Mr. Malley andMr. Malley andMrs. McGrath’s Mrs. McGrath’s

Third Grade Classroom Third Grade Classroom 122122

All students had an opportunity to

choose and vote on classroom guidelines (rules).

It gives them a sense of ownership, and not simply dictated rules given by an authority figure.

The rules are posted on the wall and are referred to as needed for enforcement and little reminders.

So far, the children have been GREAT at following the rules!

Classroom Rules

Rewards for Good Behavior

Individual Positive Consequences

Verbal praise Terrific Tickets

Rewards at end of week

Positive note to student

Positive note home Extra credit check Positive phone call

home Free homework pass

Class-wide Positive Consequences

Points toward class-wide rewards (J.A.R. or Just Acting

Right Jar) Party when jar filled

5 min. open notebook time on next test

Bonus question on next quiz

Free answer on next test

1st time: warning 2nd time: lose 10 minutes from recess

time 3rd time: no recess 4th time: parent phone call and apology

letter 5th time: removal from class

Negative Individual Consequences

Assignments should be completed in the student’s best work and must include the their first and last name, assigned number, and the date on the top of the paper.

If your child is absent, please notify the office by 9:30 a.m. if you are able to collect homework/class work at the end of the day.

Work is due on the assigned day. If an assignment is not handed in the day it is due, the student will still be required to complete the work, but there will be a late penalty.

If absent, it is the student’s responsibility to show the assignment to the teacher on the first day that he/she returns to class (with some flexibility).

Assignments & Absences

Everyday the students bring home their daily

planners or homework notebook. Please sign the planners/homework notebook

to show that you are aware of your child’s homework assignment.

Thursday Folders: Every Thursday a folder is sent home with the student’s work, slips to fill out/sign, informational documents, etc.

Please sign the Thursday Folder in the area of the designated date and return it the following day.

Home to School Communications

Email us with any questions, concerns, news, etc. at christopher.malley@valleycentralschools.org doreeen.mcgrath@valleycentralschools.org

Or (845) 457-2400 Mr. Malley’s Extension: 19380 Mrs. McGrath’s Extension: 19563

Or We can set up an appointment to meet before or after school.

Or Check our School Wires website, located on the Valley Central School

District website, so you may retrieve homework, project info., updates, testing dates, etc. http://www.vcsd.k12.ny.us/eastcoldenhames

See the sign up sheet for Parent-Teacher Conferences before you leave tonight.

Home to School Communications, Cont.

Homework will be assigned on a daily basis and checked

every day. Each assignment will be graded as follows: Maximum= 10 Points: S+=10, S=8, N=6, U=4 or less) Late assignments will be penalized.

Assorted assignments will be given throughout the year and will be graded according to the nature of each.

An announced exam will be given one or two times during each unit.

Quizzes, usually announced, may be given one or two times during each unit.

Each student will complete extended projects during the academic year. More information to follow.

Class participation is another important aspect of your child’s grade. Class participation includes taking part in class discussions, answering and asking questions, keeping notebooks, and being involved with group work, etc.

Grading

There is an opportunity to eat a healthy

snack during the day (fruits, vegetables, pretzels, popcorn, etc.). This is a district wide initiative.

Please refrain from sending in “junk food”, like sugary snacks, candy, cookies, and/or potato chips.

Water bottles may contain water only. Students may keep them at their desks and fill them during the course of the day.

Snacks

Students are invited to share a birthday treat to

celebrate their special day. The celebration will take place at the end of the day

between 10:30 and 10:45 a.m. Please make arrangements at least the day prior to

schedule a celebration. You may drop off or bring in all food, drinks, and/or

supplies in the morning or at the above time. Please remember to provide all necessary beverages,

treats, utensils, napkins, cups, and plates (bowls), etc. Summer birthdays may select a day during the school

year to celebrate.

Birthdays

Math

(Common Core: see EngageNY for more info.) Basic Facts (Fluency) w/factors 0-10

Multiplying Dividing

Problem Solving with Mass, Time, and Capacity Multiplication and Area Fractions as Numbers on the Number Line Comparison, Add and Subtract w/Length and Money,

Graphing Quadrilaterals and Word Problems

Third Grade Curriculum

Science

Plants Animals Ecosystems Water Cycle Matter

Third Grade Curriculum

Social Studies

Maps Geography Continents/Oceans Communities

Third Grade Third Grade CurriculumCurriculum

English Language ArtsLiteracy Collaborative & Common Core

Reading Strategies Reader’s Notebook Reading Groups (according to reading level) Read Aloud

Writing and Conventions of Grammar 6 Traits of Writing Writing Projects Rules and Conventions of Writing

Word Study In class activities; 5 Day Cycle

Choose, Write, Build Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check Making Connections Buddy Check and Buddy Test

There are (2) New York State Exams this year:

English Language Arts (ELA)April 1st,2nd, and 3rd, 2014

MathApril 30th, May 1st and 2nd, 2014

New York State Exams

Common Core

The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts, to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for college and the workforce. The standards are informed by the highest, most effective models from states across the country and countries around the world, and provide teachers and parents with a common understanding of what students are expected to learn. Consistent standards will provide appropriate benchmarks for all students, regardless of where they live. These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school able to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs.

Common Core

The standards:

•Are aligned with college and work expectations•Are clear, understandable and consistent•Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills•Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards•Are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society•Are evidence-based.

Keep a well organized notebook. Good note-taking is a

valuable asset not only now, but in future classes. File all handouts & returned papers, and be organized.

Study smart. Research shows that students learn better by studying in short bursts: studying notes just 10-15 minutes a day is a much better way to learn than cramming the night before a test.

Complete all assignments. There is little chance of passing subjects if assignments are not finished.

Work smart. Seek extra help as needed. Everyone has the ability to perform well in school…it all comes down to a positive attitude, working hard, and a strong desire to succeed.

Get involved and participate in class. It makes it a lot more interesting and fun.

The responsibility for success lies with the student. It is his/her choice to make school an opportunity to learn and grow.

Suggestions

Thank you for coming, and we are so excited

to have the opportunity to teach your child . You are their first and most important

teachers, so our hope is that together we can help them continue to feel they can succeed, reach their goals, and fulfill their aspirations.

Questions?