1. Welcome to Parent Orientation 2017-2018

2. Daily Binder / Assignment Book
The binder and the assignment book will travel to and from school every day.
Please initial/sign the assignment book every night including once on the weekend. Checking the assignment book will ensure that you are informed of what your child has for homework and of any other important news from the school.
The behavior calendar is located in the Gator Pride Folder. Please check daily.

3. Grading Policies
We encourage all parents to log into the Home Access Center (HAC) to stay informed on your child’s grades. Progress reports will only be sent home once every nine week grading period.
If your child receives a grade below a 70% on classwork, he/she has the opportunity to correct and return that assignment. However, the highest grade he/she will receive will be a 70%.
Graded work will be sent home 2-3 times per month. Please review your child’s work, keep graded work, and return the signed folder.

4. Reading Log
All third grade students are required to read a MINIMUM of 100 minutes a week. The reading log has been designed to provide flexibility in how your family chooses to manage their time.
If your child is interested in succeeding in the school-wide reading program, he/she must read more than the minimum requirement to earn multiple spirit sticks.
The reading log can be found in your child’s binder. The students will show me the log as they complete each level (400 minutes) to earn a spirit stick.

5. Book Reports
Your child will also be expected to complete one book report/project each 9 weeks to encourage daily reading. Specific directions for each report will be sent home; allowing at least 2 weeks for completion.

6. Dismissal
If you need to change the way your child goes home, even if it is just for one day, we MUST receive a written note or stating the change.
If an unexpected change in dismissal occurs during the school day, please call the office before 2:00, and I will be notified.
As per Northside Transportation Policy, students who ARE NOT bus riders ARE NOT allowed to ride home with other students who are bus riders.
Only students eligible to ride a NISD bus may ride home on a different bus with a friend with approval from an administrator. Both students must have a note to turn in first thing in the morning to the office.
If your child is going to be picked up by someone who is not listed on our medical information card, we MUST receive a note from a parent giving permission for us to release your child to that person.
Please DO NOT bring scooters, pets or tricycles to school when you pick up your children.

7. Snacks / Water Bottles
The third grade teachers encourage students to bring a snack daily.
Appropriate snacks include fruit, dry cereal, vegetables, popcorn, crackers, cookies and snack bars. Please DO NOT send candy, chips or sodas.
During hotter months, it is a good idea to send a water bottle with your child.

8. Conferences
Parent conferences are necessary in helping your child succeed at school.
An invitation to schedule a specific date and time for a conference will be sent home soon.

9. School Visits / Background Checks
When visiting our campus, you must sign in and out in the office and receive a visitor’s badge. Be prepared to present a photo I.D. to visit Aue.
Background checks are required for individuals who volunteer to work with students or attend field trips.
Background checks are available on-line or in the front office (paper copy) and take some time to process.
PLEASE PLAN AHEAD!

10. Birthdays
If your child wants to celebrate his/her birthday with the class, you are more than welcome to send a store bought treat.
The store bought treats will not be shared with the class until the end of the day.
If you send invitations for a birthday party you must send one for every student in the class, or for every boy or every girl.

11. Air Quality Alert Days / Asthma
If your child has asthma and you indicated this condition on your child’s medical emergency card, he/she will be kept inside during recess or any other outdoor activity on Air Quality Alert Days.
If you want your child to be able to participate in recess or outside activities on these days, you MUST send documentation from your child’s doctor stating he/she has permission.

12. CogAT Test
The CogAT test will be given over three days; September 18th, 19th, and 21st.
It is a test of cognitive abilities—there is no needed preparation for this type of test other than to help your child be ready each morning to take the test.
Results are used to determine possible eligibility for the Northside Alpha Program.

13. STAAR Tests
Third graders take the STAAR test in the areas of Reading and Math.
The dates for the tests are:
Math: May 14, 2018
Reading: May 15, 2018

14. One Book, One School
The goal is to build connections within our school community through the reading and discussion of one novel in the hope of creating a culture of reading and a more literate, empathetic and successful school.
All students and all staff will be participating
Starting September 11, ending November 17
Parents are encouraged to read along with us
Will be read the first 5 minutes of CHOMP time
Wonder read aloud schedule to be provided
Activities may extend across grade levels
Aue Gators Movie Night after Thanksgiving at Santikos Palladium
Wonder book trailer

15. Mrs. Berry’s Contact Info
Phone: (210) ext. 3143
Conference time: 10:15-11:00
Website: jberry6.weebly.com
Twitter: @MrsJennaBerry

16. Thanks for coming. I’m looking forward to a GREAT year!