Third Grade
Third Grade
Ms. Anna Schweers
Hello! My name is Anna Schweers and I am so excited to begin my first year in 3rd grade at St. Luke’s. I began my teaching career in special education here in Ankeny, and I am looking forward to making the switch to general classroom teaching and Catholic schools. I graduated from Ankeny High School in 2016 and I received my teaching degree in 2020 from the University of Northern Iowa.
The Ankeny community holds a special place in my heart because it has shaped me as an educator and as a person. I grew up in Ankeny and have been a lifelong parishioner at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart.
When I am not at school I love being outside, reading, and spending time with my friends and family. I especially love spending time with my nieces! I am thrilled to be joining the St. Luke’s community and look forward to an exciting year ahead!
Mrs. Claudette Nelson
Hello! My name is Claudette Nelson and I am thrilled to be back teaching third grade again this year. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Upper Iowa University along with a Reading Endorsement. I earned my master’s degree from Grandview University along with an ELL Endorsement.
I am originally from St Louis, Missouri – LET’S GO BLUES!! I moved to Iowa in May 2000 with my husband, Chad, and our boys, Jacob and Evan. In my spare time I like to spend time with family and friends, go camping, read, and listen to all kinds of music.
I feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity to teach at St. Luke’s. I hope to give my students the support they need to feel confident in themselves and provide them with rewarding experiences in a faith-filled classroom. I want to make learning exciting, fun, and valuable for my new classroom friends and families.
WHAT IS TAUGHT IN 3RD GRADE?
Religion
Learn to identify the sacraments of initiation, define how healing occurs through the sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the sick, state the parts of the Mass, describe the difference between the two parts of the Bible.
Academics
Math: Place Value Skills, fluently add and subtract within 1000, fluently multiply and divide within 100, develop an understanding of fractions as numbers, solve multi-step word problems.
ELA: Build knowledge of reading and writing as we work through modules based on the sea, the frontier of outer space and the immigrant’s journey. In 3rd grade, we tailor spelling to meet the individual needs of each student.
Science: We will learn about physical changes as well as force and motion. In life science we will discuss what living things need to survive. We will explore the solar system and discuss the impact of scientists on the world.
Social Studies: We will learn about government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. We will investigate producers and consumers and their role in society. We will dive into historical figures and types of communities all while using maps and timelines to deepen our understanding.
Special Activities: This year we will be taking a field trip in the fall. In the spring during our life cycle unit, we hatch chickens. Also in the spring, we will have a visit from the Ankeny Fire Department.