*Does my child's planner need to be initialed every day? Yes, we will learn the importance of writing assignments down this year. Students should bring the planner home daily to share. Once they've shared the planner, parents should add an initial in the parent initial section. Any assignment not completed by the end of the day should be circled or highlighted and brought home to complete. We are learning responsibility, work completion, and independence through the use of our planners.
*Do you assign homework? Third grade teachers will not assign homework unless we are working on a project that requires some home time or we are asking students to study for a test. Homework is considered any work not completed during the school day. We also have a "30 Minute Rule" in third grade. If your child is spending more than 30 minutes doing homework at night, we need to know this. Usually this means your child is struggling with the work or has misused his/her work time in the classroom. Either way, we need to know so we can help your child make a plan to get his/her work done.
*Can my child bring his/her text books home? Yes! We encourage this! Any book may be taken home, but we ask that books are returned to school the next day. It's very hard to participate in class when you don't have your books though.
*What time is lunch? We eat lunch at 11:05, and go to recess at 11:25.
*What is Green Team? This is the first year your child has the opportunity to help our custodian, Mr. Chuck, in the lunchroom. Green Team members help clean tables, collect trays for recycling, clean the floor, and help out in any way they are needed during lunch. Team members are a huge help to Mr. Chuck! On the weeks your child helps out with the Green Team he/she will miss some lunch recess. Participating in Green Team is completely optional.
*Will there be a spelling test every Friday? Yes, we use a word analysis program called Words Their Way which is an individualized spelling program that focuses on the patterns of spelling your child knows and can use consistently in practiced and unknown words. We'll be giving a spelling inventory at the beginning of the year to determine the spelling level of each child. Children will be given lists of words associated with patterns each week. Sorting the words is a common activity. You might see your child's words coming home to be sorted at home. We'll work on a new sort each week, and have a pattern check at the end of each week. Words Their Way activities will happen during Guided Reading in third grade.
*Does the school allow birthday treats to be brought to the classes? Unfortunately, our district handbook states that treats are not to be brought to school for birthdays. There are many reasons that the district has taken this position with the most important being allergies.
*Can I send birthday invitations to school for my child to pass out? This is always a very tough subject at school. When every child in a classroom is not invited to a party, there are always hard feelings and children feeling left out. We ask that you send your invitations via the mail or email. If your child must bring the invitations to school for delivery, they must be passed out before or after the school day. Thank you for your understanding.
Is it typical for my child to "struggle" at the beginning of the year? Absolutely, yes! Third grade is a tough transitional year in school. The expectations, workload, and amount of responsibility have increased greatly. Third graders are now expected to keep track of their daily work and all the materials needed to complete assignments and projects.
What is Power School? How do I get a log in? Power School is our on-line grading system. Students' grades are posted weekly for parents to monitor. In addition, parents can also check absences and tardies. If you do not have a log in and password for your child(ren), please be sure to call the office at 402.827.5950 and get that information.
How do I know my child is using the computer/technology safely? Every attempt is made to keep your children on appropriate sites while at school. Our district technology team also blocks many website addresses that are deemed inappropriate. Contracts are also signed by students to inform everyone of the policies and regulations. Here is a parent's guide to the Internet that you may find helpful at home: Parent's Guide to Internet Safety.
Please feel free to email me or send me a message in our Class Dojo. I'm not on my computer throughout the day for messages, but I will get back to you as quickly as I can. [email protected]