Welcome to Back to School Night 3 rd Grade September 28, 2015

Our Third Grade Team Mrs. Patti Motley Mrs. Stephanie Ellington Ms Madelyn Metzger Mrs. Michele Edwards Mrs. Amy Cofer

Attendance It is important that your child attend school daily. They are expected to arrive on time and stay for the entire day. Please plan family trips around the PWCS schedule if possible. If they are not here, we cannot teach them.

New Parent Pick Up Routine Starting October 1 st Students will not be dismissed between 2:30 pm and the 2:50 pm dismissal time Please send a note if your child is going home a different way than usual

Daily Schedule 8:00-8:15 Arrival 8:15-10:00 Math 10:00-10:45 Science/Social Studies 10:45-11:00Recess 11:00-11:30Lunch 11:30-12:00Science/Social Studies 12:00-12:45Specials 12:45-2:30Language Arts

Grading Scale A90—100% B+87—89% B80—86% C+77—79% C70—76% D+ 67—69% D60—66% F59—0%

3 rd Grade Testing  CogATCognitive Ability Testing (Nov)  NaglieriNonverbal Ability Testing (Nov)  DRA 2Reading Assessment (Sept/May) Curriculum Assessment  Pretests  Quizzes  End of Unit Assessments  SOLs Standards of Learning (May/June) Reading and Math

Blended Math We will using a blended approach to Math again this year as per the PWCS Math department. Virginia Math Connects, Hands on Math, Traditional Practice, Online Resource Master 20 +/- facts Begin to memorize multiplication and division facts up to 12

Sample Math SOL Questions

Sample Reading SOL Questions

Reading Assessments DRA 2 Used to find students’ strengths and weaknesses in reading. Results used to guide instructional decisions with flexible grouping. PALS Grades K-3 Administered in September and May to students new to VA or students who failed in 2 nd grade; Students in grades 1-3 have spelling and sight word knowledge assessed; Students who have difficulty meeting the grade level benchmark work with PALS tutors during the school day.

Students are expected to read silently on their own for at least 20 minutes during their Language Arts time. This independent reading is an important part of reading development. There is a direct correlation between achievement on standardized tests and the number of minutes read independently per day … Read to Self

Word Study New words are introduced in class on Monday, students will work on their words in class and through nightly homework (specific to each teacher). Tests will normally be on Fridays. Weekly Spelling Menus go home on Monday and will be on class websites We will begin the week of October 5 th

Civics and Government Famous Americans Map Skills Greece, Rome, and Mali Explorers Economics PWC History and Geography Matter Water Cycle Plant Life Cycles Animals – Ecosystems, Food Chains, Life Cycles Energy Simple and Complex Machines Soil Earth/Moon/Sun Basic Science Skills

Homework Agenda will come home every night - initial or sign agenda each night - method of communication between teachers and parents. Pattie Panther behavior calendar - initial or sign each night Every night:  Read 20 minutes  Spelling Menu  Occasional Math/Science/Social Studies  Study Guides for upcoming tests and quizzes

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Premier Panther Manual PBIS Snapshot for Parents Brochure

Online Resources Pattie and Class Websites RAZ-Kids – leveled reading for at home and at schoolwww.raz-kids.com VA Math Connects – more info and login codes to follow IXL Math for practice of skills taught and reviewed Sumdog

Money Send all money in an envelope or plastic bag marked with: Your child’s first and last name Teacher’s name What it is for (lunch, field trip, etc.)

Birthdays/Lunch Visits The students’ birthdays are announced on the morning announcements. We can have a healthy birthday treat after lunch in the cafeteria. You are encouraged to provide an alternative treat, such as a class book or pencils, to celebrate birthdays. This helps meet our healthy schools initiative and is a good option because many students have food allergies. You may also order cookies from the cafeteria for your child’s birthday.

Field Trips We are currently scheduling the exciting field trip well take this year to reinforce our objectives. We will be looking for parent chaperones to join us on our adventures.  Air and Space Museum in Washington DC – November 5 th  Science Museum of Richmond – April 6 th

We love Volunteers! Thank you to our parents who have already volunteered to help in the classroom on a weekly/biweekly basis, or at home. If you would like to help out, please your child’s teacher. There will also be opportunities for helping with special occasions (parties, field trips, picnic day, field day, etc).

Conference Sign Ups In your classroom Conference day - Tuesday, Nov. 3 rd We will send home a note to remind you of the time you selected the week before conference day. Phone conferences may be available if needed. Translators are available if needed.

Thank you!!! Thank you so much for coming! We look forward to working with you and your children this year! Have a great night!