1. Mrs. Ortiz 3rd GRADE 2014-2015

2. An Apple for the teacher Is really nothing new Except when you remember Parents are teachers too!

3. Welcome back! We are looking forward to an exciting school year working with you and your child. As your child’s teachers, you can expect your child to be provided with:  High expectations for learning and academic behavior  A positive and rewarding learning experience  A safe, accepting, encouraging, and structured learning environment Family involvement is important in all aspects of a child’s educational experience. In order for your child to take advantage of his/her learning experience, you could help your child by:  Making sure your child is in school each day, on time, and ready for school with materials  Providing enough time, help, and support for your child to complete home learning activities  Communicating with your child and your child’s teachers especially via the agenda  Supporting and getting acquainted with the school’s curriculum

4. Mrs. Ortiz Schedule – Room 107 MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayP Friday 8:30 – 10:05Math 10:05- 10:35P.E. 10:45 -11:15LUNCH 11:15 – 11:45SCIENCE 11:45:12:00MATH 12:00-12:30Music/Art 12:30-1:15MATH SPANISH 1:05-2:00 1:15-2:05SPANISH Early Dismissal 2:05 – 2:35 2:35-2:55 2:55-3:00 WRITING S.S Packup

5. Classroom Rules:  Listen when others are talking.  Follow directions at all times  Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself  Work quietly and do not disturb others.  Show respect for school and personal property.  Work and play in a safe manner. Rewards for Recognizing Appropriate Behavior:  Positive verbal praise  Classroom helpers  Treasure Chest  Class Parties Consequences for Disobeying Rules:  Verbal warning  Silent lunch  Loss of privileges  Note sent home  After School Detention  Referral to administration

6.  Each child will be seated in groups to facilitate team work and cooperative learning, and a tally system will be used. Points can be earned for good behavior, volunteering in class, following directions, keeping their desk clean etc. Points can also be deducted for not following the classroom rules. An the winning be rewarded.  More than five “G’s” will result in a “B” grade  More than three “S’s” will result in a “C” grade Behavior calendars will be sent home daily and should be initialed.

7. Students will be assigned home learning on a daily basis. It is imperative that agendas are checked to verify assignment due dates.  According to MDCPS policy, students in the 3rd grade are required to complete 45 minutes of home learning daily. In addition, students will read 30 minutes daily.  Home learning assignments will be recorded in the agenda  Home learning is used to reinforce the concepts and skills learned in class; therefore, the assignments correspond with the lessons practiced in class.  Please review your child’s agenda on a daily basis to stay informed regarding all assignments, tests, due dates and teacher notes.  Repetitive incomplete home learning assignments will affect student grades and academic efforts.

8. 1 st – 8 th GradesNumerical Value Verbal Interpretation A90-100%Outstanding Progress B80-89%Above Average Progress C70-79%Average Progress D60-69%Lowest Acceptable Progress F0-59%Failure Xdoes not affect average Missed Assignment

9.  Students will be marked tardy after 8:30 a.m.  A note for the absence should be sent within 2 days.  The excused absences include:  Student illness  Medical appointments  Death in family  Observance of religious holidays  Any extended absences should be approved by the principal prior to the absence.  10 early dismissals equals a referral

10. Unexcused Absences  For every 3 a referral will be given Excused Absences  For every 10 a referral will be given  Only 10 handwritten notes are acceptable. A doctor’s note is required after 10 absences. Tardies  For every 10 a referral will be given

11. Parents are required to volunteer 30 hours per child and 15 for siblings. (One hour equal $5.00.) Below are some options for completing the volunteer hours:  Cafeteria assistance  Classroom assistance from home  Special school events  Classroom donations (Receipt MUST be turned into homeroom teacher )  Wish list items (Receipt MUST be turned into homeroom teacher)  Field trip chaperones  Parents must register online and have a volunteer number in order to participate in field trips.

12.  Please make sure that all money sent to us is placed inside the home learning folder.  The money should be placed the new “Birdie Bag” or clear zipper pouch.  Please do not approach us with money or have your child provide us with the money personally- the collection will take place during our daily morning routine to ensure proper recording.

13. Students are expected to wear the correct uniform on a daily basis. Girls: Culottes or pants in navy or tan Polo shirt in white, teal, or navy blue with emblem. Boys: Pants - Navy blue or tan with black belt. Polo shirt in white, teal, or navy with emblem. Both: Navy blue jacket or cardigan with school logo. Shoes: Must be solid black, including the bottom soles and shoelaces. Only Mater Gardens shoelaces are allowed. NO WHITE ANYWHERE ON THE SHOE 3 warnings equal a referral Uniforms are mandatory, no exceptions!

14.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. However, the most effective vehicle is through e-mail, which will be checked on a daily basis.  This will minimize interruptions in the instructional process. Please schedule an appointment for conferences and refrain from interfering with morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal procedures.  Mrs. Ortiz’s email: dortiz@matergardens.comdortiz@matergardens.com

15. Florida Standards Assessment (grades 3-8: reading and math) https://login4.cloud1.tds.airast.org/student/V42/Pages/LoginS hell.aspx?c=Florida_PT (username and password: GUEST) How to order uniforms  place online order on MATER GARDENS under PARENTS- MAKE A PAYMENT; distributed on Tuesdays to the students)  Pin numbers and creating the portal to check the grades daily Morning lab  Letters sent; starts week of September 8 th (math only)  Awards criteria  Self-explanatory  Student portfolios (materials)  Collection of papers (lunch applications, contracts, contact cards, handbook acknowledgement)  Box Tops and Shoparoo

16.  The website will be updated weekly, and will provide you with important announcements, home learning assignments, wish list items, field trips, and special activities.  To access the website, please do the following:  Go to the website- http://www.matergardens.comhttp://www.matergardens.com  Click on the “Parents” tab  Click on “Contact a Teacher”  Scroll down and find the teacher’s name  Click on the Llinks” tab, then click on “Schoolrack” ENJOY!

17. This website will allow you to view your student’s grades.  To access the website, please do the following:  Go to the website- http://www.matergardens.com http://www.matergardens.com  Click on the “Parents” tab  Click on “Parent Portal”  On the Dadeschools site click on the “Log into Parent Portal” arrow  Enter your username and password

18. We look forward to a successful year with many treasured memories! Thank you for all your support and cooperation, Mrs. Ortiz