1. We are so glad you came !!!

2.  Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech/Communications and Psychology from University of Pittsburgh  Teaching Certification from Seton Hill University (Elementary/Early Childhood)  Master’s Reading Program study at Indiana University of Pennsylvania  19 Years with GLSD

3. Contact Information: Karen Hewitt 1010 Mt. View Drive Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone# 724-834-4379 karen.hewitt@glsd.us www.glsd.us

4. TEAM 3H BEHAVIOR MODEL “Clip Up “ for good behavior! We try to focus on the GOOD and work together as a team not only on academics, but on behavior, manners, and being good citizens of our classroom community. Focusing on quality character traits is another component of our classroom. The first trait we are discussing is “honesty”. “Caring Cats” continues this year through the guidance office.

5.  Discuss the day’s plans.  “Sharing” time.  Any special happenings for the day.  This is the time that we will get our objectives in line for the day. It is also a great time of bonding and really getting to know each other. Each child will have their own day to “share” if they desire. It is my hope that eventually everyone will want to share.

6. www.thinkcentral.com Username: 25 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ (first 4 letters of last name) (first 4 letters of first name) Password: g L ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ (6 digit lunch number)

7.  Students will receive new spelling words each Monday and will be tested each Friday, unless otherwise notified. This year, words that were missed during the theme and individual tricky words will be tested on the review week. Individual spelling words will be coming home on a “Spelling Apple” that week.  Robust Vocabulary will be defined and used in sentences and and discussions each week.  Comprehension, vocabulary, and skills for each lesson will be assessed on Friday, unless notified otherwise.

8.  Third grade will be using GoMath! and other resources to teach real world problem solving skills.  Addition and Subtraction within 1,000.  Represent and Interpret Data  Understand Multiplication Concepts, Facts, and Strategies  Understand Division Concepts, Facts, and Strategies.  Understand and Compare Fractions  Time, Length, Liquid Volume, and Mass  Geometry –perimeter and area & 2-dimensional shapes

9. XtraMath is an online program which helps kids to master basic math facts. Students will work on XtraMath during Core Extension time and may also work at home. Student Log In Information will be sent home soon. Try to access it from home with your special access code!

10.  What is a Community?  Geography Map Skills  Reading maps, landform & product maps  Chart and Graph Skills  Timelines, tables, graphs, flow charts  Current Events – Scholastic News

11. STEM with Mrs. Durigon (Room 111) STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering and Math One 10-hour module created by PLTW (Project Lead the Way) offered to Kindergarten, Third grade and Fifth grade. Kindergarten: Pushes and Pulls Third Grade: Forces and Interactions Fifth Grade: Robotics and Automation

12. STEM with Mrs. Durigon (Room 111) While working through the PLTW modules students collaborate with each other to create a solution to a real-world problem. Students must use their knowledge of science and math concepts, operate educational apps on iPads, and ultilize an engineering design process throughout their work within the module. Please visit Mrs. Durigon’s website to learn more about Project Lead The Way (PLTW) and STEM.

13.  Third grade is the first year students will receive letter grades in Reading, Language, and Math! The following is our scale:  92-100% = A  83-91% = B  72-82% = C  61-71% = D  60-0% = F  Additional classes use this scale: O=Outstanding, S=Satisfactory, N=Needs Improvement

14.  Having a “Homework Basket” and a designated time and place to do homework is very helpful. Making it a habit now will be a valuable tool for your child’s lifelong learning. Add a deck of cards to the basket for math games!

15. NEW THIS YEAR!!! We are trying to empower our students to take responsibility for their own learning. This new homework procedure will allow you, along with your child, to make choices of homework assignments to best suit their individual needs. We will begin this NEXT week, so look for this form to come home Monday in their green folder! Third grade is anxious to work together with you to implement this new program!

16. E-mail Group List:  For general notes and reminders  Your e-mail will not be shared  Let me know if you HAVEN’T received anything from me and you would like to be added to the list.

17. We need your help!  Volunteer Opportunities: A note was sent home regarding volunteers for parties and field trips (the 3 rd grade field trips will take place in the Spring.) There is a Volunteer Coordinator who will be contacting you if you signed up for parties.  Donations: We are always looking for Kleenex, Germ- X, Clorox wipes, fun band-aids, fancy duct tape, dry erase markers (Expo is the best!), and #2 pencils. (I would also love a good electric pencil sharpener… my favorite one died this week.  )

18. Birthday Snacks: We would love to have you send in a treat for your child’s birthday! Please see me if it falls on a weekend, holiday, or summer… Please keep your snack SIMPLE (no cutting involved, please, and no drinks) We normally have the snack during our “CE” time after recess. This year we have 21 students and five third grade teachers… the students like to take them to the other third grade teachers.

19.  Scholastic Book Orders: Every month we have the opportunity to order books from Scholastic. By far the easiest way to order is to go online. Information will be sent home about ordering. Every time you order online we get free books for our classroom! Check out our webpage for more info!  “Book It!”: Pizza Hut is offering the “Book It” program again which begins in October. Look for information to be coming home soon. Certificates for free personal pan pizzas will be awarded monthly for students who read every day!

20.  Conferences—will take place in November— sign-up tonight! Take a post-it to remember the time you selected.  Morning Tutoring—by invitation on Tuesdays and Thursdays before school. (Will start Thursday October 1)  Field trip(s)—will take place in May of next year.  Wellness Walk will be held October 2—all MVES donations come back to our school

21. This is going to be an AMAZING year!!!