11/17-11/21 Third Grade Highlights
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Dear Third Grade Families,
I hope everyone is doing well! Here’s a look at what's coming up for the week of Nov.17th-Nov.21th. Please make sure to read all the important information below to avoid any questions that may already be addressed. If you missed last week’s email, you can find updates on my school blog: Third Grade Blog.Deadlines:
- Dec. 1: Turkey in Disguise Project (Distributed on Nov. 3rd)
- Feb. 16: 2nd Trimester Sunday Mass Reflection (7 reflections required) (Distributed on Wed, Nov. 12th)
- Feb 25: 2nd trimester Goals - AR (85%-Accuracy & 100%-point goal) & ST MATH (75%) goals (Journey & puzzle)
Morning Drop-off Reminder
Parents, please help me remind our third graders that after being dropped off in the morning, they should go directly to sit on the brown benches. There should be no running or playing during this time—we want to make sure everyone stays safe and avoids any accidents. I’ve already talked to the students about this, but a gentle reminder from home always helps. Since there’s only one teacher supervising in the morning, it can be difficult to monitor when students are running around.
Awards Ceremony, Wednesday, 11/19
Our 1st Trimester Awards Assembly will take place in the hall on Wednesday, 11/19, starting at 8am. Grades K-4 at 8am in the Hall, and Grades 5-8 at 9am in the Hall. Report cards will also be sent home.
2nd Trimester Expectations
Friday, Nov 14 was the start of our 2nd trimester. This is an exciting time, but it is also a time when our expectations grow to further our preparations for the next grade level. Here are some of the expectations that I am looking out for
1. Writing Skills
- Cursive Writing: Begin practicing cursive letters, with an emphasis on readability and consistency. By the end of the trimester, students should be able to legible write in cursive.
- Paragraph Writing: Write at least one paragraph with 3-5 sentences on a given topic, ensuring that each sentence contributes to a complete thought.
- Grammar and Mechanics: Use correct punctuation and capitalization. Each sentence should begin with a capital letter and end with appropriate punctuation (period, question mark, or exclamation mark). Emphasis is placed on creating complete sentences and coherent thoughts.
2. Reading and Comprehension
- Fluency: Improve reading fluency by reading aloud with accuracy and appropriate expression.
- Comprehension: Answer questions about the main idea, details, and sequence of events in a story. Students should be able to summarize a text and explain character motivations and story outcomes.
3. Math Skills
- Multiplication Facts: Master multiplication facts from 0 to 12. Regular practice is essential, as students will use these facts to solve multi-step word problems and more complex math operations.
4. Personal and Classroom Responsibilities
- Homework Responsibility: Submit homework independently by the deadline without reminders.
- Organizational Skills: Keep personal belongings and supplies organized. Students should bring their own supplies and take responsibility for their learning materials.
- Listening and Following Directions: Actively listen during instructions and follow directions promptly
- Preparedness: Come to class prepared with all necessary materials, including personal supplies and iPads, as well as an organized workspace.
I am encouraging all students to meet these expectations every day, and it would be helpful if you could also encourage your child to work with these expectations at home too!
Focus of the Week
- Math: Relate Multiplication & Division, Multiplications Facts of 2-12
- Reading: The Harvest Birds
- Vocabulary: Week 8 Vocabulary words
- Word Study: Silent Letters kn, wr
- Grammar: Using Commas & Pronouns
- Social Studies: California Indian Groups
- Science: Does mass affect motion?
- Religion: Lesson 8 (Study guide provided)
- Prayer: St Michael (Test on Dec. 5)
Tests
Thursday
- Spelling Test (Phonics & Vocabulary)
- Religion
- Social studies
Friday (Multiple Choice)
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Phonics
- Grammar
Math Ninja
Stone Soup
On Friday Nov. 21st, we will be reading Stone Soup, a story that teaches the value of teamwork, sharing, and community. To bring the story to life, our class will work together to make our own version of stone soup!
The ingredients we will use are:
1. Shredded chicken (1 cooked whole chicken)
2. 2 Chicken broth (donated by Ms. Ruiz)
3. Onions (chopped) (donated by Mrs. Avila)
4. Carrots (chopped)
5. Celery (chopped)
6. Potatoes (chopped)
7. Garlic (minced)
8. salt and pepper
9. disposable bowls (donated by Ms. Ruiz)
10. disposable spoons (donated by Mrs. Andrade)
If you would like to donate and prep any of the ingredients, please let me know. If not, I’ll prep them myself. If your child has any allergies to the listed ingredients, please let me know as soon as possible.
Adopt A Family- SAP Christmas Project 2025
The Christmas season is just around the corner, and we’re excited to invite you to be part of something truly special. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Adopt A Family Christmas Program — a heartwarming tradition dedicated to bringing the magic of the holidays to hundreds of families in the downtown Los Angeles area.Meet the Shir-Zai Family! The Shir-Zai family is a loving, resilient household doing their best to stay strong during challenging times. Moosa, the father, works long hours to cover rent and bills as the family's sole provider. Despite his exhausting schedule and limited sleep, he remains dedicated to spending quality time with his wife and children.
Taiba, the mother, recently gave birth to their newest daughter. She stays home to care for the baby and the couple’s three other children — including a child with autism, who requires extra attention, care, and support. The family faces daily challenges in meeting his sensory and dietary needs, especially as he is a very selective eater. Still, they do everything they can to help him feel safe, supported, and included.
Though finances are tight and every day brings new struggles, the Shir-Zai family remains hopeful and united. Their dream is simple: to continue living a healthy life together, and for their economic situation to improve.
This holiday season, your generosity can bring warmth, joy, and a bit of relief to this beautiful family. If each SAP family purchases just one item for the Shir-Zai Family, they will experience a miraculous Christmas. Imagine the joy we can bring to this family!
How Can You Help?
- Learn about the Shir-Zai Family
- Please review the attached Shir-Zai Family Profile to get to know this beautiful family and understand their specific needs. Each grade level is assigned to one family member — this makes gift-giving more personal and organized.
- Follow the Gift Instructions
- Be sure to read the Instructions for Purchasing Gifts so you're fully prepared to participate and help make this experience smooth and meaningful for everyone involved.
- Choose a Gift to Purchase
- If you’d like to help (and we hope you do!), visit our school wide Adopt-A-Family Sign-Up Genius to select a gift you will purchase:
Here is the Sign-Up Genius to designate the gift you will buy.
For our parents of younger children, this can be a wonderful teaching moment to show how we make little sacrifices to show our love for those in need. Let’s come together to make this season brighter for the Shir-Zai Family. Thank you for being part of this beautiful tradition of giving!
Amazon Wishlist
As we gear up for an exciting school year filled with learning and growth, I wanted to share a wonderful opportunity to further enhance our classroom experience. I created an Amazon Wishlist with carefully selected items that will greatly benefit our students' education journey. You may check out the link below.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1C4X0QEVATZ5V?ref_=wl_shareUPCOMING EVENTS
School calendar can be found (clicking here)- Nov 19 – First Trimester Awards Ceremony in Hall 8:00-8:45, 8:50-9:35
- Nov 20 – Futboleros Chocolate Sale incentive 10:30am-12 noon
- November 24-28 – Thanksgiving Holiday NO SCHOOL, NO DAYCARE
- Dec 5 – Poinsettia Pick up from 8-10am and 2-6pm or 12/7 at 8th grade bake sale at church from 12-2pm)
- Dec 5 - Last day to drop off gifts for the Adopt-A-Family (Shir-Zai Family) to Room 9
- Dec 6 – Feast of Santa Maria Kamalen: novena at 11:30am, Mass in Church at 12 noon, and potluck in Hall, all families welcome! SAVE THE DATE!
- Dec 15 – Christmas Program: Market, Tree Lighting: Holiday Raffle Winners announced outside on blacktop, NOT in Church (more info to come from Mrs. Garcia)
- Dec 16 – Noon Dismissal (NO DAYCARE) last day of school before Christmas break, Staff off campus at 12:15
- Dec 17-Jan 2–Christmas Break
- Jan 5 –Classes Resume
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to another great week of learning with your child!
Thank you & God Bless!
Mrs. Do
Warmly,