We hope that you have been enjoying a restful and rejuvenating summer break. We sure have! Lisa traveled to Los Angeles and Portland to visit family and for fun.  Julia braved Yosemite again with her three kiddos.

This will be our fourth year as a third-grade teaching team, and we cannot wait to start a new school year with you.  We always enjoy the anticipation of getting the Temescal classroom set up just so, and then meeting families and all your bright, shining faces as we embark on a magical and pivotal year full of growing independence and lots of “aha” moments.

The theme for third grade is exploring local people, places, and plants of the past and present. Through this local lens we view the world and consider our role in the web of life and our place in time. Math will begin with a foundation of number sense, and then move into fractions, time, geometry, money, measurement, as well as multiplication and division. In reading and writing workshop, we will create a supportive community, so everyone is comfortable taking creative risks, and we will publish pieces including a field guide, thankfulness expository, and family narrative. We will also dedicate a period of time to hands-on Super Science once a week. Third graders are always excited to start learning cursive and we will jump right into that in the first weeks of school.

Onto the nuts-and-bolts . . . we know that you are itching to do some back-to-school shopping! The school takes care of the majority of classroom supplies, but we do request you bring in the following items on the first day of school:

Classroom Supply List

~Roomy, durable non-rolling backpack that fits 8 ½ by 11 folders, lunches, jackets, etc. (Optional: a water bottle to live in the backpack.)

~Sketchbook, 8 ½ by 11 max.

~A 12-pack of Prismacolor colored pencils. These are lovely, high-quality colored pencils that are vibrant, blend well, and will really add to your child’s art experience. We hear they are available at the art stores on University. (Optional: purchase an extra pack to donate to the class supplies.)

~A simple 2-pocket folder to transport work and notes to and from school on Mondays and Fridays. Let your child express his/her personality while choosing this special folder.

~Family photo(s), 3 max.

~Small object from nature, or a photo of your child in a nature setting that illustrates a summer highlight.

~White 1 ½”  binder with a clear pocket in the front, spine, and back.  Two interior pockets.

http://www.target.com/p/avery-economy-white-binder-1-5/-/A-13291717#

Please label all personal supplies, as well as lunch boxes, jackets, sweatshirts, etc. with your child’s name. If we see a name on an item we will be sure to get it back to the rightful owner. Otherwise, it will stay in our classroom for a short time, being held up once or twice to be claimed, and then off it will go to the school lost and found (aka The Black Hole), which gets donated after a few months.

Snack & Lunch

We will be serving small portions of cheese, bread, fruit, and/or vegetables for a mid-morning snack (not a full-fledged meal, so please make sure your child has a substantial breakfast before school).

If not participating in Nourish You, the school’s optional lunch program, we encourage a healthy lunch in trash-free, reusable containers your child can open and close by him/herself. Please do not send candy/sugary treats, gum, drinks with a high-sugar content, or excessively packaged food. We also recommend steering clear of food coloring.

Questionnaires

Please fill out two questionnaires — this form for parents can be filled out online and will only take you a few moments. We are mailing home the student questionnaire your child should fill out and bring to our classroom during our Classroom Sneak Peek on Tuesday, August 30.

Upcoming Important Dates

Classroom Sneak Peek – Tuesday, August 30 @ 10:45a
This is a chance for students and parents to come by and visit us, see the classroom, catch up with old friends, and meet new families.

First Day of School – Wednesday, August 31

Lake Anza – Friday, September 9
Our annual hike and beach trip to end our first full week and kick off the year.

Back to School Night – Thursday, September 15
Families are invited to campus to learn more about what we have in store for your children this year. There is no childcare for this event, so please be sure to make other arrangements for your child.

Photo Day – Tuesday, October 4
Our school photographer will be on campus to shoot individual school photos for all K-8 students.

Volunteers Welcome!

Come by anytime during our work week (the week before school starts) to say “hi” and lend us a hand (or two). If no teachers are to be found that means we are probably in a meeting, so look to the white board for a list of tasks large and small. Also leave us a note on the board to let us know you were there.

Keep in Touch

E-mail (lchung@theberkeleyschool.org and jbailey@theberkeleyschoo.org) is in fact the best way to contact us, but also feel free to call our classroom phone at 510-665-8800 x131. We will get back to you asap and within a two-day window. During the day when school is in session, please don’t call the classroom directly. The best way to get us a message during the school day is through the front desk.

Warmly,

Julia & Lisa