1. Fall Creek Elementary 2013-2014

2. Bachelor of Arts, Communications Wilberforce University, 1983 Masters in Education, Elementary Education/Literacy, Long Island University, 2006 Taught grades 2,4,5&6 in public schools in New York City and its northern suburbs. Completed my 4th year in 3 rd Grade at Fall Creek last year.

3. The cafeteria opens for breakfast daily at 7:30 am. Cost $1.25 Students are dismissed to the class at 7:55. Upon arrival, they make their lunch choice and copy the day’s assignment and homework into their planner. If your child arrives after 8:05, they report to the office first to obtain a tardy slip.

4. Our class gets together to foster team building and to establish a positive & safe classroom community. This may be done by playing game or acting out a social situation and discussing the appropriate responses. We also share important events in our lives..

5. Addition & subtraction with regrouping using a variety of strategies. Introduction to Multiplication & Division. Mastery of grade level math vocabulary. Measurement & Geometry. Problem solving strategies & logical reasoning.

6. Begins with a short focused lesson on a specific skill or strategy. i.e. finding the main idea. Students practice applying reading strategies in their Independent Reading and in Workstations. Small group instruction to support and expand comprehension.

7. Mondays – Computers/Art Tuesday – PE (wear appropriate shoes) Wednesday – Library Thursday– Music Friday – PE (wear appropriate shoes)

8. Building Fluency- Oral Reading and Reader’s Theater. Building Comprehension- Research, Critical Thinking/Discussion, Book Clubs & Reading Responses Building Vocabulary-Words of the Week, Inferring meaning from texts, use of classroom Word Wall.

9. Please be sure to send in cash or check to insure adequate funds are in your child’s lunch account. Lunch $1.85 Make a Lunch Date to come in and eat with your child. ( you may purchase a meal or bring in something for you both)

10. Students have about 20 minutes of free play. Birthday treats may only be purchased from the cafeteria. Treats purchased outside of school are no longer allowed per state guidelines.

11. Begins with a short mini lesson to introduce a new genre, skill or strategy. Students have an opportunity to write and develop drafts, edit & revise and publish their work. Conference with individual students to identify strengths as a writer and to support them as they refine new skills. Share writing orally to encourage ideas, provide feedback and celebrate successes.

12. Students will meet with a specific 3 rd grade teacher to learn and reinforce spelling patterns and concepts based on grade level Teks. Word Study Units are generally 2 weeks long and offer a variety of activities to practice skills and culminate with a spelling test.

13. Units of Study include: Matter Earth’s Changes Solar System Biomes & Animal Adaptations Forces & Motion

14. Units of Study include: Map Skills Natural Resources: Landforms Economics Geography & Natural Resources in a Biome

15. Students will be dismissed based on their mode of transportation home. Walkers/Bikers are released through the rear of the building at 3:25 Car Riders will be dismissed from the Main Entrance at 3:15 Please be sure to let me know if your child’s dismissal method changes.

16. Math and Science homework will be assigned Mon. – Thurs. Students should show their work or strategies for solving math problems. Students should read for 20 minutes at least 4 times per week and have you sign their Reading Log. Word Study homework will be assigned by your child’s homeroom teacher.

17. At Fall Creek, we follow the Cardinal Creed: Be Safe, Respectful & Responsible. Rules & Consequences Conduct Cards are sent home weekly and need to be reviewed & signed by you.

18. Ongoing small group tutoring on an “as needed” basis will be offered. Math- Tuesdays - 7:25-7:50 Reading – Wednesdays - 7:25 – 7:50 Students whom I think would benefit from extra support will be notified directly.

19. Cardinal Folders will come home every Tuesday with your child’s conduct card, school newsletter and completed work. Check your child’s planner daily for notes from me as well as to send notes to me. Please feel free to e-mail me at joy.russell@humble.k12.tx.us or call me at joy.russell@humble.k12.tx.us 281-641-3441.

20. Your time and talent are appreciated. Instructional -Read to the class, Work with a small group at Reading or Math Stations. Clerical -Word Processing, Copying, Filing, Laminating, Prepping materials for class projects Technological - Take & archive pics. Create slide shows. ***Many tasks can be done from home. Volunteer in our Classroom!

21. for taking the time to attend Open House! I look forward to working with you and your child this year. It is going to be a wonderful year filled with exciting learning activities!