Class Information
Pioneer Unit
Our pioneer unit will soon be ending. Some pioneers are getting very close to Hacker's Valley and may soon be able to settle in their new homes! Some of the wagon trains are in jeopardy of perishing on the trail because they will be stuck in the mountains in the winter. We have been very busy researching, making decisions, and tracking our adventures through writing. The students are currently working to convince someone in the east through a letter to stay there or come out west. This is a writing piece that will be kept in their writing portfolio and passed up to their future teachers.
Field Trips
Our field trip to Seno Woods is quickly approaching. We will be going to the rendezvous this Friday, May 16th. Students will have an opportunity to experience and see many authentic pioneer supplies, games, tools, and more. Please make sure to ask your child about it.
We will have one more field trip this year. Our last field trip will be to Lake Geneva. We will be learning about the history of Geneva Lake and Lake Geneva, so we will be going into town to really understand our community. This field trip will be Monday, June 6th. There is no limit to the number of chaperones welcome to attend this trip. ALL CHAPERONES MUST HAVE A COMPLETED BACKGROUND CHECK ON FILE PRIOR TO BEING ALLOWED TO ATTEND ANY FIELD TRIP. More specific information about this trip will be coming home very soon, but if you are interested in coming along; please make sure you stop in the office to complete the background check paperwork as soon as possible.
We will have one more field trip this year. Our last field trip will be to Lake Geneva. We will be learning about the history of Geneva Lake and Lake Geneva, so we will be going into town to really understand our community. This field trip will be Monday, June 6th. There is no limit to the number of chaperones welcome to attend this trip. ALL CHAPERONES MUST HAVE A COMPLETED BACKGROUND CHECK ON FILE PRIOR TO BEING ALLOWED TO ATTEND ANY FIELD TRIP. More specific information about this trip will be coming home very soon, but if you are interested in coming along; please make sure you stop in the office to complete the background check paperwork as soon as possible.
Math Update
We are now working on fractions in math. This is an extremely important unit for our students. This year we will be building the foundations for more complex fractional ideas and concepts that will be taught in fourth grade. While it is the end of the year, students need to continue to focus and work hard until June 13. :)
Technology
Students are learning how to use their Google account to create and share documents and pictures with others. They have also learned how to use their Google calendar to organize their time/events. Students will be using their Google accounts a lot more next year as our school will be going one-to-one (each student in 3rd-5th grades will have their own Chrome book to use at all times).
Upcoming Events/Dates
We have a busy end of the school year! Mark your calendars for the following events. :)
Friday, May 16 - Seno Woods Field Trip (11:30-2:40)
Saturday, May 17th - Star Center 5K Run/Walk
Wednesday, May 21st - District Wide Track Meet @ 4:00 pm
Thursday, May 22nd - Spring Fling Concert (grades 3-5) @ 6:00 pm
Friday, May 23rd - Memorial Day Assembly @1:00
Monday, May 26th - No School - Memorial Day
Friday, May 30th - Matt Wilhelm Assembly @1:00
Thursday, June 5th - Community Picnic @4:30
Friday, June 6th - Lake Geneva Field Trip (9:00-2:00)
Thursday, June 12th - Awards Assembly and Talent Show
Friday, June 13th - Last Day of School and Field Day
Friday, May 16 - Seno Woods Field Trip (11:30-2:40)
Saturday, May 17th - Star Center 5K Run/Walk
Wednesday, May 21st - District Wide Track Meet @ 4:00 pm
Thursday, May 22nd - Spring Fling Concert (grades 3-5) @ 6:00 pm
Friday, May 23rd - Memorial Day Assembly @1:00
Monday, May 26th - No School - Memorial Day
Friday, May 30th - Matt Wilhelm Assembly @1:00
Thursday, June 5th - Community Picnic @4:30
Friday, June 6th - Lake Geneva Field Trip (9:00-2:00)
Thursday, June 12th - Awards Assembly and Talent Show
Friday, June 13th - Last Day of School and Field Day
Classroom Library
YIKES! Our classroom library is still missing over 30 books. Students have been allowed to look at/check out books from our classroom library all year. Unfortunately, they are not being responsible when checking them out or returning them. :( Please help your child check around the house for our classroom library books. Until they are returned, our classroom library will be off-limits for all students.
Multiplication Practice
Students were given approximately 50 chances to test on and pass the 15 levels of flashcards. We cannot spend any more time testing on flashcards during class. If your child did not pass all 15 levels of cards, please know that he/she WILL BE STARTING OFF BEHIND IN FOURTH GRADE. It is very important that students continue to practice their cards over the summer to help them get caught up and stay on track. At school, we will be starting Rocket Math to help them continue to practice the basic facts.
Calendar Quizzes
Students bring home a paper entitled "Calendar Quizzes" each month. These are NOT homework. They are extra opportunities for your child to to explore science, social studies, the arts, math, etc. The monthly challenges provide an excellent opportunity for students to challenge and stretch their thinking. Students know they are allowed to work with their families, friends, and or neighbors to complete the questions or projects. As these are "extra" learning opportunities, the students are given "earning for learning bucks" for each challenge they complete and share with the class.
Homework
I have been noticing many students who are doing their homework in pencil. I have encouraged everyone to keep a pencil in the homework section of their flex folder in case one is not available at home. Pencil is preferred because students often have to fix or change their work during the learning process. Thanks!
Notes from Home
Please help your child by sliding all notes that need to be turned in to me directly into their agendas. I check agendas each morning and will be sure to get any notes that are in there. All notes for the office (including bus changes) need to be to our school office by 9:30 am.
Monday and Friday
Our class goes to library every Monday. This means that all library books are due on Monday morning. Please help your child remember his/her books each Monday.
All students are invited to wear their lifelong learner t-shirts each Friday. :)
All students are invited to wear their lifelong learner t-shirts each Friday. :)
Toys in Class
Quite a few students have been bringing toys to class. Unfortunately, we do not have time for show-and-tell or free play during the school day. Please check with your child to make sure he/she is not bringing toys to class (including trading cards, Lego pieces, cars, small dolls, etc.). If students are playing with toys during class time, I will hold onto them until the end of the school year.
A.R. Reports
A.R. is an independent reading program. Students now have their third quarter reading level and point goals written in the front of their agenda. The third goal is to score an average of 85% or higher on the tests taken in the quarter. I will send home update reports weekly (or biweekly) so you can monitor how your child is progressing toward his/her goals. Students should be reading 20 minutes per night as part of their homework (They need to log it in their agenda!). They are also given time to read in class. Students should be reading chapter books. Please make sure your child brings his/her book back to school each day in the back of their flex folder.
New Math Series
Our district has adopted a new math series that supports the common core curriculum. What does that mean for your child and you? You will be seeing some changes in the expectations, homework, and concepts your child is learning.
Things you MUST know:
** Students will have math homework almost every night. I will give students time to work on homework in class, so they should not come home with more than one-two pages for practice.
** Students SHOULD NOT need your help to complete any homework practice pages. We have over an hour scheduled for math each day. The practice homework will support exactly what we have worked on in class. If your child is focused on learning, he/she should have little trouble completing the assignments.
** Students WILL have a study plan or flashcards to practice some evenings. We have talked about how to study their skip counting (count bys) and their facts/flashcards independently in case they do not have someone at home to help them.
**Because we are working on independence this year, the best way to help your child is to have them do their homework independently (the only exception would be flashcards and skip counting). Some students are not used to working independently, and it might help for you to set a timer and check in with them after 10 minutes. It might also help to leave the room while they work.
** Students look over their own homework the next morning in class. I have 30 minutes of time each morning to help those who did not understand their homework.
** After your child checks his/her homework, I also look it over. I will write notes on the top if they requested (or didn't request) help. Please talk to your child about the importance of asking for help if they need it! :)
This is a year of learning for all! :) Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your child's progress in math. Together we can make sure your child is successful!
Things you MUST know:
** Students will have math homework almost every night. I will give students time to work on homework in class, so they should not come home with more than one-two pages for practice.
** Students SHOULD NOT need your help to complete any homework practice pages. We have over an hour scheduled for math each day. The practice homework will support exactly what we have worked on in class. If your child is focused on learning, he/she should have little trouble completing the assignments.
** Students WILL have a study plan or flashcards to practice some evenings. We have talked about how to study their skip counting (count bys) and their facts/flashcards independently in case they do not have someone at home to help them.
**Because we are working on independence this year, the best way to help your child is to have them do their homework independently (the only exception would be flashcards and skip counting). Some students are not used to working independently, and it might help for you to set a timer and check in with them after 10 minutes. It might also help to leave the room while they work.
** Students look over their own homework the next morning in class. I have 30 minutes of time each morning to help those who did not understand their homework.
** After your child checks his/her homework, I also look it over. I will write notes on the top if they requested (or didn't request) help. Please talk to your child about the importance of asking for help if they need it! :)
This is a year of learning for all! :) Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your child's progress in math. Together we can make sure your child is successful!
Volunteers and Chaperones
Anyone wishing to volunteer for classroom events or to chaperone for any of our field trips this year MUST complete a volunteer application and consent form. Lake Geneva Schools requires this to help ensure the safety of our students. Please do not wait to fill this form out! If you are even considering or hoping to volunteer or chaperone at any point this year, please slip me a note and I can get you the form. We will ONLY pick chaperones and volunteers who have this form completed and on file with the district.
iPads and iPods
There are some really awesome ways to use iPads and iPod touches in the classroom. Our school currently 24 iPads with five being in third grade. :)
There will be times that we will be using the iPads for classroom projects. I will invite students to bring in their own iPads or iPod touches with parental consent. Students who bring them in are responsible for caring for their equipment. I will have a safe spot for their materials when they are not in use. Students will not be allowed to use these items for gaming purposes during school. They will be using them to access the Internet though (specific sites designed to enhance learning). If your child is bringing an iPod or iPad, please help them to download a QR reader.
Scholastic Book Orders
Our first book order was distributed at open house.
If you would like to order online, our classroom code is: H4MR2
Click on the Scholastic "Join Our Class Book Club Page" below to get started.
If you would like to order online, our classroom code is: H4MR2
Click on the Scholastic "Join Our Class Book Club Page" below to get started.
General Classroom Information
Classroom Expectations
Our classroom will have a few important expectations. Anyone entering our room will be responsible for following the conducting themselves appropriately. All school rules also apply in our classroom. Our classroom rules are based on the seven character traits our school teaches and encourages: respect, responsibility, caring, trustworthiness, fairness, citizenship, and perseverance.
Flex Folder System
We spent time on this first day of school organizing this flex folder to help each student have a successful year in third grade and to make your life easier, too. Please read this carefully, go over the directions with your child, and save it for future reference.
The flex folder will be your child's lifeline. It will be in constant use in school and should be a focal point at home each night. ALL papers will be kept in the flex folder at all times. This way the student will have everything he/she needs whether at home or school.
The first "section" of the flex folder is where materials of communication from the school and from the teacher will be kept. Homework/assignments will NEVER be found here! These materials are for your information usually to be kept home. If papers from this section are to be brought back, it will be noted in the assignment notebook (to be explained below). The next section is the ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK and homework. Every assignment box will be filled out every day by your child in school. Students will write down each assignment regardless of whether it is finished. Please review your child’s homework with them daily. Your child will mark down whether a book is needed for a particular assignment and if the assignment has been finished in class. After reviewing your child’s homework, please SIGN their assignment notebook at the bottom where it says initials.
Graded work will be in the content sections which are tabbed and correspond to the headings on the assignment notebook. Keeping papers in these content sections will enable families to check on the progress of their students and students to study more efficiently for tests. Periodically, content sections will be emptied/cleared through a system I will explain at a later time. Please do not take papers out of the content sections!
The flex folder system is very easy to use once the students are used to it. Just remember as a general rule that you will see:
1) the flex folder
2) important notes
3) the assignment notebook/homework
The flex folder will be your child's lifeline. It will be in constant use in school and should be a focal point at home each night. ALL papers will be kept in the flex folder at all times. This way the student will have everything he/she needs whether at home or school.
The first "section" of the flex folder is where materials of communication from the school and from the teacher will be kept. Homework/assignments will NEVER be found here! These materials are for your information usually to be kept home. If papers from this section are to be brought back, it will be noted in the assignment notebook (to be explained below). The next section is the ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK and homework. Every assignment box will be filled out every day by your child in school. Students will write down each assignment regardless of whether it is finished. Please review your child’s homework with them daily. Your child will mark down whether a book is needed for a particular assignment and if the assignment has been finished in class. After reviewing your child’s homework, please SIGN their assignment notebook at the bottom where it says initials.
Graded work will be in the content sections which are tabbed and correspond to the headings on the assignment notebook. Keeping papers in these content sections will enable families to check on the progress of their students and students to study more efficiently for tests. Periodically, content sections will be emptied/cleared through a system I will explain at a later time. Please do not take papers out of the content sections!
The flex folder system is very easy to use once the students are used to it. Just remember as a general rule that you will see:
1) the flex folder
2) important notes
3) the assignment notebook/homework
Homework
Students will have homework every night. All students are required to read for a minimum of 20 minutes per night. They must log their reading in their agenda each night. All other homework will be assigned on a daily basis. Students will be given time to work on homework in class. If they use their time wisely, they will have no more than 20-30 minutes of work each night.
Spelling -Students should be practicing the third grade core words regularly.
Math - Students should be practicing math facts regularly. We will begin the year learning multiplication and division. If your child has not mastered addition and subtraction facts, they are starting the year behind! Please practice with them on a daily basis to get back in the school swing!
Spelling -Students should be practicing the third grade core words regularly.
Math - Students should be practicing math facts regularly. We will begin the year learning multiplication and division. If your child has not mastered addition and subtraction facts, they are starting the year behind! Please practice with them on a daily basis to get back in the school swing!
Agenda/Flex Folder
Students are responsible for bringing their flex folder and agenda home each night and back to school each day. Please check and sign your child's agenda each night after you have reviewed their homework and reading log.
Daily Snacks
As outlined in the "Welcome to Third Grade" packet families were given at open house, students are welcome to bring a healthy snack for themselves every day. Healthy snacks include fruits, veggies, dry cereal, etc... Chocolate, candy, potato chips, etc. will not be allowed. We will not have a designated snack time each day, so students with a snack will be responsible for eating their snack (without causing a disruption) when they feel they need it. Students who bring a snack to share must bring enough for all students in the class.
Special Treats
We love to celebrate special occasions! Students are welcome to bring a special treat for their birthday. Any student with a summer birthday can bring a treat for their half birthday. Please keep in mind that we do not have plates, silverware, cups, cake cutting knives, and other items that are sometimes needed for certain treats. Also, please plan to send special treats to school with your child in the morning.