Welcome to Garnet Valley Elementary School Second Grade Transition Meeting March 6, 2012 – 7:00 PM

Agenda Welcome and Introductions Grade Configuration The Instructional Day Third Grade Curriculum Extra Curricular Activities GVES Home & School Association Transition Plans Explore the School Building

Garnet Valley Elementary School The mission of the Garnet Valley Elementary School is to foster a respectful community of life-long learners who strive for continuous personal growth. We will fulfill our mission by inspiring academic, social and emotional growth within a safe, enjoyable, supportive and caring learning environment.

Third Grade Configuration “Teamwork Builds Communities of Learners” Three Teams Students stay together for Homeroom, Language Arts, Social Studies and Science. Students switch classes for Math instruction which is grouped homogeneously. Grouping is flexible. The homeroom teacher serves as the key communicator with parents. Students will have either one or two teachers.

The Instructional Day Language Arts – 2 hours daily Math – 1 hour daily Social Studies and Science – 1 hour daily Lunch and Recess – 55 minutes daily Study Skills – ½ hr./wk. Library/Book Exchange – ½ hr. each a week Art - 1 hr./wk. Music – ½ hr., 2 times a week Phys. Ed. – ½ hr., 2 times a week Health – ½ hr./wk. for one trimester Developmental Guidance – ½ hr./wk. for two trimesters

Third Grade Curriculum Language Arts / Balanced Literacy Four Blocks Model of Instruction Guided Reading: Conducted in flexible groups at students’ instructional level Independent Reading: 100 Book Challenge leveled texts at independent reading level with conferencing with teachers Writers’ Workshop: Direct Instruction, Guided Practice, Individual Conferences, Sharing Word Study: High Frequency Words, Developmental Spelling Handwriting: Manuscript Review and Cursive Study Skills Test Taking Strategies Super 6 Reading Strategies

Guided Reading

Independent Reading

100 Book Challenge

Conferencing

Word Study

Writers’ Workshop

Conferencing

Third Grade Curriculum Mathematics Basic Operations – Math Facts Emphasis on Regrouping Multiplication and Division Application of Concepts and Skills Problem Solving & “Real Life” Math Explaining and Writing Responses

Basic Operations

Emphasis on Regrouping

Multiplication and Division

Application of Concepts and Skills

Problem Solving & “Real Life” Math

Explaining and Writing Responses

Third Grade Curriculum Social Studies Thematic Instruction: Communities (geography, public service roles, global community, responsibilities in a community) Literature Integration Science Rocks and Minerals Plant Growth and Development Planets and Solar System

Third Grade Curriculum Art Physical Education Art History Knowledge of skills & Concepts All Projects (study of artists, cultures, styles & techniques) Invasion Games Cooperative Learning Lifetime Fitness 2-D and 3-D Artwork Sportsmanship/teamwork Shows: GVES Art Show/Celebration of the Arts ACES, Mileage club Red Ribbon Week, JRFH Music Health Melody Hygiene Movement activities Body Systems- Rhythm/Styles Skeletal/Digestive Introduction to the recorder Wellness Note Reading Library Artist in Residence Library Organization & Concerts, Chorus 3 rd grade Research & Literary Enrichment Informational Skills

Rhythm

Fitness ACES

Third Grade Curriculum Developmental Guidance Problem Solving Class Meetings Career Awareness Groups Olweus – Anti-Bullying Program

Extra Curricular Activities Principal’s Advisory Committee Chorus Chess and Checkers V.E.F.L.S. Art Club Science Club Computer Club School News Club 100 Book Challenge Homework Club Service Club Drama Club Math Club

GVES Home & School Association Similarities Sneak-A-Peek Grandparent’s/Special Person’s Day Homeroom Parties Family Fun Night Grade Level Funtimes & Send-Offs Staff Appreciation Week Book Fair

GVES Home & School Association Differences School Store Beef and Boogie(November) Winterfest (February) Muffins in May Committee Chairperson Forms

Transition Plans Developmental Guidance Activities Mr. Burns, Mrs. Mink and Miss D’Olio visited with 2 nd grade classes last week Grades 2 and 3 Buddy Program Students in 2 nd grade visit GVES – June 6th Summer Mailing (August 2012) Sneak-A-Peek (August 2012) Grade Level Transition Plans Two weeks of transition and teambuilding in the Fall Individual Classroom Plans During the School Year… Parent Liaison for New Families Buddies for New Students

Transition Camp For incoming 3 rd graders Wednesday, August 22, 2012 Tentative Agenda 9:00 – 9:15 – Check-In 9:15 – 9:30 – Introductions 9:30 – 9:45 – Short Movie – A Day in the Life of a Third Grader 9:45 – 10:30 – Activity to Explore the Building 10:30 – 11:15 – Snack and Playground Time (split into 2 groups) 11:15 – 11:30 – Questions and Answers $10 includes a snack and t-shirt Registration forms sent later this spring

Thank you for coming and please feel free to explore the building.