1. Third Grade Back to School Night 2015-2016

2. Contact Information When in doubt, send in a note. We try to check email in the morning and afternoon, but sometimes things come up. If you think we should know, please send a note or call the school. Email Addresses: Ellen_T_Potter@mcpsmd.org Lisa_O_Narges@mcpsmd.org

3. P.B.I.S. (Positive Behavior Intervention System) *Blue Tickets- individual rewards used to buy items or special experiences at the School or Class Store *High Five- class rewards that are collected to earn a Soar Day *Soar Day- a class, grade, or school-wide reward earned over a period of time (usually weeks or months) At Woodfield, we are: Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to learn!

4. P.B.I.S. (Positive Behavior Intervention System) Reminders of the expectations are given along with warnings Opportunities to self-reflect and analyze occur through the use of a “Think Spot” Major infractions or chronic problems are referred to the Office Teacher notes, emails, and/or phone calls with updates updates (ex. check the red Monday folder for teacher notes)

5. Positive points Reminders as needed Parents/Guardians can monitor daily progress Compliments our PBIS Blue Ticket rewards Coming Soon!

6. Chromebooks 101 Why is this important? 1:1 (1 student per computer) learning environment Each child has a Google account with access to online storage (Google Drive) publishing programs (Google Docs and Slides) learning apps / websites How does it work? Kids log in at school or from any computer with internet access at www.google.com OR on the Chromebook just Login: ######@mcpsmd.net Know the password With technology, comes RESPONSIBILITY. –Only use approved sites –Only with teacher permission

7. Third Grade Reading/Language Arts A typical day includes a 90 minute reading block Guided reading groups: 3-5 times per week Word Study – in guided reading focusing on word parts: base words, prefixes and suffixes Reading group and comprehension skill follow-up 3-5 days per week A typical day includes a 45 minute writing block. Focuses on narrative, nonfiction, and opinion writing throughout each marking period. Focuses on the process of writing (brainstorming, drafting, editing/revising).

8. Guided Reading Groups Grouping is made based on student’s needs, strengths, and/or reading level. On-going progress monitoring These groups are flexible and may involve working in other classrooms with teachers other than their Homeroom Teacher. Reading Instruction Consists of guided group instruction, some whole group lessons, independent reading, and word study.

9. “Word Study” Word Study (aka Spelling or Use of Language) and vocabulary instruction will occur within guided reading groups, content areas, and reading instruction. Some areas of study will focus on vocabulary and spelling patterns, whereas other areas will focus on conventional use of words (nouns, plurals, prefix/suffix) and high frequency words. Word Study practice homework periodically

10. Writer’s Workshop We use the Writer’s Workshop model –quick whole group and/or small group mini-lessons –independent practice –small group editing/revising Writing Process – planning, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing. –Not all writing pieces will go through these stages. –Often we generate many ideas and choose the best to take through the process. You may hear your scholars use words from the 6+1 Traits of Writing model Voice, Organization Ideas Conventions Word Choice Sentence Fluency Presentation.

11. Communication Look-For’s Daily – the Student Planners have a box at the bottom of each day where teachers can write notes. Weekly – a newsletter will be sent home in the red “Monday Folder” each week. We hope to Go GREEN soon! -sent via email soon -posted on the school website -can be sent in hard copy form if requested (as we are currently doing while we get those updated emails) Bi-weekly- student progress reports will be included in the child’s Monday folder for your review. This includes information about academic progress as well as Thinking and Academic Success Skills. As needed, you may receive notes, emails, and telephone calls with updates.

12. Third Grade Assessments The MAP-R (Measures of Academic Progress in Reading ) is a reading test students take 3 times this school year to measure reading progress (Fall,Winter,Spring). The MAP-M (Measures of Academic Progress in Math ) is administered 3 times this school year to measure math progress (Fall,Winter,Spring). The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) is the newer State assessment given to all 3 rd Graders Winter and Spring

13. Third Grade Homework We strongly encourage your child read or be read to 20 minutes each night. Homework will be given nightly, Monday-Thursday, and is due the next day unless otherwise noted. Students write in their homework daily in their agenda/planner. Please check and sign your child’s agenda every night. No homework is assigned on the weekends. Homework will include the daily 20 minutes of reading, written responses to texts, math, word study, science, and/or social studies practice. ** If homework is consistently taking your child more than 45 minutes to complete each night, please contact your child’s teacher.**

14. Websites for Parents Curriculum Links http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/parents/fourlevels/ Helping Your Child in Reading http://www.readingrockets.org/audience/parents/

15. Our Field Trip Baltimore Museum of Industry in May closely aligns with the Grade 3 curriculum. This is an expensive trip due to the need for charter buses and cost of the museum. The cost in Spring 2015 was $33 per child. (Consider reinforcing the Grade 3 “Financial Literacy” Unit by having your child save $0.50- 1.00 each week to put towards the field trip.) Additional in-school programs are offered through the PTA.

16. Sign up for Parent Conferences! With your child’s teacher Wednesday, November 11 Thursday, November 12 Sign-up on tables outside gym.