Dear 3rd graders and families,
Welcome to 3rd grade! I am so excited to be your child’s teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. As we head into our summer break I wanted to introduce myself and let you know a little bit about me, as well as give you a brief snapshot of some things to expect for 3rd grade.
First, a little about myself. This will be my 16th year of teaching and my fifth year at John Beck. I live in Lititz with my wife Shawna and my children Christian and Rachel. I love spending time with my family playing any and every kind of game (yard, card, board). I love to get outside and play sports anytime I can, especially golfing. I am a HUGE Eagles and Phillies fan. I enjoy spending time at the Lititz Springs Pool over the summer with my children. I always let my students know to come say hi if they see me at the pool.
Third grade will be an exciting year where students will continue to build on the foundation of what they have already learned. It is also a year where a shift begins from learning to read to reading to learn. Something that will be a high priority in our classroom is how we work together as a team. We will strive to help each other to be the best versions of ourselves. School is such an important time for students to not only grow academically, but also socially. Third grade will also be a year that students will get to participate in some events that are new to them such as, Religious Release time, playing the recorder, and the Bike Rodeo.
I hope that everyone has a wonderful summer and can take the time to refresh and recharge for a new school year. Here are some helpful things students can do over the summer to keep their minds active:
Read some of your favorite books or try new books (especially a chapter book as a family). The more discussion about the book and characters the better.
Journal or create your own free writing stories.
Start working on multiplication facts.
Here is a list of some supplies the students will need, as well as some items that could be donated to the class.
Required Supplies
1 1/2 inch binder
Pencil Box
Art shirt (old t-shirt with students name on it)
Headphones/Earbuds
Donation Ideas
Tissues, tissues, and more tissues
Baby wipes
Markers
It will be a top priority of mine to keep in communication with you. I will use the Remind app, email, and phone calls to keep in touch throughout the year. Please contact me with any questions or concerns at mbillek@warwicksd.org.
Have a wonderful summer and I look forward to working together next school year!
Mitchel Billek