WEEK of SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 NEWS

September 8, 2015

Dear Parents:

I am continuing to enjoy getting to know your child as we create a positive learning environment within our classroom.  It is a very rewarding experience for me to have the opportunity to help your child grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Listed below are a few pieces of information I wanted to call to your attention:

Curriculum – In reading this week we will continue to ask before, during, and after reading questions to comprehend text with the focus being on nonfiction books.  Students will also learn ways to use context clues in order to determine the meanings of unknown words.  During Writer’s Workshop, students will be writing a true, small moment story.  In math we will continue practicing strategies to add and subtract numbers within 1000.  The focus this week will be on carefully analyzing word problems in order to figure out whether to add or subtract.  Students will be engaged in some fun hands-on activities in science to explore the various types of joints within our skeletal system.

Open House – Douglas Elementary will be holding Open House on Thursday, September 10.  Third grade parents are invited to learn more about the Read to Achieve Program from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.  Following this session, please feel free to come to our classroom, Room 3124, to hear more information regarding third grade curriculum, field trips, etc.  For your convenience, two sessions will be held from 6:00 – 6:45 and 6:45 – 7:30 p.m.  You may attend either one.

Highlights Magazine Subscription – I am also including a special school offer to subscribe to Highlights magazine.  Highlights is a fun magazine that offers activities to make children think, crafts that spark creativity, fiction and nonfiction reading, as well as games and puzzles to build learning skills.  By checking yes or no on the yellow form, you can help our classroom earn a free gift. 

                                                                                                            
Upcoming Dates 
  

Wednesday, Sept. 9 – Beginning of Grade Test – Reading only – Please make sure your child gets a good night’s rest and eats a hearty breakfast in preparation for the test.  The test will begin at 9:30 a.m.  I am encouraging my students to give their best and to not get stressed about this assessment.

Friday, Sept. 11 – Wear red, white, and blue in remembrance of 9/11.

Enjoy the upcoming week, and I hope to see you at Open House.

Sincerely,

Donna H. Underwood