Welcome to Room 204 Ms. Massier 2016-2017

Meet the Teacher… Ms. Laura Massier Elementary Education School Counseling Studying Special Education Fifth year at Coonley, and my 15th year in education!

Typical Day in Room 204 Morning Work (daily language and math review) Calm Classroom Enrichment Math Science or Social Studies Recess/Lunch Reading (Jr. Great Books, novel study, and/or Daily 3). Writing

Each student will….. Work at instructional levels and encouraged, when appropriate, to go above and beyond Learn through exploration, investigation and shared inquiry and discussion Share and reflect on what they discovered along the way

Language Arts Curriculum Highlights Texts Novel studies (Sarah Plain and Tall; Because of Winn Dixie; Roald Dahl unit study) Junior Great Books (shared inquiry discussions) Novel based projects Guided Reading Groups (leveled text) Writing (Personal Narrative, Realistic Fiction, Persuasive, Informational, Poetry, and Genre Studies)

Writing September and October –Narrative November-Realistic Fiction December-Persuasive (speeches/letters) January-Informational February and March-Poetry March and April-Genre Studies May-Informational (reading, research, and writing in content areas) June-Revision Always with a focus on dialogue and paragraphs

Math Curriculum Highlights Envision Math Content is developed with focus, coherence, and rigor. Common Core and Math Practice Standards are core to our curriculum. Multiplication (properties, area, facts, and patterns) Division Measurement and Data (elapsed time, capacity, and mass) Fractions (comparing and equivalent) Vocabulary Implemented through Guided Math Groups, Technology Integration, and Independent Practice

Social Science Curriculum Highlights Social Studies Alive! curriculum focuses on the five regions of the United States. The Northeast The Midwest Focus: Study of Illinois The Southeast The Southwest The West Students will explore the geography, history, economy, culture, and government from each region.

Science Curriculum Highlights STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) projects Water & Water All Around Us Structure of Life & Plant Pals Science Fair Small group, partner or individual projects

Executive Functioning Fourth Year Implementation-School wide Focus on classroom structure, learning environment, managing materials, planning and time management, and goal setting. 3rd Grade has color coded folders for each subject (Reading/Daily 3, Writing, Spanish/Specials, Math, Science/Social Studies) 1”binder for agendas and homework folder – should go home with students every night!

Grading Grading scale Improving grades 90% - 100% A 80% - 89% B 59% below F Improving grades Students are allowed to correct and return work they are not happy with for partial credit.

Northwest Evaluation Association-Measure of Academic Progress (NWEA-MAP) Students will take a Reading and Math Assessment in Fall and Spring. Adaptive test that measures growth and predicts proficiency; starts on grade level and adjusts after every question Provides information about the instructional level of students (growth data) NOT what they have mastered Shows growth over time

NWEA-MAP continued Reading (42 Questions) Word Analysis & Vocabulary Skills Reading Strategies & Comprehension* Literature: Literary Elements and Techniques Variety of Literary Works Math (52 Questions) Number Sense* Algebra Measurement Geometry Data, Statistics & Probability * Weighted most heavily

PARTNERSHIP FOR ASSESSMENT OF READINESS FOR COLLEGE AND CAREERS PARCC PARTNERSHIP FOR ASSESSMENT OF READINESS FOR COLLEGE AND CAREERS PARCC testing – spring Reading/Math Computer or paper based – likely paper More information available at http://www.parcconline.org/resources/parent-resources

Communication *E-mail -I will do my best to respond within 24 hours of receiving the email. lamassier@cps.edu *Phone (773)534-5140 *Website http://msmassier.weebly.com/ * Notes *Conferences

Classroom Website http://msmassier.weebly.com/ Upcoming Events/Announcements Homework/upcoming tests What we’re working on each week Enrichments

Birthday and Classroom Celebrations Birthday- Parents are welcome to come in on their son’s or daughter’s birthday to read the class a story OR bring in a non-food item for the class. Classroom Celebrations-Healthy Food (apples, oranges, grapes, kettle corn)

Volunteers Ways to get involved: Classroom celebrations Field Trip Chaperones Special projects

Behavior System Students who are observed “caught being good” are given a ticket. They can exchange their tickets for a prize. Prizes include lunch with teacher, picking a prize, extra computer time, and no homework passes! Focus on positive behaviors. Motivate students to act as role models and take ownership for their behaviors. Students who make poor choices will have time away from their group, communication with parent, and possible visit to the office.

Second Step Second Step is a social-emotional learning program that helps students learn to regulate their own emotions and be more empathetic towards others. We work on a new skill each week, with one 30 minute lesson to introduce the skill and then 5 minute follow-ups each day.

CHAAMPS Voice Levels: 0 – No talking 1 – Whisper 2 – Quiet Voice 3 – Presentation Voice 4 - Outside Voice “Give me 5!”

Third Grade Promotion Policy Benchmark year Promotion policy will be given during November conferences. Grades and test scores

Questions or Comments