1. Mrs. Lewandowski's Class
Welcome to 3D
Mrs. Lewandowski's Class
My presentation will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Please choose a piece of stationary from the round table and write a note to your child. Kindly put it in your child’s desk folder for him/her to enjoy tomorrow morning. Thank you! 

2. Welcome to Third Grade Introduction November Conference sign-ups
Daily Schedule
Pull out Programs
Curriculum Guide
Wellness Policy Please practice telling time to reduce anxiety about pull-outs. 

3. Organizational Tools Assignment Book: Check daily!
Binder—travels to each class and home
Pouch to hold pencils, pens, highlighters, erasers, and crayon pack
Tab dividers to separate subjects: Math, Science, Social Studies, CA,
Homework Folder-3 hole punched
(Labeled stay at home/return to school)

4. Homework Tips
When returning home, students should open his/her assignment book & place it in a convenient spot for parents to review. Parents should not have to “dig” through their child’s backpack.
Establish a homework routine
Find a quiet place
Make a homework supply box
Review your child’s homework. The student is responsible for putting it back in the backpack.

5. Communication Arts Harcourt Storytown Themes School Days
Together We Can
As We Grow
Tales To Tell
A Place For All
Discoveries

6. Reading Skills Robust Vocabulary Word Analysis/Phonics Comprehension
Literal comprehension (Look back strategy)
Making inferences (Use your personal experiences and story clues to infer how characters feel or why they act in a certain way.)
Written response (Students use specific details & examples from the story to write complete responses.)

7. Written Response Expectations
Lesson 1 Weekly Test Written Response: “Ruby the Copycat”
Example of expectations to earn 3/3 points using PSSA Rubric Format  
Question: Explain how Angela’s feelings toward Ruby Change during
the story. Use details and information from “Ruby the Copycat” to explain your answer.
This is how Angela’s feelings toward Ruby changed. In the beginning, Angela liked when Ruby went home at lunch and changed her clothes to copy Angela. For example, on page 27 Angela whispered, “I like your sweater.” In the middle of the story, Angela was mad that Ruby copied her so much. For example, on page 33 Angela wrote a note that said, “YOU COPIED ME! I’M TELLING MISS HART!” At the end of the story, Angela liked Ruby again because she was being herself and not copying others. For example, on page 39 they hopped home for lunch together. That is how Angela’s feelings toward Ruby changed.
Topic Sentence
Supporting Details & Examples
Conclusion Sentence

8. Oral Reading Fluency… Lesson Tests—Parent Involvement Section
…is the ability to read text smoothly, accurately, and with expression. Fluent readers can read aloud with a pace and phrasing that are much like speaking.)
Lesson Tests—Parent Involvement Section
Fluency log-binder
Tips for improving fluency are on the
back of the log.

9. Fluency Assessment: Lesson Tests
Instruct your child to read the story aloud with expression and fluency while you time him/her for 1 minute. Your child should stop at periods & pause at commas. Reading fluency is NOT speed reading!
As the child reads, the parent should circle the omitted, unknown, or mispronounced words on the second copy of the story. These words will be scored as “incorrect.” If he/she goes back to self correct a mistake, do not count the word as “incorrect.”
Count the # of words your child read correctly in one minute. That is your child’s WCPM (words correct per minute.)
Record the WCPM score on the cover sheet of the lesson test and fluency log located in your child’s binder.
Take turns reading aloud with your child weekly to model and practice fluency.
Once upon a time there was a greedy dog. Even
though he had plenty of food and toys, he always desired 21
more. One afternoon he observed a little puppy chewing 30
on a huge bone
"Give me that bone," the greedy dog growled. The
frightened puppy dropped the bone and scurried away
The greedy dog scooped up the bone and marched on
his way
As the greedy dog crossed a bridge over a creek, he
glanced over the edge of the bridge and noticed another 84
dog staring up at him from the water. That dog also had 96
a huge bone in his mouth. The greedy dog decided he
wanted that bone, too
He bared his teeth and let out a fierce growl. Much
to his disbelief, the dog in the water growled back. The 133
greedy dog snapped at the bone in the other dog's
mouth. Plop! The bone in the greedy dog's mouth fell
into the water, and the other dog vanished
"That dog has stolen my bone! " thought the greedy
dog. "I must find him!"
Of course, he never did
_______WCPM
Third Grade Storytown Benchmarks
Fall
Winter
Spring 71 92
107

10. Choosing an Appropriate Book
Five Finger Rule:
Open the book to a middle page with little or no pictures.
While reading the page, put one finger up each time you can’t pronounce a word, or if you don’t know the meaning of a word.
If you have 5 or more fingers up at the end of the page…STOP…and choose another book. That book is too difficult for you.

11. Accelerated Reader Books
Chapter books that are read independently
Read during silent reading time or when students finish work/tests
Children must always keep a silent reading book in his/her desk.
Students complete a multiple choice quiz on the computer for an independent comprehension grade when they finish the book.
If students score 6/10 or less, the book will be sent home to reread
with a parent. (Retest-average scores)

13. Third Grade Reading Log
Children are required to read 25 grade appropriate books during the third grade school year.
Books do not have to be chapter books
Reading Log~ located in your child’s binder
Accelerated Reader books and books read this summer may be included.
A variety of genre is encouraged:
~Poetry~Biography~Realistic Fiction~Non-Fiction

14. Creative Writing The Writing Process: Pre-writing Drafting
Revising/Editing
Final Draft
Proofreading/Sharing

15. Types of Writing Friendly letter Personal Narrative Compare/Contrast
Instructions
Persuasive
Poetry
Description
Creative writing is not graded until fourth grade. The primary writing goal in third grade is for students to independently write a detailed paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting details, and a conclusion sentence.

16. Hamburger Paragraph Format
First,
Next,
After that,
Finally,

17. Grammar Skills Types of Sentences Nouns/Pronouns Verbs
Adjectives/Adverbs
Conventions – includes capitalization, punctuation, and sentence structure.

18. Daily Oral Language
The students edit two sentences each morning upon arrival. We correct these sentences together and discuss spelling, grammar, and convention rules.
The skills are taught & reinforced continuously all year.
Students will complete a 10 point quiz to assess their knowledge and application of the skills. (See assignment book for test dates.)
There is a study guide for each week in the DOL booklet. It is located in your child’s binder behind the “Grammar” tab.
The test consists of 5 multiple choice questions and a paragraph in which students must identify and correct 5 errors.

19. Spelling
Monday-The students will be given a pretest of 15 words and the spelling generalization is introduced. Five challenge words will be given to students who miss 0 or 1 on the pretest.
Tuesday-Thursday- Reinforcement and practice activities are completed.
Friday- The students complete a weekly test.
Spelling correlates with each story in the reading series, so we may not have spelling lessons/tests every week.

20. Mathematics Harcourt Mathematics Program
30 Chapters- Pennsylvania Standards
Very rigorous curriculum- Monitoring homework daily is essential for your child’s success in the classroom.
Grouping Based Upon Second Grade:
~ ITBS Scores-concepts, problem solving, and computation
~Basic fact speed quizzes (+ and -)
~ Math student attributes
~ End of book test
Academic I Group: Mrs. Lewandowski / Ms. Kauffman
Academic II Group: All other classes are mixed
(Mrs. Arbogast, Mrs. Hinkson, & Mrs. Wiesemann)
Missing Homework: A “Homework Slip” will be given to the student. It must be signed by the student and parent and then stapled to the completed homework assignment. If this is not returned the next day, the student will stay in from recess to complete the missing assignment.

21. Practice, Practice, Practice…
Basic Math Facts
Practice, Practice, Practice…
Reinforcing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division facts each day will increase your child’s confidence so he may experience success in the classroom.
Log onto the McKnight webpage to access to your child’s math book on-line, tutorials, and fun learning links to support the curriculum.
Harcourt—Learning Site—”That’s a Fact” orange box at the top of the page is a great resource.
Many apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod, and smart phones are great for practicing facts on the go!

22. Rocket Math
Students practice a small number of facts in a sequential manner repeatedly. The gradual accumulation of facts and repeated practice helps to commit facts to long term memory so they may be recalled quickly.
Third grade begins with subtraction (Letters A-Z) and will move to multiplication (Letters A-Z). Students who do not master subtraction by November/December, will still progress to multiplication.
Parent participation is important for your child’s success!
A list of sequential facts to study is located in your child’s assignment book. He/she should write which letter to study in his assignment book each night.
Flashcards of the facts have been sent home for practice. Students should recite the problem and the answer.
Upon mastering a level, your child will color the corresponding letter on the rocket.
Students complete a two-minute weekly non-graded quiz to track progress.
Rocket Math Preview

23. Scientific Method of Inquiry:
Science
Scientific Method of Inquiry:
Generate a Question
Create a Hypothesis
Plan an Investigation
Collect and Display Data
Analyze the Data to Draw a
Conclusion
6. Think: How could I investigate this topic further?
McKnight-Westinghouse Partnership in Grades 3, 4, & 5 to promote careers in science/mathematics and provide hands-on activities in which students take on an engineering role.

24. Technology in our Lives
Science Units
Earth Science
Physical Science
Space & Technology
Water
Properties of Matter
Patterns in the Sky
Weather
Changes in Matter
Our Solar System
Rocks & Soil
Forces in Motion
Technology in our Lives
Changes on Earth
Energy
Natural Resources
Sound

25. Social Studies Miss Kauffman is the teacher (3A)
3rd Grade Harcourt Series: Our Communities
Topics Include:
Maps & Globes
Communities
Geographical features, cultures, citizens, government, and economics
State and National History
Important people, places, and events

26. On-line Resources
TYLER Gradebook: Parents may access their child’s grades and other related information via the student information system. (SIS) Directions to access this information is located on the district website.
Please do not use the feature of this program, because it does not connect to the district .
If a grade is listed as incomplete for your child, please be patient.
He/she may have been absent or making up work from a pull-out.
Click on the assignment to see the point value. The assignment
may read 50%, but the score may be 2/4 on a lesson test skill.
Students may access their READING, MATH, SCIENCE, & SOCIAL
STUDIES books on-line. Directions are listed on the district website and my website.

27. PSSA Testing
PA Department of Education has established math, reading, writing, and science standards for all students in grades K-12.
The standards provide consistency in education across the state.
Assessments are given in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 (High School---Keystone Exams)
Third grade testing ~ Math & Reading Only
Testing Dates: March 17-27
Usually testing is conducted each morning during the first week, and make-up tests are given the second week. The testing schedule is not yet determined, so please do not schedule vacations and appointments during these two weeks.)

28. Third Grade PSSA Testing
Reading Assessments:
~ multiple choice items
~ constructed response in which students
must write specific story examples to
respond to the question. (3 pt. rubric)
Math Assessments:
~ constructed response in which students must
show work for each step of the problem AND
write sentences to explain his/her thought
process (4 pt. rubric)

29. PSSA Testing
North Allegheny curriculum is directly aligned with the Pennsylvania State Standards.
The staff at McKnight is dedicated to not only prepare your child for the state assessment, but to empower students to be lifelong thinkers and learners.
The students are well prepared for the exam. They need to get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and “show what they know.” 

30. Olweus Bully Prevention
"A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions by one or more persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself.”
Class Meetings will be conducted to share feelings and experiences, develop a sense of community within the classroom, and aid students in solving problems.

31. Old Fashioned Holidays
The children dress in styles from the 1800’s and travel through 5 centers to create old fashioned crafts to be given as holiday gifts.

32. Earth Day: April

33. Walking Tour of Pittsburgh

34. * Indicates that parent volunteers are needed.
Third Grade Dates
November 4 & 5-- Parent Teacher Conferences (No School)
Phone conferences will be conducted for those out of town.
*December 5—Old Fashioned Holidays Celebration
January 13-17—ITBS Testing
March 17-27—PSSA Testing each morning
*April 24—Earth Day Celebration
May 23—McKnight Memorial Day Show (9:15 a.m.)
*June 3-5—Walking Tour of Pittsburgh
(Two classes will attend June 3 & 4—One class will attend June 5. More info. will arrive home in the spring. Volunteers are limited for this event.)
*June 6—McKnight Field Day
* Indicates that parent volunteers are needed.

35. Thank you for coming!
Please read the butterfly story located in your child’s packet. I’m looking forward to working in partnership with you to help your child gain independence and establish strong organizational skills.