Well, here we are, facing our last full week of school for the 2011-12 year. It has been a very rewarding year for me, and hopefully you feel the same about what this year has meant to your children. We have covered our curriculum, advanced our skills and knowledge banks, learned to work independently, and we have grown in responsibility and social skills. When I think back to the beginning of the year, it is clear to me that everyone has advanced in so many ways. It is one of the reasons I love teaching third graders. They are ready for the next steps, but often need someone to raise the bar in order for them to realize the possibilities that are there for them.
I am so very proud of the students. Their ending year activities prove that they are an amazing group. They have performed outstandingly on our school programs. The bridge building simulation proved that they have gained skills in working as a team, and in sharing ideas and tasks. They are nearly finished with their blank books, and I have seen some amazing creativity and organization from many of them.
I hope you will be able to make our end of the year "awards and recognition" time in my classroom on May 17th. The students will have their books ready to showcase, along with their journals. The bridges are on display near the gym.
If you wish for your child to be in the drawing to get the bridge he/she built to take home, I need a note stating that you will come and get it Friday afternoon. The students have been given a blank card for you to write the note on. Students are not allowed to get on the bus with the bridge. I will draw for the bridge on Wednesday. So have your card in by Wednesday morning, please.
Again, thanks to Ms. Pearson, Ms. Paretti, and Ms. Bules, for going the extra mile for Geoffrey on Passage Day. He will get to rejoin us this week, with some limitations.
Please pay special attention to the many special events on the calendar. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me.