BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT SEPTEMBER 21, 2011 Welcome to 3rd Grade! BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT SEPTEMBER 21, 2011

The Third Grade Team Ms. Blom Ms. Fogler Mrs. Williams Ms. Hewitt Mrs. Pounder Mrs. McCoy

Key Points for Tonight Introductions Schedules Map Communication Grading/Report Card Language Arts Accelerated Reader Math Content Homework BSES Behavior Policy Goal Setting HCPSS Birthday Policy Volunteers Contact Us

Daily Schedule

Where are We?

Communication Friday Folders Agenda Book Goes home every Friday Please check and return on Mondays Agenda Book Each student has one to write their homework and important dates down Keep track of points Initial for reading homework

Grading This year the students will get letter grades on their assignments and report cards. 90 - 100% = A 80 - 89% = B 70 - 79% = C 0 - 69% = D The Intermediate Report Card will look different.

Determining Grades Grades are determined by: Independent work Quality and Accuracy Average at the end of the quarter

Language Arts Reading Our reading program is based on flexible grouping. We use a variety of texts and resources. Focus on: comprehension, fluency, decoding, vocabulary, and BCRs. Written comprehension in 3rd grade. Quarterly reading assessments.

Accelerated Reader A computer program that allows students to take short comprehension quizzes on books they read. Points, Prizes, and Practice! 1st quarter goal: 2,500 points Track your student’s progress at home: https:/hosted175.renlearn.com/1671668/HomeConnect/

Long Range Plan

Long Range Plan, cont.

Math Instruction & Assessments Instructional tools Cooperative learning, manipulatives, technology, drill & practice, discovery learning, BCRs Parent Previews Sent home before unit introducing objectives that will be covered. Fact Practice Each student will receive fact practice in their Technology classes as well as in math Unit Tests Will be sent home - please sign and return.

Content Social Studies Science Health Our Community & Beyond, Communities Near & Far, The Community Counts, The Citizen & The Community Science Weather, Heat, Light, and Sound, Experimentation, Plants Health Mental Health, Tobacco, Alcohol & Other Drugs, Safety, First Aid & Prevention, Disease Prevention & Control

Homework Students will have homework daily Monday - Thursday. Each night they will have: Spelling Reading for at least 20 minutes Math Book Projects Our first project will be a diorama based on a realistic fiction book the students have read. Look for the letter to come home 9/28/11 with all of the information!

Behavior Policy Bellows Best Five point system - students will record their daily points in their agenda books. Be Respectful. Be Responsible. Be Ready. Rewards Cheetah Club Call on the Cheetah Phone Letter Home Consequences Loss of Cheetah Club Student Reflection Letter Home Visit to the Principal

What are your goals for your child this year? Goal Setting We will continue to focus on having the students set and work towards specific goals. Team, class, and individual goals Throughout the year we will review these goals to see if they were met or what the students will do to achieve them. What are your goals for your child this year?

We welcome parent volunteers! Please remember to always sign in the front office when you visit Bellows. We will be looking for your visitor’s badge. Room Parent - to coordinate all classroom parties. Please keep in mind you may not always be helping out in the classroom due to space.

Birthday Policy Howard County’s policy on birthday celebrations is that no food related treats are allowed.

Contact Us! Bellows Spring Elementary: Howard County Public Schools: 410-313-5057 or www.hcpss.org/bellows Howard County Public Schools: www.hcpss.org 3rd Grade Website: www.3rdgradebses.weebly.com Teachers: courtney_hewitt@hcpss.org anne_pounder@hcpss.org tamara_mccoy@hcpss.org jennifer_fogler@hcpss.org elizabeth_blom@hcpss.org

Thank You! Thank you so much for coming to Back to School Night! We are looking forward to a great year!