Runnymede Elementary School

Third Grade Back To School Night

2012-2013

Our Third Grade Team

Mrs. Sarah Gonnella –STEM (Math and Science)Mrs. Mary Mechalske Humanities (ELA and Social

Studies)Mrs. Leah Offutt – Humanities (ELA and Social Studies)Mrs. Debbie Suter – Humanities and STEM (ELA, Math, Science & Social Studies) Ms. Jenn Warner – STEM (Math and Science)

Mrs. Betty Bloomfield G & T Mrs. Miki Fitzgerald – Math Resource TeacherMs. Samantha Gostic & Mrs. Kristi Pfeffer- Resource TeachersMrs. Cyd Pecoraro – ELA Specialist

Our Daily Schedule 8:55- 9:20 Homeroom 9:20-10:20 AM Rotation10:25-11:25 Specials11:30-12:25 AM Rotation12:30-1:00 Lunch 1:05-1:20 Recess 1:20-1:30 Bathroom break 1:30-3:35 PM Rotation 3:35-3:45 Pack-up 3:45 Dismissal

Determining Reading Levels

•Words Their Way (phonics, word study)•Houghton Mifflin (phonics)•Running Records (comprehension, fluency & decoding)•Scholastic Reading Inventory (comprehension and vocabulary)•Formative Comprehension Assessment (reading comprehension and writing )•Writing samples•Daily classroom performance

•Quarter 1 – Level N Quarter 2- Level O

Strive For 25

Students who read daily will grow as readers and be much more successful when reading

Students read books on their independent reading level.

Students will write a brief letter discussing their reading

Teachers will be sure that students are selecting books appropriate for their reading level

Quarter 1- Fiction (Focus on story elements and examining characters)

• Please be sure your child brings a book to school every day

Cursive Handwriting

Why teach cursive?

Fluent, spontaneous handwriting makes more working memory available to focus on higher level thinking.

The lack of an automatic command of handwriting can inhibit a student's ability to write, affect his self confidence and encourage him to avoid writing,

Gradual transition from manuscript to cursive in January

Social Studies•Economics

•Regions

•Carroll County

Instruction will be integrated into ELA. Parent letters will highlight

learning objectives and key vocabulary.

The Specifics for Grade 3 On Grade-level pre-tests will be given to all

students

What About Our High Ability Learners?

“In grades K-6, the needs of high ability learners can most often be met through the addition of depth and complexity to the core standards. Teachers should use

instructional methods that allow students to delve deeper into

mathematics through tasks that are accessible to all, encourage

extended thinking and develop advanced depth of knowledge.”

~Common Core Authors

What About Our High Ability Learners?

“Students who are capable of moving more quickly deserve thoughtful

attention, both to ensure that they are challenged and that they are mastering the full range of

mathematical content and skills without omitting critical concepts and

topics.”

~Common Core AuthorsIn Grades K-3, CCPS teachers will utilize the Progression Documents to meet the needs

of our high ability students.

Fact

Memorization• Beginning of the year - addition and

subtraction• Middle to end of year - multiplication

and division

flash cards, playing cards, computer games

0

50

100

1st

Qtr

3rd

Qtr

Science• Living Things

• Road Trip Through Maryland

• STEM Unit A work in Process

• Physical Science

Maryland State Assessment

(MSA)Students in 3rd gradeparticipate in the

State testing.

Testing DatesMathematics-

March 5th and 6th

Reading- March 12th and 13th

Report Card

Data Binder• Means of tracking

student progress• Form of

communication with parents

• Way for student to take ownership in his/her learning

Math Sample work:•Assignments• Pre & Post Tests

E.L.A. Sample work:•Treasures assessments•BCR’s (Brief Constructed Responses)•Writing pieces•Responses to literature

Agenda Book

Homework Assignments• 20 minutes of reading

(Strive for 25)• Word study• Math practice

Communication Source

Code of Conduct

Wordopoly Homework

Your child will be bringing home a Word Study homework sheet called Wordopoly on Monday. This sheet will serve as a menu for your child to select which activities they want to complete each week for word study words. Each homework assignment is given a value between $50 and $250. Your child must complete $400 worth of word study homework each week but has the freedom to choose which activities to complete.

Wordopoly Card

As your child completes his/her word study homework, your child will need to write the name of the activities he/she completes and the amount that the activities add up to. We are also asking that you and your child sign the card to ensure that the homework was completed.

If a child doesn’t know how to read, we teach.If a child doesn’t know how to swim, we teach.If a child doesn’t know how to multiply, we teach.If a child doesn’t know how to drive, we teach.If a child doesn’t know how to behave, we…

teach? punish?

Why can’t we finish the last sentence as automatically as we do the others?

(Herner, 1998)

What is School-wide Positive Behavior

Support?

The application of evidence-based strategies and systems to assist schools:

• to increase academic performance

• increase safety

• decrease problem behavior

• and establish positive school cultures

PBIS Big Ideas

• Positive Behavior Support is a process for teaching children appropriate behavior and providing the supports necessary to sustain that behavior.

• PBIS is not a curriculum - it is a framework for systems to identify needs, develop strategies, and evaluate practice toward success

Why a School-wide Approach?

It reduces challenging student behavior through a proactive,

positive, and consistent manner across all school settings

and Improves academic achievement

and social competence

Code of Conduct

Be RespectfulBe Responsible

Be Ready to Learn

Bus

Bathroom

HallsClass

Cafe. Recess

Assemblies

Grade-level Incentives• Students earn tickets in all classrooms

and throughout the school for displaying appropriate behaviors

• Grade Level rewards given at least twice a month:• Pajama Day• “Hopper” Day• Bring a stuffed animal to school• Hat Day• Extra recess• Movie Day

Consistent Consequences

1. General reminder will be given about appropriate behavior.

2. Individual reminder/redirection will be given about appropriate behavior.

3. Student receives a sticker in assignment book notifying parent.

4. Chronic behavior will result in a support room or office referral.

Today your child struggled with. Respect _________________________ Responsibility ________________________

Ready to Learn _________________

Certain actions warrant immediate administrative involvementsuch as fighting, using inappropriate language, harassment,threats, and possession of contraband or weapons.

Field Trips 2 trips in the spring:

Carroll County Historical Society and Union Mills Homestead Thursday, April 25th

Baltimore Museum of Industry Thursday, May 30th

Chaperones:Completion of Volunteer Training 7 days prior to trip

Miscellaneous Reminders

Birthdays

Birthday invitations can be distributed at school

if done in an unobtrusive manner.  Please send

In only non-food itemsFees (No Cash)Field Trips -checks made out to RunnymedeBook Orders -checks made out to ScholasticBooksSuppliesTissues and disposable camera

Toys and Electronics Policy

No electronic radios or games

No trading cards

No Toys/Stuffed Animals

Student Attendance Carroll County Public Schools recognizes the importance

between attendance and academic success. Please contact the school every day if your child will not

be present for learning. Please make arrangements to obtain missed class work if

applicable. Please contact the school nurse or school counselor, if your

child’s absence will be more than three days due to illness or emotional concerns. There may be supports available for you and your child.

Please provide written documentation (handwritten note sent in with your child, faxed note (fax # 410-751-3537), or email (preattendance@carrollk12.org) as to the reason for the absence upon your child’s return to school.

For more information regarding attendance and attendance procedures please see the student handbook, or the Student Services Manual located on the CCPS website – www.carrollk12.org

Third Grade Commitment to Parent and Students

Parents will receive regular communication:

Letters Data Binders Agenda Books Quarterly Progress Reports Phone calls

Questions?

If you have specific questions about your child, please give the teacher a call. Thanks!!