Lauren Alvarez
Updated 08/28/2026
Weekly "Newsletter" From Ms. Alvarez:
We have each week gotten more and more into our routines and I love seeing how well they've adapted into Third Grade so far!
This week is MAPS testing week! Students will be completing their MAPS assessments in both reading and math. These assessments help us see how students are progressing and determine whether any changes need to be made to their current skills groups. Please make sure your students is getting good sleep, a healthy breakfast, and lots of snacks!
Students will start their in-class Rivers Project during our history block this week! Students have will be assigned to groups of three and will work together to create an informational poster about their assigned river. Once their posters are complete, students will create a model of their river and label its different parts.
Please don’t forget that Curriculum Night is this Thursday from 6:00–7:10 PM. Third Grade will send out a schedule this week, so you know where to start. We look forward to seeing everyone!
Last but certainly not least, we are also officially in Fun Run season! Students will have their Pep Rally this Friday, and they are always so excited for this event. I absolutely love seeing their school spirit and enthusiasm!
With love,
Ms. Alvarez
Upcoming:
9/3: K-5 Curriculum Night
9/1-9/2: Math MAPS Testing
9/2-9/3: Reading MAPS Testing
9/4: Fun Run Pep Rally!
9/7: Labor Day - NO School
Homework:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| Math | No HW due to MAPS testing (can practice x facts) | x |
x
|
x
|
x |
| Reading | Disguise Toad |
Disguise Toad
|
Disguise Toad
|
Disguise Toad
|
Disguising Toad DUE |
Language Arts:
This week students will be working on completing their first writing piece of 3rd Grade. This is an opinion piece where students will choose a Wind in the Willows character and a theme that the character has shown through read aloud. Students will use reasons and evidence to support their opinion. This week students will focus on finding their evidence and writing their rough drafts with our OREO (Opinion, Reason, Evidence, and Opinion) graphic organizer.
Homeroom Read Aloud: Sideway Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
Reading:
CKLA Unit: Classic Tales
Reading Skills: Comprehension, Citing Evidence, Theme, Sequence and Perspective
CKLA Read Aloud: Wind in the Willows Adaption
Spelling: None until Unit 2!
This week students we will introduce another Classic Tale by reading excerpts of Alice in Wonderland. Students will practice reading aloud and independently with these excerpts and answering comprehension questions. Homework this week is designed to get students creative minds flowing during MAPS week! Students are going to disguise toad from going back to jail! Please bring these in on Friday to have students share with their classmates.
Math:
Module 1: Multi-Digit Numbers (8 Lessons total)
Lessons we will cover this week: Using Addition and Subtraction to Compare Numbers. Students will also be working through their Module Review and Multiplication practice on days when MAPS testing is not being completed.
There is no math homework this week, but it would hurt to have students practicing their multiplication facts. These can be with fact cards, online games, or flash cards. Starting after MAPS will be weekly multiplication fact focus.
History/Science:
History Unit: Rivers!
Students will learn the following about rivers: Important River Trades. They will learn about this by learning about the following rivers: Rhine, Danube, Volga, and Niger
Students will also start their Rivers Project!!
SPECIALS Schedule:
| Monday | Spanish |
| Tuesday | Character Education |
|
Wednesday |
Library |
| Thursday |
PE |
| Friday | Library |
STEM Schedule:
| Red Week | STEM |
| Orange Week | Music |
|
Green Week |
Technology |
| Blue Week |
Art |
Bolded Week is what we have for the week.
Daily Schedule - 3rd Grade
| Time | Subject |
| 8:00-8:20am | Unpack & Morning Work |
| 8:20-9:00am | CKLA (Grammar/Writing) |
| 8:45-9:00am | Handwriting |
| 9:00-9:25am | W.I.N Time & Intervention |
| 9:30-10:00am | Math Block 1 (Skills Group) |
| 10:05-10:45am | Specials |
| 10:50-11:25am | Math Block 2 (Skills Group) |
| 11:30am-12:10pm | Lunch/Recess |
| 12:15-12:30pm | SSR (Silent Sustained Reading) |
| 12:35-1:30pm | CKLA Reading (Skills Group) |
| 1:35-2:15pm | STEAM |
| 2:20-2:40pm | Recess |
| 2:45-3:25pm | History/Science |
| 3:25-3:30pm | Pack Up/Dismissal |
Meet the Teacher - Letter from Ms. Alvarez
I’m so grateful to be part of the AVA community! This is my sixth year of teaching and my fifth year here at AVA. I truly love this school, our students, and the amazing families I get to work with every day. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Teaching is my passion, and being in the classroom with your children is genuinely my happy place! I care deeply about your child’s well-being and am committed to creating a learning environment where every student can thrive. I’m here to partner with you to support your student’s success—please never hesitate to reach out.
I’m looking forward to the BRIGHTEST year yet!
