Third Grade Parent Orientation 2015-2016

1. Third GradeParent Orientation2015-2016

2. Mrs. Bolger It is my 15th year teaching third grade at Prairie Point! My Bachelor degree is in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and my Masters Degree is in Reading from the University of Kansas. I have been married to Matt Bolger for 18 years and have 3 daughters. Macie is a Freshman at Park Hill South, Anna is in 4th grade, and Katie is 4 and at Gerner. I enjoy spending time with my family and attending their soccer games. I am looking forward to meeting you and your new third grader! It will be a great 2015-2016 school year!

3. English Language ArtsReader’s Workshop • Mini Lesson • A direct, focused teaching lesson to the whole class to specifically address skills, strategies, & issues in students’ reading. • Independent Reading, Conferring, Small Groups • Students are engaged in reading text at their instructional level and interests while the teacher conferences with individual students and meets with small groups about their reading skills and understanding. • Reflection A time for teachers to reinforce learning through purposeful student conversations about reading processes, struggles and achievements.

4. English Language ArtsWriter’s Workshop • Mini Lesson • A direct, focused teaching lesson to the whole class to specifically address skills, strategies, & issues in students’ writing. • Composing/Conferring • Students are engaged in purposeful writing on topics of their choice while teacher conferences with individual students or meets with small groups about their writing. • Reflection • A time for teachers to reinforce learning through purposeful student conversations about writing processes, struggles and achievements.

5. Math • Direct instruction • A direct, focused teaching lesson based on a specific strand presented to the whole class. It is an opportunity to specifically address skills, strategies, issues, and concerns seen in students’ mathematical understanding. • Independent Application • Students are engaged in activities to reinforce learning. Activities may include, but are not limited to: math games (centers), independent practice activities, teacher conferring and small groups. • Reflection • A time for teachers to reinforce learning through purposeful student conversations about math processes, struggles and acheivements.

6. Math: Envision Topics • Numeration • Number Sense: Addition and Subtraction • Using Place Value to Add and Subtract • Meanings of Multiplication • Multiplication Facts: Use Patterns • Multiplication Facts: Use Known Facts • Meanings of Division • Division Facts • Understanding Fractions • Fraction Comparison and Equivalence • Two-Dimensional Shapes and Their Attributes • Time • Perimeter • Area • Liquid Volume and Mass • Data

7. Social Studies/Science • Social Studies • Citizenship, Government, and Democracy • Economic Concepts and Principles • Geography • Cultural Traditions • Martin Luther King, Jr. • Science • Living Things • Ecosystems • Sun and Moon • Matter and Energy • Scientific Inquiry

8. State and National Assessments • Missouri Assessment • Assesses students on state standards. • Communication Arts • Mathematics

9. District Assessments • STAR Reading • STAR Math • EnVision Math Topic Assessments • Writing Assessments • Acuity

10. Expectations • In our classroom we live by the Prairie Point SOAR expectations (see below). If a student chooses to not follow these expectations, the consequences are; sent to a Safe Seat in the classroom, sent to a Buddy Room (another classroom), time in the Recovery Room, missed recess or special event, a call home to parents, or a visit with Mr. Niceswanger or Mr. Wachel. Consistent problems will warrant more serious consequences. • Prairie Point has a school wide behavior system called Positive Behavior Support (PBS), which includes our SOAR expectations; Show respect, Own my actions, Accept responsibility, and be Ready to learn. If you need additional information, feel free to ask. • We want to ensure that all children have the opportunity to be safe and secure at school. A learning environment that is free of disruptions is the best learning environment for all of us. We want the best for your child, just as you do.

11. Homework • In addition to regular class work, homework will be assigned. Students are required to write their homework in their assignment book at the end of each day. We will also write what was learned or introduced each day.

12. Report Cards and Mid-Terms • Park Hill rates each student’s progress using a 4.0 scale. If you have any questions regarding this scale, please feel free to ask. I think you will see that it clarifies your child’s learning goals in more detail. • Report cards will be sent home one week after the end of each quarter. Please sign and return the report card envelopes the following day. • Every student will be issued a mid-term for every quarter.  

13. Communication I will send a classroom newsletter home on Fridays. The newsletter will include a brief description of what we are learning about in class, as well as any other important information or happenings. Important dates, deadlines, and announcements will be included.   Your child's assignment notebook is a good way to communicate day to day if you or I have any questions or concerns. I’m also always happy to meet with you in person. Just let me know and we will schedule a time to meet.   If you need to contact me, please call the school at 359-6168 or email me (which is the best way to reach me) at bolgerj@parkhill.k12.mo.us.