News to Note...

As we begin the week, I want to share some important items with you: 



1. MAP testing for Grade 3 begins this week.  Here is our schedule, so you can make a note:

• Monday, Oct. 10 from 10:55-12:05 ~ Reading
• Sunday, Oct. 16 from 10:55-12:05 ~ Language Usage 
• Sunday, Oct. 23 from 10:55-12:05 ~ Math 

Students will be taking the tests on iPads in our classroom. Please be sure that your child gets plenty of rest and eats a healthy breakfast on testing days. Drinking plenty of water is also important. 

Also, as a general reminder, there is no need to study or prepare for any MAP tests. I am reassuring the class that there is no reason to be worried because these tests are simply a great way to see where they are at the beginning of Grade 3. We will have another MAP test in the winter (likely January) and then again at the end of the year. It will be exciting to see the progress and academic growth that your child makes throughout the year!

2. Hopes and Dreams Parent-Teacher conferences will be held next Wednesday and Thursday (Oct. 19-20). A link will be shared on the blog soon for you to sign up for your preferred time. Also, please look for a form that will be sent home on Sunday (tomorrow), which should be returned to me by Thursday. Hearing what you hope and wish for your darling is such an important piece of your child's education, so thank you in advance for taking the time to complete that form. I sincerely appreciate it and am looking forward to chatting about it with you in person soon!

3. We will have our first field trip on Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 9-12 pm. We will be going to Tee and Putt Mini Golf in the Wafi Mall to test what we've learned about forces and interactions. Our class will go with 3OP (Ms. Olivia's class), her educational assistant (EA) Ms. Saima, and my EA, Ms. Csilla. Students may wear their PE uniform and should bring a packed lunch and snack.

4. Mark your calendars (if you haven't already) for DAA's Wild Wadi Night on Friday, Oct. 21 from 7-10 PM.  (Please see my recent blog post for more details on ticket sale times.) 



5. There is NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, as it is a Professional Learning Day for Staff. 

6.  I am still in need of a classroom mother.  (Or, the role could be shared among two or three of you, like it was the last couple of years.)  No one has shown any interest or volunteered yet, but I'm very hopeful!! 🙏  I realize that the commitment was somewhat substantial in previous grades, but I can assure you that it's much less in Grade 3. 

If you are thinking about it and still unsure, please note that there are really only a few responsibilities: 

• Collect the suggested classroom donation and use it for parties and/or gifts. 
• Liaise with the other mothers in the classroom for coffee mornings, parties, etc. 
• Organize the materials for our Fall party on Oct. 31. I have a few game ideas that we have used in the past, so it should be fairly easy.
• Help organize the food items for Thanksgiving (in Nov.), possible winter party, and end-of-year party. 
• Decorate our classroom door 3-4 times a year...or delegate this to other willing mothers.

💖  For the last three years, the mothers in my class have formed a special bond through doing things together, having frequent communication, and seeing each other at class parties and/or coffee mornings. It's such a great, natural way to connect with other women and be a part of a small, but very meaningful community in Dubai.  I'd love for this year to be the same. (No pressure though! Lol.) Thank you for considering this important role, which enhances your child's whole Grade 3 experience.