1. Welcome to Third Grade Curriculum Night Vickery Creek Elementary 2012-13 School Year

2. Viking Voyage: All third grade students will participate in a instructional focus group that is designed to enrich your child in an area such as reading or math. Third grade students will be “switching” classes and will spend time with another 3 rd grade teacher.

3. Math Multiplication Geometry Division concepts Fractions Elapsed time Problem solving 2-3 steps Measurement Estimation/rounding Money concepts- change back Patterns and functions Data Analysis

4. Science Rocks and Minerals (Fossils and Soil) Habitats of Georgia Pollution and Conservation Exploring Energy through Heat energy Magnets

5. Social Studies Economics Topography Map Skills Key Historical Figures Government Greece

6. Reading Fluency -decoding -expression -speed -Self-correction Vocabulary -homophones -synonyms and antonyms -figurative language -using context clues Comprehension -makes predictions -fact/opinion -story elements -inferences -summarizes -author's purpose Distinguishing genres

7. Writing and English Writing process/ organization Narrative writing Informational writing Persuasive writing Response to literature 3 rd graders participate in a writing assessment. This is through work samples that are collected, rated, and turned in by the classroom teacher. Conventions Subject and predicates Nouns/Pronouns Contractions Research Cursive Spelling Listening Speaking Viewing

8. Spelling & Vocabulary We will be alternating spelling and vocabulary each week. Our goal is to see students using their past and present spelling words and vocabulary words correctly in their writing and daily work as well as building phonics and reading skills.

9. Grading Third grade teacher use standard based rubrics that are provided by Forsyth County to grade work. Student work will be grade on a 4-1 grading system. Please do not think of this as A,B,C, and F 4= All the time (Demonstrates complete understanding of a standard with no errors) 3= Most of the time (Demonstrates understanding of standard with minimal errors) 2= Some of the time (Inconsistently demonstrates understanding of standard) 1 = Limited Knowledge (Cannot demonstrate understanding of standard.) Your child should strive for 3 and 2.

10. Homework Policy Your child will be responsible for completing and turning in all homework assignments on the day it is due. Homework is viewed as an extension of the days lesson and will therefore be viewed as additional practice. However, failure to complete homework will result in having their behavior sheet marked. Homework is either checked in class or by the teacher for understanding. We use this as a guide to move ahead or re-teach if necessary. Remember – practice makes perfect and homework is practice.

11. Classroom Discipline Webster’s Dictionary defines the word “habit” as…”a thing done often, and hence, usually done easily”. It also explains that a habit is something that is practiced by regular repetition--- doing the same thing over and over and over. It is extremely important to develop good habits while we are young. If we don’t develop good habits at an early age, we are likely to develop bad habits, which are difficult to break. Good habits will lead to positive rewards! Homework Attitude Behavior Initiative Time on Task

12. Other Points of Interest Your child’s agenda must be signed each night. Your child must read for twenty minutes and record in his/her agenda each night. It should be recorded in the child's handwriting. Your child must wear tennis shoes on P.E. days. A change in transportation must be approved through the office. Please check you emails. Teachers will be sending out weekly curriculum updates and reminders. Students may purchase breakfast each morning. Important information can be found in your child’s Thursday folder. Please look through your child’s folder with them. Always remember that you can contact your child’s teacher with any concerns or questions you may have. We are on the same team – your child’s! Transportation changes need to be sent in with your child in the mornings. Transportation changes cannot be accepted on the phone or after 1:00. If you have a transportation change, please fax the office (770-346-0045) or email the office (lbell@forsyth.k12.ga.us) and your child’s teacher.

13. Extras Can Be Purchased in the Cafeteria BEVERAGES: Spring Water, 8 oz $0.50 Riptide Wave, Flav. Water, 8oz $0.80 100% Juice Box, 6.75 oz$0.60 Soy Milk $1.75 Sparkling Juice, 8oz $1.00 DAIRY: Trix Yogurt 4 oz $0.75 Ice Cream $0.75 PACKAGE SNACKS: Gummy Fruit Snacks$0.35 Teddy Grahams $0.35 Dick & Jane Cookies$0.50 Rice Krispie Treats $0.75 Regular & Baked Chips$0.50 Pretzels $0.60 Cheetos $0.60 Cheeze Its $0.60 Snack Mix$ 0.60 To prevent your child from purchasing extra, you can put a block on his/her account. If you put a block on his/her account, you must send in money with your child for him/her to purchase ice cream.

14. What do Elementary School Counselors Provide? Support for academic concerns Instruction in decision making & goal setting Guidance in developing and maintaining peer relationships Instruction in career awareness School Counseling for students in crisis Parent workshops How do School Counselors provide this to Students? Specials Rotation - Classroom Guidance Lessons Small Group guidance for referred students (i.e. study skills, friendship) Individual meetings with students Parent and/or Teacher conferences Referrals to outside agencies Anne Ogilvy Barry Eber Grades 1, 3, 5 Grades K, 2, 4 Mrs. Ogilvy: Grades K & 3 ext#180156 Mr. Eber: Grades 4 & 5 Watch D.O.G.S. Pizza Kick Off will be September 25 th at 6:00 in the VCE cafeteria. Parenting Classes Mentoring The Counseling Department at VCE has been awarded the RAMP status. This award recognizes schools that are committed to delivering a comprehensive, data driven school counseling program and an exemplary educational environment.

15. The efforts of this program are designed to improve peer relations and make the school a safer and more positive place for students to learn and develop. This is the most researched and best-known bullying prevention program available today. Olweus Day is every Friday in which all students K- 5 receive a classroom lesson about preventing bullying. VCE's Olweus kick off week will be October 1 st -5 th. Additional information is forthcoming. Olweus Bullying Prevention Program At VCE

16. - THANK YOU FOR COMING! VCE Third Grade Teachers Ms. Clarkmaclark@forsyth.k12.ga.us Mrs. Coughlin scoughling@forsyth.k12.ga.us Mrs. Haggerty ghaggerty@forsyth.k12.ga.us Mrs. Hales thales@forsyth.k12.ga.us Ms. Howardjhoward@forsyth.k12.ga.us Mrs. Walterscwalters@forsyth.k12.ga.us Mrs. Watsonkwatson@forsyth.k12.ga.us