1. What you need to know to help your child have a positive third grade experience.

2. Third grade is a big step. No longer learning to read but reading to learn Emphasis on problem solving Development of language, both written and oral Development of organizational skills At school At home Learning to be more independent

3. ORGANIZATION AT SCHOOL Binder – contains homework assignment notebook and home/school folder Each day all assignments are copied from the board to the notebook All homework materials go into home pocket of folder Backpack – the binder and all necessary books are packed before the end of the day Every morning – Each student unpacks backpack, removes from binder all homework, notes, etc. from home/school folder and files in the appropriate place.

4. CLASSROOM POLICIES Children should be at school by 8:00 after having a good breakfast to organize their work for the day. Students who arrive late (after 8:10) must sign in at the office accompanied by a parent. Class will begin promptly at 8:15 Good attendance is extremely important; please keep absences to a minimum. If absent, pick up work at the office after 2:00. All extended absences due to vacation travel need to be approved by Mr. Pacelli.

5. ORGANIZATION AT HOME EVERY DAY a parent checks the homework assignment notebook and home/school folder. After homework is completed STUDENT returns homework to school pocket of folder. Almost all homework problems can be solved if the parent and child consistently follow the above steps. If your child is not arriving home with the necessary materials, write a note to the teacher.

6. ORGANIZATION AT HOME Develop a homework schedule that works for your family Set aside one place for working on homework This year most homework is for practice of skills taught in school Students work independently – parents may check it – let me know if you are helping by circling the problem

7. Some more about homework It takes longer in the fall since your child is adjusting to a new situation. It should take less time as the year progresses. If your child is spending more than an hour most nights after mid-October, we need to talk. All homework will be completed in an acceptable fashion. Homework that is incorrect or unacceptable will be sent home with an explanation on how to redo it correctly.

8. And even more about homework Missing homework receives a homework reminder slip. Slip must be signed by a parent after seeing the newly completed work, and the slip and homework will be returned the next day. Any homework missing more than 2 days will be done at a time the teacher assigns during school. All assignments, workbooks, and tests must be revised until acceptable.

9. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENT AND TEACHER The Friday Folder – main line of communication Each week we send home all graded assignments from the previous week. This folder is your best way of determining your child’s pattern of academic success. Please take the time over the weekend to look at this folder WITH your child Praise successes, note areas of weakness, make any comments you think the teacher needs to know. PARENT SIGN AND RETURN on Monday morning. Handwritten notes, e-mail, call the office. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Conferences can be set up for issues serious in nature.

10. MATH in THIRD GRADE Mrs. Alexander will be teaching math. Singapore Math is our program. It uses problems to reinforce a range of skills and understandings. It uses higher-order questions and more advanced text. We’ll be covering less topics, but in more depth. Whole numbers, fractions, measurement, geometry, and data analysis Textbook and workbook are the major materials we use.

11. READING Wonders by McGraw-Hill is our Reading program. Materials include 2 textbooks (which remain in the classroom), and practice book. Textbooks can be accessed online on your child’s webpage. Reading skills are developmental. Not all children progress at the same rate. Reading is taught in whole group and small group form. Reading centers will be used during class. This enables the teacher to work with small groups on specific skills, while other groups are focused on tasks at centers. Leveled readers and notebooks will be used for homework on Monday and Tuesday nights. Assignments will include spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension questions. This helps us determine if the students are understanding the skills when given a cold read. Notebooks must be turned in on Wednesday to be used in small groups.

12. More Reading…. Stories will be read in class on Tuesday and read again as homework for Wednesday evening using comprehension questions to help focus. This reinforces comprehension skills and understanding of the story. www.connected.mcgraw-hill.com Spelling homework is given in packets. Homework must be completed and returned daily. Reading and Spelling assessments are given each Friday.

13. READING Scholastic News with its skill building questions is a part of our program. Reading Genre Challenge - Students will independently read ten different genres through the school year and report on them, either orally or in writing. Fun theme days will occur at various times through the year to celebrate the students’ progress in the reading challenge. Please encourage your child to complete the books and presentations by the assigned day or they cannot participate in our fun-filled theme day.

14. MORE READING NOVEL STUDY with Mrs. Staley Novels are read in-class throughout the year Mrs. Staley reads aloud to the students who each have a copy of the novel. Focus is on vocabulary development, use of words in context, character development, plot and theme. It’s an extension of reading skills taught in the classroom. Journal writing gives students an opportunity to respond and react to the stories as it pertains to them while developing their expressive language.

15. LANGUAGE ARTS Includes Wordly Wise, spelling, grammar, handwriting, expressive language Assignments and formal tests are used to measure achievement in these areas Mrs. Staley is teaching Writing Workshop. The program correlates to the new reading program. Journal writing, expressive writing, letter writing, persuasive essays, research papers, and poetry are the different genres that students will craft.

16. OTHER AREAS OF STUDY Science Mrs. Calahane is teaching at the Soler Science Center Social Studies Mrs. Alexander is teaching topics in American history using the American Girl Series. Map skills are also covered.

17. AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Parents, please make sure your child knows in the morning how he/she is getting home each day Send a note if your child is going to be picked up by someone other than the usual person Parents, please keep track of the assigned dates for after-school clubs. Fill out the club selection sheets each week. I must send your child to the selected activity unless I receive a note advising of a change. This is for your child’s safety.

18. HOMEWORK CLUB Runs Monday though Thursday excluding half days From 2:20 until 3:00 Quiet supervised time for students to get homework done Extra help is available Pickup is at 3:00 at the lower school circle, but if you need to pick up your child earlier, you must come to the classroom.

19. FINAL THOUGHTS We have high expectations for all our students in the areas of academics, organizational skills, and social behaviors. We expect all the children to grow in each of these areas as the year progresses. Our classroom manner is fair and firm. We believe children learn best in a classroom that offers structure and guidance. We want our students to be happy, feel safe, and be willing to take academic risks to increase their knowledge and skills.