Third Grade Friends!

We have really enjoyed the new playground in front of the school!  Take a peek at us playing with friends at recess last week!

Back To School Night

I'm looking forward to seeing every family at Back To School Night on Tuesday evening, 6-7:30.  There is so much information to share and many questions to answer.  This is truly the most informative night of the year, for you as parents.  Hope to see you Tuesday!

Welcome to a New School Year!

     The Open House was a big success!  I met so many new families, as well as a few familiar ones.  The children and I have enjoyed 3 days of school together so far, and I can tell that we're going to have a lot of fun in 3rd grade this year!

     This blog will be a place for me to post information about what is happening in 3rd grade and in our classroom. These posts will replace a traditionally paper newsletter, so be on the lookout for an email reminder every week, or every other week.  Thank you for your support this year.  I look forward to working with you all!

Back to School Night

Tuesday, Sept. 9

6-7:30

Back to School Night will be the most informative session of the year for parents. Come find out all about your child’s third grade experience, the curriculum and the expectations for social and academic development.

    

The Last Month of School

I know.... I know.... I can't believe it's almost the end of the school year!  How did that happen?

Well, we will continue to review for our social studies SOL, which will be next Tuesday.  Then we will be studying Thomas Jefferson in a bit more detail, up until the time of our field trip to Monticello next Friday. Our schedule will remain as consistent and predictable as possible, though flexibility and change are inevitable as we enjoy the upcoming end of year events!

We are applying many of the skills we've learned this year, as we work on creative and engaging types of projects. Our current "Busch Gardens" project requires the students to use what they know about reading charts, measurement, planning/recording information, time, money and teamwork to create a schedule for a day at Busch Gardens!  (Don't be surprised of your child comes home asking for a trip there this summer.)

We will also be investigating and sharing unique information related to topics of study this year (or other special interests.) There will be a series of science experiments and a special 3rd grade celebration the last week of school. We are going to be quite busy the next few weeks.  Thank you for keeping your child on a regular school schedule as much as possible.... "Early to bed and early to rise...."

Here is one of our latest finds, a really cool video that mixes a visual representation of musical notes and instruments with a familiar classical tune.  It's fascinating!  ENJOY!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqe0GdUpJHs

Virginia Natural History Museum- Outreach Instructor

Today we had the pleasure of listening to a special presentation by one of my first teaching mentors, Ms. Nancy Newman, from the Virginia Natural History Museum.  She brought with her many specimens of wildlife from the Rivanna River areas of central Virginia, including a bass fish and a river otter.  Enjoy these photos and be sure to ask your child about this review of aquatic environments, food chains and animal adaptations!

Well-Rested and Ready!

Dear Parents,

We are in full-swing of review and preparation for our 3rd grade SOL tests.  This will be the first experience these students have with state testing and we are doing everything we can to make the experience a positive one!  Thank you for your help at home with finding FUN and engaging ways to review science and social studies.  The science information was sent home Monday!  Later, the social studies review packet will also be sent home. 

It is crucial that all students arrive to school on time during the SOL testing window, but especially on testing days. Keeping a tight bedtime schedule, to ensure plenty of rest, and eating breakfast can assure that your child is physically ready to work on an SOL test. In addition, keeping your interactions positive and encouraging will help your child to be in a positive frame of mind as they arrive to school.

Thank you for your continued support at home!  It makes all the difference in your child's success.

Sincerely,
Bethany Robinson

4th Quarter Instruction

During the month of April, and into the beginning of the month of May, we’ll continue our usual schedule and 3^rd grade instruction.  The month of May will bring a variety of changes in the way we spend our time each day.  We’ll begin a series of curriculum review sessions that will also include information on testing strategies in preparation for the upcoming SOL tests.

A formal letter will be sent home to parents soon with specific dates of the tests, as well as suggestions for your family during this period of testing.  I will do my best to make this process as normal as possible for all the children.  Keeping the children feeling confident, and not stressed, is going to be crucial to their success.  Please provide as much normalcy as possible at home as well.  Thank you all for your continued support!!!

THINGS YOU CAN DO AT HOME:                        

 Keep your spring schedule as normal as possible. 

Help your child stay focused on school responsibilities. 

Reduce stress related to concerns about upcoming tests.