1. Gerald F. Litel Elementary School
Welcome to 3rd Grade!
Back-to-School Night
Mrs. Patalano
Room (P14)
      
Gerald F. Litel Elementary School
August 28, 2019
Principal - Mr. Durkin
Assistant Principal – Mrs. Chase

2. Common Core Standards
The Common Core State Standards are designed to provide a practical way to prepare children for the challenges of a constantly changing world. The new standards will support students’ learning by increasing the level of rigor and depth and complexity in instruction.
The 4 C’s are imbedded in the curriculum and include Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, and Creativity. Developing these skills will support the 21st century learner.

3. Curriculum English Language Arts – Wonders
Reading Literature/Information
Vocabulary
Grammar
Spelling
Writing
Social Studies – Reflections
Science – HM Science & NGSS
Math - Pearson Envision

4. Standard-Based Grading
4 – Extending - Student has an in-depth understanding of grade level performance standards expected at this point in the year. 3 - Achieving - Student is consistently meeting the grade level performance standards expected at this point in the year. 2 – Progressing – Student is partially meeting the grade level performance standards expected at this point in the year. 1 – Beginning/Standard Not Met – Student is not yet meeting the grade level performance standards expected at this point in the year.

5. Additional Programs Computer Lab Music Library
Second STEP- Skills for Social and Academic Success
100 Mile Club – M-F  Students should be prepared to run

6. Classwork
Students will complete all classroom assignments in a timely manner.
Unfinished work may be sent home to complete for homework.
Absences
Student will have an opportunity to make-up homework and classwork. The number of days absent are the number of days given to complete the work.

7. Differentiation
The following accommodations may be made in all classrooms on a regular basis to provide increased depth, complexity, and pacing of the curriculum and to provide opportunity for students to have multiple options for taking in information, making sense of ideas, and demonstrating mastery of learning: 
Math Enrichment           Challenge Spelling Words                   
Targeting Questions       Author/Novel Studies
Projects of Interest      Collaborative Groups

8. Homework
Homework will include a Language Arts and Math assignment. Science and Social Studies may also be assigned.
Special projects, such as oral reports, poetry memorization, written reports, or writing will also be assigned
Students are expected to write all homework assignments, upcoming test dates, and assigned projects in their agenda each day.
Parents should check the agenda each day and make sure that the student has completed all assignments that are due. Agendas should be signed nightly.
When assigning a project such as a book report, a description of the project and due date are given in advance.

9. Homework Homework is assigned Monday – Thursday (30-45 minutes).
Reading – 20 minutes
Math Fact Practice – 5-10 minutes
Spelling packets are due on Friday.
A weekly ELA newsletter will be sent home on Monday.
Students will receive a Homework Alert for missing assignments.
Homework Alerts must be signed and returned the following day with the missing assignment.

10. Homework
​Thursday folders are sent home weekly. Please review the assessment packet with your child. Sign and return the folder AND packet on Friday.
Homework should be completed neatly and on time.
The purpose of homework is to instill responsibility, to reinforce what has been taught in class, and to develop good study habits. 
​Please check the agenda for additional assignments, special events, and behavior notifications.

11. Homework Resources
Check out our class webpage and ClassLink! You will find access to:
Spelling City
Jiji Math
AR Bookfinder
Pearson Realize (math textbook)
McGraw Hill (Wonders/ELA)

12. Assessments
Reading, vocabulary, grammar/language, and spelling tests are given on Fridays.  
For Science and Social Studies tests, students will be given a study guide in advance.
Math tests will be given at the end of each topic. 
Grades are dependent on tests, quizzes, projects, in-class assignments, participation, and habits of success.

13. Accelerated Reader
Students must read at least 3 chapter books per month at his or her reading level and pass an A/R quiz (80%)
Yearly Goal – 40 AR points
Please see the sheet in your folder that explains Home Connect. Home Connects allows you to view your child’s scores.
Use AR Bookfinder to help your student choose an appropriate book.

14. Litel Lions ROAR with Pride
R – Be Responsible
O – Be Optimistic
A – Be Accountable
R – Be Respectful

15. Classroom Rules 1. Follow directions quickly
2. Raise your hand for permission to speak
3. Be prepared to learn
4. Make smart choices
5. Be kind and respectful
It is expected that students follow the Litel Expectations for “R.O.A.R.” inside and outside of the classroom.

16. Classroom Behavior
Students will clip down when a classroom rule is broken and clip up for exemplary behavior.
Parents will receive a note in the student’s agenda if he/she clips down. Please see “Clip Chart” handout in your folder.
Serious behavior issues are handled in the office and the parent will be contacted.
Students start fresh each day.

17. Classroom and School Rewards
Leaders of the Pride
Student of the Month
Principal’s Award
Super Behavior – Students set personal goals to clip up on the behavior chart. Students are recognized for individual accomplishments. 

18. Classroom Parties Literature Day (October) Winter Party (December)
Friendship Day Party (February)
End of Year (3rd grade kickball Tournament)
We must adhere to nutrition guidelines:
*Homemade goods are not permitted at parties

19. Birthdays
We acknowledge birthdays in the class and sing at the end of the day.
Please do not send in baked goods or food items for your child’s birthday. Optional non-food items: pencils, erasers, stickers, etc.
Party invitations may not be passed out during the school day.

20. Please return your forms
Parent volunteer form
Room Representative needed!
Parent-Teacher conference form
Missing registration forms (Please check your folder)
Our PTA has many volunteer opportunities! Check out Litelpta.com.

21. Contact Information
Remind Application

22. Communication A message from Third Grade teachers…
If there is a problem or concern, please let us know. We value your insights and concerns. If clarification is needed on homework, discontinue working on it and send a note.  If your child is struggling or the work is not challenging enough, please let us know. We will be meeting in September to discuss your child’s progress. However, you can always send a note or call to schedule a conference if needed.  If you make comments in your child’s agenda, be sure to remind them to show it to us.  Together we will be a great team in making sure your child has a successful year.