WELCOME TOGRADE 3!

TO K YO Y M C A I N T E R N AT I O N A L S C H O O LM S . Z Y VAT K A U S K A S A N D M R . M C N E I L L

2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1

ORIENTATION AGENDA

1. Introductions

2. Classroom

3. Grade 3 Routines & Policies

4. Grade 3 Curriculum

5. Other

I N T R O D U C T I O N S

ABOUT MS. ZYVATKAUSKAS• From Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where I attended the University of Toronto,

and York University

• I have lived and taught in Japan for the last 6 years. This is my 4th year teaching at TYIS.

• I LOVE coffee, cooking, reading, and telling jokes. • I’m very excited for another great year! J

ABOUT MR. MCNEILL• Originally from Key West, Florida, USA and attended the University of South

Florida

• I lived in Saga Prefecture for five years, teaching English at Japanese schools. • I LOVE French fries, weight training, and traveling to new countries. • I’ll do my best to help you enjoy 3rd grade! J

G 3 C L A S S R O O MR O U T I N E S & P O L I C I E S

CLASS WORK• Students will work in their textbooks (in Maths and

Language Arts) and notebooks (Science and Social Studies, and Language Arts)

• As last year we will cover key lessons in Journeys, and almost all lessons in Go Math.

• Uncompleted class work may be sent home.

AGENDAS

• Students are expected write in their agenda EVERYDAY, for homework, projects, and announcements.

• Students are expected to read in English for 30 minutes everyday as homework. They should record this in their agendas.

• This creates independence and responsibility for their work. • Please make sure to check everyday and SIGN the agenda.• It is a great way to communicate with us and your child.

COMMUNICATION

• We are a Grade 3 community and therefore need to feel safe and comfortable.

• It is very important for communication to happen between all of us –the parents, teachers, and student.

• We encourage you to contact us at any time if you have questions or concerns. We will do the same.

• It is also important for your child to let us know if they are struggling or unsure of a concept so we can help. Ask Questions! J

• Students can usually stay in for break or lunch for extra help or to finish work.

HOMEWORK AND JOURNAL• Homework will be given most days to continue independent practice

of content.

• Please make sure to encourage your child to complete homework on their own.

• 30 minutes of reading is required every night! Doesn’t need to be A.R.• Students are expected to write one page in their journals twice a

month. They can write about anything they want, in any genre they want.

• The journal project helps students become confident and independent writers. It is suppose to be a fun way for students to express themselves and practice the skills they have learned.

A.R • We will continue to have students read A.R books, write summaries, and take

quizzes.• Students A.R levels will be given at the start of the year, based on the STAR

reading test.• Students will be given a range of levels (ex. 2.8 – 3.5) from which they can choose

A.R books to read, and when they complete 3 quizzes with 100% (picture books) or 90% (chapter books) they will move up to a new range (ex. 2.9 – 3.6)

• We expect students complete at least A.R 3 books a month, and more than that if they are reading picture books

• At the end of each month students with an average quiz score of 85% or more will be given an award (must have over 3 books)

• Students will also be allowed to borrow and read fun books(any level), and in class on Fridays students can choose to read those books.

GRADING• We well do vocabulary and comprehension quizzes for every lesson

in we cover in Journeys.

• We will do 2 or 3 big writing projects each term that will assess grammar, spelling, and organization.

• We all also assess vocabulary sentences and some short writing assignments.

• We will have one big test or project for each Go Math Chapter, and one small quiz or project.

• We will have 5 or 6 assignments in social studies and science per term

• Parents will be informed of up coming assignments in weekly emails.

O T H E R I N F O R M AT I O N

OTHER….• Birthdays

– Same system as last year.

– Celebrated once a month or every two months and organized by the Class parents. Due to COVID 19 the way we celebrate will look different.

• Class parents: please let me know who is able to volunteer. J• Healthy food = healthy mind and body, please send your child to

school with healthy snacks.

• Please make sure your child is in uniform! • PE clothes can be worn on PE days (Friday).• Indoor shoes will be worn in the gym every week.

SUPPLIES• Please make sure each student brings a small pencil case that has:

– A red pen for correction

– Pencils and erasers (friction pens are also okay)

– Scissors

– Glue

– Colored pencils

– Ruler

– A pack of tissues

– Indoor shoes

– Water bottle with a strap

– Extra masks

– White board marker

– Bag to keep mask in duting lunch and snack

• Consider donating:– Extra tissues

– Extra wet wipes for cleaning desks

DESK SPACE• Due to the COVID 19 situation we want to have students keep their

work books in their desks and we kindly ask that your child doesn’t bring oversized pencil cases or large supply/stationary boxes to class to put in their desks

• This should reduce students touching shared spaces

CONTACT• Xaida Zyvatkauskas (Primary Contact)• E-mail: zyvatkauskas@tokyoymca.orgJamel McNeill

E-mail: mcneill@tokyoymca.org

• An open line of communication between us will help your child succeed this year!

THANK YOU!