1. Welcome, 3H Families! Please read your child’s note and write one back. Browse through the papers on your child’s desk. Fill out the information card for me about your child.

2. A little bit about me… This is my 15 th year of teaching, and my 12 th year at Gayman Elementary. I got my degree in Elementary Education from Bucknell University. I have taught kindergarten, second grade, and third grade here. 3 rd grade is my personal favorite! I loved being part time in kindergarten last year to spend time with my son, but I’m thrilled to be back! My husband, son, and I live in Trenton, New Jersey. We love spending time outdoors and cheering on all the Philadelphia sports teams. I also love Long Beach Island, working in my garden, and reading a good book.

3. Class Goals: Become more comfortable taking risks. Learn new things. Discover new interests. Make new friends. Have fun and support each other!

4. Classroom Schedule: First bus-8:55 Morning Routine, Morning Work and Morning Meeting 8:55-10:05Whole Group Math Lesson, Practice and Extension 10:05-10:35Whole Group Reading/Snack 10:35-11:35Guided Reading Groups 11:35-11:50Spelling or Handwriting 11:50-12:50Recess and Lunch 12:50-1:00Read Aloud 1:00-1:45Writing 1:45-2:25Special 2:25-3:10Science or Social Studies 3:15Dismissal Begins This is what a typical day in our classroom looks like.

5. Our Specials: Monday: Quest- Mr. Shaw Tuesday: Computers & Music- Mrs. Volpe Wednesday: Library- Mrs. Thomas Thursday: Art- Mrs. Alderfer Friday: P.E.- Ms. Hendershot

6. Communication: Please communicate with me! Call Gayman (267) 893-4350 Call my direct number: (267) 893-4350 extension 1382 E-mail me qhofmann@cbsd.orgqhofmann@cbsd.org Write me a note!

7. Assignment Books… Please check everyday! Please send notes for… Change of dismissal, sending money (please enclose in an envelope), keeping an eye on something, or future vacations (must also go through office). Thursday folders Weekly Updates via email Communication continued…

8. 1. Purpose: Promote student growth and reinforce what is learned in the classroom. Students independently practice what they learned as well as their time management skills. Gayman's Five Homework Beliefs: 2. Assessment: Homework is not graded. However, students will be held responsible for completing all assigned homework. 3. Time Allotment: Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday. No routine weekend or holiday assignments will be made. As a rule of thumb 10 minutes per grade level will be assigned. For example: at 6th grade, 10 x 6 = 60 minutes.

9. 4. Differentiation: Homework can vary depending upon the specific needs of students. This may include time, amount and purpose of homework. 5. Long-term Projects: Long-term projects are directly related to the curriculum. Such projects require children to use secure skills only. Expectations are clearly defined and timelines are established and published.

11. Reading:  Whole Group Instruction  Small Guided Reading Groups  Independent Reading  Inquiry Project  Student Progress will be measured by…  Informal oral reading assessments  Journaling and response activities  LEAD 21 unit assessments  Various comprehension assignments

12. Being a Writer / Writers’ Workshop ~ Engaging lessons concentrating on different writing skills to become successful at a third grade level ~ Use of picture books to generate ideas and illustrate author’s craft ~ Analyzes real life text to help perfect their own Writers Notebook ~ Practice the art, collect writing ideas, creativity, personal writing, free-time writing Write on Track ~ Reinforces grammar rules and parts of speech ~ Refines writing conventions

13. The Writing Process *Prewriting *Drafting *Revising *Editing *Evaluating *Publishing

14. Math: Everyday Math program Problem Solving Strategies Multi-digit computation Multiplication (speed and accuracy) Student Progress will be measured by… Everyday Math Assessments Quizzes Observations

15. “Their homework is so different! It’s not the way I learned it.” 4 8 2 3 2 10 8 2 4 1 6 1 5 3 6 1 1536, 32 x 48 = ___

16. Science: Science Companion 3 main units of study throughout the year… 1.) Life Cycle 2.) Motion * 3.) Solar System * New Third Grade Assessment

17. Social Studies: Basic Geographic Literacy People in Their Community Economics and Our Community Being an Active Member of Our Community

18. Grading: Online Standards-based reporting system Success Standards: 3 (consistently), 2 (often), 1 (rarely) Learning Standards: Reading, Writing, Math: E (exceeding), M (meeting), A (approaching), L (limited progress) Assessments math packets, LEAD 21 assessments, weekly spelling tests, graded writing pieces, science/social studies unit tests Study guides provided, in-class reviews All major assessments to be signed Portfolios of student work

19. Administrative Cabinet  What?  A team that meets weekly to discuss student issues and concerns, and brainstorm ideas of how to meet a child’s needs in the classroom.  Who?  Your child’s teacher  Principal (Mr. Testani)  Student Support Counselor (Ms. Vass)  School Psychologist (Mrs. Moran)  Reading Specialists (Mrs. Kehoe or Mrs. Sauers)  Other school personnel (as needed)  What do they discuss?  Any issues that your child may be having in the classroom.  Examples: Behavioral, Emotional or Social Concerns, Enrichment Opportunities, Academic Concerns, Fine Motor Skills concerns, Developmental concerns  How will you know?  Your child’s teacher will communicate to you that they are going to bring these concerns up at a cabinet meeting to get some ideas for the classroom or next steps. The teacher will follow up with you after meeting with the team.  If further action is recommended, such as an IST meeting, you will be contacted by Ms. Vass

20. IST Process (Instructional Support Team)  What?  A team that meets twice a month to review data, create goals and brainstorm interventions to meet a child’s needs in the classroom.  Who?  Parents  Your child’s teacher  Principal (Mr. Testani)  Student Support Counselor (Ms. Vass)  School Psychologist (Mrs. Moran)  Reading Specialists (Mrs. Kehoe or Mrs. Sauers)  Other school personnel, as deemed necessary  What will happen?  Once the team has determined goals and interventions, an Action Plan will be developed and implemented. A follow- up meeting will be scheduled to review the effectiveness of the plan and determine a further course of action. Outcomes could include:  Interventions are effective; continue those strategies in the classroom.  Some modifications to the interventions are necessary. Revise the Action Plan and schedule a second follow-up meeting.  Interventions have resulted in limited improvement. An educational evaluation may be recommended (requires parent approval).

21. Management: Class Rules Mustang Motivators Their Gift/Ripple Effect/Bucket Filling emphasis Mr. Potato Head, Table Points Note or phone call home Behavior Communication Form, logical consequences Conference with parents

22. Conferences: Goal setting: November 23 rd and 24 th Portfolio: March 24 th Students are invited to attend both conferences

23. . Dismissal: If you need to pick up your child, please do so BEFORE 2:45pm. This will help to alleviate the congestion at dismissal time. If you need to change your child’s dismissal procedure, please send a note in the morning OR call the main office 267-893-4350. If your child is going home with someone else (either via car or walking) please be sure your child has a note stating the change, as well as the other child.

24. Field Trips: We have two fun field trips planned for this year! Learn about insect life cycles and adaptations at Honey Hollow Nature Center (October 7) Tour the Franklin Institute and enjoy the exciting exhibits (Spring 2016) Plus….we have two in school “interactive” activities planned! Classroom Embryology Unit…our chicks should hatch on October 5 Travel to outer space by visiting The Star Lab here at school ( tentatively Winter 2016 ) Chaperones WITH APPROPRIATE CLEARANCES will be needed for both trips. I will send more information home as we get closer to each one.

25. Miscellaneous: … Spotlight on Music 10/27 … Roxy Reading … Mystery Reader …VIP of the Week …Birthday Celebrations ….Dental forms due October 15 … Junk Bugs during Celebrate Education Week (October 12 th ) Please start collecting!

26. Online Resources: www.everydaymathonline.com www.xtramath.org www.teachtci.com Please utilize these fantastic sites to help your son or daughter this year!

27. Questions?

28. Let’s Have a Great Year! Before you leave, make sure you…. *Write your child a note in his or her journal. *Fill out the student information card for me. *Sign the back white board with your regular signature.