Back to School Handbook



Back to School Handbook4843780000Mrs. Smith - Room 133rd Grade is an exciting and challenging year, where many new concepts and curriculum are introduced. This year will be filled with activities and lessons that will not only strengthen your student’s reading, math, writing, and spelling skills, but also improve their self-confidence and independence. Curriculum Overview:Language Arts/Writing:We will be using the newly adopted Benchmark Advance Language Arts program, as well as reading novels. Planning instruction in LA is focused on the specific needs of your child, and the elements of a balanced literacy program. Those elements include teacher read aloud, shared reading, guided reading at the appropriate instructional level, independent reading to build fluency, and modeled, shared, and independent writing. Our writing program will focus on developing a good paragraph, essays and reports with a focus on correct use of grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. Spelling will be practiced in class on a weekly basis within reading and writing instruction with a focus on improving proper spelling in writing assignments and in class projects. 3rd graders will be working on opinion, informative, as well as narrative writing.Math:We are using the envision Math Common Core program by Pearson for math instruction. All students will cover the core math curriculum, but their instruction may differ in depth and complexity depending on the needs of the student. Each student will be challenged at his/her individual level. Nightly math homework is to be expected. Social Science:We will be using the newly adopted Social Science Curriculum TCI for 3rd Graders. We will explore California Geography and Regions, Native Californians, and Pioneers.Science:Our district newly adopted curriculum is called Amplify. Students will have hands-on lessons in the classroom and in the STEM lab to learn 3rd grade standards. Learning by doing is the motto here!Learning Center or (Bear Workshops):Learning Center is another integral part of our reading and math programs. Students will be participating in lessons and activities at their instructional level. This grouping ensures that students are receiving the most beneficial instruction to suit their individual needs.Homework PolicyMonday through Thursday students will be receiving homework. Daily work in math should be expected. Students will also be expected to complete 20 minutes of reading each night and to take Accelerated Reader quizzes in class to meet their point goal. Science, Social Studies or Writing homework may be assigned if extra time is needed to complete an in-class assignment, or more practice is needed on a specific skill or standard. Students will write their assignments on their weekly homework sheet which is passed out every Monday. We fill this out together and any important class news/announcements are also added. After completing homework assignments, students are encouraged to ask parents questions and have them review their work. Please note that on occasion we do not correct homework in class; it is checked for completion, so your assistance in checking work at home is greatly appreciated. Homework not turned in the following day will result in the assignment being considered late and marked as missing. Late work will be accepted up to one week after it is posted in the gradebook for reduced credit.If for some reason an emergency occurs, parents may write me a note excusing their child from homework that night. If a student is absent, they have 2 nights per day missed to complete any classwork or homework for full credit. Homework should take approximately 30 minutes each night. If your student is working longer than that, please let me know so I can adjust assignments as needed. If your child is finishing early, have your child read, practice math facts, write in a journal, or do I-Ready lessons at home. The idea is to get in the habit of studying on a daily basis!Homework Schedule:Monday: Math /ReadingTuesday: sameWednesday: sameThursday: sameFriday: No HW assigned*** Other assignments will go home as needed. Please review your child’s homework sheet for what has been assigned.RED FoldersEveryday your student will bring home their RED folder. In this folder, you will find the homework sheet for the week and any of your child’s completed work that is for your review. The school newsletter or any other important communications from the office or PTA will be included in the folder as well on Wednesdays. This folder must come back to class everyday with the math homework inside! The Reading homework isn’t due until the end of the week – Friday.Books and Materials: All books will be assigned and kept in class. If there is any homework assigned, it will be your child’s responsibility to take the book home and bring it back the next day with the completed homework assignment.Daily Schedule8:25-10:20Morning routineLanguage Arts10:20-20:40Recess10:35-12:00Mathematics12:00-12:20Read to Self12:25-1:05Lunch1:05-1:15Read Aloud1:15-1:50Science/Social Studies1:50-2:30Bear Workshops2:30-2:37Clean-up/Assign Homework2:37 DismissalBlanche Sprentz Behavior ExpectationsBears are…Respectful, Responsible, On Task, Courageous, and KindExpectations for Room 13Students will be expected to:Follow classroom rulesComplete their workUse class time wisely and stay on taskGive their best effort on all assignmentsPlay and work kindly with other studentsRespect the feelings of othersBe at school on time and prepared with necessary materialsTake responsibility for yourself and your behaviorThe Teacher will be expected to: Provide a safe and nurturing classroom atmosphereGive guidance and instruction when help is neededPlan fun and challenging lessons in math, reading, language arts, science and social studiesHelp each student have a successful learning experienceParents will be expected to: Provide space and time at home for their child to complete their homeworkContact the teacher if there are any concerns regarding their child’s progressSign and return forms sent home by the teacher that contain class or school information.Thank you so much for sharing your children with me this year. I look forward to an exciting year and getting to know all my families and working with them to ensure a successful academic and social year for your child. The best way to reach me is by email if you have any concerns or questions. I will check it often and will get back to you in a timely manner. Thank you,Julie Smithjlsmith@ ................
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