Dear Third Grade Parents,

This week will be a busy week as we are now in full swing after one full week back from the Christmas break.  The class has been working hard to end the second quarter on a high note and I am certain this week will show the same great results.  Please be sure to check the Curriculum Update below for upcoming tests or quizzes.

Lastly, a gentle reminder to please make certain your child is following the SMA uniform dress code each day.  This include making sure that shoes worn are either all black or all white, depending on regular school days, mass days or P.E. days.  Socks must also be of the correct length or style.  Thank you so much for your care and attention to this matter.  Please be sure to check the school handbook for any questions or clarifications with regard to the school uniform.

Curriculum Update for the Week of January 12, 2015:

Religion:  Continue and finish Chapter 11-  How our parish cares for others;  Chapter 11 Quiz on Friday

Math:  More practice with place value;  Round to the nearest hundred, ten; Explore multi-digit addition;  addition methods

Reading:  Continue in guided reading groups; Whole group reading- read and discuss "The Tree House" and complete reading activities in reader's notebook

Social Studies:  Continue chapter 5- early communities, the Spanish missions; how communities change

Science:  Continue chapter 6- weather and climate; what are rocks and minerals and how to identify rocks and minerals

Language Arts:  continue unit 2 of vocabulary workshop; Grammar- finish unit on contractions and begin unit on direct objects; Unit 15 Spelling Test on Friday

Art:  Analyze Picasso's use of abstraction, geometric shapes and balanced composition in The Three Musicians; Practice sketching figures using geometric shapes; create a Cubist collage of musicians using shapes to build figures and bright contrasting colors to show mood

Music:  continue to learn and play the recorders

Thank you, parents for all you do to help make Stella Maris Academy an amazing place to learn.  Take care and have a wonderful week.  God bless!

Sincerely,
Ms. Griffin
Your Third Grade Teacher