1. Who’s Who? Ms. Scott- Math, Science, and Social Studies Mrs. Sexton- Reading, Spelling, Language, Composition, Handwriting Conference Times: Daily at 8:30 OR most mornings at 7:45. Best to reach by email rather than school phone.

2. Schedule Lunch 11:30-12:00 Library every Thursday-bring books Art every Tuesday- dress appropriately Switch at 12:30

3. Agendas/Planners Nightly homework assignments are written on the board. Time is given for students to copy in agendas. Homework is due the next day. The information is also posted on teacher websites.

4. Behavior Positive behavior is rewarded with tickets. Students can redeem for prizes. Inappropriate behavior is recorded on teacher clipboard. These notations are then shared in Tuesday folders.

5. Math Math Envision Math The enVision Math program is based on scientific research on how children learn mathematics. The curriculum offers opportunity for visual learning through use of technology and literature. User name and password will be sent home soon. Textbook will be available online.

6. Math Daily Warm-ups Daily Math Homework FOCUS on understanding as well as performances. Topics: place value, add and subtract large numbers, measurement, problem solving, geometry, multiplication/division concepts, money, fractions, and decimals.

7. Reading Reading texts will include the district adopted basal series and novels to supplement and enhance instruction and themes.

8. Reading Homework Students are being asked to read for 15 minutes nightly. Log minutes read on the Pony Reading Sheet. Wacky Wednesday students must record on Pony Reading Sheet for homework credit to be given. There are great incentives for reading, take advantage. Pony Reading, Sticker Chart in my room, and Bluebonnet Party.

9. Reading Groups Students will be grouped in a variety of ways for reading. Guided Reading Groups (by ability) Literature Circles (by novel choice) Independent Reading (self-selected books)

10. Social Studies Communities & Culture (ancient to present) Geography Citizenship & Government Economics

11. Science Hands On Study Skills Some topics to be covered: Scientific Investigation and Reasoning, Matter, Force and Motion, Earth and Space, Organisms and Environment, Types of Energy.

12. Grading In all subjects minor grades are 50% of the final average. Major grades constitute the other 50%. Homework is reflected in the work habits section of the behavior chart. 0-3=E 4-6=S 7-9=N 10+ = U

13. Retesting Procedures If a student fails a major test, a retake will be given. Students will have three school days in which to accomplish this. The higher of the two scores will be recorded, not to exceed 70%. (Only one retest given for each retake.) However, District and Common Assessments retest will not be given. Minor grades will not be changed.

14. Book Reports A few book reports will be assigned. You will be given a scoring rubric and exact instructions with a due date.

15. Language/Handwriting Language/Handwriting New textbook series for grammar and writing. Write Source is a digital textbook. Very interactive with games and writing examples. Handwriting Without Tears. Teaches cursive with less loops and tails.

16. Spelling Spelling pretests will be given each Monday. Words will be sent home on brightly colored paper and available on my website. If a 100 is scored on the pretest, an extension list of 10 words with the same spelling pattern will be given. The 100 will be given in the gradebook and up to 5 extra points can be earned. All 9 tests are averaged together for one daily grade.

17. STARR TEST Students will take the STARR test. (State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness.) 3 rd graders will take the Math portion on April 23 rd. The reading portion will be given April 24 th.

18. Technology at Home First in Math KidBiz 3000 Learning.com Envision math and reading online User names and passwords coming soon.

19. Thank you for coming! Now it’s time to check for understanding with an eInstruction quiz. Locate a response pad. Share with those around you.