Dear Parents,

Welcome to third grade at Magnolia Trace! My name is Susan Pecoraro and I will be your child’s teacher this year. I am looking forward to a fun-filled, productive year.

The following information may answer some of the many questions that probably concern you.

Homework: Homework is assigned on a daily basis, usually from Monday- Thursday. A redpronged folder will be sent home with your child. This folder will contain important information and a daily homework/behavior sheet. This sheet will serve as a daily correspondence between parent and teacher. Please initial the sheet everyday. Homework is an important extension of the lessons learned in class; therefore it is necessary for the parents to review it.

Graded work: A collection of student work, rubrics, and tests will be sent home in a manila folder. Please sign the form on the front of the folder and return it the next day. Any grades lower than a C must be signed and returned with the folder. All others should remain at home.

Grading policy: Grades A, B, C, D and F will be assigned in math, reading, language, spelling, science and social studies for all four grading periods. Grading periods consist of nine weeks. Interim reports will be sent home in the middle of each nine week period. Your child will only receive an interim report if he/she is at risk for failure. This interim report will serve as an indicator that extra effort is needed in order to receive a passing grade. (A=93-100, B=85-92, C=75-84, D=67-74, F=66 and below)

Morning Meeting: The classroom morning meeting is an integral part of our classroom routine. We use this time each morning to meet and greet as a group, discuss upcoming events, practice team building skills and to share things about ourselves. Students will have an opportunity to share something that is important in their lives with the class. This can be pictures, stories, musical talents or anything else that may interest the class members.

Snack Time: Each morning the children will be allowed to have a snack at their desks. Please make sure that you send a healthy snack. Candy is not allowed at this time so I suggest a piece of fruit, dry cereal, crackers and cheese… Please do not send any drinks or items that require a spoon or refrigeration. If there is anything that your child is allergic to or anything that you do not wish your child to eat, please notify me as soon as possible.

This is a very important time in your child’s life. Your child is probably beginning to feel a little independent and should be encouraged to become self-reliant and responsible for his/her actions. It is in your child’s best interest that we work together to help your child in reaching his potential. If your child’s behavior becomes inappropriate or disruptive, I will contact you. Likewise, if there is something going on at home that you feel I should be aware of, please contact me.

I am looking forward to working with you and your child. Please send a note with your child or call the school at 626-8238 to set up a conference if you have concerns. Parent/teacher communication is essential for your child’s success.

Sincerely,

Sue Pecoraro

Please see the attached school-wide discipline plan.

Classroom Discipline Policies

Behavior: The students are informed of the class rules on the first day of school. The homework/behavior sheet serves as a daily correspondence between home and school. Positive rewards and added classroom responsibilities will be awarded to those students exhibiting self-discipline.

Class Rules

  • We take care of each other.
  • Be safe
  • Be respectful
  • Follow the rules
  • Make good choices

Each day the student starts off fresh with a “clean slate.” Mistakes from the day before should be left outside the door. Our number one classroom rule is “We take care of each other.” If a student chooses to ignore classroom rules a “Maggie bone” is moved.

1. Green bone: The student receives a first warning.

2. Yellow bone: The student receives a second warning.

3. Red bone: The student will receive a third warning and will lose one recess.

4. Brown bone: The student receives a fourth warning and a note will be sent home. If the inappropriate behavior continues, I will call home and a conference may be set up.

Rewards for good behavior: Students are allowed to move up on the behavior sheet if they show exemplary behavior. If your child has his/her homework and homework sheet initialed in the morning a “Maggie Good Choice” award will be given.

If your child has no more than two negative color changes in a week, the child will be “in the running” for student of the week. Each child “in the running” will receive good choice awards and treats. Students of the week will be allowed special privileges and responsibilities. Other rewards include stickers, pencils, good notes home and free center choice time.