Getting Started
During the first weeks of school, we will be establishing classroom routines and building a classroom community that will allow for an exciting and productive year together. To help get us started I have outlined some important information for this school year including an overview of subject matter, homework, and our discipline procedures.
Subject Matter
This year will be an awesome learning adventure for your third grader. Establishing independent work habits, academic stamina, note-taking skills, critical thinking, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, detailed written expression, mathematical practices, oral communication, science activities, technology-based learning, and character building.
Grading
Assignments will be graded for completion and accuracy. Scored assignments will be graded with percentages and letter grades. Grades are weighted as follows:
Test/Projects. 40%
Classwork 30%
Quizzes. 20%
Homework 10%
Report Cards are presented in a rubric form with Performance Level Marks.
- 4-student thoroughly demonstrates evidence of grade-level standards
- 3-student adequately demonstrates evidence of grade-level standards
- 2-student partially demonstrates evidence of grade-level standards
- 1- Work in progress; more time and experience is needed
Tutoring
Tutoring will be available on an as-needed basis. Students who fall below 70% in their overall grade in any subject area will be invited to participate in tutoring after school. Students who earn unsatisfactory scores on weekly academic assessments may also be invited for tutoring to review and/or retake tests.
Only students who need extra support are welcomed to attend. Our class tutoring sessions are not designed as a homework club, but to focus on specific skills and concepts where mastery is needed. Extra practice should be completed at home with parental guidance.
If your child needs tutoring, an invitation will be sent home for you to sign. The tutoring date/time is TBD. Students will be sent to the front of the school after tutoring, so please arrive promptly for pick-up.
Student Accountability
Another way to keep our classroom environment running smoothly is by implementing classroom rules. Rules are vital to a successful learning environment. The following rules and discipline plan will be followed by each student:
Cool Rules
C- Care about your school work and always try!
O- Obey the quiet rule and zip your lips tight!
O- Only speak what is kind, use your hands for peace!
L- Listen and follow directions so you can succeed!
Consequences
Stay COOL (blue) - is the goal for all students each day.
- 2nd warning Warm (green) - Warning
- 3rd warning Hot (red) - Loss of lunch recess and parent note to be signed
- Additional consequences: detention, parent conference, or meeting with the principal
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is equally important. Your child will experience praise, public acknowledgment of accomplishments, stickers, "cool tool" prizes, Brag Tags, and other rewards.
Parents are Partners- https://userfiles-secure.educatorpages.com/userfiles/destinedfortriumph/Parents are partners checklist.pdf
If you have any concerns, questions, or suggestions before we formally meet please contact me at dbrown@sra.mn. I will do my best to respond in a timely manner.
Again, I am truly looking forward to being your child's third-grade teacher. This is going to be a wonderful year!