Events
We have had an amazing year of learning. It is hard to believe this is our last week of school. The students worked hard and made many accomplishments. I am so proud of all of the effort they put forth, and it shows in the outstanding amount of growth they have demonstrated. I appreciate the educational support you provided and opportunity to teach such a terrific group of children. I hope everyone has a wonderful summer break. Best of luck as you continue your educational journey.
Please have your child bring a two inch binder to school for their end of year portfolio. We will have our last Homework Club celebration on Tuesday, May 21st. Students need to bring $10.00 if they wish to participate. Following Homework Club we will have our end of year class party which will include the Kona Ice truck. May reading logs are due and third grade oral reports are also due. This week is a spirit week. Monday is beach day, Tuesday is crazy hair day, Wednesday is sports day, and Thursday is spirit shirt day with uniform bottoms. Thursday there will be a Howling Coyote assembly at 9:15. Thursday is also a half day dismissal. We are looking forward to an amazing week. Thank you for your support in the education of our students.
Have a terrific week!
Hakuna Matata
About the Teacher
Hello and welcome to the third grade! My name is Jami Rodriguez and this is my 27th year of being in education. It will be my third year at Desert Sun Academy.
Previously I taught five years in Fountain Hills Unified School District. My family and I moved to Arizona from California where I enjoyed teaching for nine years. Prior to teaching in California, I taught in Texas. I have had the opportunity to teach grades Pre-K, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as serving as Assistant Principal.
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, have completed graduate work towards a Master Degree in Counseling, and have completed a Masters Degree in Educational Administration. In addition, I have completed 36 hours of gifted and talented educational training. I hold valid teaching credentials in the states of Arizona, California, Texas, and Indiana. I have also obtained an ESL license endorsement.
My husband's name is Jorge. We have two sets of twins a boy and a girl age 26, and two girls age 23. We also have a dog named Jomax (Jo), and two horses named Loper, and Garth. I enjoy horseback riding, snow skiing, hiking, and collecting antiques. I am looking forward to a terrific year full of inspiring educational experiences.
Mission for the Class
In the quest for excellence, I hope to provide a nurturing and challenging environment to maximize student achievement. I will strive to meet the academic as well as social and emotional needs of all students and to foster life long learning.
Announcements
Homework
Our weekly homework schedule will begin as follows:
Read 20 minutes daily for surf log.
Oral reports are due each month. (third grade)
Monday – Spelling assignment
Tuesday –3rd Language assignment, 2nd Read 20 min.
Wednesday – 3rd Reading assignment, 2nd Read 20 min.
Thursday – Spelling assignment
Friday – Information
Spelling Menu
3X Each – Write your spelling words 3 times each in your neatest handwriting.
ABC Order – Put your spelling words in alphabetical order.
Word Triangle – Make a word triangle for each word.
Word Search – Create a word search using all of your spelling words.
Wordle – Generate a “word cloud” using your spelling words.
Newspaper Hunt – Find your words in the newspaper and cut them out to make a spelling collage.
Picture Dictionary – Write and illustrate each spelling word.
Word Boxes – Create word boxes for each word.
Sentences – Write a complete sentence for each word. Underline the spelling word in each sentence and use correct punctuation.
Definitions – Look up each word in the dictionary and write their definition.
Spelling Story – Write a story using at least 10 of your spelling words. Underline the spelling words in your story.
Synonyms/Antonyms – Find a synonym and/or antonym for each spelling word.
Guide Words – Write and give the dictionary guide words for each spelling word.
Parts of Speech – Write your words. Label the part of speech for each
No spelling the week of May 20th
Second Grade Spelling Unit 34
(Possessive pronouns, no apostrophe, and reflexive pronouns.)
1. mine 2. yours 3. ours 4. hers 5. its 6. theirs 7. myself
8. yourself 9. himself 10. itself 11. ourselves 12. themselves
Third Grade Spelling Unit 27
(high frequency words)
1. another 2. ultra 3. avert 4. again 5. appeal 6. amaze 7. Japan
8. about 9. above 10. awake 11. was 12. travel 13. banana 14. animal
About Us
Desert Sun Academy was founded with one purpose - to build a space for all students to grow, learn and create with each passing day. Through a unique teaching approach and a truly passionate staff, we help students develop academically and personally to the highest level.
We invite you to explore our site and discover the academics and community Desert Sun Academy provides to each and every student.
“The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life.”
Plato
Contact Us
Desert Sun Academy
27880 N. 64th Street
Scottsdale, Arizona 85262
USA
480-575-2900