1. WELCOME TO THIRD GRADE! Ms. Byrne 2008 - 2009

2. Byrne’s Brightest! Our motto: READ, THINK, and WRITE!

3. A little about me I have been teaching for 13 years – kindergarten, first, second, third, high school and teachers. I was a costume, bridal gown, and jewelry designer prior to teaching. I have two sons – one is 19, one is 22. I have started work on a doctorate. I have a BA in Art and a Master’s in Education.

4. T-Shirts: Crab printing! For field trips! For special school events! For fun! Bring in your t-shirt ASAP – will be printing the second week of school. Wash regularly – it shouldn’t wash off!

5. Daily Schedule Language- 9:00 – 10:45 Science/Social Studies 10:45 – 11:30 Remediation 11:30 – 11:55 Lunch 12:00 – 12:30 Recess 12:35 – 12:50 Math 12:50 – 2:15 Resource 2:15 – 3:00 Dismissal 3:07 **If your child is absent, it is considered unexcused unless a note from the parent is sent in to the office**

6. Guided Reading Groups These are flexible reading groups. They may be groups according to ability or interest level. Rigby levels and STAR levels determine ability. They are FLEXIBLE, meaning the student may change groups throughout the year. During reading groups, we also have independent work. Please Note: In third grade, it is expected that students will work independently!

7. Word Study Groups Spelling progresses in a predictable way as students learn various patterns in spelling. Students are grouped by what they already know or need to learn. Choice board homework – Your child can choose how to practice each night – but make sure they know how to sort the words by pattern (ex. a, ai, ay, aCe).

8. Social Studies and Science Each Tuesday and Thursday we switch classes for Science and Social Studies (Mrs. Farr). I teach Science to both classes.

9. Cooperative Learning The Kagan Model We use a lot of cooperative learning to keep kids engaged in the subject matter. Rally coach is when one student acts as the coach while the other child works aloud; then roles switch. Quiz, quiz, trade is when students ask each other questions; trade questions and find new partners. Sometimes we play cooperative jeopardy. Sometimes we even take quizzes cooperatively!

10. Assessments Multiple choice tests for units mirror the SOL types of questions. –http://education.jlab.org/solquiz/index.htmlhttp://education.jlab.org/solquiz/index.html –http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Assessmen t/releasedtests.htmlhttp://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Assessmen t/releasedtests.html In class project work requires students to apply knowledge and share their understandings. These assessments often count MORE than multiple choice tests because they show understanding.

11. Grading Scale 92-100 A 84-91 B 75-83 C 67-74 D 66 and below F All graded work will have either a number or letter grade. Ungraded work will have a check or star (practice work while learning).

12. Homework Policy: This is the year to help your child develop study skills. An average of 45 minutes per night. AR! Spelling practice – quiz on Thursdays – be sure they can write them in categories! Math practice – skill done that week. Please assist as needed. Read 20 minutes. Please write the title of the book and sign the agenda each evening. Study guides will come home for science and sometimes math. Study them nightly – develop the habit!

13. Accelerated Reader Independent level/STARS test Goals- new each quarter – usually about 10 points. Be aware that some books are.5 (not 5). Students should get about 85 % or higher – or I will ask them to go down a level. Students must take a test each week!

14. Reading Programs Read Aloud Virginia is a program (Oct. to May) that fosters parents reading TO their children. It is proven to increase vocabulary and comprehension. Calendars- sign nightly Book-It (Oct. to March): Independent reading (can be AR books) – 10 per month. Pizza prize! Admirals Hockey: Can be Book-it books. Read 10 books and win 4 tickets to Admirals game.

15. Classroom Environment RESPECT- for any adult, yourself, and fellow classmates. “Constitution for Learning”: we will develop our own rules. Friday folders: your child’s work habits and behavior will be noted here – please sign and return Monday.

16. SOL test….What is it? The test is given in May. All the skills taught from K-3 are tested during the assessment. English reading, math, social studies, and science are tested. We will start a daily review in January. The children will receive study guides for review prior to the test.

17. Open Communication Please feel free to e-mail. Please call after school hours. If it is during the school day, simply leave a voice mail and we will return the call. WEBSITE: has homework, some files that you can use, websites, classroom news. –http://byrnesbrightest.weebly.com/http://byrnesbrightest.weebly.com/