Dear 3rd graders and families,
Welcome to 3rd grade! I am so excited to be your child’s teacher for the 2024-2025 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 next year.
This will be my 17th year of teaching and my sixth year at John Beck. I live in Lititz with my wife Shawna, my children Christian and Rachel, and our puppy Ellie. I love spending time with my family playing any and every kind of game (yard, card, and board) and getting outside to play sports anytime I can (especially golfing). I am a huge Philly sports fan - Go Eagles and Phillies! My family enjoys spending time at the Lititz Springs Pool over the summer - come say hi if you 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. Working together as a team will be a high priority in our classroom. 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 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.
Practice math fluency skills. (addition, subtraction)
Here is a list of some supplies the students will need, as well as some items that could be donated to the class. I will have all other supplies that students will need throughout the year. I am asking that students only bring the required supplies.
Required Supplies
1 1/2 inch binder
Pencil Pouch ( A pencil box will not be needed)
Headphones/Earbuds
Donation Ideas
Tissues, tissues, and more tissues (This is an item that we can quickly go through during the school year)
Dry Erase Markers
Colored Pencils (We will not be using crayons)
It will be a top priority of mine to keep in communication with you. I will use 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!
Mr. Mitchel Billek