Mrs. McGrath’s Class- rm. 16

1. Back-to-school night 2019 Mrs. McGrath’s Class- rm. 16

2. I love teaching third grade! • This is my 14th year teaching at hillside es • I have a wonderful husband and two children: • My son is a senior at james Madison university • My daughter is a senior at rock ridge hs • I have two pets: • A cat named cj • a dog named maverick • I enjoy reading mystery books and listening to music • I am a big elvis Presley fan 

3. My Goals Build a caring and fun classroom where your child feels loved and respected and is willing to take risks. Teach the whole child. Encourage a love of learning. Challenge the students by continuously raising “the bar”.

4. General Info Third Graders are expected to be more independent. They are given more responsibility. After guided practice, students complete most assignments independently.

5. General Info • Work habits • please Emphasize to your child the importance of checking all work carefully before turning it in.  • Students need to be sure they have followed all written and oral directions as well as check their work for spelling and grammatical errors. • This year we are focusing on RESPONSIBILITY!

6. 7:35-8:00  Morning Routines/Morning Work • 8:00-8:15  Shared Reading / Word work • 8:15-9:15  Reading Workshop • 9:15- 10:00 Content (Science/ Social Studies) • 10:00-11:00  Specials • 11:00-11:30  SOAR Time • 11:30-12:00  Lunch • 12:10-12:40  Recess • 12:40-1:35  Math Workshop • 1:35-2:20  Writing Workshop • 2:20- 2:35  Agendas/Pack up/Clean up • 2:35-2:55 Dismissal

8. Language Arts Overview Loudoun County’s Reading Curriculum is called Pathways to Learning.  This is an effective balanced literacy program that focuses on building upon the foundations of good reading and writing.  Components of the program are: Shared reading, reading workshop, interactive read-alouds, writing workshop, and word study.  Oral language development is an important component of the language arts program and is integrated across the curriculum. 

9. Shared reading • Interactive read aloud • Reading workshop (lucy calkins) • Mentor texts • Structured Minilesson • Independent reading • Guided reading/strategy groups

10. writing workshop (lucy calkins) • Mentor texts • Structured Minilesson • Independent writing • Writer’s notebook

11. Word Study Students grouped based on pre-assessment. Word study focuses on spelling patterns, not just memorizing words. Will have word study (spelling) every other week. Daily activities in class each word study week; No nightly word study Homework. No word study on short weeks and during SOLs. Students will be asked to spell unfamiliar words that follow the sort pattern for that week on the test. Expect to Start- Mid September

12. Word study tests Students are expected to be able to spell their assigned pattern words correctly. (tests may Not include all words) In addition, students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of their pattern by correctly sorting their pattern words on the test. Students can demonstrate a greater understanding and application of their pattern by correctly spelling and sorting 2 additional words that use their pattern.

13. Quarter 1 - units of study: • Place value • reading and writing numbers to 100.000 • Identifying value and place • Standard form, word form, and expanded form • Comparing numbers • Rounding numbers • Problem solving • Addition and subtraction of larger numbers • Strategies for computation • With and without regrouping • Patterns in numbers

14. Whole group • Small group / guided math format – “math mash up” • Math facts • At your seat work • See the teacher • Hands on math

15. Addition and subtraction timed tests will not be given in 3rd grade. However, it is imperative that students are able to quickly and accurately recall facts to help solve computation problems. • In the second quarter, students will begin having multiplication and division timed tests. More information will be sent home in preparation of these tests. However, it is never too early to start practicing these facts with your child. 

18. Technology • Students in grades 3-5 will receive their own assigned device to help enhance their learning throughout this year. • All students, K-5, will participate in a "Student Boot Camp" at the beginning of school where they will learn about proper device management as well as discuss the importance of being a good Digital Citizen. As we help students make real world connections, we believe in incorporating the 5 C's into their learning. 1. Communication 2. Creation 3. Critical Thinking 4. Collaboration 5. Contribution

19. Technology • Students are responsible for their Chromebooks • Students should take their Chromebooks home every night to charge them • Students will need to bring their Chromebooks to school everyday • Please send an email with any questions you may have about Chromebooks • You may want to start a routine for coming home and charging computers • Many students forgot last year and were unable to participate in activities due to uncharged computers • Classrooms are only given a few chargers

20. homework Top priority Set daily homework time Provide supplies and quiet environment Provide praise and support

21. students will be given the following: • an agenda. As a 3rd grader, your child is expected to record their assignments each day.  • Homework Folder. This will contain any homework assignments handed out. • Homework may be given Monday through Thursday (not including studying for tests and/or at home projects) • reading homework will be assigned daily. Additional homework may be assigned for math or content. • Homework should take about 30 minutes to complete. Should your child seem to be having difficulty with assignments, please let me know. 

22. homework Homework is checked, but not graded. If homework is frequently not completed, the result will be an “N” on the student’s report card for effort and/or characteristics that affect learning. Students are expected to make up homework when they are absent or have an early dismissal. Loudoun County policy states that homework can not be given in advance.

25. class work assignments that are not formally graded or recorded into parentvue will receive the following marks to indicate to parents and students that the work was checked/spot checked for accuracy. +, , -, ,

26. Report cards • Progress indicators (1, 2, 3, 4) will be used to communicate your child’s development for specific skill areas throughout the quarter • Students will also earn letter grades in content areas on their report cards at the end of the quarter • A slash will indicate adjustments to curriculum and/or working below grade level • All concepts not graded each quarter • Additional Characteristics that Affect Learning (Outstanding, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement)

27. Report cards Grading Key: Progress Indicators: A – Outstanding 4 – Exceeds Standard B – Very Good 3 – Meets Standard C – Satisfactory 2 – Progressing Toward standard D – Needs Improvement 1 – Below Standard F – Not performing

28. s.o.l. tests • Tests will be given in May • Math and Reading tests only(No Social Studies or Science S.O.L. tests—effective 2015) • Student Tests are given online • In class & at home review • Save math study guides and tests • for SOL review at home

29. School wide expectations Students are expected to demonstrate positive behavior by “Soaring to Excellence” with the 3 Rs

30. School wide PBIS gold stickers whole class behavior choices Leveled reward system (every 10 stickers) White soar tickets individual behavior choices Weekly school grade level drawing for individual reward choice

31. Self-discipline is such an important part of building responsibility and becoming a successful adult. • In order to guide every student into making wise decisions about their behavior, I have developed a plan to help foster a positive learning environment. • We will review and discuss general expectations and classroom procedures during the first week of school. • students will also work together to develop our specific classroom rules. • My goal is to see your child succeed in school; and with your support at home, I know that we will have a great year!

32. Daily Cube it / ticket system • Students begin each day with 4 cubes • May lose/earn cubes throughout day • earn classroom tickets based on number of cubes at end of day • Classroom ticket system rewards • Redeem 10/15/20 tickets for treasure chest choices • Redeem 40 tickets for pbis shopping catalog choices

33. Natural consequences • Think about it forms • To remind students to make better behavior choices • Repetitive behaviors may need to be referred to office • Note, email, or Phone call home • Administrative referrals

34. Students may bring the following each day: • A Water bottle with secure closing (no glass containers) & • A Healthysnack. • Working Snack- please nothing “messy” or needing utensils.

35. Other Important information • Thursday Folders • will be sent home every week. • Will contain class assignments/graded work. • Will include information sent home from office and/or pto. • Scholastic Book Orders • will go home periodically in the students’ Thursday Folders. • If you would like to order, be sure to pay by check or order online. I cannot accept cash for scholastic orders.

36. Other Important information • Dismissal:Please be sure to fill out the “how will my child go Home” sheet located on the kidney table. This will give me important information about how your child will be getting home the first day of school and also their regular transportation. I would recommend you start the school year off with your child’s regular transportation, so they can get into a routine!  • Technology Forms: Please be sure to read and sign the technology permission forms/agreement and turn it into the front bin before you leave tonight. • Volunteers in the Classroom: There is a sign-up sheet in the packet provided if you are interested in becoming a room parent or would like to volunteer in or out of the classroom. • Conferences:Will be done through Sign-Up Genuis. An email will be sent sometime in September for you to sign up for a time to meet!

37. Other Important information • Newsletters: In order to save paper, our quarterly newsletter can be accessed via the computer. I will also have information on our classroom website! • Visitors to Hillside:As a part of the security system at Hillside, all visitors need to ‘buzz’ in to the school via the intercom outside the school.  Please make sure that you have a photo ID when you come to school so the office can let you in.  You must still sign in at the office once you enter the school. • A friendly reminder: We are a Treat Free • school, so see me for Birthday treat ideas.

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