Welcome to 3 rd Grade!

1. Welcome to 3rd Grade! Miss Gracia Room B4

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! 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 you can expect...one AMAZING year!

3. Miss Gracia • I received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. • Student taught in 2nd grade • I like to go spend time with friends and family. I enjoy going to the movies, attending concerts, and do outdoor activities. I also love to relax in front of the TV. • I have a dog named Halo who is my fur-baby. 

4. Daily Schedule Specials Schedule: 1 & 4 PE 3 & 6 Music 5 Library 2 Brain Break 8:30- 8:45 Morning Work 8:50- 10:10 Reading Block 10:10- 10:30 ELA Rotations 10:30-10:40 Snack 10:40- 11:10 Specials 11:10-11:35 ELA Rotations Continued 11:35-12:15 Lunch/Recess 12:15 -12:30 DEAR 12:30- 1:45 Math Block 1:45- 2:30 Social Studies/Science/Writing 2:30- 2:45 Homework/ Agenda/ Reflection 2:45-3:00 Read Aloud 3:00 Dismissal

5. Common Core Curriculum This year, third grade will continue with full implementation of Common Core Curriculum in English Language Arts and 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 • Math • Multiplication & Division, Fractions, Geometry & Measurement, Number Sense • Standards in Mathematical Practice • English Language Arts • Writing • Speaking and Listening • Language • Reading • Literature • Informational Text • Foundational Skills

6. Accelerated Reading & Math • Our 3rd grade team is continuously working cohesively to meet your child at their level. • Your child may have a different reading or math teacher based upon their needs. • Accelerated classes are fluid, they will change throughout the year.

7. Reading Literature Studies • Nightly Reading 20 min. per night Reflections and Book Reports • Assessments • DIBELS • DRA • Skills Assessments • Comprehension Assessments • Students will be met at their level to receive whole group instruction, as well as, small group, and individual instruction throughout the year.

8. Writing and Language • Write From the Beginning • Personal Narrative • Informational Essay • Persuasive Essay • 6 + 1 Traits of Writing • Grammar Skills • Quick Write • Write on Track • Cursive writing • Creative writing

9. ThinkingMaps 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!

10. 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. • Blackout Boards • Spellingcity.com • Weekly assessments

11. Math • Scott Foresman (emphasizes vocabulary and builds upon skills with incorporated spiral review) • Math Blocking per concept • COMMON CORE: Number Sense & Multiplication and Division (Quarter 1) • We will focus on: • Place Value • Number Sense • Addition/Subtraction with regrouping • Multiplication • Division • Time • Money • Graphing • Geometry • Measurement • Probability • Discrete Mathematics

12. Science

13. Social Studies

14. Homework • Agenda must be signed EVERY NIGHT! • Homework is sent home daily. (20-30 minutes per night) • Students should complete homework independently. • Assignments are due the following day, unless otherwise specified. • Reading nightly is a part of daily homework. Reading logs will be assigned weekly and due on Fridays. • Questions about homework? Let me know!!

15. Grading • Letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) in math, reading and writing. • Participation and Excellence Towards the Standards grades (MS, P, AC) are awarded for Science and Social Studies. • Look at the work weekly in your student’s folder. • Progress Reports will go home half way through the quarter. • Soon you will be able to register on-line to check your child’s progress in grades at home. I’ll notify you when this is possible.

16. Classroom Management • Our class agreements are mutual respect, attentive listening, appreciations/no put-downs, and right to pass and to participate. By agreeing to these rules we will make our classroom a fun and safe place to be. • Table points and raffle tickets • 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

17. AIMS Testing • AIMS testing dates: April 21-25 It is IMPERATIVE that your child does not miss any school during testing dates. Mark your calendar NOW! • 3-4 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.

18. Tax Credit Donations • $400 for married couples • $200 for individual tax payers • Donations to school will support our 3rd grade field trip, purchasing Time 4 Kids and other enrichment materials for each class, activities and materials that align with our common core standards, 3rd grade musical, Junior Achievement and Art Masterpiece • Donate online @ http://www.mychandlerschools.org/page/1131

19. 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 Date: November 8th

21. Housekeeping • Please notify me of any changes in transportation or contact information • Dress Code - NO flip flops! Wear sneakers on P.E. days (Days 1 & 4) • Library books are to be returned the DAY BEFORE we have library • If you need to get in touch with me throughout the day, please email me! • Lunches: $1.75 daily • Money can and should be put onto your child’s account with the cafe

22. Parent Involvement • Art Masterpiece • Junior Achievement • Classroom Volunteers • PTO-We need 2 reps for our class! • Please contact me if you are interested in working in our classroom!

23. Important Links • Our classroom website: http://ww2.chandler.k12.az.us//site/Default.aspx?PageID=47816 • 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: Coming Soon!

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

25. Class T-Shirts • Order Form are going home tonight! • Cash or check • We will wear them on all field trips spirit day Fridays.  Third Grade Torch Bearers Passing the Flame of Knowledge

26. Birthday Celebrations • Birthday Book Club • Mrs. Kramb has decided to allow birthday treats in the classroom for the 2013-2014 school year.  This topic will be taken to the Fulton Site Council for discussion.  A parent and teacher survey will be sent out during the 2013-2014 school year to gather community input.  The Fulton Site Council will consider this feedback and make a decision regarding birthday celebrations for future years.  Thank you for your support and flexibility. 

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

28. Questions??? • Write down any questions you may have and I’ll compile a FAQ’s list to be sent home. I look forward to partnering with you to make this a memorable year for your child.