Dear Third Grade Parents,

Happy Sunday!  I trust all of you had a fantastic weekend and enjoyed your family time together.  I know I did and I am ready for another week of learning and laughter.

Just a quick reminder, last Friday was the deadline for turning in your deposit of $15.50 for the third grade field trip to the Old Globe's production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".  Unfortunately there are still a few families who have not turned their deposit in.  If you still need to turn your's in, please do so ASAP to ensure their is a spot available for your third grader.  This is an experience I do not want anyone to miss out on.  Thank you!

Don't forget, this week begins the Scholastic Book Fair in the school library! There is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy!

Here is this week's Curriculum Update!

Curriculum Update for the Week of October 7, 2013:

Religion:  Begin Chapter 4- The Christian Church begins;  Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit; The Church begins on Pentecost; The early Church grows; The story of Saul and how he became Paul; Guidelines for a short "Saint Report" goes home this Thursday.

Math:  Continue Unit 2-  Solve area word problems; Multiply and divide by 8;  Write word problems and equations;  Multiply and divide by 7;  Square numbers;  Quick quiz this week on multiplying by 6, 5 and 4.

Reading:  Continue guided reading groups:  Bunnicula  Group will read and discuss chapters 3-5;  43 Old Cemetery Road  Group  will read and discuss chapters 4-6;  Finish reading and discussing whole group reading story, "Rugby and Rosie"  Comprehension test on Wednesday;  Continue read-aloud of Judy Moody  and complete comprehension activities

Language Arts:  Grammar- Imperative sentences;  Review prepositions;  Vocabulary Workshop:  Begin Unit 2- Introduce vocabulary words and their definitions;  Match the meaning

Science:  Begin Chapter 2-   Read and discuss what is technology and  what is a machine

Social Studies:  Begin Chapter 2-  Read and discuss the life and work of John Muir;  Natural resources on the land, inside the Earth and the importance of water;  Daily Geography and a review of map skills

Looking Ahead:
Please remember, on Tuesday, October 15th, the third graders will begin the Iowa standardized testing. Please make every effort not to schedule any vacations or medical/dental appointments during this time or during the morning testing period.  Make-up tests can be very difficult to schedule. Thank you in advance for your support in this matter.

I hope all of you have a fantastic week.  Thank you for all you do to make Stella Maris Academy a great place to learn.  Take care and God bless!

Sincerely,
Ms. Eileen Griffin
Your Blessed Third Grade Teacher