1. Hopewell Elementary School
Welcome to Third Grade!
Teacher Contact Information
Mrs. Pompella
Mrs. Hudson
Mrs. Scanlon
Hopewell Elementary School

2. “Kicking It Up a Notch!”
“It takes a village to raise a child.” -Hilary Clinton
We wanted to take this opportunity to address concerns from previous years and familiarize you with our goals for this year. You play an important role in making this year a success
One of our main goals this year for us to work together with you to build respectful and responsible life-long learners.

3. Our Daily Schedule 8:50-9:10 Unpack/Morning Work
9:15-9:45 Social Studies/Science
9:45-10:45 Mathematics
10:45-11:45 Guided Reading/Centers
11:45-12:45 Lunch & Recess
12:45-1:35 Special
1:35-3:15 Language Arts

4. Social Studies Social Studies Alive program is very hands-on
There are lots of learning experiences
The lessons are interactive and engaging
Students will be graded in the 1st and 3rd marking periods
All tests are sign and return
2nd step: teaches responsibility and character building traits

5. Science The program is called Interactive Science
It will include more investigations and experiments
Students will receive grades in the 2nd and 4th marking periods.
All tests are expected to be signed and returned.
We cover the topics:
Simple Machines
Agriculture
Ecosystems
Endangered Species
Wetlands/Watersheds

6. Math We use the Common Core enVision Math series.
Students are able to access their book and lesson tutorials online
The focus of this program is to understand the concepts, not just to be able to correctly do procedures.
The program is interactive and uses technology.
Their homework will be assigned based on ability level.
They will have a daily common core review each day that reviews all concepts that have been taught.
All tests should be signed and returned

7. Guided Reading and Independent Center Work
Our focus in third grade is comprehension.
We also work on fluency
Groups are based on their instructional level
Centers will be assigned if they are not being met with in a group
All work is appropriate to their independent level
This is also the time they can do their unfinished work
This is also the time that interventions take place
Groups are:
Flexible
Met with as often as possible

8. Specials
Gym
Wear your sneakers
Tech Smarts
Library
Music
Art

9. Language Arts Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Journeys Common Core Edition
Lessons are themed and will most likely span over more than one week
Program has a strong focus on vocabulary development as well as phonics awareness and grammar skills
Each lesson the comprehension skills and strategies are modeled and shared through the literature and guided reading story

10. Language Arts Continued…
Book Assessments are administered at the end of each lesson
These will be done independently as a way to measure comprehension and to begin preparing for PSSA’s
Please sign and return assessments
Spelling Tests will be given at the end of each lesson. They may not fall on the same day each week and some weeks there may not be a spelling test.
Students will also learn about the writing traits and the different genres of writing daily

11. Handwriting We start with cursive lower case and end with upper case.
We usually finish near the end of the 2nd marking period, but it may be later.
Until we finish they are not encouraged to use it in daily writing because they don’t know how to form all the letters correctly **but** they can practice letters they learned
We usually make them write in ALL cursive once they learn it, so if you see re-do on papers after they have learned all the letters it might be because they didn’t do it in cursive.
The proper way to form letters can be found in the packet

12. Study Habits
Assessments in third grade will be more challenging than they were in past years.
The students will be required to study more at home using the book materials, class work and study guides that are provided.
We would like to encourage you help your child develop good study habitats this year.
Study guides are typically sent home at least two days in advance.

13. How to help your child learn to study and be a successful learner
Create flashcards
Encourage them to go to bed early on nights of tests
Use Hopewell’s Online Resource Page
Review Science and Social Studies worksheets that will be done in class and sent home with the study
Ask them if they have a song, trick or poem to help them retain information that was taught in school
Communicate with your child
Have your child phone a friend as a “study buddy”
Additional tips can be found by goggling “elementary study tips”

14. Ways to become involved in your child’s learning
Encourage your child to write their homework down in their agenda and check it daily
Positive encouragement (letting your child know you believe in them)
Have a regular time and place to do homework and studying daily
Keep up to date with classroom information by reading newsletters and viewing your child’s teacher’s webpage
Read over the home-school connection letter, PTA letters, and Hopewell Happenings that are sent home
Encourage your child to take the responsibility of emptying their backpack each night as you review their homework folder

15. Guidelines for Parent Involvement in Student Learning
Cooperation by parents is a necessary for a meaningful homework experience.  Parents can encourage their student by showing interest and offering help as needed.
Parents should:
1.     Review schoolwork with the student and sign assignments as requested.
2.     Monitor TV, video, and computer time and the content or programs viewed.
3.     Provide a regular time for homework and area in the home for study.
4.     Check homework assignments and talk to teachers to make sure the work is being done properly.
5.     Ask children about what they are learning.
6.     Monitor the student’s participation in activities and avoid over-scheduling.
7.     Insure that children complete homework missed due to absence. 

16. Standardized Tests PSSA’S
We do review for them in class with testing strategies and review PSSA packets.
However, our curriculum is aligned with the PA Standards so we are constantly reviewing for them on a daily basis.
Dates: April 11-22nd 2016
Make-ups will be provided as needed

17. DIBELS/Interventions
Three subtests administered:
Oral Reading Fluency
Cloze
Oral Re-tell
Scores based on National Average
Interventions are determined by scores & are geared towards comprehension, phonics and fluency based on the child’s need

18. Report Cards
This year they will have letter grades in Math, Reading and Spelling.
I will go over any specific questions about these during conferences.

19. School-Wide Behavior Plan
CARES
School Program based on the philosophy of “Be Nice-Be Safe”
Celebrations occur throughout the year to award responsible and respectful students

20. Third Grade CARES Expectations
A NICE, respectful and responsible third grader looks like:
Respect others
Raise your hand and wait your turn
Listen attentively to the speaker
Cooperate
A RESPONSIBLE, respectful and responsible third grader looks like:
Respect personal space
Walk quietly on the silver line
Follow directions for the first time