2nd to Last Weekly Update

I know you have missed my weekly updates!!!  I can't believe there will only be 2 more and the year will be complete.  I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have such a wonderful group of students this year.  Every day your child makes me smile with their caring hearts and blooming personalities.  I have had so many lasting memories with this class. 

Thank you for raising such great kids!

This is what we will be doing this week:
Word Work:  Blue group (sort 32)- Test on Thursday
Yellow group (sort 19)- Test next Monday
Green group (sort 25) - Test next Tuesday
Math:  We are completing the fractions and decimals chapter (28) and will test this Tuesday.  Then we will spend the last week of school to review our learning and prepare a bit for 4th grade math.  Continue practicing multiplication facts with your child, as they will need to know all facts by memory in 4th grade!
Writing:  We are completing our poem books.  These are nice 3rd grade keepsakes (I made one when I was there age, and still use it every year to show my students)!  Then the students will be writing their own "Diary of a 3rd grader" book, another keepsake!  I'm excited for you to see how they've grown into interesting authors!  We are also typing our final pen pal letters this week.
Science:  We will discuss good hygiene this week.  The students are going to use a checklist this week to document how well they are taking care of their bodies.  Then we will study the skeletal system and make have health rotations on Thursday.
Social Studies:  We are researching various Native American tribes and presenting our learning to the class.  We will have our unit test next week on Tuesday.  
Reading:  We continue to work on our independent reading.  I am assessing each student's ability to comprehend the material they read.  Last Thursday at library, the students heard from a St. Louis county librarian.  She told them all about the various reading incentive programs the library offers this summer.  I highly encourage you to offer these to your child, as this will help your child prepare for 4th grade....and for life, in general!  The more they read, the smarter they will be!  I will be sending home a bookmark with the information printed on them...please look it over and visit the library to sign your child up!
Important Dates:
Wednesday, May 16th:  Living Museum!  Students need to be ready to share information about their historical figures.  They also need to dress like them.  Please don't go out and buy costumes...just use what you have and be creative! 
Friday, May 18th:  No school!  Staff professional development.
Saturday, May 19th:  Spirit Festival!!!

Finally, I end with a bit of bittersweet news.  This is my last year, here at Sappington.  My husband and I are moving down to San Antonio, Texas to be closer to my parents.  I will be teaching 4th grade at Blattman Elementary in San Antonio.  While I am very excited for this new adventure, I am very sad to leave my Sappington family.  I LOVE all the staff, students, and families here in the Lindbergh district and am going to miss all of you.  I'm averaging one good cry a week, and anticipate that it will only get harder before the final day.  Thank you for making my last year here such a pleasant one!  And please, please keep in touch....and contact me if you ever visit Texas!!