Friday News

Two snow days certainly make for an interesting week!  We've done our best to get as much accomplished this week as possible.  Putting on all our snow gear again has been a bit disappointing, but the wonderful snow does make for more recess choices!  Hopefully next week will be a bit calmer!

Conferences
Today, your child is bringing home his/her Student Led Conference confirmation. It has the day and the time on it, so please be on the lookout in Friday Folders.

SBAC Testing
Due to weather, our 3rd grade SBAC testing window has changed a bit.  We'll be testing in CC~3 on April 4, 5, 6, and 7.  Each day there will be one assessment which will last approximately 45-60 minutes depending on the child.  Please mark your calendars with these dates, and try to avoid any appointments.  IF you know your child will be out one of these days, please let us know in advance so we can try to make accommodations.

Sharing 
Next week's sharing is all about Spring, as we will welcome this change in season on Monday!   Let's hope it is actually a SPRINGY day!  Students should bring in, or be prepared to talk about something that makes him/her think of Spring!  We continue to work with many students on "presentation voices".  Please encourage your child to practice his/her sharing at home using a presentation voice.

Literacy
In reading and writing we've finished up our nonfiction units.  In reading we're working on story elements, plot and theme.  We've read a couple of great books together to get these conversations started.  Ask your child to tell you about, The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins by Lester Laminack, and My Secret Bully by Trudy Ludwig.  The big question we are addressing in regard to theme is, "What is the bigger message the author is sharing in the book" or "What is the life lesson?"  We're also doing some small group work with retelling and plot.

In writing, most students have finished or are putting finishing touches on their own informational books.  These will be ready to share at conferences.  Our next unit will be on opinion writing.  For 3rd graders this is a really fun unit, as it is all about persuasive speeches.  We'll get going on this unit once students have their reflections for conferences complete.  

Have a great weekend!