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Third Grade

 


Merritt

Mr. Ward Merritt

Email: ward.merritt@apsva.us

Ward Merritt is a 3rd grade classroom teacher who started working at Randolph in the 1995-’96 school year.  Randolph is his first and only school! Ward received a BA from Amherst College, and a M Ed. from Lesley College/Shady Hill School. When he’s not at school, he can be found reading, working in my vegetable garden, taking long walks, or exploring different neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.


BrizeydaJarquinMs. Brizeyda Argueta

Email: brizeyda.jarquin@apsva.us

Ms. Brizeyda Argueta is a third-grade teacher at Randolph Elementary. She was born in San Miguel, El Salvador. Before Randolph, Ms. Argueta was the Assistant Supervisor in Extended Day at Glebe Elementary. She attended George Mason University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (PK-6) and a minor degree in Childhood Studies. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. She loves spending time with family and friends. She is looking forward to a great school year!

 


picture of carly o'connorMs. Carly O’Connor

Email: carly.oconnor@apsva.us

Ms. Carly O’Connor is a third-grade teacher at Randolph Elementary School. She was born in Sterling, Virginia and grew up in Northern Virginia. She attended Christopher Newport University where she received her BA in Psychology and her Master of Art Teaching. She taught second grade for one year in Newport News and this is her first year at Randolph. On her free time, she loves spending time outside and playing with her dogs, Louie and Lily.

 

 


Third grade students learn about Ecosystems and Simple Machines in science. The students will visit the outdoor lab for the first time, to enhance their learning about simple machines.  In social studies, they learn about 5 important Ancient Civilizations: Egypt, China, Rome, Greece, and Mali. It is a big year for mathematical learning! Students learn everything from place value for numbers up to 6 digits, to multiplication, to geometry. In Reading, students make a shift from learning to read, to reading to learn- with a big focus on comprehension skills in both fiction and non-fiction. Near the end of the year, students take SOL’s for the first time in reading and math. The third grade team works collaboratively with the math coach and reading team to ensure student growth and learning. Students in third grade also learn a variety of new concepts in the arts and physical education including playing the recorder and taking swimming lessons.

Through the six transdisciplinary themes Third grade students learn about the concepts of cycles and systems studying simple machines, ecosystems and water.  Students will visit the outdoor lab for the first time.  This exploration will also look at ancient world civilizations and ask students to make connections to the present day.

It is a big year for mathematical learning! Students learn everything from place value for numbers up to 6 digits, to multiplication and division, to geometry.  They create and solve practical problems using all four operations.  Students in grade 3 explore fractions concepts more deeply and begin to add and subtract fractions with like denominators.  They also explore numerical and geometric patterns and explore the concept of equality in depth.

In Reading, students make a shift from learning to read, to reading to learn- with a big focus on comprehension skills in both fiction and non-fiction. Near the end of the year, students take SOL’s for the first time in reading and math. The third grade team works collaboratively with the math coach and reading team to ensure student growth and learning. Students in third grade also learn a variety of new concepts in the arts and physical education including playing the recorder and taking swimming lessons.