Tomorrow is the much anticipated Tech Museum Field trip! Please read and have your child follow these important guidelines to ensure your child has the best trip possible:
Wear a Reed T shirt as well as warm pants and outerwear and comfortable shoes.
The Reed T Shirt will make it easier to find your child in a crowd.
Students will be doing a lot of walking.
It will be cold outside but pretty warm inside-dress your child in layers.
Lunches from home need to be in paper bags, please.
Parent chaperones will be carrying student lunches in tote bags, and lunch boxes will be too large and heavy.
Go to the bathroom BEFORE SCHOOL.
We will not have time in the morning before boarding the bus to let students go.
They will have to wait until they get to the Tech museum.
Please arrive to school on time.
The bus is leaving at 9:15 sharp!
We need to get lunches organized and groups together before we walk to the bus as a class.
Here is a brief outline of tomorrow’s agenda:
9:15- Leave Reed on the bus.
9:30- Arrive at the Tech.
10:00– Bathroom break
10:15– Head to IMAX theatre with lunches.
10:30– IMAX movie “Extreme Weather” begins; students eat lunch during the movie.
11:45- Explore the Tech with our groups
12:15– Head back to New Venture Hall to prepare for the science lab.
12:30– Down the Drain science lab begins (90 minutes).
2:00– Leave for Reed from the front entry of the museum.
I hope you and your children had a wonderful long weekend. Mine was a little longer than planned, but I am feeling much better and looking forward to greeting your children first thing Monday morning!
There’s so much to catch up on- but for now, here are the need-to know highlights for the week:
Reed Holiday Shop opens this week!
Students may shop during lunch and after school from 3-4 PM.
The gift shop will also be open Tuesday evening from 5:30-7:00 PM.
There will be free hot cocoa!!
The holiday shop will be in classroom D-2 (down the hall from Mrs. Bauer’s class).
Volunteers are welcome. Check out the QR code on the screenshot below to sign up.
Sprit Day Friday, December 6th: Star Wars/Disney day! Please see the attachment for more information.
Art Vistas will be visiting our classroom on Friday after lunch. This is the class’ favorite! Thank you, Reed families, for supporting this effort,
The Reed Winter Concert is next week, Wednesday, December 11th. Third through 5th grades perform from 10:00-10:35Please see the attached screenshot for some details on time, grade levels, and location.
Third grade will be performing “December Nights, December Lights” and “Winter Wonderland”.
Students have been working hard during music and will start practicing during class time, as well, so they can be prepared!
If you would like to practice at home, the words and instrumental tracks are attached below.
Yes, there will be homework this week! We are pretty much back to our regular schedule for the next few weeks, with the exception of a couple of events, including the:
Our Tech Museum Field Trip is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18th.
Thank you to those families who completed a form!
Thank you to families who were able and willing to donate for the trip!
I will make more copies of the form and try to scan and send out a set of forms and information for those who missed the first round.
Please reach out with questions before then-or after! :o)
As always, please reach out with suggestions or for clarification.
3rd grade standards: 3.W.5 With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. 3.W.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
This week, students received a copy of the WPA they wrote last week and a couple of mini lessons on revising. Revising lessons will continue though Friday as students revise pieces of their choice, discuss their writing with a partner, and have the opportunity to publish and/or share by reading out loud to the class.
Through Unit 1, your children have been practicing the following: “Students learn about the use of a writer’s notebook and fill it with several entries and begin to envision what writing will be like this year and what they are capable of in a “can-do way”. • Students develop a seed idea and experiment with different ways of telling the same story. • Students write with more independence and are encouraged to go through the writing process multiple times to increase fluency. “
We begin Unit 2, nonfiction reading and writing, next week.
Still true: Students may still decorate their notebooks! Please allow them to bring printouts, stickers, or photos to glue onto their notebooks. I will cover the notebooks with clear tape so the pictures stay on.
Math
CCSS Standards: 3.OA.D Solve problems using the four operations 3. NBT.A Use place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic; use place value understanding to round whole numbers to the nearest 10 or 100. SMP 6: Students will attend to precision when using greater than and less than symbols to record their thinking.
Finishing Module 3: Topics include: “Place Value up to 10,000 by adding or subtracting 10 or 100 from any three or 4 digit number, using rounding and mental math and main strategies.”
Students will work on comparing 3 and 4 digit numbers and rounding 3 and 4 digit numbers to the nearest 10 or 100.
Reading
CCSS Standards 3.RF.4 4. Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension. a. Read on-level text with purpose and understanding. b. Read on-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings. c. Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition.
We are enjoying differentiated reading time, with students either working with the teacher in Istation or reading self chosen books and recording reading in logs.
Students work with Reading buddies to retell their stories and begin to interview someone about what they are reading.
Spelling/Vocabulary
Reading Standards 3.RF.3b Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words both in isolation and in text. b. Associate the long and short sounds with common spellings (graphemes) for the five major vowels. (Identify which letters represent the five major vowels [Aa, Ee, Ii, Oo, and Uu] and know the long and short sound of each vowel.
Students took the Elementary Spelling Inventory (ESY) as a baseline to gauge the efficacy of spelling instruction and identify areas of focus for individuals and small groups. We are finishing the Short Oo series this week.
Social Emotional Learning Focus on: What is Bullying?, how to be an Upstander, how be a “free fish”.
Student leaders in our class have created a Feelings Club for students to privately share and get support for interpersonal issues from a peer; another student leader has prepared a support they will share with the class on Thursday.
Specials
Earthquake and Fire Drill Combo!
Thursday 10/17 at 10:17 AM.
Our class is great at this. It will be a piece of cake!
Art Vistas!
Rescheduled for this Friday afternoon, our class will experience their favorite on site special: Art Vistas! Your children love this, and they love having their families in the classroom. I am so grateful for the class parents who are willing and able to do this for our class this year. Watch for photos of the action!
Fall Festival: We hope to see you at Reed’s Fall Festival on Saturday, October 19th from 1-5 PM! Find more information in the flyer below.
Thank you for your attention. As always, please reach out with any suggestions, oversights on my part, or questions at sseyan@sjusd.org, right here at ParentSquare, call (408) 535-6287 x. 37143–or just stop by after school!
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
This week, we will take the Narrative Writing Progress Assessment (WPA) on Thursday morning. This will give students an opportunity to show what they have learned and been practicing in Writing Workshop: Writing about personal small moments, including dialogue and description in their writing, writing on the same topic over several sessions, and editing and revising our work. To prepare, students will have mini lessons in paragraphing and using a writing checklist, in addition to having time to revisit and rework writing from our notebooks and folders.
By the way: Students may still decorate their notebooks! Please allow them to bring printouts, stickers, or photos to glue onto their notebooks. I will cover the notebooks with clear tape so the pictures stay on.
Math
CCSS Standards:
3.OA.1 Interpret products of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 5 × 7 as the total number of objects in 5 groups of 7 objects each. For example, describe a context in which a total number of objects can be expressed as 5 × 7.
3. NBT.1 Use place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic; use place value understanding to round whole numbers to the nearest 10 or 100.
Module 3: -Strategies for multiplication facts when one of the factors is 2 or 4, practice with multiplying 5s, 10s, 2s, and 4s in a variety of ways. -Place Value up to 10,000 by adding or subtracting 10 or 100 from any three or 4 digit number, using rounding and mental math and main strategies.
Students are encouraged to talk through multiplication rather than seeing the lessons as rules to follow. They may also have difficulty conceptualizing numbers as large as 10,000. We will focus on counting by place value column to support with this.
Reading
CCSS Standards
3.RF.4 4. Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension. a. Read on-level text with purpose and understanding. b. Read on-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings. c. Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition.
This week in reading we will stake the October ISIP on Monday and Tuesday. During reading Workshop, we will have mini lessons in the importance of reading, share our reading plans, share book recommendations, and get new reading buddies.
If you would like extra reading logs to use with your child at home, let me know!
Spelling/Vocabulary
3.RF.3b Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words both in isolation and in text. b. Associate the long and short sounds with common spellings (graphemes) for the five major vowels. (Identify which letters represent the five major vowels [Aa, Ee, Ii, Oo, and Uu] and know the long and short sound of each vowel.
We are continuing with the Short Oo series this week.
Social Emotional Learning
Reed ROCKS Review and Anti-Hate unit review
Each day we will focus on a different letter of the Reed ROCKS matrix: Responsible, Organized, Considerate, Kind, and Safe.
We will reteach and practice classroom routines.
We will also revisit the Anti-Hate/Anti-Bullying unit with new activities and get more student input on how we can be a safe, supportive classroom for each other!
Specials
Art Vistas!
On Friday afternoon, our class will experience their favorite on site special: Art Vistas! Your children love this, and they love having their families in the classroom. I am so grateful for the class parents who are willing and able to do this for our class this year. Watch for photos of the action!!
College Week!
On Friday morning, our class will attend talks by guest speakers on various career pathways and education options. Total time spent listening will be approximately. 2-3 hours.
If you would like to visit our class to share your experience in school, training, college, or work, please let me know! Your children would love this. ❤
Thank you for your attention! As always, please reach out with any suggestions, oversights on my part, or questions at sseyan@sjusd.org, right here at ParentSquare, call (408) 535-6287 x. 37143–or just stop by after school!
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to share a recap of our fantastic first day of school!
Today was filled with making connections, seeing old friends, making new friends, and learning a bit about how things will be different in third grade. There were quiet, boring moments, confusing moments, and some super fun moments on our first day as a third grade team.
Our day began with getting-to-know-you-time followed by writing and decorating an “About Me” page. We did regular first-day-of school-things, such as a school tour with Mrs. De La Cerda’s third grade class, figuring out how lunch is going to work this year, and practicing lining up in “number order”. We also started using some Social Emotional Learning (SEL) routines, which we will continue through the year.
Tomorrow, we will emphasize routines and procedures throughout the day, so please remind your child that we “go slow to go fast”, and HOW we go about our activities is really important. On the academic side, we will share today’s writing with our class, do some fun math skills review from last year’s curriculum, and take a spelling inventory that will help me understand what type of word word work to focus for the next several weeks. After recess, we will attend our first Reed ROCKS assembly of the year. Big day! Please note: Our Chromecart is not ready yet, so I will not get students into Istation or Dreambox until next week.
Speaking of next week: We will essentially be following our instructional schedule for the year beginning Monday, going slowly and practicing procedures so students are comfortable they know the routines and our instructional time is maximized. We will also start sending homework folders to you next week, but homework will be just getting to know you or information about class. The folders will also include a flyer for PTA’s first Dinner Night Out of the year. More on homework later!
Before I close, I do want to say that it was wonderful to meet so many families this morning! I was grateful to see familiar names and faces, and was touched by how warmly new (to me) families greeted me. One of my goals is to be better personally at connecting with families and bringing your hopes, ideas, talents, and assets into our classroom, and hopefully to our school community. After meeting many of you today, I am even more excited for this year’s possibilities!
Thank you for your continued support and for entrusting us with your child’s education. Please reach out through ParentSquare to connect about your child or the class.
Warmly,
Ms. Seyan
For Friday:
Morning Lineup
In the morning, we will line up as indicated on the map, near Mrs. Daly’s room and between Mrs. De La Cerda’s and Mrs. Khamis’ lines.
FRIDAY EVENTS 🎉
Reminder that tomorrow is a Spirit Day – Neon or Tie Dye. Our first family event, the Glow Stick Dance, will be held in the Reed cafeteria from 6:00-8:00 PM! I hope to see you there. :o)
We are thrilled to welcome you and your child to third grade! As we begin this exciting new school year, we want to express how eager we are to meet your children and start this wonderful journey together.
In our classroom, we believe that building a strong sense of community and honoring each individual’s unique qualities are key to creating a successful and enriching learning environment. We strive to create a space where every child feels valued, respected, and supported. Our goal is to inspire and nurture their curiosity, creativity, and leadership skills so that they can become the thinkers, leaders, and creators of tomorrow.
We are also committed to fostering a transparent and open relationship with all our families. We believe that when families are actively involved and engaged, it enhances our ability to work together and ensure that each child has a positive and productive learning experience. We encourage you to participate in classroom activities, share your insights, and communicate openly with us. Together, we can create a collaborative and supportive atmosphere that benefits everyone.
We look forward to working closely with you and your child throughout the year. Here’s to a fantastic start to third grade, filled with growth, discovery, and many memorable moments!
Warmly,
Ms. Seyan
**Where to meet in the morning**
Our class will line up on the blacktop at the rear of the school on the Reedhurst side of campus. We will be close to the building by the library this year, and not against the fence as upper grade classes were last year.
Look for a cone marked “Seyan”, between Mrs. De la Cerda’s and Mrs. Khamis’ cones. Please see the attached map for more details.
Today, our class visited Mrs. Ellner’s Science Lab, set up once a year for Reed students to experience. Heree is csome feedback from your children:
Troy-There were a lot of different viruses and the skin of animals, earthworms, fish scales. My favorite one was the popcorn one that looked like viruses on the moon.
Key: I noticed that-I tried all three of the slides-and the ancient shells looked like a popcorn ad! Then I learned how to draw with the slides.
Yiming: I tried all three of them. I noticed that the fur and feathers one looked like feathers, and I learned how to draw feathers.
Be sure to ask your child about theirexperience with the science lab!
I hope this email finds you well. As we near the end of the school year, I wanted to take a moment to reach out and provide you with an update on what’s coming up in the next few weeks, as well as express my gratitude for your ongoing support throughout this academic year. I am sorry that I have not reached out as much as I would like in the past few weeks. This school year has flown by so quickly, and with an increase in school-related activities and deadlines looming, my “writing family posts” time has all but evaporated.
In the remaining weeks of the school year, we have a few important events that I want to make sure you are aware of:
May 15th Musical Performance. Reed Elementary students will display their new and/or improved musical skills on stage in the cafeteria tomorrow! The 3rd-5th graders’ performance will begin at 10:00. Please arrive early as the TK-2nd graders’ families will be leaving after their earlier performance.
May 21st Open House and Art Show. Please visit the art show in the cafeteria starting at 4:30 PM, then make your way to your children’s classrooms between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM for Open House. There won’t be presentations, so feel free to come and go as you prefer!
May 30th Sports Day. Mrs. Daly piloted it last year and I can’t wait to participate again! Most classes from 1st-5th grade will join in the fun where students are assigned to mixed-age groups that rotate through fun centers. This year, I will host a water games center again. *Note to approved volunteers: We always appreciate more adults around during Sports Day. If you are available in the daytime and don’t mind having fun with children in the cheerful morning sun, please reach out to one of your child’s teachers! We would be so grateful for the help.
May 31st, Minimum Day and last day of school. I hope to send everything home that needs to be sent home by or on Thursday, May 30th-report cards, recent scores, workbooks, and student work. Then, on the last day of school, out class will clean our desks with shaving cream, do Kahoots! and free choice on Chromebooks, then participate in *my* last day tradition, a graduation ceremony with 4th grade “diplomas”! Yes, everyone is graduating, even if they did not finish all of my Assignments in Istation. Right after lunch at 1:00 PM, your children will be dancing out the classroom door, ready for a summer filled with rest, growth, fun, learning, and laughter…until it all starts again in August!
It has been a pleasure working with your child this year, and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support in their education journey. Your involvement and encouragement have played a significant role in their academic success, and I am truly grateful for the partnership we’ve formed.
Looking ahead to the summer break, I want to reassure you that I will be available to support your child’s academic needs, should they arise. Whether it’s questions about summer reading lists, recommended activities to keep their skills sharp, or any other concerns, please feel free to reach out to me. I am here to help ensure a smooth transition into the next grade level and to provide any assistance your child may need over the break.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if there’s anything specific you’d like to discuss regarding your child’s progress or plans for the summer.
Thank you once again for your continued support and partnership. It has truly been a pleasure working with you and your child during this very memorable year. I will miss them very much!
Please see the below for a few quick and important class updates.
Tomorrow, Wednesday March 13th, is Spring Picture Day. Our class will be taking their class picture right after Mrs. Gillis’ kinders, at approximately 10:30 (schedule may vary)!
Report cards for our class will go home in Thursday envelopes this week, unless you have signed up for a conference- in that case, I will share the report card at our meeting.
I still have conference times available, and I would love to meet with you if you would like to discuss your child’s progress. Please follow the link to sign up for a meeting time, or reach our here at ParentSquare to connect!
We have started a Caramel Apple Fundraiser for 4th graders ahead of next year’s Science Camp. (Mrs. Slaugh only ordered 30 print catalogs, because she did not know how many 4th grade families would be able to fundraise right now.) Two families from our class have offered to support Mrs. Slaugh – thank you, Mrs. Corona and Mrs. Carlsen!- and if you would like to help as well, please reach out to Mrs. Slaugh.
Here is more information on this fundraiser for next year’s Science Camp:
“Dear 4th grade parents,
We are selling caramel apples to help with the cost of next year’s 5th Science Camp. If you are interested in selling caramel apples to your friends and family, please see Mrs. Slaugh in room A-6 for a catalog. Please remember that we are fundraising as a class of future 5th graders, and not individual students. 30-35% of our sales will be donated back to our 5th grade class. Order forms and payment are due March 25th. Make checks payable to Jacklyn Haze Corona, or Venmo at @jacklyn-haze (9773). Cash is always welcome as well. Caramel apples will be picked up from the factory April 16th or 17th and will be sorted and handed out to families by April 18th. If you are interested in helping with the sort of apples when they come in, please let Mrs. Slaugh know.”
Thank you for your time and attention! As always, please reach out here with questions, comments, or concerns. Warmly, Ms. Seyan
9:15- Leave Reed on the bus.
9:30- Arrive at the Tech.
10:00– Bathroom break
10:15– Head to IMAX theatre with lunches.
10:30– IMAX movie “Extreme Weather” begins; students eat lunch during the movie.
11:45- Explore the Tech with our groups
12:15– Head back to New Venture Hall to prepare for the science lab.
12:30– Down the Drain science lab begins (90 minutes).
2:00– Leave for Reed from the front entry of the museum.
A-2 All-Stars 