Bridgman Elementary School

"Together, challenging our children to succeed."

***Miss Jewell's Third Grade***

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER  

 BES Ice Cream Social - Wednesday, August 27, 2008

First Day of School - Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Back to School Night - Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Picture Day - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Third/Fourth Grade MEAPs - October 14 - 30, 2008

***Miss Jewell’s Third Grade***

June 6, 2008

Once again, I am amazed that the school year has flown by and I am writing my last newsletter!  I have certainly enjoyed working with your kids this year.  They are a very bright and energetic group of students, and they bring a lot of insight to their studies. 

I have included a pamphlet from the U.S. Dept. of Education that contains a few easy ideas to use with your kids over the summer.  In addition, I would recommend that the kids keep reviewing their math facts, especially multiplication, as they will begin with that in the fall.  It would also be helpful to review addition and subtraction facts from time to time to keep those fresh in their minds.

In regard to reading, I would encourage your kids to read anything they are interested in, whether it’s comic books (which are great for dialogue, pausing, and intonation in their reading), magazine articles, or books to read just for fun.  Have your kids read aloud to you so they can continue to practice their fluency.  Ask your children questions about what they have read; Who were the characters?, Where did the story take place?, What was the problem in the story, and how did they solve the problem?

 Studies have shown that when kids read as few as six grade-level books in a summer, they can help “fend off summer reading loss and maintain the reading gains made during the previous school year” (Instructor magazine).  One way to determine if a book is at the appropriate reading level for your child is to use the “five finger rule”.  If your child cannot read more than five words on the page, he or she should choose an easier book to read.

I am so thankful for the privilege of teaching your children, and grateful that they have supportive parents who encourage them throughout every stage of their lives.  Thank you for all of your help this year, and especially this past week with both field day and the grade level picnic.  I have no doubt that your kids will have a great year in fourth grade!

Just a reminder that report cards can be picked up on

June 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, or 19th from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Have a Wonderful Summer!