Welcome!Welcome!

• Please read your child’s letter and respond to them on paper provided.

• We will get started in just a few minutes.

Welcome to Open Welcome to Open House!House!

Welcome to Open Welcome to Open House!House!

Lancaster ElementaryLancaster Elementary33rdrd Grade Grade

Mrs. PowellMrs. Powell

Use post it notes to write your questions on as I go through presentation…I will get the answer back to you!!

What’s NEW in 3rd Grade?What’s NEW in 3rd Grade?

• AR! AR! AR! (orange folder)• Use a Science and Social Studies

book with curriculum—much more in depth.

• Multiplication! Multiplication! • FACTS!!!! Practice all facts nightly!• Cursive handwriting

Snack time!Snack time!• We have an early lunch, therefore

we have an afternoon snack.• Healthy snacks are allowed:

– Fruit/ veggies– Crackers, goldfish, pretzels, cheese its– Baked chips, granola bars, etc.

• Water is always allowed in a bottle in class.

GradesGrades• Graded papers will be sent home

in the BLUE VIP folder each week.• All papers will be included from

the previous week.• D’s & F’s need to be returned.• Grades will be posted on JPAMS.

What to expect…What to expect…• Grades will drop some from 2nd Grade

because of new curriculum and expectations. • Students will adjust and improve. Give them

time! Don’t stress them out!• What can you do to help??

– Study with them each night! Review facts! – Ask them to apply the definitions…not just

memorization, but application as well.– Read with your child and let them ASK the

questions…

HomeworkHomework• Students are responsible for writing down their own

homework.• Planned homework is on the website …but it CAN change!!• Every child should be practicing math facts each night, no

matter the math homework.• Every child should be reading 15 minutes a night, in addition

to reading homework.• Every child should be studying their Science/ SS study guide

each night!!

A basic homework guideline:• Math homework~ 3-4 nights a week• Spelling~ contracts are ALWAYS due on Friday!!• Reading~ read the weekly story or read the chapters for the

novel; study given vocabulary.• Science/ SS~ ALWAYS review the study guides!!

Math CurriculumMath Curriculum• Starting off with multiplication

(should pick up with where they left off in 2nd grade!)

• No matter if there is “math homework”, every child should be practicing ALL facts EVERY night!!

STARSTAR• STAR- reading test that is taken at

beginning of each quarter. This gives students’ reading level based on comprehension, vocabulary, and reading passages.– This test gives each student their own ZPD to

find books in.(zone of proximal development)

– This is used to set AR goals.

– This report is found in pocket of orange folder!

ARAR

• AR- Accelerated Reader Program– Students read books and take tests for their

comprehension and knowledge on the book.– Earn points and percentage per book

• 80% or better is expected– Students have goals set each quarter

• Should be reading books in their ZPD range.– Look at AR folder frequently to see how

students are progressing towards the goal.– AR parties are held each quarter for those

students that have met their goal.

ARAR GoalsGoals• Set each quarter & expected to meet and/or surpass.• For each test that students earn 100%, they ring the AR

bell and receive silent snaps from the class. If the book was worth 1 point or more, they also get a treat out of the AR jar or a sticker for their collection.

• Within their folder log, for every 20 tests that are taken with 80% or better, they earn a homework pass or some other type of “fun pass”.

• In order to meet the goal, students must earn at least 100% of their point goal with an 85% or better accuracy goal. (Accuracy is based on an average score of all test scores in that date range.)

• Student example: Joe’s Goal: 12 pointsEarned: 24 points, 95% ac.

At the end of the quarter, Joe’s results would be 200% of his point goal with 95% accuracy goal. Joe would be invited to the AR Quarter party at this point.

NovelsNovels• We started our first novel last week, Muggie Maggie.• Students will have a folder of information that they

complete with each novel. • They will be allowed to bring some books home to use, but

are responsible for. If they lose it, they will have to replace it.

• We will do a novel every few weeks and spend a few weeks doing that novel and its activities.

• Students will be expected to complete the AR test for each novel.

• They will also complete an end of the book project in class.

RAPRAP• RAP is an excellent question and answer

technique that we use daily in all subjects.• R- restate the question• A- answer the question• P- provide evidence• Students are expected to answer in this

format when answering short answer style questions on tests and assignments.

• We have a “bookmark” on our desks to help us start the sentence for citing the evidence.

SpellingSpelling• Spelling may be different than 2nd grade!• Your child will chose or “shop” for the 15

words on the list.• All students have 15 words each week. They

will be the highlighted words on the lists. • All spelling contracts are due on Friday.• All spelling tests are on Friday.• Students are expected to have a full heading

on their spelling test each week. (This includes holes on the left!)

• Spelling counts in each student’s language grade!

ProjectsProjects• Throughout the year, students will be completing

different projects.– In class projects– Family style projects (at home!)– Science Buddies

• All projects are expected to be turned in on time and fully completed.

• These activities are not supposed to be a burden on anyone, but a fun, learning experience for each child.

• Please ask questions ahead of time regarding each project.

• Directions are given WELL in advance for everyone to have plenty of time to complete it!

FluencyFluency• Being a fluent reader is very important at this

age. • Students should be reading aloud in order to get

more fluent. • Listening to YOU read is very important!• Questioning and comprehension is key!!• Some students may be getting fluency folders

for practicing passages and/ or facts.• Read the same passage 2-3 times a week.• Being fluent in math facts is just as important.

This is why they must practice in each night.• Please let me know if your child has problems.

QuestionsQuestions

• If you had any questions about anything that I presented and I did not get to it, please leave it on your sticky notes.

Contact Info:Contact Info:• Please email me first (easiest for

me!) melanie.powell@stpsb.org• Call me at school and leave

message: 792-0156• Visit the websites often:

– www.lancasterelementary.stpsb.org – www.teacherpage.com/melaniebooth

ThingsThings our classroom can our classroom can always use:always use:

• flashlights• Clorox wipes• Sheet protectors• AR treats for AR jar• Cardstock• Paper towels• Batteries• Magic erasers