. 2:45 Please sign in at the back table. Be sure to check out the volunteer opportunities! Please write your child a note with the paper on the desk. My wish list is on the board if you are interested in donating items for our classroom. (Just choose a note and take it.) I’m so glad you are here! 7:40 12:05 – 12:33

Becky Edwards oolinsites.com/?PageName=Tea cherPage&Page=16&StaffID=

Grading – Grades are based on classwork, homework, and class participation, as well as testing, which reflects good study habits, memorization, inferential-higher level thinking, and decision-making. The children are learning and practicing through these assignments. Our grading scale is as follows: A , B 80-89, C 70-79, D 60-69, and F 59 and below. Graded Papers Folder - Graded papers are sent home every Wednesday, and need to be signed and returned by Friday. Please review these papers with your child and encourage their effort. Remember, learning is a process! If a child is not successful with a new concept initially, give them time. Encourage your children that with work and practice they can always improve their grade.

Homework – A homework packet will be sent home on Monday, and it is to be completed by Friday. This way, your child can complete homework during the nights that work best with your family schedule. Your child will be responsible for copying any additional assignments in the agenda. Homework should take no more than 30 minutes/night, a few times a week. If your child is taking longer than this amount of time, please contact me. Homework is meant to reinforce learning and good study habits, and it should never consume your time. Students will have no written homework on Wednesdays and weekends. However, I may ask the students on Wednesday evenings to prepare for any test or assignment that needs to be completed.

Reading – My goal is for your child to develop a LOVE for reading if they do not already have one, as well as improve their reading skills, and their ability to think “beyond the text”. Therefore, I will use many different approaches and types of genres to do what is best and help your child individually. Please make it a priority to set aside three or four times a week to have your child read (if not daily). They will record in their home reading log 3 nights/week. Also, set aside time to read to your child. You can read books that your child is not yet capable of reading. This is an excellent way to increase your child’s vocabulary. Ask questions and talk about the books your child is reading. This is one of the best ways to encourage your child to be a life long learner and to be successful.

Reading Grade Criteria: The reading grade will be determined using the following criteria: 50% - Instructional Reading level (see chart) based on individual reading conferences and notes from reading workshop and running records *These levels are based on the Hoover City Elementary Schools Instructional Level Expectations for Reading (adapted from Fountas and Pinnell). 40% - Class work, quizzes, and school projects 10% - Homework

Subject1 st Nine Weeks 2 nd Nine Weeks3 rd Nine Weeks4 th Nine Weeks Reading 98=Level N and above 88= Level M 78= Level L 68= Level K 58= Level J and below 98= Level P and above 88= Level O 78=Level N 68= Level M 58= Level L and below 98= Level Q and above 88= Level P 78= Level O 68= Level N 58= Level M and below 98= Level R and above 88= Level Q 78= Level P 68= Level O 58= Level N and below The A levels are defined as “Exceeds Expectations”. The B levels are defined as “Meets Expectations”. The C level is defined as “Approaches Expectations, needs short-term intervention”. The D and F levels are defined as “Does Not Meet Expectations: Needs Intensive Intervention”.

Writing- Third grade is a big writing year. We focus on narrative, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writing. The students will write regularly in their Writer’s Notebook. Please know that the students will work on most of their writing assignments at school. This will ensure that the student is writing and revising his or her work. We will publish throughout the school year. You are welcome to look at their Writer’s Notebook anytime! Just send a note in your child’s agenda that you would like them to bring it home. However, please remember to send it back because we use it almost every day!

Spelling– I use a combination of high frequency words, as well as phonetic word patterns for our weekly spelling lists. The high frequency words will be spiraled throughout the year, meaning that words will reappear to develop mastery. Spelling words will be sent home on Friday, and the test will be the following Friday. Grammar- I will be integrating this through our daily writing, as well as practiced through our “Grammar Minute”. We will cover things such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, prefixes, suffixes, appropriate punctuation and types of sentences. The students will learn to edit their own writing.

Math - Various sources are integrated including Investigations (the Hoover adopted math program), number talks, worksheets, and math games. Students will be exploring number sense and problem solving in a variety of ways. Our math program provides a great foundation in thinking and understanding math, and the opportunity to challenge the student on his/her level. It is also important for the students to know their “math facts” (addition, subtraction, and eventually multiplication). We learn a great deal of new material in third grade math, so remembering math facts will make problem solving much easier.

Science and Social Studies are combined into Social Sciences and are reflected as one grade on their report card. You will see one grade in Science OR Social Studies each nine weeks. The children will be evaluated on participation, their notebook, and understanding of content. Typically there is a test at the end of each unit that summarizes what they have learned.

Volunteers – We love having volunteers and appreciate your help! When volunteering, remember to sign in at the office and get a visitor’s pass. Please be sure to check the volunteer sign up lists on the back table. I need weekly volunteers for copies on Fridays after 12:00. However, if you aren’t able to help during that time, there are other volunteer opportunities available. Thank you in advance for your help and support of our classroom!

September 26 – DeSoto Caverns March 21 – Civil Rights Museum and Kelly Ingram Park April 14 – 18 Jones Valley Farm In-School Enrichment Activities: September 17 – James Spann December 9-13 Dynamic Education January 24 – Auntie Litter

Snack Time – We have snack time in the morning. Please send something filling and nutritious for your child at snack time. Some good suggestions include cheese and crackers, breakfast bars, fruit, popcorn and dry cereal. Try to avoid less healthy snacks such as chips, snack cakes, cookies or snacks that cannot be eaten without forks or spoons. Water is always available in the classroom, but your child can also bring in a water bottle. Money – Please send any money in an envelope with the child and the teacher’s name. Please identify what the money is for. Please note that I am unable to give change back. I will send book orders home throughout the year. If you plan to purchase books, send a check made out to Scholastic Book Club. Please do not send cash.

Communication – Parent/teacher communication is essential for your child’s success. A class newsletter will be sent home every Friday. Please take the time to read it carefully because it will contain the important information you need for each week. The newsletter will also be posted on our class website. If you need to inform me of anything about your child, please feel free to , write a note, or call me at (school). I answer s during normal business hours, usually right after school. acherPage&Page=16&StaffID=177710&iSection=Teachers&Co rrespondingID= Conferences – After all of the beginning of the year assessments have been completed, I will schedule parent conferences to go over any questions or concerns you may have. However, I am always available to discuss your child’s progress. If you would like to schedule a meeting, you may do so by ing me.

Birthdays – This year, parents are not allowed to send in any type of treat for their child’s birthday. This is a school wide policy. They will be recognized in the classroom for their birthday. Your child is welcome to pass-out party invitations only if the entire class is invited. Lunchroom - Menus are not sent home anymore, but are available online. Please talk to your child about food selection. Our class treat day is on Wednesday. Students are allowed to purchase seconds of daily lunch choices. Please let your child know if you would prefer him/her not have this option. If you have any questions regarding your child’s lunch account please contact the cafeteria manager. You can also access your child’s lunch account on the internet at You are always welcome to join your child for lunch; however, PLEASE let me know in advance because our schedule sometimes changes. Thanks!

Nooks Our class will be receiving Nooks this year! These devices will be used both at home and school to do a variety of assignments and activities. Parent Agreement and Student Agreement Digital Citizenship Care and Responsibility of the Nook Replacement Cost/Insurance Nook Timeline