Rubric for Living Biography

Last week, I shared the news that we will be having a special Living Biography activity on April 1st. To better prepare for this, please see this rubric to guide your child's preparation. 

Our grade 3 students have already researched their subject (through our biography unit), so this activity will allow them to apply their knowledge in a fun and educational way. :) 

As for costumes, please be creative and use what you already have at home. Even a couple of simple props make for a great story. We are all looking forward to meeting our famous biography subjects! 

School Lunch Vouchers on Sale!

Oops! Did your child forget to bring money for hot lunch? 

Just a reminder that the Accuro lunch ladies sit in the lobby every day from 7:30 – 8:15 AM to sell lunch vouchers or to add money to a previous account. If your child does not have a voucher, please secure one as soon as possible so they can pay for their lunch or water in the cafeteria.

Thank you! 

Important Policy Update

Please take note of the following policy, which has recently been included in the Spots Newsletter. 

"Out of respect for the religious and cultural values of our host nation, and in compliance with UAE law, pork products are not allowed at any in-class, after school, or school-wide events."

Thanks so much in advance for your respectful observance. 

Sign-Up Info. for Parent/Teacher Conferences

It's that time again! 

You are invited to parent/teacher conferences. Please visit School Bookings. 

Primary and Elementary School Event Code = 4LAMH

For more information please visit gemsdaa.com and look at the front page for the parent teacher conference info.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

PS. If you have any questions about the system, please feel free to ask. Also, if you don't have any questions or concerns about your child's progress, keep in mind that it is not mandatory to meet.

Living Biography/Souk Day

Dear Grade 3 Parents,

We are wrapping up our Reading Workshop Biography Unit and would like to celebrate this with our students by having a dress up day on Tuesday April 1^st where students come to school dressed as someone whose biography they have read.

Students should come with a name tag so other kids know who they are. They should also come to school with a paragraph of information and some pictures about that person’s life including things like how they influenced the world, showed bravery and a little bit about their early life. 

We will be combining the 3^rdgrade classes together for these presentations to ensure that learning is fruitful for all students. Kindly ensure that your child is prepared for this event by helping them research and getting their clothing prepared. Please feel free to contact your child’s homeroom teacher in case you have any questions.

Thanks so much for your steadfast support!

The Grade 3 Team

Dubai International Horse Fair

If you are looking for something cultural, amusing and interesting to do this weekend, then I want to recommend the Dubai International Horse Fair. It actually ties in quite nicely with all that we have been learning about the Arabian Horse and the class seemed very interested when I mentioned this event in class. I plan on going on Saturday morning, so maybe I'll see you there! 

Be sure to ask your sweetie what he/she knows about the Arabian Horse. You might be surprised. :) 

Important Swimming News

Swimming is coming again soon! 

Please read this important notice from Mrs. Allison, so you are prepared for the first class. 

Field Trip Report

Despite the windy, dusty conditions, we had a terrific time visiting Al Sahra today. The students learned many interesting facts about the camel, Arabian horse and the date palm, which coincides beautiful with our recent studies in Social Studies. 

Our British "teacher," Stacey, also a horse trainer, was an excellent host and managed to keep the attention of {most of} the students from 10:00-12:00, which is no small feat, especially when tummies were rumbling with hunger! Though she was informative, funny and full of knowledge, we especially loved her Arabian horse, Bella. 

We hope you enjoy this fun, photographic recap of our hands-on learning! 

✎ ART Week

Our lovely TA, Mrs. Veronika, an art historian with many years of museum experience, has kindly recommended and exciting event: Art Dubai. 

There is something for everyone in Art Week, including a very special program for children.  In March each year, Art Dubai features children’s programs, which, in 2014, sees the return of The Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program, a set of artist-conceived projects for children and teenagers aged 5-16, that includes workshops and discovery tours. 

Here is the schedule of events happening this week and next. Sounds like it will be creative and fun! If interested, be sure to book soon as spaces fill up quickly. 

Field Trip to Al Sahra

We are excited about our field trip tomorrow to Al Sahra to learn more about the Arabian horse, as well as the oasis culture of the UAE. 

Just a couple quick reminders for you, in case you are checking the blog at the last minute: 

1. Please send a lunch to school with your child as we will eat it there. 

2. Also, kindly have your sweetie wear his/her PE uniform for the field trip to provide maximum comfort. 

3. We will be leaving shortly after 8 am and arriving back to school around 12:30 pm. 

Thanks so much. Now that the weather has cleared a bit, I think it's going to be a lovely day out for us! 

Responsibility Lesson

Ms. Leslie taught a wonderful, inspirational lesson today about responsibility and perseverance through sharing the story about an American soldier who took care of a stray dog in Afghanistan and persevered to bring her (and her puppies) back to America even though it was very difficult. 

For those of you who would like to share the full story with your family, here is the link. And, this is another one. 

Remember this great story when you are thinking of giving up on a task!

International Food Festival

I hope many of you were able to get out to enjoy IFF last night sponsored by DAAPA. It was my first time enjoying this interesting event and I was very impressed by the number of countries represented, quality of food, the authentic cutural music and dances by many of our own students, as well as the opportunities to purchase unique, ethnic items (jewelry, scarves, stationary, etc.). I really appreciated every bit of it and hope you did, as well. :)

A very special thank you to all of you parents who worked so hard behind the scenes by sacrificing your time and efforts to make this such a wonderful event. YOU are truly the key to this event's success! 

Here are a few photos for your enjoyment and for your memory collection.