Grade 3 – Room 63 Teacher Mr. Michael McKenna X11229

Michael McKenna I have been teaching in Centennial School District for 11 Years. I have a Masters Degree in Education, and am Certified in Elementary Ed. My undergraduate degree is in General Business. I am working on my Anti- Bullying certification

Prior to becoming a teacher I worked in a facilities department of a mental health agency that helped physically and mentally challenged children and adults. Before that, I was in the Navy for 7 years. I think these two experiences give me a unique perspective as a teacher working with children.

I have three children, twin 10 year old girls, Rachael and Katelyn, and a 12 year old son Michael. Like your children, they play sports, instruments, sing, dance etc. And like your children, mine never ever get into any trouble;. On a serious note then, I know how busy your lives can be. I will be considerate of your time with respect to homework. We will have 2-3 at home projects this year and you will have at least 4 weeks notice of the expected completion date.

The two major assignments to be done at home this year are as follows: 1- During social studies, some time around January, your child will make a 3 dimensional map of their room. 2- At the end of the year we will do a rain forest writing project in school. Your child will create a 3-dimensional rain forest animal that will complement the writing piece we are doing is school. The project also makes for a great display during open house. We may do one book report, details to follow; but it will not be a traditional book report and should be a lot of fun for the kids.

Homework Needs to be recorded daily in assignment books Student’s responsibility, they will be given time during snack, at 10:20, to write homework in their books, and it will remain on the board all day. Must be done neatly and on time, I will allow 2 misses per month. Show best effort, neatness is important Please indicate struggle in student’s assignment book or me Parents are asked to initial assignment book daily

CSD –25 Book Minimum Standard Reading every day is critical for your child’s success through- out their school age years. One of the best ways to improve your child’s reading scores is to have them read. Children should read independently for at least min each night. If you have time try and read with your child as well. Your children love when you read to them!!

Home – School Communication Wednesday Express Please sign & return all tests and other action information within a day or two of receiving them. Thanks in advance for this, with 27 children it really helps save time X11229

Curriculum EVERYDAY MATH Basic Operations Weekly Time Tests Time, Money PSSA Preparation Estimation Geometry Measurement Probability / Graphs Algebra Fractions / Decimals Multiple Step Problem Solving HOME LINKS On – Line Components

Reading and Language Arts Rigby Literacy by Design Focus on teaching comprehension strategies Whole Group Instruction Small Group Instruction (Guided Reading) Independent Practice (Reading Workshop) Spelling - Focus on teaching word study and spelling strategies Daily homework assignments Writing – Focus on the writing process Typically a large area of growth in grade 3

Curriculum Social Studies Map Skills Lenni Lenape Indians Local History Local Government Pennsylvania South America Rainforest The United States Communities and Neighbors Science Foss – Hands On Inquiry Lots of Experiments Life Science Butterflies / Chicks Beetles / Crayfish Plants Water

SPECIALS DAY 1 - Guidance/Health DAY 2 – Gym- wear your gym shoes! DAY 3 – Music DAY 4 – Art DAY 5 – Library DAY 6 – Computer Lab

Classroom Management Classroom Rules The kids will learn very quickly not to talk when someone else is talking, and to be respectful. I have always felt this sums it all up very nicely!

Character Counts 6 Pillars RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY CARING TRUSTWORTHINESS FAIRNESS CITIZENSHIP

OTHER Birthday Treats – Neat and Simple Water Bottles with safety caps permitted Healthy snacks / lunches encouraged. Remember to send notes to excuse student absences!!!