Author: bwilliams

It is a great feeling to be done with MAP testing. Next week we will return to our regular routine with homework. At this time I have met with each student for a quick reading check and we started centers this week with reading groups. This group does an incredible job working independently and I know we are going to go far this year!

Request -If you happen to have extra plastic silverware from your summer barbecues, would you consider donating to our classroom? I had purchased a reusable set last year but the students accidentally threw them all away.

Book Reports -Due on Tuesday, September 30th. Simple paper this month with an oral report to accompany. Please make sure the students have their books with them when presenting. Please make sure your child has his/her book with them when presenting their book reports.

Academics

Literacy -This week we continued exploring how to write a paragraph. Students wrote about who they choose as their “Alphahawk” aka role model and someone who lives for others. We. began our Benchmark books and read about how animals camouflage. Students learned that good readers as questions and they practiced asking questions over a passage. Our grammar this week is concrete and abstract nouns and we met in reading groups, rotating through five centers. It was great!

Math -Third graders built on our rounding and estimating skills and talked about compatible numbers and how we can break apart big numbers to add quickly.

Social Studies -We explored the fictional town of Maplewood and explored our new books. Students reviewed elements of non fiction and will start learning how to read maps next week.

Science -We began the week doing a sort of photos and discussing what is a fossil and what is not a fossil. We will get back to more science next week now that we are done with testing.

Religion -Our chapter this week discussed how we are called to be in communion with Jesus (relationship). Students reviewed the knowledge from last week on the Bible as well.

Second Step -We are focusing on how to learn new things and how our brains work. It’s great to learn that making mistakes makes us better at things. Students talked about building networks in their brains and how practicing helps. Again, we go back to the word, “grit.”

Art -The 3rd graders explored bird movement and proportions while learning about focal points in a composition, experimenting with different backgrounds.

Music –Strengthening music literacy by decoding rhythms in No Robbers, Exploring musical form with Rondo form through Shake the Papaya, Learning a traditional circle dance to Rocky Mountain

PE –We talked about the 5 components of Fitness and what each test is going to tell us about our bodies. We took the pacer test, curl-up test and began the flexibility test.

ESPAÑOL, 3rd -We are practicing the sounds of the five vowels (a e i o u) using the book “Juguemos a Leer”.

Library -This week we read Buffalo Fluffalo.  This book delves into conversations of compassion and self-acceptance….also it prompted us to find out what the difference is between a buffalo and a bison.  Students also had the chance to practice their typing skills.  To look at the story or other library activities and even the link to practice typing from home, check out library page.

GETTING TO KNOW THEIR BUDDIES!

Happy Friday! Our first week of MAP testing went well. Students only had half the normal third grade homework this week and that will continue next week as we take the last two tests (math and language). We are solidifying expectations and continue to establish third grade routines. I’m loving the energy of this group!

Tomorrow is the Harvest Festival and I hope to see many of you there! It’s such a fun community event and I love to see the students running around with their friends.

Alphahawks – Please make sure that your child either sends me their photo in email or Seesaw OR brings their photo to school on Monday! After sharing these students will be writing about their Alphahawk using our new paragraph knowledge.

Friday Folders -Please remember to send these back every MONDAY signed and emptied.

ACADEMICS

Literacy -This week the students finished their very first four square and completed the writing process, typing their persuasive paragraphs. You can find these in their Friday Folders.

Math -Third grade mathematicians wrapped up the short section on rounding. They really loved our class rounding song ;).

Religion -Students learned how to read Bible Verses and use the Table of Contents to find the various books of the Bible. They worked collaboratively on a Bible Scavenger Hunt.

Science -We started the week celebrating “Dot Day” after reading a cute story about growth mindset. We talked a lot about “yet” and thinking outside the box. Students worked in STEM groups to build a tower using only dot stickers and index cards. This one was more challenging for this group, so they had to practice grit and keep trying.

Art – Flying Waterfowl in Motion – Part 1 Students explored watercolor painting by creating stunning waterfowl in flight. Using sponge-painting techniques, they added texture and movement to their skies and water scenes, making each artwork unique.

PE -We talked about how “getting out” in a game is part of the learning process that helps us improve our skills and knowledge of the game and that being a good sport means not arguing with the referee. We reviewed that a strike is a hit with control.  We practiced this playing 4 square and gaga ball.  The next two weeks the students will be participating in the fall Fitness Gram test.

ESPAÑOL– The Independence day of México is on September 16th, so they learned about the Mexican flag and the Mexican national anthem. Also they learned how to ask and answer the question: Where are you from? “De dónde eres tú?, soy de Costa Rica” y tú?, soy de Croacia”

Library -We read Flat Cat.  We talked about the Washington Children’s Choice Awards; Flat Cat was the winner last year.  We also spent some time working on our typing skills and learned about the tool Classroom Cloud that we will be using this year to help students be where they need on their laptops.  Students that brought books back also had the opportunity to check out new books.

We had a great first full week of third grade. Routines are being solidified and students are learning what it means to be a classroom family and how we treat each other. This is very important to me and I’d like to share our class pledge we say each day….

Thank you for taking the time to attend Curriculum Night. Where public speaking isn’t my favorite, I love sharing my passion for teaching and your children with all of you. I’m grateful to have your support this year and am truly blessed to be a part of this community. Thank you for choosing Catholic Education!

Computer Mouse -I did not add this to our supply list, and in hindsight I should have. Our old set of Chromebooks was touchscreen, however, as they are being replaced that is no longer the case. Many students would like to have a mouse. I found some bluetooth ones, but honestly they are a pain and I haven’t been able to get many of them to work. If you would like to purchase a mouse I see one on Amazon right now a little over 6 dollars. Please purchase one with a usb connection (if your child would like one and does not have touchscreen).

MAP Testing -We will begin on Tuesday. Just a couple notes; first, homework will be adjusted and only include one task per night, in addition to reading. Next, please refrain from morning appointments if possible.

ACADEMICS

Literacy -This week we dove into the background of our reading program, specifically focusing on Author’s Purpose. We looked at a variety of literature and examples of PIE (Persuasive, Informative, Entertainment). For writing we looked at starting our first persuasive piece. We brainstormed a variety of topics, wrote topic sentences, and three supportive sentences with transition words. Next week we will write the wrap up sentence and put it all together with the writing process.

Math -We reviewed the commutative property and dove into rounding. This is a difficult concepts for most at the beginning of third grade so I break it up. We have a fun song, poem, and hand motions. We started with just rounding to the nearest ten and next week we will look at hundreds.

Science -Our STEM project this week was a simple chain challenge. Students worked in a group of three with only 2 pieces of paper and 12″ of tape. Next week we will start our first unit on fossils.

Religion -We wrapped up our mini-unit on the Mass and started learning about the Bible. So far we have covered the main two parts, explored the table of contents, and talked about the gospels. We will learn how to read various Bible verses and go on a hunt next week. Father Moore answered all kinds of questions today on our church tour and had fun learning the students names and faces.

PE -We learned that when we win, it is okay to celebrate but not brag about it and when we lose, we congratulate the other team by saying things like good game (GG), way to go, your guys are on fire etc.  We also learned that when we get out, we need to OWN it by learning from our mistakes and getting back in the game.   We practiced this by playing games like Mushroom Ball and 4 Square. 

ESPAÑOL, 3rd -They began to learn syllables, this week we practiced: ma me mi mo mu, ba be bi bo bu, pa pe pi po pu.

Harvest Festival -Saturday, September 20th, 5-7:30

MAP Testing -September 15-26

Pizza Lunch -Monday, September 15

Good afternoon and happy Friday! We had a great, short week packed with learning, fun, and growth. We’ve worked on building our “classroom family,” which I will refer to all year. I’m really enjoying this group of third graders and their positive energy so far.

I wanted to thank you for all the items purchased on the teacher wish lists. It’s always overwhelming how generous families are here and I appreciate it so much!

Curriculum Night – Please make sure that at least one parent attends Wednesdays very important evening (6pm). Mr. Ramos is excited to share his vision, give you some important information and then you will have a chance to hear about the year to come for your third grader in my classroom. Come with all your questions and I’m looking forward to it!

Uniforms -This year we are going to be evaluating our policies, reviewing expectations, and being more consistent with the uniform policy. A copy of the policy can be found here . Mr. Ramos will present more on this during Curriculum Night, but please be aware that kind uniform reminders will be coming home before write ups begin after November 1st.

Friday Folders -Please locate the red folder in your child’s backpack. These will be coming home every week. Please look over the work (minimal this week), your child’s goal, and in the future you will see reports for missing work. Reports will be sent home every week. Sign the parent page and send back with your child on Monday. Thank you!

Homework -Next week we will start the general two pieces of homework each evening. In addition all students are expected to be reading at least 20 minutes each evening. Math will be a constant page and the other will be language/spelling. I’ll explain more on Wednesday.

Book Reports – Each month the students will have a book report. At the beginning of the month they will get a book (at their reading level) approved with me and then spend the month reading it. They will receive the actual book report assignment mid-month and then present them to the class the last week of the month. Students should have a book to show me by Tuesday, September 9th. This allows one more library visit at school.

Academics

Literacy -We began our first spelling chapter but only as a trial, all being on one uniform list. Things will look different next week as there will be multiple lists. Students practiced their cursive names and we will review the whole alphabet before they are expected to write in cursive. Last, students were able to log into their chrome-books and type a set of sentences to go with a fun get to know you are project.

Math -Mathematicians spent some time reviewing second grade concepts with centers and are diving into place value. They also took their beginning of the year assessment. Next week we will solidify their understanding of place value so we can begin the first third grade unit on rounding. Begin looking for consistent math homework every night.

Religion -This week we are building our classroom community and going to be starting with a brief unit on the Mass. We will get a clear understanding of the four parts, the mass responses, and what each part means. You are always welcome to join us on Fridays at 8:15 and students may sit with you.

Science -We’ve completed two STEM activities, which involve how to work together, solve a problem, and learn the cycle. They’ve “Saved Fred” and created their dream school with a floor plan, straws, and tape. I love to start the year this way as they learn to work together, cooperate, and solve problems. The schools this class built are more unique and creative than any other class I’ve done this with!

Art – This week, students were introduced to the art supplies in our classroom. They practiced writing and spelling the names of different materials, and we discussed why it’s important to know the names of the tools we use. Students also played an “I Spy” art game to explore colors, shapes, and textures in the room. In addition, we reviewed some of our classroom routines to help us get started on a creative and organized year.

PE -We talked about PE expectations and procedures and played team building games called Pass the Frog and The Crazy Card Challenge.

Music -This week in music class we are…Moving to and singing an African partner dance song called A Yo Ba, practicing and reviewing music class rules and procedures and singing Jubilate Deo.

ESPAÑOL -¡Bienvenidos! We remembered some basic vocabulary and instructions like: De pie (stand up); sentados (sit down); silencio (be quiet). Also, we review important classroom rules like: Decir por favor y gracias (say please and thank you); seguir instrucciones (follow directions); escuchar (listen).

Curriculum Night -6pm, Wednesday, September 10th.

MAP Testing -Begins Monday, September 15th. Please do not make appointments during the mornings of the two weeks.

Book Report Books -approval by Tuesday, September 9th.

With just ten days remaining in the school year, the learning continues, with as much GRIT as ever! Next week the students will get to showcase this learning with their Native American group project presentations along with their book reports. I can’t wait!!

We are in charge of the last school Mass, on Friday, May 30th. This is also the Volunteer Appreciation reception after Mass so we hope you are available to join us and celebrate.

Mark your calendars -Monday, June 9th, 1:30-3pm, End of Year Party in the classroom.

Book Reports – Notecards were passed out for those who requested them and students should be ready with their accessories/clothes and ready to “become” their character on the dates below.

Students with numbers 1-8 –Tuesday, May 27^h  

Students with numbers 9-15 –Wednesday, May 28^th  

Students with numbers 16-21 –Thursday, May 29^th  

Students with numbers 22-26, Friday, May 30^th  

Academics

Literacy -We continued with our Readers Theater Reading and completed their legends/myths this week. Students completed a four square and were assessed on their writing of a solid paragraph. We also worked on expanding a sentence and reviewing their grammar.

Math -This week we compared fractions and ordered fractions.

Social Studies -The students wrapped up their collaborative Native American Projects today and will present them next week. The full group will gather together and share their projects and present their learnings on their particular region to the whole class.

Science -This week we learned of different types of bridges and what makes them strong. We elaborated on the engineering project last week and constructed various bridges from our Mystery Science Lesson.

Religion -Students continued with Unit 4 in our Family Life Books.

ESPAÑOL, 3rd They learned the syllables: lla lle lli llo llu and the diphthongs: ae, ai, ao, au, ea, ei, eo, eu……They started practicing counting by 10s.

Art -To finish their composition inspired by Head of a Man, the students will add texture with chalk pastels to enhance the facial features and background, bringing depth and expression to their work.

Happy Friday! Our third grade countdown has begun! The students are enjoying a special activity or small treat throughout these last 20 days as we celebrate all their accomplishments and the classroom family we’ve created. Thank you for being part of our family.

Also, if anyone nominated me for the Village Book teacher award, thank you! I ended up being one of the final three teachers and received a delightful bag of goodies and award. It means so much!

Mark Your Calendar –End of Year Class Celebration -You are invited to celebrate with us! Come enjoy a peak of your child’s year with a slideshow, awards, sharing of portfolios, and community! Monday, June 9th at 1:30 in our classroom.

School Parent Satisfaction Survey – Today is the last opportunity to fill this out for the 2024/2025 school year. A great opportunity to plan for next year with our new principal and share your thoughts on the school year! https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=gomPHyuTtUSyd6bqU847npRc2zU_xaRHofBWjXSUsIlUM05VTE40RTZNRU4yQUxJMDdJRVgwT0JIVi4u&route=shorturl

Book Report – Assignments are out! Students should be deep in their books, writing notecards, and preparing for their presentations. Let me know if you need any specific pieces for costumes, I have a large dress up bin at home.

Prayers -Our final third grade prayer is the Apostles Creed. Most of the students have tested and passed already. If your child needs more practice the words are in their Friday Folder tonight.

Academics –

Literacy -This week we read a variety of Native American Legends and then got in groups and are doing one more round of Readers Theater. In writing, students completed a prewrite and rough draft of their very own legend.

Math -We assessed the first chapter on fractions with a test, where students did quite well! We are now comparing fractions and will do the final MAP test in Math next week.

Social Studies -Students are working in groups based on regions of the United States and putting together either a PowerPoint Presentation or a three dimensional model fo a Native American Village. They are really enjoying this time!

Science -This week we did another engineering/STEM project. Students were given $240 dollars this time to purchase certain items to build a bridge. One group’s bridge held over 500 pennies! WOW! The teamwork and collaboration is so evident when a team succeeds and it was fun to watch!

Religion -We are working through our Family Life Curriculum and this week we talked about choices, and started getting into the sanctity of human life.

Spanish -We continue practicing the daily routines. They practiced the syllables: ña, ñe, ñi, ño, ñu, ja, je, ji, jo, ju. I really want to say thank you to all of you for all that you did for Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you very much for Monday’s lunch, flowers, gifts and chocolates, everything was delicious and beautiful.

Art – Adding color, scraping & assembling. Students are finalizing their Head of a Man backgrounds by layering analogous colors, scraping the wet paint for texture, and adding torn-paper collage elements to enrich the composition.

To begin, THANK YOU! Thank you for all the appreciation and making me feel so loved this week for teacher appreciation. I am blessed! Happy Mother’s Day to I pray all the moms can have a beautiful Sunday filled with love and joy. Thank you for celebrating with us today <3.

NEXT FRIDAY – Collect ALL the bright colors! Shirts, shorts, skirts, hats, bows, etc! We are having the time of our lives here ;). All students will perform during the day for the dress rehearsal and in front of their school, and all are asked to come back at 7pm for the evening show.

Book Reports -Students have their instructions, assigned day, and all they need to finish reading, prepare their presentations, and start collecting items as props and costumes. The most important part of this one is practice!

This week we completed three THREE MAP tests. The students were on a roll and wanted to keep going. I’m proud of their growth and perseverance overall. We have one more (Math) to go and we will wait for this one as much of the content is still being covered in our math curriculum and book. Please remember this is just a short snapshot of ONE day and does not fully show the progress all students are making.

Academics –

ESPAÑOL -They started learning the daily activities: me levanto, voy a la escuela, como el almuerzo and so on. They practiced the syllables: Cha, Che, Chi, Cho, Chu.

Art – The students worked on their Holy Mary artwork, focusing on composition and neatness to ensure their pieces were ready for display.

Math -Students learned about fractions greater than one and practiced unit fractions.

Science -We began a short unit on engineering with some STEM projects. This week the students got into groups and were given a certain amount of “money” to purchase supplies to build a boat. They learned the word “constraints” and had a certain amount of supplies. It was fun to see them go back to the process a second time and improve their boats.

Social Studies -Students choose a region to study and will be getting into groups to do a group project to round off our Native American Unit. They will be choosing between an art/model and a research powerpoint.

Religion -So much joy, excitement and learning this week with the conclave and the election of our new pope. The students were so into it and will remember this day for a long long time! Today we learned more about the man who took the seat and even wrote a letter to him!

Wow, happy May! We had a great week in third grade. From our field trip, to the Fun Run and sharing book reports, they shined!

Next week we will begin MAP testing. Please do not schedule appointments during the days of 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 if you can possibly manage. Students will not be having homework OR very little homework during this time. I’m so excited to see how much they have grown this year. I LOVE the data 🙂

Book Reports -Students should have a book and their person chosen by May 6th. Remember this is to be a biography or autobiography ONLY.

Academics

Literacy -This week we continued to focus on our poetry in writing. For reading students wrapped up their Benchmark unit on Weather and then began the first non fiction piece about Shirley Jackson and the scientific mind. The skill is drawing inferences.

Math -Mathematicians are diving into fractions and understanding this concept. We had fun this week using Skittles and finding unit fractions. There are a couple songs form NumberRock that help us with denominator and numerator, along with number lines.

Religion – We completed the first unit in Family Life this week, which focused on the family. We learned all families look different, and how to treat each other. They learned words like loyalty and contrite.

Science – Students did well on their test to start off the week. We will wrap up our year with some fun engineering projects, incorporating the STEM cycle we used. Next week they will “purchase” items and “build” a boat and see how much it will hold.

Social Studies -This week we wrapped up the concrete lessons on all the regions in our Native American Unit. We will break up into groups next week and the students will work together to do a group project on a chosen tribe. We also had a great field trip to the museum. THANK YOU to all our volunteers!

Spanish – All classes are practicing some Mass responses in Spanish because we are going to have bilingual Mass on Friday May 9th. We continued practicing the vocabulary about classroom objects. They practiced the syllables: fa, fe, fi, fo, fu, fra, fre, fri, fro, fru.

Art -For a May presentation at Sacred Heart on May 30th, the students will create artwork dedicated to the Holy Mary. The focus of this artwork will be the principles of design: balance, proportion, emphasis, and movement.

Happy Friday! The beautiful sunshine is a breath of fresh air! I hope you are enjoying it as much as we are. We’ve been able to have a couple lunch picnics and even started the week with an outdoor Easter Egg Hunt, with educational pieces of course! The students are mentally preparing for the Fun Run next week and our field trip! Busy times!

Book Reports -These are due on Wednesday, April 30th. Sorry about the incorrect date on the paper. The students have a choice of what they are creating and they all received full directions on what is expected for each. If your child needs paper for the poster option, please let me know.

Variety Show –MAY 16th -Our class will be performing at the evening showing. I wanted to get this out to you so you can plan. The event begins at 6:30 and we are asking the students to wear a variety of bright, fun clothing. We made fun tie-dye bandanas to go with the outfits so no need to purchase anything separately, just search around! It will be an absolute BLAST, even though right now many are not over the moon….:) (Mrs. Mura, Emma’s grandma, is teaching us ALL.)

ACADEMICS

Literacy – For reading this week we continued with our realistic fiction on a girl visiting her grandmother in Florida where she experiences hurricanes for the first time. The students completed the Benchmark Test

Religion – We celebrated all things EASTER this week! We began with an egg hunt (educational of course) and then talked about the liturgical season lasting 50 days. We made paschal candles, learned all the symbols on the candle and did some easter art. *Next week we will begin Family Life. If you would like a parent resource book, please reach out to me and I will check one out to you. The overall theme is family and values they teach.

Science– This week we wrapped up our final lesson on Extreme Weather and will be taking the unit test on Monday.

Social Studies– We are deep into our Native American Unit and covered the Northeast Woodlands, Southeast, and Plains Regions. On Monday we will skip ahead to get a little background information on the Pacific Northwest before heading to the museum on Tuesday. They do such an incredible job bringing the content to life with hands on stations and real artifacts to observe. Thank you in advance to all our volunteers who make this one possible.

Math– Our fraction unit began on Monday with the Williams Perfect Pizzeria. They got a fun introduction to equal parts, different unit fractions, and had a chance to cut equal pieces of “pizza.” Students also wrote their name in fractions today, which is another fun lesson on fractions. We will dive into more difficult concepts around fractions next week.

Library – This week we read Something, Someday.  We talked about different problems we have and brainstormed solutions.   Just 3 more books to read and then we’ll be voting on our favorite book for the 2025 Washington Children’s Picture Book Award.  For more info check out our library page.

Spanish- They learned vocabulary about classroom objects. They practiced the syllables: da de di do du ; dra dre dri dro dru.

Welcome to Good Friday! The students have been focusing on Holy Week this week and had a fruitful week learning about the sacrifice of our Lord and his love for each of us. I hope you have a blessed Easter and a nice day celebrating on Monday with no school.

Book Reports -Students will receive their April choices in their Friday Folders tonight. These are DUE on Monday and they will get their further directions based on their choices. Hopefully they are close to finishing their books at this point. This is our last fiction book report so please do not select a May book. I will explain that to the students, as this will be a different format. Stay tuned!

Academics

Literacy -Students have been busily working on their poetry books. This week they wrote Alliterations, Couplets, and Cinquains. It is so fun to see their creativity blossom through all the different poems we are learning about. For reading we read a s story (realistic fiction) about hurricanes and a family in Florida.

Math -We wrapped up our unit on Math and the students completed their assessments. At this point in third grade, telling time gets more challenging focusing on elapsed time and multi-step problems. Do you have an analog clock around your house? It’s great to incorporate time into conversations with practices, schedules, etc. with your children.

Social Studies -We began a unit on Native Americans and covered the region of the Northeast Woodlands. The class had some great discussions and learned a lot about the tribes located on the East Coast. We will continue to move west, focusing on regions and how the land and climate influenced things like homes, food, and more.

*Parents are needed on our field trip on the 29th. We will have several (at least 6) report directly to the museum for training on how to run the hands on centers and two additional parents will walk with us. Thank you for considering this volunteer opportunity!

Science -Meteorologists are wrapping up their time with extreme weather and making sure all their questions were answered. Our Benchmark story in reading covered how hurricanes are formed.

UPCOMING –

No School Monday -Easter Monday

Tuesday -Book Report Choices

Wednesday -PTC Meeting -Patti Hoelzle Guest Speaker (she’s amazing!)

Friday –Family Literacy Night -Don’t miss this amazing community event. The first 50 children get a special gift bag and there will be many activities, stations, games, and FUN! Dinner is provided!