Welcome to 3 rd Grade!

1. Welcome to 3rd Grade! Mrs. Kester Room B3

2. What to Expect Third Grade is a year of changes: exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Third grade expectations are much greater than ever before: student and parent must be up for the challenge. Your child knows how to read, write, add, and subtract...now we move on from there. We will build upon existing knowledge and create life-long learners. There is an incredible amount of content to cover so responsibility is great. Third graders must come to school each day with a positive, respectful attitude, be prepared to learn, take initiative and be willing to draw outside of the lines. The pace if fast, but by working together as a TEAM we will help each other make incredible gains and succeed! We have 2 main rules in room B3: Work Hard and Be Kind. I will guide your child through the exciting world of third grade and they will leave each day knowing that they are loved, that they were heard, that they are smart and that they can accomplish anything! I will challenge them in ways they never thought possible, I will expect nothing but the best and I will watch them grow into the most incredible 3rd graders ever. I will teach them to think, to be proud and to never give up! What can you expect? One AMAZING year!

3. Mrs. Kester • I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Westfield State University in MA and a Masters degree in Elementary Education from NAU. • I have taught 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and I’ve also served as a Media/Technology Specialist over the past 19 years. • I like to jog, bike ride bake, and spend time with my family. • I live in Chandler with my husband David , our son Michael and our daughter Megan. • I am a HUGE sports fan…love my Red Sox, Patriots, and of course, the Phoenix Suns! Family

4. Daily Schedule • 8:30-8:45: Morning Meeting/DOL • 8:45-9:20: Math Warm Up, reteaching and enrichment • 9:20-9:45: Thinking Strategies • 9:45-10:15: Specials • 10:15-11:30: ELA Language • Reading • Grammar • Listening and Speaking • Spelling • 11:35-12:10: Lunch/Recess • 12:10-12:30: R and R (reading and reflecting) • 12:30-1:30: Math Block • 1:30-2:30: ELA Writing • Written Expression • Listening and Speaking • 2:30-2:45: Agenda, homework and reflection • 2:45-2:55: Teacher Read Aloud; Pack and Stack • 3:00: Dismissal

5. English Language Arts Writing Speaking and Listening Language Reading Literature Informational Text Foundational Skills Math Number & Operations Fractions Standards in Mathematical Practice This year, third grade will begin the full implementation of Common Core Curriculum in English Language Arts and partial Common Core in Math. Please go to the following websites to learn more about Common Core Curriculum: http://ww2.chandler.k12.az.us/page/934 www.pta.org/common_core_state_standards.asp Common Core Curriculum

6. Reading Literature Studies • Nightly Reading (approx. 15-20 min. per night) • Reading Reflections and Book Reports • Assessments • DIBELS • Skills Assessments • Comprehension Assessments • Students will receive whole group instruction, as well as, small group, and individual instruction throughout the year.

7. Writing and Language • Write From the Beginning • 6 + 1 Traits of Writing • Harcourt Writing and Grammar Skills • Power Writing • Write on Track • Cursive writing

8. Fulton Elementary is a Thinking Maps school. We use these strategies to help organize our ideas in all areas: reading, writing, grammar, science, Social Studies and even math. Our writing program, Write From the Beginning, uses the tree map and flow map to help students organize their writing, which will be beneficial as we begin writing 5 paragraph reports and stories! Thinking Maps

9. Spelling • 100 No Excuse Words • Students will be assessed on spelling during their daily writing and published work from their Write From the Beginning samples. • Students will be given spelling lists based on ELA Common Core Standards. Lists will be generated according to spelling rules and areas of concern. Rules will be spiraled and will be seen several times throughout the year.

10. Math • Scott Foresman (emphasizes vocabulary and builds upon skills with incorporated spiral review) • Math Blocking per concept • COMMON CORE: fractions (Quarter 1) • We will focus on: • Place Value • Number Sense • Addition/Subtraction with regrouping • Multiplication • Division • Time • Money • Graphing • Geometry • Measurement • Probability • Discrete Mathematics **CUSD Curriculum outlines 4 chapters a quarter

11. Science

12. Social Studies

13. Homework • Agenda must be signed EVERY NIGHT! • Keys for Success must be signed EVERY NIGHT! • Homework is sent home daily. (20-30 minutes per night). If no specific homework is assigned, then your child must just read that night. There will not be homework assigned over the weekends unless your child fails to complete assigned work during the week. • Students should complete homework independently. • Assignments are due the following day. • Reading nightly is a part of daily homework. Reading Response logs will be assigned weekly.

14. Grading • Letter grades in math, reading and writing. • Participation and Excellence Towards the Standards grades are awarded for Science and Social Studies. • Look at the work weekly in the Friday Folder! *There should be no surprises!* • Progress Reports will go home half way through the quarter. • Register on-line to check your child’s progress in grades at home.

15. Classroom Management • We will have 2 simple rules for our room…”Work Hard and Be Kind”. We will discuss ways to demonstrate both and the outcomes of those behaviors. Our class agreements are mutual respect, attentive listening and appreciations-no put-downs. By agreeing to these rules we will make our classroom a fun and safe place to be. • Consequences are an obvious result of misbehavior. Hopefully, we can take many steps to resolve issues when they arise before severe consequences are given. • Conference with teacher • Responsible Thinking Process Reflection Sheet • Communication Home

16. AIMS testing dates: April 16-19 It is IMPERATIVE that your child does not miss any school during testing dates. Mark your calendar NOW! • 1 ½ hour – 2 hours of testing every day • Reading and Math tested each day Support: • Skill based instruction and grouping • Parent support at home • Test taking strategies practice throughout the year. AIMS Testing

17. Tax Credit Donations • $400 for married couples • $200 for individual tax payers • Donations to school will support field trips for all grade levels, Art Masterpiece, and after school clubs. • Donate online @ http://www.mychandlerschools.org/page/1131

18. 3rd Grade Mining Field Trip • Trip can be paid for by tax credit donations for students only • Parent chaperones may pay with cash or check for their trip. • Trip Dates: November (exact date TBD) * Informational Meeting to be held in advance of the field trip.

19. Housekeeping • Please notify me of any changes in transportation or contact information • Dress Code - NO flip flops! Wear sneakers on P.E. days (Days 3 & 5) • Library books are to be returned the DAY BEFORE we have library • Please fill out ALL forms in student packet and return on the first day of school. • If you need to get in touch with me throughout the day, please email me! I will do my best to respond the same day. • Lunches: $2.50 daily • Money can and should be put onto your child’s account with the cafe’

20. Our classroom website: http://ww2.chandler.k12.az.us/Page/12356 • Our school website: http://www.mychandlerschools.org/Domain/1819 • Our district website: http://www.mychandlerschools.org/page/5 • To register to CUSD and Fulton’s websites (to receive updates): www.mychandlerschools.org/register • To add money to your child’s lunch account: https://mylunchmoney.com/ • District calendar: http://www.mychandlerschools.org/Page/1298 • Tax Credit Donations: http://www.mychandlerschools.org/page/1131 • To check grades ON-LINE: We are moving over to a new grading program this year, so I will send you the link when I get it . Important Links

21. No Phone Zone • For the safety of our children, please stay off of your cell phone while in the parking lot.

22. Order Form will be sent home shortly • Cash Only! • We will wear them on all field trips and spirit day Fridays.  Third Grade Torch Bearers Passing the Flame of Knowledge Class T-Shirts

23. Have you registered to receive updates from our class and school websites? www.mychandlerschools.org/register

24. Questions??? • Please fill out the Curriculum Form in the student packet and return. List any questions you may have and I’ll compile a FAQ’s list to be sent home by the end of the week. I look forward to partnering with you to make this a memorable year for your child.