Parent Orientation 3rd Grade NCE

Curriculum—Math The 3rd Grade math curriculum is problem- solving based. Instruction will be provided in whole group and small group settings. Students will have daily opportunities to use manipulatives and participate in Guided Math. This will reinforce the concepts being taught, as well as give the students the chance to work collaboratively.

Curriculum—Reading Reading instruction will be integrated into all content areas. In addition, students will participate in read aloud, shared reading, and independent reading every day. A large portion of your child’s reading instruction will be taught through Reader’s Workshop. This time will consist of a whole group mini-lesson, independent reading time, partner share, and wrap-up. Reader’s Workshop is a great tool to differentiate instruction based on individual levels and needs. Students will read “good fit” books that have been self-selected based on purpose, interest, comprehension, and fluency. We will be conferring with students individually and developing small group instruction based on clusters of students with similar needs and goals.

Curriculum—Language & Writing Your child will be provided daily opportunities to write this year through Writer’s Workshop. This time will consist of a writing mini-lesson followed by focused independent writing time. We will move through the writing process in several different genres. Students will apply their knowledge of grammar and conventions in their writing.

Curriculum—Word Study Katy ISD and Nottingham Country Elementary are both dedicated to teaching and growing all students in their knowledge of words and the study of words.  This year there will be weekly Word Study checks that are based upon the word study focus for that week as well as high frequency words.  This assessment will count as a 10% grade in Language Arts.  A Word Study/High Frequency Word calendar will be provided to aid students in at home review/study.

Science & social studies Students will be actively engaged with materials, involved in whole group and small group discussions, and will use expository texts as a reference to confirm or extend ideas after investigations.

Homework Policy All homework is graded and counts as 10% in the gradebook. Your student should spend no more than a total of 30 minutes per night on homework. Language Arts will send homework the first day of the week and it will be due Friday. Math homework will be assigned daily, Monday – Thursday and will be due the following day. Any incomplete or missing homework will be completed on Fridays during ELT. A note will be written on the assignment to communicate that homework was not turned in when it was due and 10 points will be deducted.

Citizenship & Work Habits We encourage and affirm good citizenship and responsibility on a daily basis. All students are expected to have a positive attitude, demonstrate self-control, participate in class, follow classroom & school rules, and be independent problem-solvers. PBIS – Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support will continue to be implemented this year at NCE. Our goal is to use a much higher ratio of positive to negative reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Responsibility cards may be used on an individual basis, if needed. Teachers will be communicating with you to share positive news and to discuss behavior concerns, if any. Students will be given Knight Bucks to encourage appropriate behavior. These Knight Bucks can be traded in for rewards. Our NCE continuum of consequences has been discussed in order to help our students understand consequences that are associated with inappropriate behavior. A copy of the continuum will be sent home in next Wednesday’s folder.

Communication Communication between the family and the teacher is very important! We communicate in the following ways: Wednesday folders Daily Planners Emails Phone Calls Weekly Grade Level Newsletter Glow & Grow

GLOW & GROW This year, the third grade team would like to try spending some time teaching the students how to self-evaluate. We think it is an important life skill they can carry with them for years. We have created a Glow and Grow chart that will be used throughout the week in order to give the students visual reminders on certain areas. Your child will focus on one area of growth each week that will be completely student led. They will use this growth area to drive success in the classroom. They will also get to focus on one glow area for the week. This will be something they feel they are succeeding at already. The third grade team will assist the students throughout the week, and help them reach their growth goals. This chart will be stapled in their planner at the beginning of the week, and can be signed on Friday for a reward. We cannot wait to see them turn their grows into glows with our help, while learning how to self-evaluate along the way.

ZAP LAB There will no longer be an after school ZAP lab for NCE students. Instead, time will be provided during Friday ELT for work completion or missing homework. If your student needs this extra time to complete classwork or homework, a note will be written on the assignment stating that extra time was needed.

Breakfast and Lunch Breakfast is important and we want our students to be able to eat in the morning. We ask that you have your child at school NO LATER than 8:10 if they plan to have breakfast at school. This gives them time to eat and get to class on time. Please check with your child’s homeroom teacher for their lunch time if you would like to visit. Below are a few reminders concerning breakfast and lunch: ·         If you send lunch from home, be sure to pack all needed items; spoon, napkin, ketchup, etc. ·         Remember, to receive the stated lunch meal price, elementary students must take at least ½ cup of fruit and/or vegetable with two other meal components to receive the meal price. If the student does not take the fruit/vegetable, he/she will be charged a higher a la carte price. For the KISD breakfast/lunch menus, please visit Katy ISD Food Services. ·         When sending lunch money to school for your child, please put it in an envelope or baggie with your child’s first & last name and teacher’s name written on the outside so that it will be credited to the right student. Also please note that we cannot accept any bills larger than a twenty.

TRANSPORTATION For the safety and security of students, we encourage parents to establish a transportation routine and adhere to it. Should you have to make changes, please send a written note to school. To make a change via email, please send the email to nceknight@katyisd.org prior to 3:00 pm. A handwritten note to your child’s teacher in advance is preferred. Please do not email the teacher with changes as she may be absent or may not check email until after dismissal. Faxed requests with your child’s name, teacher’s name, the specified change, dates of the change and your signature will be accepted. They also must be received prior to 3:00pm and can be faxed to 281-644-1566.

Looking forward to a great year!!!!! 3rd Grade NCE