Dear Parents,

In Reading we have been using brief focus lessons to teach various skills that are part of the third grade curriculum. During the last few weeks, we have focused on Lesson/Moral and Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions. Our next focus will be on Cause and Effect in Fiction Text.

In Math, we have begun our unit on fractions. Students will learn how to read fractions, write fractions, find equivalent fractions, as well as compare fractions. Students will approach these concepts through the use of manipulatives, hands-on activities, as well as games. We have also begun to review math concepts from the entire year. Students will complete practice problems as well as short quizzes as it is important to maintain skills and concepts learned throughout the year.

In Science, students are going to be knee-deep in soil! They will observe and investigate sand, clay, and humus. We will also put together a compost pile for each table in the classroom. Once our worms arrive, students will observe the effect that worms have on their compost pile. They will also investigate the effect that water has on sand, clay, and humus and analyze how soil supports the growth of many plants.

In Writing, students are beginning an in-depth unit on Writers' Workshop. We will be writing personal narratives focusing on a small moment. I am as excited as the students to do this unit and I'm looking forward to seeing what they accomplish.

Our 3 rd Annual Baileywick Science Expo is coming up soon! The Science Expo will be held the week of April 21 st . The students enjoyed the Kick-off Program today. I know many of them are excited to participate in the Science Expo this year. Please let me know if your child needs an idea to explore. This project is not mandatory, but it is a great extension opportunity for students that enjoy challenges!

On Wednesday, April 16, we will be having our Student-Led Conferences! If you already sent in your conference form, there should be a confirmation form in your child's folder today. Please let me know if you did not receive your form. Your child has been collecting work and making comments on it to share with you at this very special conference. Along with their work, they are also going to be sharing with you information about their work habits, their behavior at school, and some goals that they have set for themselves. I know that you all will cherish this time to discuss your child's academics with them from their point-of-view!

I hope your child came home last week and told you about their trips to various countries in the Media Center . Mrs. Harden did a wonderful job organizing speakers from 10 different countries. We were lucky enough to have the parents of two of our students come and speak to different classes. Sonia Wrobel's mother came and shared information about her birth country of Italy . Analise Larkin's mother and father both came to share information about Mrs. Larkin's country of Spain . It is so exciting to see the students become so involved in what is going on. I went home and told Mr. Risinger we need to plan a trip to both those countries!

I want to thank all of you for the time and effort you dedicate to helping your children be the best they can be at school. It makes all the difference in the world!! If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at school 518-0090, or send me an e-mail nrisinger@wcpss.net

 

Thanks for all of your help!

Nikki Risinger

Important Dates to Remember:

• Wednesday, March 19 – Cultural Arts Program
• Friday, March 21 - Holiday
• Friday, March 28 – End of Third Quarter
• March 31 through April 4 – Spring Break
• Monday, April 7 – Teacher Workday
• Friday, April 11 – Report Cards Go Home
• Monday April 14 – Fieldtrip to Oakview Historical Park
• Wednesday, April 16 – Student-Led Conferences
• Monday, April 21 – Science Expo Set Up
• Tuesday, April 22 – Science Expo Projects Due
• Thursday, April 24 – Science Expo Presentation Night