End of 3rd Grade...Looping to 4th!

Greetings to the Wonderful and Amazing Families of room 115,

I can't believe the year flew by so quickly!  A few things are coming down the pipeline for next year that I can't wait to share.  More details to follow on ramping up our Math and ELA Curriculum, but I'm excited to share that with the help of our friends at Donors Choose, we'll start the 4th grade year with a community service project like no other.

It has truly, truly been my sincere honor to teach this incredible group (listen to their end of year podcast below).  For the most part, if it was a great fit for your student, we'll be off to 4th grade...together.  Looping provides the stability, continuity, calm, and clarity of starting the next grade with a class you already know and a teacher who already knows you.

Letters from me will probably head out in August, just a reminder that the ONLY supplies I will ever ask for are:

.9mm Lead for pencils that are provided

Clorox Wipes...because...germs

And this year: Tissues and BandAids

If you see them for cheap in your travels this summer, feel free to pick up a box for the start of the school year.  ALL OTHER MATERIALS are provided by our friends at Donors Choose - no binders, crayons, etc needed.  In fact, it's much easier if these materials, if purchased, remain at home.

Finally, speaking of our friends at Donors Choose, they gifted each friend a backpack with parent guides, and student work journals.  Please go through the bag with your student and have fun staying off the summer academic slide and staying ready for fourth grade.

Is is wrong that I already can't wait for next year?  I'll spend this summer ramping up new curriculum, performing as Mama Morton in Ware Community Theater's production of CHICAGO and traveling.

Peace, laughter, and so very much learning,

End of Year Podcast!

No School Monday, 2/13

Hi Families and Learners!

No School tomorrow means our 100th day will be on VALENTINE'S DAY.

I don't usually make a big deal about Valentine's, except to remind the people we care about and who care for us that we care about them.  Hence why no list of names has gone home - if students bring Valentine's and want to exchange them, we will make time for that at the of the day.

I'm MORE excited to commemorate our 100th day.

Well be answering questions like:

How many jumping jacks can you do in 100 seconds?

How long does it take to walk 100 feet?

Can anyone in 3rd grade close their eyes for 100 seconds, without peeking?! (Probably not.)

We'll make a 100th day Trail Mix and some pretty radical hats.

We'll also find all the ways you can multiply and divide to make 100.

On your SNOW DAY - try doing some things in 100 seconds: Can you count to 100 in 100 seconds?  I don't know.  Can you hold your breathe for 100 seconds?  I can't

Stay safe and warm and we'll see you TUESDAY for SPARKLE DAY!

Make sure you bring your shine!

AND ---> ALL SCHOOL FRIDAY - We're performing a special song about LOVE!  Please join us and support, "What the World Needs Now"

One Hour Delay, Half Day, Spirit Week

Ok friends, tomorrow we have a one hour delay, and it's an early dismissal.

So, school will start @ 8:50am, and dismissal by 11:55am.

We're still missing a few yellow report card forms, please return ASAP.

Next week we kick off spirit week with BACKWARDS day on Monday (which is easy to join in even if you forget) ;)

Peace, laughter, and learning.

Swimming!

Just a quick reminder:

Swimming starts it's normal schedule this week of MONDAY and WEDNESDAY!

As well, there is a teacher-inservice on Friday, which means NO SCHOOL!

Report cards will go home in a few weeks.

If you missed All School - just a reminder that Ms. Goodwin is looking for strong math fact practice from all Newtonians!

UMASS Basketball Field Trip

Tomorrow is the day!

Students are really excited.

Everyone will get and wear their neon Newton Shirts.

Lunch is provided, but if students want to bring a home lunch, they are more than welcome to.

Please help us out and send home lunch in a disposable bag so we don't have to cart around and try not to forget lunch bags :)

Friday is another swim day for us and DON'T forget - next week we'll start going Mondays and Wednesdays.  Our room is filled with fish and fast changers :)  The YMCA was extremely impressed that the only thing we needed to borrow today was ONE TOWEL! 

Way to go 115!  WAY TO GO!

Our First Day Swimming - TOMORROW!

Reminder that tomorrow will be our first day swimming as a class.

Right now, students are working on earning that privilege.

Today was a real struggle and students have shown disrespect to Ms. Weissman and Mrs. Quinn in Art.  Tomorrow morning they have a real chance to earn back their swimming class.

Pack your swimsuit and towels and I hope tomorrow - we'll head to the YMCA

Scholastic Book Club Orders!

Often times I find families are more interested in ordering online and dealing with the payment information online rather than sending in cash with their student.  Here's the information to order at ANYTIME :)

Class Code - MR7R3

Dear Families,

This month’s Scholastic Reading Club flyers are now available! Please take a few moments to explore the selection together and let your child help choose books he or she is excited to read.

You can order online at scholastic.com/readingclub, where you’ll find a wide selection of quality children’s books that are just right for your child’s reading level and interests. Or return your paper order form to me with a check made out to “Scholastic Reading Club.”

Remember, you help our class earn FREE Books and supplies with every order. Thank you for supporting your child’s reading both at home and in the classroom!

Ms. Witherell

PS: Please let me know if your order includes a gift for your child, and I will contact you when it arrives!

First Time Ordering Online?

• Go to scholastic.com/readingclub
• Enter our one-time Class Activation Code.
• Shop and submit your child's book order.
• Your books will be delivered directly to the classroom. 

New Friends!

We welcome Bryson F. and her family today.

Bryson joins from North Carolina and is a perfect fit for our class!

Students selected Bryson's arrival as their high for their day in our daily game of High/Low/Pass.

Swimming!

As you know, many of our 3rd grade friends can't wait to go swimming!

Here's the schedule:

Mondays and Wednesday afternoons from 1:15-2:45 pm

January 11, 13, 18, 20, 23, 25, 30

and

February 1, 3, 6

Students should try to bring a towel and swimwear inside a plastic bag (makes it easy to take home wet items).  The YMCA of Greenfield also has swimwear and towels as needed.

(It went home on the top portion of the blue permission slip) :)