Mrs. Graves’ 3rd Grade Virtual Parent Orientation

WELCOME! Hello, families! Welcome to third grade at Prairie Point Elementary School. I am happy to introduce myself as your child’s 3rd grade teacher. My name is Robin Graves, and I am delighted to begin the school year! I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child.

About Me, Professionally I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education, and I am currently working on receiving my Master’s in Language and Literacy. This will be my 12th year teaching, and I feel proud to be a part of the Prairie Point Elementary School Community.

About Me, Personally For most of my life I have lived in Kansas City, Missouri. I married my husband, Wes, in 2011 and have since expanded our family with two boys. Our sons, Jameson and Waylon, keep us on the go. Our family pet is Bubba the cat! I enjoy running, reading, family game nights, and getting captivated by a good book.

Third Grade Daily Schedule 8:35 – 8:45 Arrival Routine 8:45 – 9:00 Morning Work 9:00 – 9:20 Journey Time/RTI 9:20 – 10:20 Writer’s Workshop 10:20 – 11:00 Math 11:05- 11:55 Specials 11:57 – 12:35 Lunch/Recess 12:45 – 1:40 Reader’s Workshop 12:45 – 1:00 Mini-Lesson 1:00 – 1:35 Conference/Small Group 1:35 – 1:40 Reflection 1:40 – 2:15 Science/Social Studies 2:15 – 2:35 Recess 2:40 – 3:05 Word-work 3:05 – 3:15 Dismissal Routine 3:15 – 3:25 Teacher Read Aloud 3:25 Dismissal

Specials Schedule Specials occur on a rotating schedule from 11:05 – 11:55 each day. Day A: Music Day B: P.E. Day C: Art *Library check out on Fridays. *Counselor every two weeks.

English Language Arts Reader’s Workshop Mini Lesson A direct, focused teaching lesson to the whole class to specifically address skills, strategies, and issues in students’ reading. Independent Reading, Conferring, and Small Groups Students are engaged in reading text at their instructional level and interests while the teacher conferences with individual students and meets with small groups about their reading skills and understanding. Reflection A time for teachers to reinforce learning through purposeful student conversations about reading processes, struggles, and achievements.

English Language Arts Writer’s Workshop Mini Lesson A direct, focused teaching lesson to the whole class to specifically address skills, strategies, and issues in students’ writing. Composing/Conferring Students are engaged in purposeful writing on topics of their choice while teacher conferences with individual students or meets with small groups about their writing. Word Work with Words Their Way resource. Reflection A time for teachers to reinforce learning through purposeful student conversations about writing processes, struggles, and achievements.

Math Direct instruction A direct, focused teaching lesson based on a specific strand presented to the whole class. It is an opportunity to specifically address skills, strategies, issues, and concerns seen in students’ mathematical understanding. Independent Application Students are engaged in activities to reinforce learning. Activities may include, but are not limited to: math games, independent practice activities, teacher conferring, and small groups. Reflection A time for teachers to reinforce learning through purposeful student conversations about math processes, struggles, and achievements.

Math: enVision Topics

Social Studies/Science

State and National Assessments Missouri Assessment Program test assess students on state standards. Communication Arts Mathematics

District Assessments STAR Reading STAR Math Acuity Reading Acuity Math enVision Math Topic Assessments Writing Assessments Reading Assessments

Classroom Management System Prairie Point has a school wide behavior system called Positive Behavior Support (PBS), which includes our SOAR expectations; Show respect, Own my actions, Accept responsibility, and be Ready to learn. We want to ensure that all children have the opportunity to be safe and secure at school. A learning environment that is free of disruptions is the best learning environment for all of us. We want the best for your child, just as you do.

Classroom Management System It is my desire that our classroom is a positive and safe learning environment in which students are responsible for their actions and strive for personal growth. In the first few days of the school year, students will create our classroom mission statement upon which our classroom expectations will be based. I will be confident that students understand the classroom expectations, and I will be firm, caring and consistent in carrying out the vision for our classroom.

Classroom Management System Super Improver Wall: Those students that are observed reaching behavior goals will move their name up the solar system. The goal is to get to the very top in order to receive a celebration/reward. This could be a personal behavior goal for a child or it can happen when the child is consistently caught making smart choices. This is just another tool for us to use to celebrate our classroom family and their achievements. Individual Rewards: When a student is a role model for others and demonstrates our school wide SOAR expectations, he/she will be given a “SOAR Slip.”(Students cannot ask for a slip.) Twice monthly, students may redeem SOAR slips for rewards.

Homework Routine Homework will be assigned on an “as needed” basis. Your child will be coming home with their planner each night with at least 3 goals that were taught that day listed in it. This will give you an idea of what your child is working on daily. If there is “extra help” work, work not completed, or work that needs to be corrected, you will find it located in your child’s Take Home folder. Book buddy bags will be coming home over the weekend for the students to enjoy. Please make sure to return on Monday. They may keep their library books at home until check out or they can bring them back to read in class.

Birthday Treats You are more than welcome to send birthday treats for your child. Birthday treats will be enjoyed in the cafeteria during our lunch time. Prepackaged or individually wrapped items are best for quick and easy distribution. Please be aware of allergies to peanuts. Please send enough treats for 25 students.

Communication best to contact you within 24 hours. In order for your student to be most successful, I believe communication between you, your student and me is a vital factor. Weekly, I will update our classroom newsletter to be e-mailed to you on Fridays. Students will also bring home a hard copy of the newsletter. The newsletter will include a brief description of what we are learning in class, important dates, and announcements. If you need to contact me, please call the school at (816) 359-4380 or e-mail me (which is the best way to reach me) at gravesr@parkhill.k12.mo.us. I will do my best to contact you within 24 hours.

Volunteer Opportunities If you would like to work with students as a volunteer in our classroom or building, you will need to become an approved, screened volunteer. Please complete the paperwork from our school office if you would like to volunteer! I would also love to have volunteers to help with copies, bulletin boards, etc. If you would like to volunteer in this way, please let me know!

I look forward to a wonderful school year!

Thank you for your time. Please let me know if you have any questions.