Welcome to Third Grade!!
Dear Parents,
I would like to take the opportunity to welcome you and your child to the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year! Our school is proud to continue this year as an International School. Third Grade will be learning about the various countries of the world and their cultures. We are going to have an exciting and challenging year of learning and growing together! I am looking forward to a successful year with your child. Third grade has much higher expectations than previous school years. In order to meet these high standards, I expect all students to do their best, complete all classwork and homework, and be on their best behavior at all times. Please arrive to school on time and limit absences as much as possible. Please feel free to contact me at anytime during the school year if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached by calling the school and leaving a message to return your call or by email (best contact method). I will also update our class page on the school website that can be found under “Staff” and then my name. Please visit this website often. Please read below for specific classroom information.
Student Planners: Your child will be given a Student Binder to help him/her with organization. Students will use this planner to record homework, notes form the teacher, and list important classroom and school events. Please check it EACH NIGHT AND SIGN the appropriate dated column so I know that you have seen the planner. This will serve as our communication link. Please also read the school and grade level monthly newsletter posted on the website for important school information. If your child loses the planner there is a $5 replacement fee. Students will also be receiving STAR (Students Taking Academic Responsibility) binders during the first nine weeks of school. A detailed letter will be in the binder explaining how it will be used to help your third grader stay organized.
Homework: Your child will have a reading comprehension question, a math worksheet, occasional social studies or science or USA Test Prep questions. Please note that homework may change throughout the year.
Reading Comprehension Question: There will be a reading comprehension question from a reading choice board OR a specific question, due each day. The question must be answered in complete sentences.
Math: Math homework will be sent home Monday through Thursday and should be completed on the day it is sent home. Please allow your child to complete this activity independently. After completion, check over for mistakes and help if needed. Math homework will be due EACH DAY.
Weekly Reports: Weekly reports will be sent home on Mondays in the MONDAY FOLDER. Please review grades and conduct for the week, (with the exception of behavior that needs to be addressed that day) then remove the papers and initial. Return on Tuesdays to be sent home the following week.
Snacks: We will be eating a morning snack each day. You will need to send in a HEALTHY snack for your child each day. Only DRY snacks in individual bags.
Rewards/Consequences: Our class uses a Monetary System to manage behavior and create a successful learning environment. Each day students can earn money by meeting or going above and beyond classroom expectations. Consequences for not following rules and procedures can result in paying a “fine” or the loss of their money. Students unable to pay the fine will have to “serve time” (loss of privilege, laps at recess, etc.).
STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN MONEY AND I DO NOT REPLACE IT IF IT IS LOST.
Every few weeks students will be given the opportunity to spend their money they have earned on such things as game time, sundae party, arts and crafts event, treasure box, etc. It is imperative that we work together to encourage the best behavior.
Rules:
1. Follow directions quickly.
2. Raise your hand for permission to speak.
3. Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat.
4. Make smart choices.
Grading Policy:
Students’ grades will be based on a TEN point grading system. Students are expected to complete classwork and homework on a daily basis. Grades will be a combination of class assignments, projects, homework, and tests.
· 100-90 = A (On grade level)
· 89-80= B (On grade level)
· 79-70= C (On grade level)
· 69-60= D (Below grade level)
· Below 60 = F (Below grade level)
I am so excited to be back in school and look forward to a fabulous and successful school year! J
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ellis