Third GradeNOTE: If you are interested in enrolling your student at Pacific School, please complete the appropriate Interest Form. More information about our enrollment procedures is Here.
Amanda Jarosz ("Ms. Amanda") teaches third grade and is assisted by classroom aides Kim Sakellis ("Ms. Kim") and Claire Saarmann. The class meets from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., except on Wednesdays, when students are dismissed at 1:10 p.m. Independent study students attend school on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays only, while five-day students attend Mondays through Fridays. After School Recreation is available Monday-Friday until 5:15.
Curriculum and Special Activities Math: We learn math concepts through discussions, using manipulatives, playing games, and fluency activities. Math is taught at the same time in first through sixth grade. Students who are accelerated in math are evaluated and placed in leveled math groups as appropriate. Math Goals Science and Engineering: Students investigate science through FOSS (Full Option Science System). As scientists, students observe phenomena, think about how they relate to what is known, test their ideas in logical ways, generate explanations based on evidence, then ask more questions. Students will put their innovative thinking to the test as they research and develop solutions to their own problems then present them at our school science and engineering fair. Life Lab: Learning comes to life outdoors in our Life Lab garden where students work and study. Students study earth and life science while maintaining and harvesting the garden for use in the school cafeteria. Reading Buddies: Students improve reading fluency and self-confidence while reading with our younger preschool/TK partners. Computer Literacy: Through weekly instruction in the computer lab, students practice typing and develop their knowledge of technology and how to use it safely while using problem-solving skills to accomplish tasks. Art, Drama, and Music Drama: Students begin their theater experience reading from Reader's Theater scripts to practice fluency and responding to cues. Then, in the spring, theater shifts to working with WEST Creative Performing Arts to put on a stage production of "When the Mission Bells Rang." The story focuses on the dramatic cultural shift for the Ohlone people that occurred when the Missions were established in California. The story is told through the perspective of animals and Ohlone children living at the mission, which aligns beautifully with our social studies curriculum. The script is an adaptation from the book of the same name, first performed at Pacific School, and students learn theatrical skills, memorize lines, learn stage positioning, and how to work as an acting ensemble. The entire process and performance is truly magical! Student Film Festival: Every year, students are encouraged to make a short film for Pacific School's annual student film festival. Art: A formal Visual Arts lesson is taught weekly. We begin most lessons with a study of an influential artist, then explore the artist's style to create our own masterpieces. Students learn artistic skills, including color theory, perspective, and proficiency with 2-D media. Music: Third grade students receive weekly lessons in music. Amanda Jarosz' Background
My name is Amanda Jarosz, and I am thrilled to be a member of the Pacific Elementary community as your third grade teacher! My previous teaching background includes Playground Coach/PE instructor, Arts Academy instructor in gardening, health aide in a first-grade classroom, Early child educator, and guest teacher for many years. I received my BA at UCSC and have a Master's degree in Education. In addition to being an educator, I am the mother of two amazing daughters, who are students at Mission Hill and Santa Cruz High. I love sharing my enthusiasm for books, art, animals, science, and gardening with my students at Pacific Elementary! I look forward to meeting you! Communication
Please feel free to contact me with concerns or celebrations about your enrolled child*. The best way to reach me is via email, I will return emails until 5pm every day. In the Fall and Spring we will have parent teacher conferences so we may discuss your child's growth. You can also leave a message via the school telephone or with the office staff and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Communication is the key to any successful collaboration and your child's success is my goal! Email: ajarosz @ pacificesd.org
*To allow teachers to focus on the education of their current students, prospective families are asked to direct all questions to the office, not to teachers.
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Amanda Jarosz, Third Grade Teacher
Kim Sakellis, Classroom Aide
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Mural painted on the side of the third grade classroom