1. Welcome to Back-to-School Night Third Grade – Room 204 Ms. Kristine McMath

2. Important Information School begins: 8:30 a.m. Recess: 12:30-1:00p.m. Lunch 1:00-1:30p.m. Dismissal: 3:10 p.m. Please send in a snack with your child every day.

3. Important School Personnel 914-422-2320 Principal - Mrs. Niss / Mrs. Ossorio School Secretary – Mrs. Rivera School Nurse - Mrs. Maggie Social Worker – Mrs. Laura Zottola Learning Facilitator -Mrs. Katin-Borland (Mrs. KB) If your child is going to be absent please contact the office of it counts as an illegal absence.

4. Specials A&B days- Gym C&D - Music E&F – Art F-Day – Library *Students must wear sneakers on gym days.

5. 3 rd Grade is Wired! Go to: www.whiteplainspublicschools.org www.whiteplainspublicschools.org Once you visit the site, save it to your favorites! Please make sure your phone numbers and addresses are up to date. If you haven’t already please add your cell phone or email address for instant breaking news. You will be notified of school updates, snow days etc. Please make sure you send in your internet agreements, emergency dismissal forms, etc.

6. Student Expectations Come to class and be on time. Complete class work on time. Do all your homework and bring it to school with you each day. Bring all necessary materials to class. Be an active learner/ participate! Respect others Read for at least 20 minutes every night. (see handout)

7. Why read for 20 minutes a night? Research Shows That… Children who read on grade level by the end of 3 rd grade are statistically more successful in school.

8. Reading Levels in 3 rd Grade Beginning in September Level 28 Mid Year- January Level 34 End of Year- June Level 38

9. Balanced Literacy Spelling Vocabulary Development Fluency Comprehension Writing Reading Response Stamina

10. Curriculum Reading- I block Every child is tested and grouped according to their reading level. These groups are flexible and change though out the school year. Enrichment- Visual Reasoning and Math Enrichment. Enrichment happens twice a year for 2 cycles. If your child qualifies you will be notified by mail.

11. Curriculum- continued Math- Envisions Math Program District wide program Social Studies – Communities around the World Science- Soils, Human Body, Metric System, Animal Adaptations

12. The Year of Responsibility 1.Third grade marks the time when children are simultaneously becoming individuals and striving to remain part of the group. 2. Being responsible means that we do the right thing even when no one is looking. We do the right thing just because it is right and not because we will get credit or praise for doing it. 3. Exercise Self-Control, Be Accountable, Be Proactive, solve problems on your own.

13. Responsive Classroom Social and academic learning go hand in hand All children want to learn and can learn Knowing the child individually, culturally, developmentally Greeting, Activity, Share, Morning Message

14. Homework Homework is posted each and every morning. Students are responsible for copying assignments into their planners. Assignments and notices are put into students’ mailboxes. Students have been instructed to make sure they have everything before they leave. Spelling homework is due on Friday math should come back daily unless otherwise directed. Read for a least 20 minutes a day.

15. Information Trips are chosen based on the Curriculum some of the place that the third grade have visited in the past are… Bronx Zoo Hall of Science Botanical Garden All trips and their dates are TBD

16. Talk to your children about their experiences and listen and respond to what they are saying Read aloud to them (on a regular basis if possible) –Model good reading Discuss the subject matter of the reading material –Stressing that comprehension is key Discuss stories that may relate to you (they love to hear them) When your child asks questions help them find the answers (i.e. definitions of words) –Utilizing books, the internet, etc. Take family field trips Carefully monitor television habits and video games Ways to Help Your Child

17. Conferences & Report Cards Report Card Dates: Given out 3 times a year December 6 th March 14 th June 26 th Parent Teacher Conferences Afternoon conferences 28 and 29 th of October Evening conference November 7 th Afternoon conference February 27 th and March 4 th Evening March 6 th Please keep your appointment and call if you need to cancel.

18. Standardized Testing New York State Exam April 1 st -3 rd ELA April 30 th – May 8 th Math This test is given to all students in grades 3-8 throughout NYS.

19. Our Classroom Please check your child’s book bag daily. When sending money into school, place in an envelope with your child’s name, class, and what the money is for. If you would like to send in something for your child to celebrate their birthday please feel free to do so. You can drop it off in the main office. My contact information kmcmath@wpcsd.k12.ny.us kmcmath@wpcsd.k12.ny.us