September 9, 2020

Dear Room 11 students and families,

WELCOME to third grade!  I am so excited to meet your children and work with the M.K.G. families this year.  As we embark upon a new school year, it is clear that this particular year will include new challenges and new routines for all of us.  My class is part of hybrid learning cohort 2.  We will meet in person every Monday and Tuesday along with every other Wednesday.  On Thursdays, Fridays, and every other Wednesday, we will meet remotely using Google Meet.  

My primary goals are to keep students happy, safe, and learning.  The school and classrooms will look and feel different for students and teachers, but we will work together to build a classroom community in the age of social distancing.  

Third grade is an exciting year filled with a new level of independence for our students.  This is the year for children to find joy and pleasure in their independent reading.  We will read together and discover new characters, new places, new ideas, and new adventures.  

There is so much to write about in third grade and every year I am impressed with our young authors’ growth and development.  We will analyze other authors’ writing to notice what makes strong and interesting writing, and then we will try it together!  I look forward to learning about each students’ interests through their writing and our discussions.

Children will also learn multiplication and division concepts in third grade.  They will become stronger problem solvers and scientists.  In addition, this year we will all learn digital communication skills.

Throughout this week, I will be sending families further information on class schedules and technology tips.  There is so much to learn, but we will get through it together with patience and cooperation.  Please feel free to contact me at msmith@middleboro.k12.ma.us if you have any questions.

Regards,

Mrs. Smith