Welcome to Third Grade! It is going to be a wonderful year as we get to know each of your awesome children. There are many changes for children moving from primary to upper grades. Responsibility and independence are key words in third. We stress them at school and are sure that they are important in your home. This year, your child will learn many new skills and make new friends. You can help us by encouraging your child to be a goal-oriented, independent worker and to seek peer help. Quality of work will be emphasized. The curriculum standards are quite extensive, and we have much to cover. Please remember to send in all supplies promptly. If you have not purchased the agenda, Math workbook, and Science workbook, please do so as soon as possible. Below you will find some helpful information about third grade at KCSMA:
Communication: Teachers may be contacted by phone, e-mail, or written note. E-mail will be the best method. All newsletters (Peek at the Week) and homework will be sent home via e-mail. Each teacher will also have a class blog where you will be able to find assignments, rubrics, and other needed forms. Your child’s teacher will send information about how to access her blog soon. If you do not have internet access, please let your child’s teacher know immediately.
Spelling Homework: Spelling tests will be given most Fridays. Students will practice their spelling words each night by choosing activities from our Spelling Menu, which will be sent home with them (or
e-mailed to you) on or before Monday of each week. Spelling words and the Spelling Menu will also be posted on class blogs and http://www.spellingcity.com Students must choose 3 spelling activities each week which will be turned in on Friday. Students will receive a grade of “3” for completing and “0” for not completing.
Reading Log: Students will be required to read a chapter book on their level every 2-3 weeks. They will keep a Reading Log of their nightly reading which will be a weekly homework grade. Reading logs will be turned in on Friday and checked for completion. Students will receive a grade of “3” for completing and “0” for not completing. If students are completing the required 20-30 minutes of reading each night, reading at least one chapter book every two-three weeks should be very attainable. Reading is truly the key to success in all subjects.
Book Projects A-Z: Students will complete a book project of their choice monthly. Each month, the project due date will be announced on the Peek at the Week as well as in your child’s agenda. The list of book project options will be sent and/or e-mailed to you and also placed on the class blog for future referral. Students may choose a book from home, our school media center, or the public library.
Math Homework: Students will have math homework each night Monday-Thursday. We will go over the homework daily. Students will be able to access their Math and Science textbooks online from home.
http://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/ePC/start.do User Name: Student’s first initial last name (jsmith) Password: kcsma **Please consult the Student Handbook for more Homework information.
Snack and Lunch: We will have snack time each morning. Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack. No fruit juices or sugar additives are allowed in the classroom (water only). The cafeteria does not provide napkins, forks, or spoons to students for snack or sack lunches. These items are provided only to students who purchase a lunch at school. Students may bring a water bottle with a sports top (pull-up type top). Please don’t freeze the bottle as this causes dripping on the student’s desk.
*Please note that lunches must be ordered in advance. An order form will be sent home each month with your child.
Agenda: The agenda will be filled out on Monday for the entire week. It should be reviewed and signed each night by a parent or guardian as it can change from day to day. The agenda is a very important part of our parent to school communication.
Birthdays: Students may bring cookies or cupcakes to celebrate their birthdays. These will be enjoyed with the class during their lunch or snack time. Please do not send party invitations to school unless everyone in the class is invited.
Class Economy: Each student will have a job which can earn rewards. Students may also earn rewards for good behavior or be fined for inappropriate behavior.
Discipline: Our school-wide discipline plan involves teaching students procedures, that when followed will prevent situations in which poor choices might be made. There is more information in the Student Handbook. This year, third grade will use our class economy to encourage positive choices and student responsibility. You will hear more about this later.
Independence: It is important that we work together to promote the independence of our children. Please encourage your child to help with the preparation of their lunch and snack, to pack their own backpack, and to keep track of their own belongings that are coming to and from school.
We look forward to a great year of fun, learning, and treasured memories.
Your Third Grade Teachers
Mrs. Castleberry [email protected]
Mrs. Davis [email protected]
Ms. Franz [email protected]
Mrs. Gilbert [email protected]
Mrs. Hardeman [email protected]
Mrs. Lutzow [email protected]
Ms. McLeod [email protected]
Mrs. Moore [email protected]
Mrs. Sims [email protected]