picture Day will be on Tuesday, September 15th!
The Be Seen/Be Heard video assembly will be on Thursday, September 17th. The virtual assemblies are presented in the interest of student safety and will address the dangers of child sexual abuse, the differences between a safe and unsafe touch and a safe and unsafe secret, the importance of voice, and identifying trusted adults.
What to Expect This Week:
We are introducing the ROAR behavior expectations for our classroom. This week, we will focus on behavior expectations during language arts centers.
We will begin a class novel: Fudge-A-Mania. As we read the chapters in this funny, realistic fiction novel by Judy Blume, we will complete a variety of comprehension activities.
Additional language arts activities will include:
Vocabulary Word of the Week: plunge
Opinion Writing: The students will add reasons and examples to their superpower essay.
Cursive: upper and lowercase cursive letters
We will continue multiplication and division concepts in Module 1 of Eureka Math. Students will show their math problem-solving by drawing pictures, writing equations, and writing sentences. They will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. The students are also skip-counting and filling in a multiplication chart to learn the multiples of 2 through 9.
Social Studies:
On Monday, we will continue with an activity about the heroes from 9/11. Students are reading short passages and illustrating them in a booklet . Later in the week, we will continue the TCI social studies unit on geography. Students will use a compass rose and a distance ruler to find locations on a California map.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with Mr. A on Tuesdays from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm. The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
We have a weekly music class in our classroom on Friday mornings with Mr. Pat.
Week of September 7, 2026
Monday 9/7/26: Labor Day Holiday
Thank you for responding to the beginning-of-the- school-year requests for t-shirt sizing and contact lists.
Library books will be due for return or renewal every Friday.
What to Expect This Week:
We are introducing the ROAR behavior expectations for our classroom, with an early focus on the proper use of Chromebooks.
We will add small-group instruction in language arts this week. While in small groups, the students will rotate among tasks such as building words, writing sentences with commonly-used third-grade words, reading-to-self, and meeting with the teacher for a reading comprehension or writing activity.
This week, the students will finish the short novel, The Ghost at the Grand Inn, find signposts in the chapters, and answer comprehension questions in complete sentences.
Additional language arts activities will include:
Vocabulary Word of the Week: fierce
Opinion Writing: The students will learn about writing strong opinion statements and begin a new opinion essay on the superpower they would like to have.
Cursive: upper and lowercase cursive letters
We will continue multiplication and division concepts in Module 1 of Eureka Math. Students will show their math problem-solving by drawing pictures, writing equations, and writing sentences. They will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. The students are also skip-counting and filling in a multiplication chart to learn the multiples of 2 through 9.
Social Studies:
We will continue the TCI social studies unit on Geography. Students will use a compass rose and a distance ruler to find locations on a California map.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with Mr. A on Tuesdays from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm. The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
We have a weekly music class in our classroom on Friday mornings with Mr. Pat.
Each year, some students accidentally damage their Chromebooks, which could lead to costly repairs or replacement. You have an opportunity to buy Chromebook Insurance for $40 a year. Please see this flyer for more information. The deadline is September 16th.
What to Expect This Week:
The students will continue to find signposts in reading passages that will help them slow down and process what they are reading.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Vocabulary word of the week: capture
Opinion writing: use information from a Storyworks article to write an opinion essay about whether they prefer summer or fall.
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
We will continue multiplication and division concepts in Module 1 of Eureka Math. Students will show their math problem-solving by drawing pictures, writing equations, and writing sentences. They will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. The students are also skip-counting to learn the multiples of 2 through 9.
Social Studies:
We will continue the TCI social studies unit on geography.
The students will have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher on Tuesdays from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm. The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
We will begin our weekly music classes on Friday mornings.
Thank you for the hand sanitizer. I will let you know when we run low again. Thank you for helping your child get into a routine to charge their Chromebook each evening and to bring it to school each morning.
The Brown Bag Reports are due on Wednesday. Students should have already selected the 4 items for their bags. On Monday and Tuesday, they should practice what they are going to say about 5 times. They can practice in front of a mirror, in front of family members, or for an audience of stuffed animals. Someone could also video them so they can see and hear themselves. The more prepared they are to speak, the more confident they will be. If your child has lost the paper bag I gave out last Wednesday, please let me know, and I will send home another bag. It is important that students have the same bag constraints. The bags I gave will only hold small items.
This Wednesday evening is our Alta Vista Back-to-School Night. Mr. Barbara, our principal, and the Home and School Club will present in the cafeteria from 6:30 - 7:00 PM. I hope you can join me in Room 12 from 7:00-7:30 PM. In our classroom, we will have a chance to meet in person, and I will talk about what you can expect in third grade. This event is for parents and guardians only.
What to Expect This Week:
I will introduce the students to a close-reading strategy called Signposts. They will find signposts in reading passages that will help them slow down and process what they are reading. We will focus on fiction signposts this trimester.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Sentence writing that includes common third-grade spelling words
Vocabulary word of the week: capture
Opinion writing: use information from a Storyworks article to write an opinion essay about whether they prefer summer or fall.
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
We will continue multiplication and division concepts in Module 1 of Eureka Math. Students will show their math problem-solving by drawing pictures, writing equations, and writing sentences. They will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site.
Social Studies:
Late this week, we will begin our TCI social studies unit on geography.
The students will have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher on Tuesdays from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm. The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
The students will have 2 art lessons from our Union School District art teacher, Ms. Kamali.
Wish List: Purell Hand Sanitizer
We are off and running! I hope all of the children enjoyed their first week of school! I am having a great time getting to know them. Thank you very much for helping your children get to school on time every morning. Thank you also for the wipes and Kleenex you have already donated to the classroom -- we have enough wipes and Kleenex for the foreseeable future. If you are looking to donate a supply to our classroom, we would appreciate more hand sanitizer. Not to be too picky, but the students usually have a strong preference for the Purell brand -- it does not feel sticky.
I hope you can join me in Room 12 for Back to School Night on the evening of Wednesday, August 26th. At Back to School Night, I will talk about what you can expect in third grade. This event is for parents and guardians only.
In third grade, we expect the students to read at home daily for at least 20 minutes. We will encourage our third graders to read a variety of fiction and nonfiction books this year, and we will introduce a reading challenge after we get settled. In addition to reading, I will occasionally assign projects that will require some work outside of class. Otherwise, we don't give daily homework assignments.
This week, I'll assign a fun back-to-school project called the Brown Bag Report. I will send home a paper copy of the assignment along with a small, paper bag on Wednesday. The students will get to know one another better as they share what they bring in their bags. The report is due on Wednesday, August 26th. The students will need to fill their bags and practice their presentations at home. To model the presentation, I will share my sample Brown Bag Report with the class many times, beginning this Wednesday.
Each year, some students accidentally damage their Chromebooks, which could lead to costly repairs or replacement. You have an opportunity to buy Chromebook Insurance for $40 a year. Please see this flyer for more information. The deadline is September 16th.
What to Expect This Week:
Back-to-School Activities:
Our school uses a schoolwide set of behavior norms: ROAR (Responsibility, Ownership, Attitude, and Respect). We will specifically teach and reinforce behavior expectations for the learning spaces, the "hallways", the restrooms, the cafeteria, and the playground. This week, I will reintroduce these expectations.
Over the next couple of weeks, the students will take some pre-assessments that will give me an idea of their current skills in reading, opinion writing, spelling, and math. The results will help me target my instruction to meet their needs.
We also have a lesson on digital citizenship this week, with a focus on being a responsible digital citizen in online communities.
We will begin opinion writing by taking a pre-assessment and setting up interactive composition notebooks. The students will write an opinion essay about pet cats vs. pet dogs. In these early writing assignments, we will focus on a clear opinion statement and specific reasons. Later this trimester, students will expand on their reasons with explanations and examples, and add more interesting and specific word choices.
The students will also read a Scholastic Storyworks magazine article about the author Dav Pilkey, and they will answer some text-dependent questions in complete sentences.
On Monday, we will begin Module 1 of Eureka Math, which introduces multiplication and division concepts. In class, the students will complete practice problems with me and complete paper exit tickets on most days, which they can bring home to show you what they are currently practicing in math.
We will also begin fact fluency practice with a program called Xtra Math. I will send home a parent flyer that will explain more about Xtra Math and show you how to set up parent access to their reports if you are interested. All third-graders will begin with addition fact fluency practice, and work at their own pace through addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts this year.
I will introduce the students to the Happy Numbers site soon, which we will use as a supplement to the Eureka Math curriculum.
The students will have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher on Tuesdays from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm. The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 12th. I hope you all had a fun and memorable summer! I love the fresh start of every school year, and I am so excited to meet all of my new students (my Werner Wolf Pack!) and their families. It is perfect that we are beginning on a short day and a short week. We can ease into our school year.
Our classroom is portable #12. Each morning, the students in our class will line up by 8:10 am on the blacktop near room #14. I will be on the blacktop to welcome you on the first day of school and guide you to our line-up spot. Our students get out early (1:15 pm) on Wednesdays. They will leave campus through the front gate by the office. Please let your child know where they will meet you or another caregiver after school. Students will be released at 2:40 pm on the other days of the week.
We are beginning this year with 24 students.
Each day, the children should come with a water bottle and a charged Chromebook. I am well-stocked with school supplies so you do not need to provide any on the first day. In fact, I ask that students not bring any school supplies from home. Of course, I always appreciate donations of Kleenex, hand sanitizer, and baby wipes. During the year, I will let you know if we are running low on supplies (we go through Kleenex, Expo markers, and glue sticks like crazy!) by listing wish-list items on my website updates.
I update this website each week and send our class parents a link to it via email on Sunday mornings. The weekly updates include announcements and a plan for what we will cover in the coming week. I try to limit other emails.
I look forward to meeting you at Back to School Night, Wednesday, August 26th, where you can find out more about what to expect this year.
Summer break is almost here!
Olympic Day: Tuesday, June 2nd. Students should wear their class t-shirts. They should also wear sunscreen and a hat because we will be outside for more than one hour.
Last Day of School: Friday, June 5th, 12:15 pm release. I will give each student an envelope on the last day of school, which will include their final 3rd-grade report card. If you do not receive it, please let me know and I will email you a PDF of the report card.
I often receive requests at the end of the year for summer learning suggestions. I am a big believer in giving lots of free time over the summer to allow children to engage in creative play. Young children love to build things and create art out of everyday materials such as cardboard and tape.
We are lucky to live in an area with many natural and cultural destinations. I encourage local outings such as trips to the beach, hikes on a nature trail, and visits to local art and science museums. Travel is extremely educational, especially if it involves destinations that are different from home. Alternatively, regular visits to the library are a fun family outing and can provide a variety of books to interest your child. All of these experiences will build invaluable background knowledge that will improve reading comprehension and inspire writing ideas. They can also help children interact with friends because they will have some great stories to tell their friends about their experiences.
I have also posted fun summer writing prompts and math menus on Google Classroom.
I hope you have a fun and relaxing summer!
No School Monday, May 25th, in honor of Memorial Day.
Thank you for joining us for Open House last week. It was so nice to visit with you. I have already begun sending home the beautiful work that was on display.
Thank you for the donations of Kleenex. We are all set for the rest of the year. We could still use a bottle of hand sanitizer.
What to Expect This Week:
Grammar: multiple-meaning words
Narrative Writing: The students are taking the district narrative writing assessment this week.
We will be diving into the TCI Unit for Local Government and complete a Citizenship activity.
We will continue the TCI unit on Forces and Motion.
We'll have our final third-grade music lesson in our classroom on Wednesday from 9:00-9:30 am, taught by Mr. Asher.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Wish List: We have had quite a few cases of the sniffles in class lately. We are out of Kleenex, and we would appreciate donations of Kleenex boxes and hand sanitizer.
Our Open House will be on this Wednesday, May 20th, from 6:00-7:00pm! The whole family is invited to room 12 to admire a sampling of the incredible work our third graders have completed this year. I hope you will be able to join us!
The final library books are due for return on Tuesday, the 19th. We will not visit the library this week.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will meet our little buddies on Monday from 10:50-11:20.
We are finishing the 5 True Dog Stories book this week, and we are doing a variety of comprehension activities as we finish each short story.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Grammar: shades of meaning
Cursive: We will write cursive sentences.
Narrative Writing: Students will revise earlier narrative drafts to incorporate what they are learning about dialogue, paragraphing, and shades of meaning.
We will review Eureka Module 6 on Monday and Tuesday, and the students will take the End-of-Module 6 Assessment on Wednesday. The students will bring home their math review on Tuesday so you will have a chance to go over it with them before Wednesday's test.
We will begin a TCI Science unit on Forces and Motion.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. During the class, students sing, read music, and play the recorder.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Thank you all so much for the many gifts I received for Teacher Appreciation Week! I started the week with a bouquet of beautiful flowers and an iced coffee, and continued with delicious snacks, a free lunch, and sweet hand-written notes. The week ended with an incredible gift basket with a candle, a lanyard and key chain, glass tumbler, a notepad and pen, and lots of chocolate! I feel very appreciated. I wish you could all experience this kind of appreciation in your lives! I appreciate all of you and your children!
Thank you to Misha Seth for delivering our finished spring clay project just in time for Mother's Day!
Wish List: We have run out of hand sanitizer, and we could really use more donations of the Purell brand.
Our third-graders will take the CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) standardized tests in math this week. If possible, please do not schedule absences or appointments during the testing window. We will begin testing at 8:30 and stop by 10:30 each day.
It is very important that the students come to school with their Chromebooks fully charged every day during testing. Please talk to your child about their charging routine.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will meet our little buddies on Monday from 10:50-11:20.
We will begin a nonfiction book: 5 True Dog Stories and complete a variety of comprehension activities as we finish the short stories.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Thank you for the empty shoeboxes and hand sanitizer. Thank you to Dheepa Subramanian for teaching a Project Cornerstone lesson.
Volunteer request: We will be going to the Makerspace on Monday, May 4th, from 1:00-2:30 to make marine animal dioramas. The students will be working in groups of two or three to create a marine habitat in a shoebox. I would love to have a few parents available to give hands-on help with student groups. Please respond to this email if you can help us. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file, and check-in at the office before joining us in the Makerspace.
Our third-graders will take the CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) standardized tests in English language arts and math from May 4th - May 15th. If possible, please do not schedule absences or appointments during the testing window. We will begin testing at 8:30 and stop by 10:30 each day.
It is very important that the students come to school with their Chromebooks fully charged every day during testing. Please talk to your child about their charging routine.
On a quick side note, we recently practiced writing addresses during a grammar lesson! During the activity, I noticed that several students are still learning their home addresses. Since this is such a helpful skill for safety and emergency preparedness, I’d love your help in reinforcing it. If you have a moment this week, could you practice memorizing and writing your home address with your child?
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will make marine mini-trioramas with our buddies.
We will finish Module 6 in Eureka Math, and the students will take the End-of-Module Assessment the week of May 18th, after we complete the standardized testing.
The students will work with partners to create detailed marine habitats in shoeboxes. You will see their creations at our Open House on the evening of May 20th.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Empty shoeboxes: We still need at least 6 more boxes for our dioramas, and we'd appreciate your donations!
Hand sanitizer: We would also love bottles of Purell hand sanitizer.
Thank you to Mrs. Smampy for teaching our final Art Vistas lesson and to Mallory Ignacio and Misha Seth for helping the students with their hands-on project. You will be able to see the art displayed at the upcoming Art Vistas Art Show in the school cafeteria on Friday, May 15th.
Volunteer request: We will be going to the Makerspace on Monday, May 4th, from 1:00-2:30 to make marine animal dioramas. The students will be working in groups of two or three to create a marine habitat in a shoebox. I would love to have a few parents available to give hands-on help with student groups. Please respond to this email if you can help us. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file, and check-in at the office before joining us in the Makerspace.
The Marine Animal Report Slides are due on Friday, May 1st. The students will present their slides to their classmates. The students will also spend more time on the slides in class this week, and rehearse in class by presenting their reports to partners on Thursday.
I have read the slides on Saturday morning and written comments in Google Classroom. It would be very helpful for you to look at the slides and comments with your child to help them stay on track to complete the assignment by Friday. Students should also plan to rehearse their slide presentations at home this week.
Spring picture day will be on Tuesday, April 28th. All students will have their pictures taken, and parents will be able to see an online preview that will help you decide whether or not to purchase photos.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
Our third-graders will take the CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) standardized tests in English language arts and math from May 4th - May 15th. If possible, please do not schedule absences or appointments during the testing window. We will begin testing at 8:30 and stop by 10:30 each day.
Our class will work on practice tests so the students will see the types of questions they will see on the CAASPP, and get familiar with the testing interface. You are welcome to see the practice tests if you are interested. At home, students can sign in as a guest to see sample questions. They have the link their Google Classroom as well. We will do practice sessions with a session id and student logins in class.
Due to our testing schedule, we will not have library visits on 5/5 or 5/12.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
Our students will read picture books to our buddies on Monday from 10:50-11:20.
We have finished Charlotte's Web and we are working on summary activities.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Cursive: We will write cursive sentences.
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long, and include one sentence with dialogue.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: none this week
Narrative Writing: Students will complete a personal narrative, which includes dialogue.
We are finding the perimeter and area of rectangles.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
We will work on Marine Animal Report slides this week. We will also begin a Marine Animal Report poster using Canva, and create marine animals out of clay for our dioramas.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. During the class, students sing, read music, and play the recorder.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Wish List: empty shoeboxes
Thank you to Misha Seth for helping during our library time and for leading our clay glazing on a wet Friday afternoon, and to Chu Chu, May Chen, and Apsara Ravish Suvarna for helping the students.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
Our third-graders will take the CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) standardized tests in English language arts and math from May 4th -- May 15th. If possible, please do not schedule absences or appointments during the testing window. We will begin testing at 8:30 and stop by 10:30 each day.
Our class will work on practice tests so the students will see the types of questions they will see on the CAASPP, and get familiar with the testing interface. You are welcome to see the practice tests if you are interested. At home, students can sign in as a guest to see sample questions. They have the link their Google Classroom as well. We will do practice sessions with a session id and student logins in class.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will play board games with our Buddies on Monday from 10:50-11:20.
We will finish Charlotte's Web and work on summary activities.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Grammar: writing addresses
Cursive: We will write cursive sentences.
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long, and include one sentence with dialogue.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: furious
Narrative Writing: Students will begin a new personal narrative draft, which will include dialogue.
We will find the perimeter of polygons.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
Each student has a confirmed marine animal. We will continue to research the animals and transfer our notes into Google Slides during our science block. I will also complete a sample report with the class. While I am providing time to work on the project in class, students will likely need to work on their slides and practice their presentations as homework. The finished slides and presentations are due on Friday, May 1st.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. During the class, students sing, read music, and play the recorder.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Thank you for the Kleenex. I will let you know when we run low again.
Wish List: empty shoe boxes. We will be using them to create marine dioramas in May. We will collect shoe boxes until then.
Thank you to Misha Seth for helping during our library time. Thank you to our field trip chaperones: Misha Seth, Cynthia Doan, Eric Janssen, and Kris Kamperman.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
Reminder: Our class has a 30-Book Challenge, in which students read and log thirty books across different genres. A little over half of our class has completed the challenge. As more students finish the challenge, the whole class gets prizes, and we are very close to earning the next reward: an extra 20 minutes of recess! If you haven't seen your child's reading log in Google Classroom, this would be a good time to look at it and help them get on track to finish the challenge.
I have added new dates to the math volunteer sign-up. I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
Our third-graders will take the CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) standardized tests in English language arts and math from May 4th -- May 15th. If possible, please do not schedule absences or appointments during the testing window. We will begin testing at 8:30 and stop by 10:30 each day.
Our class will work on practice tests so the students will see the types of questions they will see on the CAASPP, and get familiar with the testing interface. You are welcome to see the practice tests if you are interested. Students can sign in as a guest to see sample questions.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will meet with our TK Buddies on Monday from 10:50-11:20.
We will have a Kimochi lesson about assuming the best in others.
We are continuing to read my favorite children's book: Charlotte's Web. This is a beautifully written story about true friendship. We are working on a variety of comprehension activities as we make our way through the chapters.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Grammar: punctuating dialogue
Cursive: We will write cursive sentences.
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: superb
Narrative Writing: Students will begin a new personal narrative draft, which will include dialogue.
We will begin studying the attributes of quadrilaterals.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
Each student has a confirmed marine animal. We will begin to research the animals during our science block. I will also complete a sample report with the class. The slide deck and presentation are due on Friday, May 1st. While I will be providing time to research in class, students will likely need to work on their slides and practice their presentations as homework. The finished slides and presentations are due on Friday, May 1st.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. During the class, students sing, read music, and play the recorder.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Wish List: Kleenex -- We have had a big increase in Kleenex use this month, and we'd appreciate donations!
Thank you to Misha Seth for volunteering during our library time. Thank you to Mrs. Spampy for teaching the Art Vistas lesson, and to Mrs. Janssen and Aparna Thyagarajan for joining in to give the students hands-on support as they created their aluminum foil sculptures.
Thank you to our district art teacher: Helen Kamali, for teaching our class two lessons last week. The students created hearts inspired by traditional Mexican designs and used glow-in-the-dark paint to bring them to life. Your child’s piece will be displayed in a special glow room during Open House in May.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
Reminder: Our class has a 30-Book Challenge, in which students read and log thirty books across different genres. A little over half of our class has completed the challenge. As more students finish the challenge, the whole class gets prizes, and we are very close to earning the next reward: an extra 20 minutes of recess! If you haven't seen your child's reading log in Google Classroom, this would be a good time to look at it and help them get on track to finish the challenge.
I have added new dates to the math volunteer sign-up. I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
On Monday, I will assign the Marine Animal Report. Students will research a marine animal and prepare slides. They will present the slides to the class on Friday, May 1st. First, the students will choose three marine animals they would like to research. I have posted resources on Google Classroom to provide ideas, and I will give time in class to view options. On Friday morning, students will give me a list of 3 marine animals that interest them, and I will assign a unique animal to each student. Then, they will begin researching in class the following week. While I will be providing time to research in class, students will likely need to work on their slides and practice their presentations as homework.
Field Trip on Friday, April 3rd: Students will come to school at the regular 8:15 start time. We will leave for the Marine Science Institute at approximately 9:00 am and return to Alta Vista around 1:30 pm. Students will be released at the regular 2:40 pm time. Students should wear their class t-shirts and bring water bottles. I will provide allergy-free snacks for students during the field trip, and we will eat lunch when we return to Alta Vista. It may be wet or chilly, so students should wear appropriate outerwear and shoes. Unless you specifically requested a school-provided lunch on the permission slip (I have 7 requests), you will need to pack a lunch for your child to eat when we return to school, because the cafeteria will be closed by the time we return.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will meet with our TK Buddies on Monday from 10:50-11:20.
We are continuing to read my favorite children's book: Charlotte's Web. This is a beautifully written story about true friendship. We are working on a variety of comprehension activities as we make our way through the chapters.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Cursive: We will write cursive sentences.
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: slumber
Narrative Writing: Students will continue their drafts about a childhood memory.
We have begun learning about elapsed time. We are using clock models and number line models, along with addition and subtraction to figure out the start time, end time, and elapsed time of events.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
Science: We will begin the Marine Animal Report by looking at books and websites to gather ideas. Each student will give me a list of 3 marine animals on Friday morning, and I will assign the animals by the end of the school day on Friday. Students should not begin serious research before their choice is confirmed. Next week, we will begin to research the animals during our science block. The slide deck and presentation are due on Friday, May 1st.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. During the class, students sing, read music, and play the recorder.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Wish List: Kleenex -- We have had a big increase in Kleenex use this month, and we'd appreciate donations!
Thank you to Misha Seth for helping during our library time. Thank you to Cynthia Doan for helping students practice multiplication facts.
Ice cream sales after school on Wednesday, March 25th -- Bring $2.00 if you'd like to buy ice cream -- please bring two $1 bills.
The spring book fair is open online now and will be open in person after school from March 23 - 27. Our class will have a preview day on the morning of Monday, 3/23. Students can bring cash, or you can load a gift card for your child to shop at the faire. The book fair will also be open after school each day this week for students and families to shop. We are looking for volunteers to make this a successful event for our students. If you can help out at all, please sign up here! If you'd like to buy gift cards, you can do so here!
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
Reminder: Our class has a 30-Book Challenge, in which students read and log thirty books across different genres. A little over half of our class has completed the challenge. As more students finish the challenge, the whole class gets prizes, and we are very close to earning the next reward: an extra 20 minutes of recess! If you haven't seen your child's reading log in Google Classroom, this would be a good time to look at it and help them get on track to finish the challenge. Perhaps a new book from the book fair or the library can be their next entry!
I have added new dates to the math volunteer sign-up. I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will have a Kimochi lesson on assuming the best.
We will meet with our TK buddies on Monday at 10:50.
We are continuing to read my favorite children's book: Charlotte's Web. This is a beautifully written story about true friendship. We are working on a variety of comprehension activities as we make our way through the chapters.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Grammar: capitalizing titles
Cursive: We will write cursive sentences.
Spelling: Rules for doubling consonants
Vocabulary Word of the Week: slumber
Narrative Writing: Students will begin writing a draft about a childhood memory. To get ideas flowing, we will begin by making simple sculptures out of paper towels and masking tape that represent a memorable moment.
Students will work on a practice test for Module 5 on Monday and bring it home on Monday for your review. They will take the Module 5 Assessment on Tuesday. On Wednesday, we will begin the last module of Eureka Math: Geometry, Measurement, and Data.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
Science: The students will work in groups to create slide decks about extreme weather.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. During the class, students sing, read music, and play the recorder.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
This week, our class will have two art lessons with our district art teacher, Ms. Kamali, in addition to an Art Vistas lesson.
The students will be released from school at 1:15 all week.
Thank you to Adi Levinshtein for helping during our library time. Thank you to Tabitha Barton for teaching a Project Cornerstone lesson.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
I have added new dates to the math volunteer scheduIe. I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
Our spring parent/teacher conferences are optional. You can sign up for a conference if you have questions or concerns about your child's progress in 3rd grade. Otherwise, I will send home a completed report card with comments, assessment scores, and work samples by March 20th. Use this Sign-Up link if needed. I will add more slots if necessary.
We are continuing to read my favorite children's book: Charlotte's Web. This is a beautifully written story about true friendship. We will do a variety of comprehension activities as we make our way through the chapters.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Grammar: simple and compound sentences
Cursive: We will write cursive sentences.
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: fortunate
Narrative writing: We are beginning the narrative writing unit with a pre-assessment. We will also set up our narrative writing notebooks.
We will continue Module 5, Fractions. We are now learning about fractions greater than one whole, and modeling fractions with number lines and tape diagrams. We will even do some fraction Play-dough activites with our TK Little Buddies this week. Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
Due to the short days during conference week, we will not study science this week.
We will not have music classes this week due to our conference schedule.
We will not have P.E. this week in an effort to even-out the number of P.E. days among the Alta Vista classes.
There is no school on Monday, March 9th, because we are having a district-wide professional development day.
The students will be released from school at 1:15 from March 12th - March 20th.
Thank you to Rosie Janssen and Misha Seth for helping during our library time.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
I have added new dates to the math volunteer scheduIe. I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
Our spring parent/teacher conferences are optional. You can sign up for a conference if you have questions or concerns about your child's progress in 3rd grade. Otherwise, I will send home a completed report card with comments, assessment scores, and work samples by March 20th. Use this Sign-Up link if needed. I will add more slots if necessary.
We have begun reading my favorite children's book: Charlotte's Web. This is a beautifully written story about true friendship. We will do a variety of comprehension activities as we make our way through the chapters.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Grammar: Subject and verb agreement
Cursive: We will write cursive sentences.
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: finicky
We will continue Module 5, Fractions. We are now learning about fractions greater than one whole. Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
Due to the short days during conference week, we will not study science this week.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. During the class, students sing, read music, and play the recorder.
We will not have P.E. this week in an effort to even-out the number of P.E. days among the Alta Vista classes.
Thank you to Sri Srivatsan and Eric Janssen for helping during our library time. Thank you to Rishi Seth for helping students learn the multiplication facts.
Thank you to all of the parents who joined us for the Third Grade Wax Museum. The students did a wonderful job! Also, thank you for helping them practice their presentations and get dressed up in their costumes. We teachers realize that the assignment is a full-family effort, and we are so grateful for your support!
I have added new dates to the math volunteer scheduIe. I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
Our spring parent/teacher conferences are optional. You can sign up for a conference if you have questions or concerns about your child's progress in 3rd grade. Otherwise, I will send home a completed report card with comments, assessment scores, and work samples by March 20th. Use this Sign-Up link if needed. I will add more slots if necessary. The students will be released from school at 1:15 from March 12th - March 20th.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will practice a Kimochi key communication skill of being kind and letting people try again.
We will meet with our TK Buddies on Monday from 10:50-11:20.
We will begin reading my favorite children's book: Charlotte's Web. This is a beautifully written story about true friendship. We will do a variety of comprehension activities as we make our way through the chapters.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Grammar: Pronoun and Antecedent
Cursive: We will write cursive sentences.
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: harsh (continued)
We will continue Module 5, Fractions. We will plot fractions on number lines and identify equivalent fractions. Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
We will continue a Weather and Climate unit, using the TCI Science curriculum. This week, we will focus on extreme weather.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. During the class, students sing, read music, and play the recorder.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Week of February 23, 2026
Thank you for the Kleenex and baby wipe donations. Thank you to Cynthia Doan for helping our class during our library time. Thank you to Tabitha Barton for teaching a Project Cornerstone lesson and for helping students practice the multiplication facts. Thank you to Misha Seth for leading our spring clay project and to Cynthia Doan, Azra Causevic, and May Chen for helping the students shape the clay.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
This is a big week for our third-grade classes! The Third-Grade Wax Museum is this Wednesday, February 25th. Parents are encouraged to join us at the backfield at 11:15. Usually the children are pretty tired after 30 minutes so we will wrap up around 11:45 and take some group photos. You will need a visitor's sticker to attend. This is a popular event with students from all four third-grade classes presenting. I recommend getting a visitor's sticker ahead of the event to avoid the crowd on the 25th. You will need your picture ID to get the sticker. The third-grade teachers will have sign-out sheets on the field in case you would like to sign out your child for the day when the Wax Museum wraps up around noon. Students should arrive at school in costume. They can add easy accessories in class at the last minute if necessary.
Our spring parent/teacher conferences are optional. You can sign up for a conference if you have questions or concerns about your child's progress in 3rd grade. Otherwise, I will send home a completed report card with comments, assessment scores, and work samples by March 20th. Use this Sign-Up link if needed. I will add more slots if these slots fill up. The students will be released from school at 1:15 from March 12th - March 20th.
I have received many, but not all, of the blue permission slips for our Marine Science Institute field trip. Please fill-out the emergency contact information on the form, indicate whether your child will need a school-provided lunch, and sign the form. You will keep the top portion for your information. The field trip is not until April 3rd, but we need to send in the cafeteria information asap.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will practice a Kimochi key communication skill of being kind and letting people try again.
We will meet with our TK Buddies on Monday from 10:50-11:20.
We will identify nonfiction signposts in a Scholastic News magazine article. We will also identify nonfiction text features (such as captions) and answer comprehension questions about the article.
Grammar: subjects and predicates
Mid-year spelling inventory
District Writing Assessment for Informative Writing
We have begun Module 5, Fractions. We will be comparing the size of fractions this week. Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
We will continue a Weather and Climate unit, using the TCI Science curriculum. This week, we will focus on predicting the weather.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. During the class, students sing, read music, and play the recorder.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
We are going through a lot of Kleenex these days. We would appreciate donations! We are also out of baby wipes and would appreciate donations of those, too!
Thank you to Cynthia Doan and Sandy Eonta for helping during our library time.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
The Biography Report Slides for Notetaking in Google Classroom are due on Wednesday, February 11th. While we have spent significant classroom time on the slides, many students will need to complete them as homework. You can check on your child's progress by logging into their Google Classroom account. Then, students can use the Wax Museum Script slides in Google Classroom to prepare their presentation. They will not be able to use notecards during the Wax Museum.
On Wednesday, February 25th, from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm, the students will dress up as their biography subject for our Third Grade Wax Museum. Parents are encouraged to attend the Wax Museum, so please mark your calendars now.
We will be celebrating Valentine's Day on Friday, February 13th. Our class will have a Valentine's exchange. It is optional for students to participate, but if they choose to join in, they will need to give a comparable valentine to each classmate. I will provide bags that the students can decorate and use to hold their valentines from others. There are 25 students in our class. The students should address their valentines (to and from). Last week, I sent home a class roster of names. Any treats included with the valentines must be entirely nut-free and sesame-free.
Our spring parent/teacher conferences are optional. You can sign up for a conference if you have questions or concerns about your child's progress in 3rd grade. Otherwise, I will send home a completed report card with comments, assessment scores, and work samples by March 20th. Use this Sign-Up link if needed. I will add more slots if these slots fill up. The students will be released from school at 1:15 from March 12th - March 20th.
The students will bring home a field trip permission slip this week. We will be going to the Marine Science Institute (MSI) in Redwood City on Friday, April 3rd. Please sign the slip and send it back to school with your child as soon as possible.
Here is some information about the trip:
The Shoreside program offers a variety of hands-on activities that challenge students and ignite their curiosity. Students learn respect and stewardship for the Bay with inspiring experiences led by expert marine educators.
This program includes three stations, unified by a central theme of adaptations. Students explore using scientific methods and equipment. They interact with artifacts and live animals while developing teamwork and critical thinking skills.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will practice a Kimochi key communication skill of being brave and re-doing hurtful moments.
We will meet with our TK Buddies on Monday from 10:50-11:20.
We will be taking a district language arts assessment this week. The students will also independently write an informative essay in preparation for the upcoming district writing assessment.
Students will also take the district mid-year math assessment this week.
We have begun Module 5, Fractions. We began with studying fractions as equal parts of a whole.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
We will continue a Weather and Climate unit, using the TCI Science curriculum. This week, we are focusing on how wind is measured. The students made simple anemometers, and we are waiting for some winter-like windy weather to put them to use. Rain is in the forecast this week, and we will also measure the rainfall.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. During the class, students sing, read music, and play the recorder.
Note: No PE this week in order to even out the PE schedule among classes.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Thank you to Amorette Lueck and Cynthia Doan Eonta for helping during our library time this week. Thank you to Tabitha Barton for helping students practice multiplication facts.
The students should have all finished reading their biography books on their assigned historical figure. We have been working on the slides in class, and they will need to continue working on them at home as homework. The students should plan to finish reading their biography books and completing the slides by February 11th.
On Wednesday, February 25th, from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm, the students will dress up as their biography subject for our Third Grade Wax Museum. Parents are encouraged to attend the Wax Museum, so please mark your calendars now.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will practice a Kimochi key communication skill of choosing words that help instead of hurt.
We will practice identifying signposts in nonfiction text to improve reading comprehension.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Grammar: Comparatives and Superlatives
Cursive: We will write cursive sentences.
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: manufacture
Informative Writing: Using information from our science curriculum, the students will write an informative essay about the weather.
We will review Module 4 on Monday, and the students will bring home a practice assessment after school. On Tuesday, the students will take the End of Module 4 Assessment in class. The assessment will look remarkably like the review.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They will take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
We will continue a Weather and Climate unit, using the TCI Science curriculum. This week, we are focusing on how temperature is measured and temperature patterns.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. The students have begun playing the recorder.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Thank you to Tabitha Barton for helping students practice multiplication facts. Thank you to Mrs. Spampy for teaching an Art Vistas lesson on music and art, and thanks to Mallory Ignacio for helping the students with the hands-on project. Since this project is not slated for the art show, the students will bring home their masterpieces this week.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Mondays and Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
On Monday, I will ask each student for a list of 3 names of people they would like to study for the Biography Report. I will confirm their assignments by the end of the day on Monday. The biography subjects must have a children's biography book written about them, be a positive influence on the world, and no longer be living (with rare exceptions). I will give some class time for the students to read books and work on their notes, but they will also need to work on this project at home to prepare for the Wax Museum.
On Wednesday, February 25th, from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm, the students will dress up as their biography subject for our Third Grade Wax Museum. Parents are encouraged to attend the Wax Museum, so please mark your calendars now.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will practice a Kimochi key communication skill of choosing words that help instead of hurt.
We will practice identifying signposts in nonfiction text to improve reading comprehension.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Cursive: We will write cursive sentences.
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: manufacture
Informative Writing: Using information from our science curriculum, the students will write an informative essay about the weather.
We will continue Module 4 in Eureka Math: Multiplication and Area. We are finding the area of rectangles in square units. We will also have a math project to design multiple wolf puppy pens that have the same area, measured in square meters. Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They will take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
We will continue a Weather and Climate unit, using the TCI Science curriculum.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. The students have begun playing the recorder.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Our class will have 2 art lessons with our Union School District art teacher, Ms. Kamali.
Monday, January 19th: Holiday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday
Thank you to Cynthia Doan Eonta for helping students practice multiplication facts.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Mondays and Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
On Wednesday, I will assign the Third Grade Biography Report. The students will select a person from history who has changed the world for the better. They will read a book about the person's life and take notes by adding facts and images on a Google slidedeck. On Wednesday, February 25th, from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm, the students will dress up as their biography subject for our Third Grade Wax Museum. Parents are encouraged to attend the Wax Museum, so please mark your calendars now. Please review the assignment sheet, including the due dates, with your child this week.
Wednesday, January 21st: Ice Cream Sales after school -- $2 each
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will practice a Kimochi key communication skill of using a "talking voice" and relaxed body language.
We will practice identifying signposts in nonfiction text to improve reading comprehension.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Cursive: We will write cursive sentences.
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: opponent
Informative Writing: Using information from our social studies curriculum, the students will write an informative essay comparing and contrasting the climate, physical features, and natural resources of two different California communities.
We will continue Module 4 in Eureka Math: Multiplication and Area. We are finding the area of rectangles in square units. Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They will take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays. I sent an Xtra Math progress report home last week.
We will begin a Weather and Climate unit, using the TCI Science curriculum.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. The students have begun playing the recorder.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Thank you to Mike and Tiffany Louer for helping during our library time. Thank you to Cynthia Doan-Eonta for helping students practice multiplication facts.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Mondays and Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will practice a Kimochi key communication skill of using a "talking voice" instead of a "fighting voice".
We will meet with our TK Buddies on Monday from 10:50-11:20.
We will introduce Nonfiction Signposts to help students' reading comprehension of nonfiction texts.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Cursive: We will begin writing cursive sentences.
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: demolish
Informative Writing: Using information from our social studies curriculum, the students will write an informative essay comparing and contrasting the climate, physical features, and natural resources of two different California communities.
We have begun Module 4 in Eureka Math: Multiplication and Area. We are finding the area of rectangles in square units. Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They will take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays. I am sending an Xtra Math progress report home this week.
We will begin a new unit in Social Studies: Native Americans of the Local Region. We will study the food, shelter, and religious beliefs of three different tribes, focusing on how their natural environments affect their resources.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30. The students have begun playing the recorder.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Thank you to Kami Kamperman and Cynthia Doan for helping during our library time. Thank you to Andrea Luksa and Chu Chu for planning our holiday party, and to Misha Seth, Azra Causevic, and Marijan Luksa for helping out during the party. Thank you to Dheepa Subramanian for teaching a Project Cornerstone Lesson. Thank you to Cynthia Doan for helping students with multiplication facts.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Mondays and Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
What to Expect This Week:
As we start the new year, we will spend time reviewing our ROAR behavior expectations regarding responsibility, ownership, attitude, and respect in the classroom, the shared learning spaces, the cafeteria, the restroom, and the playground.
The students will also work in small groups to complete STEAM challenges.
Social Emotional Learning:
We will meet with our TK buddies on Monday at 10:50.
Students will complete a slide deck of New Year's poetry. They will practice different types of poetry such as acrostic, cinquain, and haiku. We will also finish the uppercase and lowercase cursive letters.
We will begin Module 4 in Eureka Math: Multiplication and Area. We'll start the module by focusing on the attributes of quadrilaterals.
Students will practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They will also take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
We will practice measuring distances on a map of California.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Week of December 15, 2025
Thank you to Mrs. Spampy for teaching an art vistas lesson about imaginary animals. Thank you to Mallory Ignacio and Aparna Thyagarajan for helping the students with their hands-on work. Thank you to Cynthia Doan-Eonta for helping some students practice multiplication facts.
Our holiday party will be on Tuesday afternoon. Students can wear their pj's to the party.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Mondays and Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
Winter Break: December 22 - January 2nd
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will meet with our TK buddies on Monday at 10:50.
Students will find the evidence in nonfiction reading passages to answer comprehension questions. They will also take on a Holidays Around the World escape room, create a book of holiday similes, and study homophones with a holiday flair.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: gratitude
On Monday, the students will review Module 3 in class and bring home their review papers for you to see. Then, they will take the End of Module 3 Assessment on Tuesday. For the rest of the week, they will work on a review of the Eureka math modules 1-3.
Students will practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They will also take timed multiplication/division tests and work on completing a 10x10 multiplication grid on most Fridays.
We will study the physical features, climate, and natural resources of four communities in California: Truckee, San Diego, Davis, and Palm Springs.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Thank you to Misha Seth and Rosie Janssen for volunteering during our library time.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Mondays and Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will meet with our TK buddies on Monday at 10:50.
Language Arts/Social Studies:
The Cultural History Project is due on Thursday, December 11th. When I checked on the slides with the students last week, I noticed that many students had not yet completed the Family History section. In this section, they need to write about their family members who first moved to the United States from the country that the student is studying. Students should include information on where the family members lived in the country the student is studying, and when and why the family members moved to the U.S. The students will likely need your help to complete it.
All slides and dolls are due on the 11th.
The live presentations will take place on the 11th and 12th, with volunteers going first. The students will feel much more confident about their presentation if they make time to practice, practice, practice presenting it out loud. They can practice in front of family members, pets, and stuffed animals. They can also practice in front of a mirror. At school, I will also make time for the students to rehearse their presentation with partners on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Grammar: irregular verb tenses
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: fierce
Informative Writing: The students will finish an informative essay about the history of cats. They have researched the topic by reading a Scholastic Storyworks magazine article.
Poetry: Students will write a Winter Is poem. The poem will include descriptive words about the season, and it will reinforce the students' knowledge of the parts of speech.
We have returned to multiplication and division concepts in Module 3 of Eureka Math. We expect to complete Module 3 during the week of December 15th.
Students will practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. They will also take timed multiplication/division tests and work on completing a 10x10 multiplication grid on most Fridays.
We will resume our study of California geography, focusing on the physical features, climate, and natural resources of our state.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Thank you for the hand sanitizer! We have enough to last us for months! Thank you for meeting with me for a parent/teacher conference. I enjoyed talking with you about your children.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
I am asking for parent volunteers to join us from 10:00 - 10:30 on Mondays and Fridays to help students practice multiplication facts with flashcards and worksheets. Please see this sign-up genius to volunteer. Each volunteer must have a current Volunteer Code of Conduct Form on file before joining us in the classroom. I am happy to welcome volunteers who can come occasionally, as their schedules allow, as well as those who can come regularly.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will meet with our TK buddies on Monday at 10:50.
Language Arts/Social Studies:
While we have been spending some class time on the project, the majority of the work will need to be done as homework. At this point, the students' slides should have many facts about their country, and students should have mostly decorated their doll.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: none this week
Informative Writing: The students will plan an informative essay about the history of cats. They will research the topic by reading a Scholastic Storyworks magazine article.
Nonfiction reading: Students will identify nonfiction text features in the article about cats, such as subheadings and captions.
We have returned to multiplication and division concepts in Module 3 of Eureka Math.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. The students will also take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
We will have an in-house field trip with an Ohlone expert on Monday. The Ohlone tribe is native to our local area. The students will learn about the Ohlone traditions, foods, housing, and games.
Later in the week, we will resume our study of geography, focusing on the geography of the state of California.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Week of November 17, 2025
Wish List: Purell Hand Sanitizer -- We are almost out of sanitizer, and we'd greatly appreciate donations.
Thank you to Dheepa Subramanian for teaching a Project Cornerstone lesson about respecting people's names and the cultures they represent.
Thanksgiving Break will run from 11/24 -11/28. Happy Thanksgiving!
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will meet with our TK buddies on Monday at 10:50, and we will meet with them on Friday, the 21st, for a Thanksgiving craft.
Language Arts/Social Studies:
The students all have a paper doll template for the Cultural History Project. This week, we will research two different countries as a class, and the students will practice completing the Cultural History Slides. I will also make sure all of the students begin their own slide.
While we will spend some class time on the project, the majority of the work will need to be done as homework. I will help the students stay on pace to complete the project by the due date: December 11th. I have posted the project assignment sheet, slide template, grading rubric, and helpful, kid-friendly sites for research on Google Classroom. The students will also look for books about their culture during our library visit on Tuesday.
The students have also begun informative writing. They took a pre-assessment last week. This week, they will set up their writing notebooks and learn more about the different types of informative writing.
We will also read about the first Thanksgiving and do a variety of Thanksgiving activities this week.
We have returned to multiplication and division concepts in Module 3 of Eureka Math.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. The students will also take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
We will have 2 art lessons from our district art teacher: Ms. Kamali.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Week of November 10, 2025
Wish List: Purell Hand Sanitizer -- We are almost out of sanitizer, and we'd greatly appreciate donations.
Thank you to Cynthia Doan and Amorette Lueck for volunteering during our library time. Thank you to Ms. Spampy for teaching an Art Vistas lesson and to Ms. Janssen and Misha Seth for helping with the hands-on art project.
There will be no school on Tuesday, November 11th, in honor of Veterans Day.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
What to Expect This Week:
Parent/teacher conferences will begin this Thursday, November 13th. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress in third grade. Please click here to sign up for a timeslot. Students will be released at 1:15 from November 13 through November 21st.
On Monday, I will assign the Third-Grade Cultural History Project. The project assignment, rubric, and slide template are posted on Google Classroom. The project slide and decorated doll are due on Thursday, December 11th. Next week, I will give the students the paper doll template so they can start decorating their dolls. While we will spend some class time reading about different countries and getting started on the Google slide for the project, the majority of the work will need to be done as homework. I will help the students stay on pace to complete the project by the due date.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will meet with our TK buddies on Monday at 10:50.
The students will switch to primarily nonfiction reading and writing assignments this trimester. They will begin by reading books with facts about countries as part of the Cultural History Project.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 9 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: triumph
Informative Writing: The students will take a pre-assessment and set up their informative writing notebook.
We have returned to multiplication and division concepts in Module 3 of Eureka Math.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. The students will also take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
We will begin social studies by studying geography. We are studying maps of the world and labeling continents, oceans, countries, and states.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Thank you to Cynthia Doan for helping our class during our library time. Thank you to Cynthia Doan and May Chen for organizing our Halloween Party, and thanks to Chorang Bae, Azra Causevic, Dipanwita Aich, and Misha Seth for volunteering during the party, and to the many parents who donated food and supplies! We had so much fun!
Parent/teacher conferences will be here before you know it. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress in third grade. Please click here to sign up for a timeslot. Students will be released at 1:15 from November 13 through November 21st.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will meet with our TK buddies on Monday at 10:50.
The students will complete another 5 Parts assignment that will review parts of speech and require some creative writing. The students will also take reading and writing assessments this week, which I will share with you during the parent/teacher conference.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Grammar: Concrete and Abstract Nouns
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
We will return to multiplication and division concepts this week as we begin Module 3 in Eureka Math. Last week, the students took the Module 2 Assessment. I will go over those assessments with you during the parent/teacher conference.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. The students will also take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
We will begin social studies by studying geography. We will begin by studying the geography of the world.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Thank you to Mahesh Seth for helping our class during our library time. Thank you to Misha Seth and Cynthia Doan for helping our students navigate the Book Fair.
Parent/teacher conferences will be here before you know it. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress in third grade. Please click here to sign up for a timeslot. Students will be released at 1:15 from November 13 through November 21st.
The Halloween Party will take place immediately after the Halloween Parade on Friday, October 31, 2025. The party will last until 10:30. Students will be released from school at the regular time, 2:40, on the 31st.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will meet with our TK buddies on Monday at 10:50.
We will finish reading Fudge-A-Mania and completing a variety of comprehension activities after reading the chapters.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Grammar: Common and Proper Nouns
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 8 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: depart
We will finish Module 2 of Eureka Math this week. The students will work on a practice test on Wednesday and bring it home that day in case you'd like to go over it with them before the test on Thursday. The test will be remarkably similar to the practice test.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. The students will also take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
In an inspired blending of Halloween and mathematics, we will also use our measurement skills to weigh mini pumpkins with pieces of candy corn on a balance scale.
Mrs. Landolt will lead a STEAM activity for our class -- they will make zipline holders for mini pumpkins and watch them go!
We will begin social studies by studying geography. We will begin by studying the geography of the world.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Thank you to Srivatsan Sundararajan for helping during our library time. Thank you to Misha Seth for leading the clay glazing activity and to Chu Chu, Marijan Luksa, May Chen, Dipanwita Aich, and Cynthia Doan for helping our students glaze their creations.
Parent/teacher conferences will be here before you know it. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress in third grade. Please click here to sign up for a timeslot. Students will be released at 1:15 from November 13 through November 21st.
Our book fair is scheduled for this week. We have a class shopping appointment on Monday, 10/20/25, from 10:10 -10:30. I am looking for a couple of parent volunteers to help the students find books and prices, count money, and estimate taxes during our shopping time. Please let me know if you are available and interested by replying to this email. Students are welcome to shop with cash or pre-loaded Literati gift cards. Click here for a link to the Literati post on the Home and School Club site to purchase gift cards (you will need to scroll down the site to see the book fair info). The book fair will also be open after school for one hour on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday this week.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will meet with our TK buddies on Monday at 10:50.
We will continue reading Fudge-A-Mania and completing a variety of comprehension activities after reading the chapters.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 8 words long.
Vocabulary Word of the Week: plunge
Opinion Writing: The students will begin a new assignment: Is it better to be an adult or a child?
We will continue working in Module 2 of Eureka Math. This week, we will focus on subtraction with regrouping.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. The students will also take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
We continue to study and care for our 8 crayfish this week: Pinchy, Sunny, Snapper, Clawdia, Boozle, Lavender, Dash, and Seaweed.
We will raffle off the surviving crayfish on Thursday, October 23rd. To take a crayfish home, a child must have parental permission by the morning of 10/23, and must promise not to release the crayfish into the wild. I can provide some crayfish care tips and some food to get started. Raffle winners must take their crayfish home on Friday, October 24th. They will need to bring a container to school to transport their new pet home. Please reply to this email if your child has permission to enter the raffle.
We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
There is no school on Monday, October 13th.
Thank you to Amorette Lueck and Tiffany Louer for helping during our library visit last week. Thank you to Tabitha Barton for teaching a Project Cornerstone lesson about positive self-talk.
Parent/teacher conferences will be here before you know it. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress in third grade. Please click here to sign up for a timeslot. Students will be released at 1:15 from November 13 through November 21st.
Our book fair is coming soon. We will have a class shopping appointment on Monday, 10/20/25, from 10:10 -10:30. I am looking for a couple of parent volunteers to help the students find books and prices, count money, and estimate taxes during our shopping time. Please let me know if you are available and interested by replying to this email.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
What to Expect This Week:
We will continue reading Fudge-a-Mania by Judy Blume, a realistic fiction novel about a family on vacation. As the students read chapters in the book, they will complete a variety of reading comprehension assignments.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Grammar: irregular plural nouns
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 8 words long.
We will continue working in Module 2 of Eureka Math. This week, we will focus on addition and subtraction.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. The students will also take timed multiplication/division tests on most Fridays.
This will be a very exciting week in third grade. We will welcome live crayfish in the classrooms this week! We will be studying and caring for these very unusual and feisty creatures through next week.
To give you some notice, we will raffle off the surviving crayfish on Thursday, October 23rd. To take a crayfish home, a child must have parental permission and must promise not to release the crayfish into the wild. I can provide some crayfish care tips and some food to get started. Raffle winners must take their crayfish home on Friday, October 24th. They will need to bring a container to school to transport their new pet home. Please reply to this email if your child has permission to enter the raffle.
Our music classes have begun! We have a music lesson in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher, each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. Thank you for returning the SJSU Video Consent Forms for Mr. Criddle. He will follow your permissions when he records his video lessons.
The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
On Friday from 1:00-2:30, the third graders will be walking in the Alta Vista Walkathon!
Thank you to Eric and Rosie Janssen and Olga Fadeeva for volunteering during our library time.
Parent/teacher conferences will be here before you know it. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress in third grade. Please click here to sign up for a timeslot. Students will be released at 1:15 from November 13 through November 21st.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
There is no school on Friday, 10/10/25 or Monday, 10/13/25.
Our book fair is coming up soon. We will have a class shopping appointment on Monday, 10/20/25, from 10:10 -10:30. I am looking for a couple of parent volunteers to help the students find books and prices, count money, and estimate taxes during our shopping time. Please let me know if you are available and interested by replying to this email.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will learn about the 2nd Key to Communication: Using a talking tone of voice.
Also, the students will meet with their Transitional Kindergarten (TK) buddies.
We will begin a novel study this week. We will be reading Fudge-a-Mania by Judy Blume, a realistic fiction novel about a family on vacation. As the students read chapters in the book, they will complete a variety of reading comprehension assignments.
The students will have a 5-Parts assignment-- a great activity, where a fun picture prompt inspires a review of 5 parts of speech (noun, adjective, verb, pronoun, and adverb) and creative writing.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Vocabulary word of the week: frail
Opinion writing: The students will finish an opinion writing essay about whether or not third-graders should have homework. We are focusing on word choice with this assignment. They will also use an editing checklist before finalizing their essay.
Nonfiction reading for details in Scholastic News.
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 8 words long.
The students will continue in Module 2 of Eureka Math. This week, we will be studying rounding numbers to the nearest 10 and 100.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site.
This week, I will introduce timed paper/pencil multiplication and division fluency tests. The students will have 2 minutes to answer 25 questions correctly. If they pass, they will move on to the next of the four tests the following week. If they do not pass the first test, they will retake that test each week until they pass it.
We will continue learning about life cycles and traits with a lesson on the life cycles of plants.
Our music classes have begun! We will have a music class in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Week of September 29, 2025
Thank you to Cynthia Doan and Chorang Bae for helping during our library time. Thank you to Kathy Spampinato for teaching our first Art Vistas lesson. Thanks also to Mallory Ignacio, Misha Seth, and Charlotte's grandma, Cindy,
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
Please look for a paper I am sending home on Wednesday regarding permission for our PE teacher, Mr. Criddle, to videotape our class during PE instruction. The video will only be used for his instructional purposes with San Jose State University and the State of California teacher credentialing program. Please sign and return the form this week.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will begin learning the Kimochi Keys to Communication. The first key is getting someone's attention by calling their name, making eye contact, and possibly giving a communication tap.
Also, the students will meet with their Transitional Kindergarten (TK) buddies.
We will read paired texts about fun amusement park rides in Scholastic Storyworks magazine. Then we will compare and contrast the texts.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Vocabulary word of the week: vanish
Opinion writing: The students will start a new opinion writing essay. This week, they will write about whether or not third-graders should have weekly homework. We will focus on word choice with this assignment.
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 8 words long.
We have begun Module 2 in Eureka Math. This module begins with measurement in grams. Students will practice weighing items on scales and reading a variety of scales. Many students have already brought home an optional Module 2 homework workbook. Please let me know if you would like me to send home a homework workbook with your child.
Students will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site.
This week, I will introduce paper/pencil multiplication and division fluency tests. For the first week, the test will be an untimed practice test, and we will begin the timed tests next week. Then, the students will have 2 minutes to answer 25 questions correctly. If they pass, they will move on to the next of the four tests the following week. If they do not pass the first test, they will retake that test each week until they pass it.
We will continue learning about life cycles and traits with a lesson on why some members of a species survive and not others.
We will also do a fun STEAM Activity. The students will work in groups to stack cups without touching the cups directly.
Our music classes have begun! We will have a music class in our classroom, taught by Mr. Asher each Wednesday from 9:00-9:30.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Week of September 22, 2025
Thank you to Tabitha Barton for teaching a Project Cornerstone lesson about acknowledging our feelings. Thank you to Misha Seth and Cynthia Doan for helping during our library time. Thank you to Misha Seth for leading our clay activity, and to Cynthia Doan, Rosie and Eric Janssen, Chu Chu, Ruimei Chen, and Apsara Ravish Suvarna for giving lots of hands-on support during the clay shaping. We are so lucky to have so many parent volunteers!
This week, we will kick off our Third-Grade 30 Book Challenge! We want to encourage students to read every day, and to read a variety of books. As students complete this challenge, they will earn prizes for themselves and the whole class!
For the artists in the class, the Santa Clara County Superior Court is looking for children's artwork to display in the jury assembly rooms. For those interested, submissions are due by November 7th. Here are the details.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesdays. Our library time is on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30. Here is the sign-up genius to volunteer to read to the students or check books in and out of the library.
Picture Day will be on Tuesday, the 23rd.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We have been clarifying our classroom ROAR behavior expectations. We will begin a weekly Quizlet Live activity to reinforce the expectations. (very fun!)
Also, the students will meet with their Transitional Kindergarten (TK) buddies.
We will read a short, fictional story in Scholastic Storyworks magazine and identify the problem and solution.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Vocabulary word of the week: grasp
Opinion writing: Finish opinion writing -- We will finish an opinion writing assignment about foods we don't like, with a focus on the conclusion of the essay.
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 8 words long.
On Monday, we will review Module 1 in Eureka Math. Students will bring home a math review packet. On Tuesday, they will take the assessment, which will be VERY similar to the review.
They will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. On Wednesday, the students will bring home a report that shows their progress on Xtra Math.
We will continue learning about life cycles and traits with a lesson on how traits are affected by inheritance and the environment.
The students will also enjoy a fun STEAM activity in our Makerspace, taught by Mrs. Landolt.
The students have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Week of September 15, 2025
The students had fun doing their first art project with Ms. Kamali. She read Only One You, and Ms. Kamali talked to them about how wonderful and unique they are. Then, the students painted rocks and added details to make one-of-a-kind creations. Ms. Kamali will return the painted rocks to the students after she adds some resin.
Library books are due for return or renewal on Tuesday.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will learn about some new Kimochi characters.
Also, the students will meet with their Transitional Kindergarten (TK) buddies.
We will finish reading The Ghost at the Grand Inn and complete a story map book summary. Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Vocabulary word of the week: wealthy
Opinion writing: Finish opinion writing -- We will finish the superpower opinion writing.
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 8 words long.
We will continue multiplication and division concepts in Module 1 of Eureka Math. They will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. The students are also skip-counting to learn the multiples of 2 through 9.
We will continue learning about life cycles and traits with a lesson on how the environment affects traits.
The students will have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Week of September 8, 2025
Our Be Seen and Heard assembly for third graders will be on Thursday, September 11th.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will learn about some new Kimochi characters.
Also, the students will meet with their Transitional Kindergarten (TK) buddies for the first time.
The students will work more independently to find signposts while reading a short chapter book: The Ghost at the Grand Inn. Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Vocabulary word of the week: gaze
Opinion writing: Finish opinion writing -- What is the best superpower? Our writing focus will be on the lead and transition words. The students will also create a comic strip about their superpower.
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
Sentence Writing: Students will practice spelling common third-grade words while writing sentences that are at least 8 words long.
We will continue multiplication and division concepts in Module 1 of Eureka Math. They will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. The students are also skip-counting to learn the multiples of 2 through 9.
We will continue learning about life cycles and traits with a lesson on how the environment affects traits.
We will have 2 art lessons from our district art teacher: Ms. Kamali.
The students will have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. The students will also walk/run a lap around the field on most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Week of September 1, 2025
Thank you for the hand sanitizer. I will let you know when we are running low again.
There will be no school on Monday, September 1st, or Tuesday, September 2nd. I hope you enjoy the long weekend.
To improve communication among parents and reach out to our community to request volunteers, the Home and School Club has developed these best practices for recruiting volunteers. Please review them. It takes a village to make Alta Vista great.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will learn about some new Kimochi characters.
The students will work more independently to find signposts while reading a short chapter book The Ghost at the Grand Inn. They will also summarize a chapter.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Vocabulary word of the week: ancient
Opinion writing: begin a new opinion writing prompt (Which superpower would you choose?), and focus on writing an engaging lead for their essay.
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
We will continue multiplication and division concepts in Module 1 of Eureka Math. They will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site. The students are also skip-counting to learn the multiples of 2 through 9.
We will continue learning about life cycles and traits with a lesson on how the environment affects traits. They will also have a STEAM challenge to build models of famous monuments out of straws.
The students will have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. The students will also walk/run a lap around the field most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.
Wish List: Purell Hand Sanitizer
I hope you can join me in Room 12 for Back to School Night on the evening of Wednesday, August 27th, from 6:00 - 6:30 PM. At Back to School Night, I will talk about what you can expect in third grade. This event is for parents and guardians only. We are looking for parents to become actively involved in our school community. Here is some information from the Home and School Club.
The Brown Bag Reports are due on Wednesday. Students should have already selected the 4 items for their bags. On Monday and Tuesday, they should be practicing what they are going to say about 5 times. They can practice in front of a mirror, in front of family members, or for an audience of stuffed animals. Someone could also video them so they can see and hear themselves. The more prepared they are to speak, the more confident they will be.
We have completed 3 Digital Citizenship lessons so far. Here are links to the accompanying parent information for each lesson. Seeing the parent information will make it easier for you to follow up at home.
What to Expect This Week:
Social Emotional Learning:
We will review the Kimochi characters, and students will decide which character they are most like.
I will introduce the students to a close-reading strategy called Signposts. They will find signposts in reading passages that will help them slow down and process what they are reading.
Here are other language arts plans for this week:
Sentence writing that includes common spelling words
Vocabulary word of the week: capture
Opinion writing: learn the purpose of opinion writing
Cursive: uppercase and lowercase letters
We will continue multiplication and division concepts in Module 1 of Eureka Math. They will also practice math fact fluency on the Xtra Math site.
We will continue learning about life cycles and traits with a lesson on how the environment affects traits.
The students will have Rhythm and Moves P.E. with a P.E. teacher, Mr. Criddle, on Thursdays from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm. The students will also walk/run a lap around the field most days. Please make sure your child wears shoes suitable for running every day. If they are injured or ill and cannot run, please send me an email or a note to excuse them from P.E. activities.