1. Welcome, 3M Students, Parents, and Guardians! Please have a seat at your child’s desk! You may use your copy of the PowerPoint presentation to follow along and take notes. We will have time for questions and discussion at the end of the session. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=maYgPcpDo4Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=maYgPcpDo4Y

2. All About Mrs. McLain *Married to my high school sweetheart, Jack *Have a 6-year old daughter, Madison *Have a Golden Retriever named Barkley *Moved into the school district last fall

3. All About Mrs. McLain * Graduated in 2004 with a B.S. in Elementary Education from IUP *Graduated in 2011 with a Master of Education, Curriculum, and Instruction Degree from Clarion University *Currently attending Delaware Valley College for a Master in Educational Leadership (dual certification) *Twelfth year teaching in the district (two years in second grade, ten years in third grade) *Teach all subject areas

4. How to Contact Me Mrs. Milissa McLain 4080 Route 982 Latrobe, PA 15650 (724) 539-4531 milissa.mclain@glsd.us

5. Rules, Rewards and Consequences Rules, Rewards, and Consequences Homework Policy

6. Assignment Books and Blue Take Home Folders Each time an assignment is given, we stop and record that assignment into our assignment book. Cumulatively, at the end of the day, assignments are reviewed, and students have an opportunity to make sure needed materials are gathered. A new booklet will be given each nine weeks. (different color each quarter) Student responsibility is key!

7. Assignment Books and Blue Take Home Folders The folder goes home with the student each night, and returns to school with the student each morning. Completed homework (sheets) are to be placed in this folder for organization and easy access. Mail and graded work also come home in this folder. I am not picky! Use the system that works for your kiddo!

8. Typical Day in the Classroom Small Group Reading – Skills-Based Instruction Special – Six Day Rotation – Check sticker on front of take home folder or our website Large Group Language Arts – Grade Level Instruction Lunch/Recess Core Extension Time – Wildcat Work/Projects/Writing Intensive Tasks/Skill Groups

9. Typical Day in the Classroom Math – Whole Group/Small Group/Partner Pairs Science/Social Studies

10. Language Arts StoryTown Reading Series Encompasses spelling and phonics, grammar, reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary development, and writing Can access the StoryTown (Think Central) website Can access the StoryTown (Think Central) website Comprehension, vocabulary, and spelling tests weekly Letter grades Homework is for practice of skills

11. Language Arts Ten weekly vocabulary words (using in various contexts, writing, speaking, knowledge of meanings, roots, affixes) Spelling words – 15 weekly words following a particular pattern; bonus word given from challenge list; phonics questions Comprehension skill – Two week study and application of skill Grammar - Conventions – Application!

12. Mathematics Go Math! Series Encompasses problem solving, use of various strategies, hands on manipulation of materials Can access the Go Math! (Think Central) website Assessments are given mid-chapter and end-of- chapter Some graded independent work and projects Letter grades Homework is for practice of skills

13. District Website To access, go to www.glsd.uswww.glsd.us Contains important events, news, Think Central access, contact information, lesson plans, and much more!

14. PA Core Standards – What to Expect Promotion of lifelong learning Reading and writing present across content areas Manipulation of place value and strong number sense in mathematics Thinking critically about texts (inferring, questioning, author’s craft and purpose, text features) Manner/verbiage of questioning Increase in rigor Focus on depth, not breadth of content

15. What can you and your child expect this year? Safe, friendly classroom environment conducive to learning Varied instructional approaches and strategies Differentiation Research-based curriculum Use of technology Letter grades/quarterly reports Enrichment/interventions Hands-on, minds-on learning Writing and reading across the content areas

16. What can you and your child expect this year? Accountability Accessibility High expectations (quality of work, behavior) Open communication (e-mail, notes, calls, etc.) Parent/student/teacher involvement Additional learning/engagement opportunities A teacher who loves her kids, and will do whatever it takes to help them succeed!