Welcome to Back to School Night

1. Welcome to Back to School Night Mill Creek Elementary School Mr. Robert Martin

2. A great transition, with great expectations… Assignment books Grades: What’s an A verses a (+) Knowing those math facts Reading and writing together to show proficiency

3. Assignment books • Assignment books are a BIG routine: • Using them everyday • Form for communication (you and me) • Building life-long organization habits • Some are great with this, some will need constant reinforcement and praise!!!

4. Grades: What’s an A verses a (+) • Your child is transitioning from N, T, S, and Plus (+) to grades • Grades range from the following areas: • 90-100 A Advanced • 80-89 B Proficient • 70-79 C Proficient • 60-69 D Basic • Under 59 Below Basic • It will take time for them to understand the new system. I will model, conference, and review to develop this throughout the year. • Celebration of progress is the best reward!

5. Knowing those math facts… • Practicing and becoming efficient with math facts is and important step to mathematical success! • Addition (single digit to 9) • Subtraction (single digit to 9) • Multiplication (single digit to 9) • Making math facts practice will be an important part of weekly homework.

6. Reading and writing go together to show proficiency • Another transition for third graders is adding more opportunities to write responses to demonstrate reading skills/strategies • Complete sentences and ideas are the targeted goal. • We are learning to read and reading to learn throughout the year.

7. Other routines and expectations Homework expectations Work Habits Communication Mystery reader Snack and birthday celebrations Sick and vacation time Book club ordering

8. Homework expectations • 30 minutes each night (average) • In general expect to see: • Math work on Monday-Thursday • Spelling practice due during the week • Independent reading log • *math facts practice • *extended projects during the year • It is important that your child complete the homework. You may certainly help and guide. If something seems really unclear, let me know.

9. Work Habits • Consistently doing their best work: • Asking for help • Participating in class and small group discussions • Being able to work independently and with a group on common tasks • Following the classroom routine

10. Communication • Email: • Great for those quick notes and questions that have “short answers” • Letting me know of a schedule change • Communication log if needed • Call me if: • You have a concern about progress, behavior, or peer issues.

11. Other classroom items: • Mystery Reader: • Done once a month or more depending on the sign-ups. • Pick your favorite book and visit • Snack and birthday celebrations • Snack is not a buffet…keep it simple • Sick and vacation time • By school policy, school work is not prepared prior to your departure. I will catch them up on core concepts when they return. • Sick work: If it’s a day or two, they will complete when they return. If it is extended, call and I will work with you.

12. Book club ordering • Ordering made simple!!! • All book orders will be placed online at: www.scholastic.com/parentordering • Class Username: millcreek3 • Password: magic • Advantages are you order and pay from home, books delivered to school.

13. BIG projects this year… • Wax Museum: Tied to our social studies unit, where students will present as a “person” of interest. • Simple Machines: They will apply their knowledge of motion and build a machine. They will explain and discuss their experience. • Egypt Day: We set sail down the Nile to bring our learning to a culminating experience.

14. Thank you for attending tonight!!! • Final Questions??? • You may contact me: • School: 267-893-3642 • rmartin@cbsd.org