Welcome Back to School

We are so excited to begin an amazing year together in 3rd grade! This year will be filled with learning, laughter, and growth. Our classroom will be a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and encouraged to do their very best.

In 3rd grade, we will dive into exciting topics like multiplication, fractions, science experiments, creative writing, and so much more. We’ll also work on building strong reading skills and becoming confident problem solvers.

We started off our year practicing 2nd grade math skills, studying the 7 continents and 5 oceans, writing an opinion piece, and started our 1st chapter book, “The Chocolate Touch”.

Goal: to create a positive, engaging, and safe space where everyone feels valued and excited to learn every day.

We are also studying plant life cycles in science. Students have “planted” Lima beans and we are watching them grow daily!

Check back each month to witness our class grow academically and see what outcomes our bean plants produce!

Summer Burkes
May 2025

Field Day

Our field day is a cherished tradition, held at the end of the academic year, designed to celebrate students’ accomplishments and foster a sense of community. This event features a variety of outdoor games and activities that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and fun!!

STEM Sailboats

A STEM sailboat activity for elementary students is a fun, hands-on project that integrates science, technology, engineering, and math concepts.

What Is a STEM Sailboat Activity?

Students are challenged to design and build a small sailboat using basic materials. The goal is often to make it float and travel across water using only wind power (like a fan or blowing air).

This was the perfect activity for a brain break between testing days. It’s also great for encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration in an engaging, hands-on way.

Summer Burkes
April Memories

Crater of Diamonds State Park

We had a blast at the diamond mine! Although we didn’t come home with a diamond, we made many memories to share for a lifetime!

Spring Musical:

The Little Mermaid

Based on the 1989 animated film and Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale: St. James students (grades 1-8) performed a flawless production! There was lots of smiling, dancing, and laughs! 2025 Spring Musical in the books!

Summer Burkes
Who Was/Is Biography Presentations

A biography presentation about historical people is a project where students research and share information about a significant person from history. It typically includes key details about the persons life, achievements, and impact on the world.

This beloved 3rd grade project tradition once again was a hit with the parents, fellow students and teachers who came to listen and view our “living museum” of historic humans.

Key Elements of a Biography Presentation

1. Introduction

2. Early Life

3. Major Achievements

4. Legacy and Impact

5. Fun Facts (optional)

6. Why you chose this person

Students used the following Presentation Formats:

  • Poster or Tri-Fold Board: Includes pictures, timelines, and key facts

  • Oral Presentation: Speaking in front of a class with or without visual aids

  • Dressing Up as the Historical Figure

Summer Burkes