Welcome to Third Grade at Zwink Elementary!!! Mrs. Steele Mrs. Chortanoff Math and Science ELA and Social Studies jsteele1@kleinisd.net tchortanoff1@kleinisd.net

Teacher Mission Our goal is for the students to become independent critical thinkers and problem solvers while maintaining High Expectations and High Support!

Transition Times Specials M/TH/F 9:15-10:00 T 9:15-10:45 W 10:00-10:45 Lunch 12:00-12:30 Recess/Restroom 12:30-1:00

Technology/Library Tuesday-Tech Steele (11-15-11:55) Chortanoff (2:10-2:55) Wednesday Zwink Library Chortanoff (8:30-9:00) Steele (1:50-2:10)

Grades Reading- 3 major and 5-8 minor grades Math - 4 major and 9 minor grades Science/Social Studies- 3 major and 6 minor grades Note: The overall grade for each subject consists of major grades worth 60% and minor grades worth 40%. Homework is for reinforcement and advancement of skills and is not graded; however we STRONGLY encourage homework to be completed every night. This is part of the conduct grade.

Incentives Individual Incentives Students will receive tickets for following school rules, following instructions, good behavior, etc. Tickets may be traded for a prize from the reward menu. Whole Group Incentives Our class has a Rockstar Jar and earns rocks for excellent behavior and compliments from adults. When a class fills their jar, they will receive a prize (popcorn party, extra recess, game day,etc.)

Weekly Homework (Monday through Thursday) In math each night your child will bring home a sheet reviewing the day’s concept. Science usually will not have homework. Sometimes they will need to review material for a test. Spelling: Monday: Write a sentence for each word. Tuesday: Write words three times each. Wednesday: ABC order Thursday: Spelling Graffiti and study for test.

Reading and Math STAAR Test All Third Grade students will take the tests. There is only one administration of the test in Third Grade. The 2012/2013 Math and Reading STAAR Tests will be Tuesday, April 23 and 24, 2012.

Blue Weekly Folder Folders go home on Wednesdays. Please sign the folder and My Choice Card and return the following day. Please go over the papers in the folder with your child. Sign and return any papers with a score below 70.

Attendance Counts We love seeing our students everyday! Third Grade curriculum moves fast and missing even one day impacts your child’s learning. If your child is well, please send your student to school.

Parent Connect/Teacher Websites Parent connect gives you access to view your child’s grades. The instructions to set up your account are on our websites as well as the Zwink Elementary website.

Questions? If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. We are so happy to have your child in our class this year. This is going to be a fabulous year as we all find our stripes as Zwink Zebras!!!