Back to School NightBack to School NightBack to School NightBack to School Night

20122012

Welcome!Three Bridges Mission• The mission of Three Bridges School is

to provide a caring and nurturing environment where young children feel safe and happy and are encouraged to learn and grow to their fullest potential.

• *As your child’s teacher, it is my personal mission to see this vision is carried out!

All About Me- Mrs. Lewis

• A native New Yorker, I moved to New Jersey 10 years ago.

• I have 2 daughters, Jamie (11) and Madeline (7). (I am the mother of a middle schooler!!!!)

• This year will be my fifth year teaching third grade at Three Bridges School.

Our goals are…• To give students the academic tools

they need to progress to 4th grade and beyond.

• To provide a supportive learning environment so children feel comfortable trying new things.

• To have fun while we learn.• To make new friends and discover new

interests.

• Students will learn about all of the subjects and topics that our state believes are important for students to learn in 3rd grade (as outlined in the

New Jersey state and National standards).• Students will work independently, with partners,

and in small groups.• Students will work with students in other 3rd

grade classes.

Curriculum

Math• Math Expressions Program• Math Workshop time to practice responding to open ended

questions • Secure goals:

– Count by 10’s and 100’s– Apply place value to 5 digits– Count and write monetary amounts– Tell time to nearest minute– Basic addition/subtraction facts– Know fact/number families– Add/subtract multi-digit numbers– Solve number stories– Measure to nearest ¼ inch and in cm.– Know multiplication facts to 12– Identify right angles– Identify and name 2-d and 3-d shapes– Identify/draw symmetrical shapes– Make a bar graph

Reader’s Workshop• Students will read a variety of pieces from

different genres in our anthology as well as in chapter books and novels in small groups.

• Students will meet in groups to read and take part in literacy centers.

• Students will read and respond to literature independently as well.

• Students will be reading during math, science, and social studies!

• Students will practice strategies that good readers use in and out of the classroom.

Writing• Students will learn how to write multiple paragraph

essays, personal narratives, realistic fiction stories, persuasive pieces, expository pieces, descriptive pieces,poetry and research reports.

• Most writing will be done in class. However, students may add to their writer’s notebooks or may edit and revise their work at home occasionally.

• Students will review manuscript (printing) and begin receiving cursive handwriting instruction (Zaner Bloser).

Writing (continued)• Students will write a variety of pieces for different

purposes through units of study during Writer’s Workshop mini-lessons.

• Students will utilize the writing process. Pre-writing (brainstorming) Rough draft Edit Revise

Publish

Social Studies• Students will have a social studies textbook which we

will use to study elements of The United States, as well as map skills. They will be taught how to navigate through the book as well as how to develop good study habits. Reading for meaning is strongly emphasized.

• Units of study include: Communities, government, and map skills.

• Third graders will participate in various assemblies as well as participate in field trips. These programs are designed to enhance the third grade social studies curriculum.

Science• Students will have the chance to learn

about many topics by conducting hands-on experiments. They will be working in teams as well as independently to learn key ideas.

• Some topics include structures of life, earth materials, and sun, moon and stars.

Other Things We’ll Do• Student of the Week: Starting sometime in October,

we will have “Student of the Week.” I will send a letter with information home with your child on Friday as he/she is picked. Students will be given time to share any photos or favorite toys, etc with the class. Each student will have the opportunity to participate.

• Technology: Throughout the day, students will be exposed to various technologies that will enhance both teaching and learning in the classroom. We will view presentations, video clips, movies, and more in addition to using both PCs and Apple laptops to create our own displays of learning. Students will learn to use an interactive SMART board as well.

• Third Grade Clubs : Clubs will be offered during the school year. Participation in third grade clubs is optional. More information will be available later this year.

Specials• Physical Education- Mondays &

Wednesday• Computers- Fridays• Spanish-Mondays & Fridays• Art- Wednesday• Library- Thursday• Music- Tuesday

• Recorders and music folders will be distributed in early October.• All students are responsible for bringing their recorders and

music folders to music class each week.

• All students are responsible for practicing • what they learn during music class at home.

Practicing Tips• Make practicing a part of your child’s schedule, like homework.• Recorder practice should happen at least 4-5 times a week.• Even 5-10 minutes of practice each day is better than none!• Use the music TBS Music Webpage for interactive practicing/tutorials.• Encourage practicing with a friend…it’s fun! Ask your child to play for you!

Third Grade Music

Classroom Management

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

1. Follow directions the first time they are given.2. We raise our hands when we have something to say. We listen while others are speaking.3. We respect each other. We keep our hands, feet and other objects to ourselves.4. We treat each other kindly. Kind words and kind actions (no violence.)*5. We always try our best.

CONSEQUENCES • 1. Verbal Warning• 2. Yellow- Warning and reminder to make a better choice.• 3. Red- Reminder to make better choices and a call home.• Bullying- A form must be filled out- please see this form in

your Back to School Night Folder.

• If a student is continually breaking our classroom rules, a behavior contract can be put into place. Parents would be notified and conferred with if this was to happen. I am open to any suggestions from parents regarding his or her child’s behavior.

Rewards will be given when the rules are

followed.• Rewards are given on both an individual

basis and to the whole class. • Verbal praise• Sparkling Gems (whole class)• Gems are received for compliments and

exceptional behavior- Class reward when the jar is full. The students will vote on an appropriate reward.

• Individual Good deeds will get red tickets or Caught Your Being Good Tickets.

Homework Policy• Each day all students will copy their homework into

their agenda (assignment) books. It is the students’ responsibility to make sure that he or she brings home all of the materials to complete his or her homework. Homework is due the following day unless noted. If homework is not completed, students are expected to complete it during snack time or that night. If homework is not completed frequently parents will be contacted. If a situation arises and your child is unable to complete his or her homework, please send me a note, email or call.

• Homework will be given Monday through Thursday and should take 30- 40 minutes to complete. We will have spelling homework each night followed by a test on Friday. There will be special projects due throughout the year. I will announce the due date for these projects as they are assigned and students will be given plenty of time to complete the work.

Homework (cont.)• Homework should be done in pencil unless otherwise

noted in the directions.

Homework should be completed as independently as possible in order for me to properly assess their progress and understanding of concepts. Homework will be checked everyday.

Each student has been provided with a TBS folder. We will use this for homework. Please check this folder each night as there may be important papers for you, the parents. Completed homework may be placed in this folder to be returned to school. Notes to me may be placed in this folder as well.

Assessments• Teacher observation• Class work• Running Records (reading)• Unit tests & quizzes (Science, SS, Math, Reading)

• Report cards• N.W.E.A (individualized,

computerized assessments) 1st week in October.

• New Jersey A.S.K (in May)

Grading– Homework/class work will be graded

using checks, check minuses, and check pluses. Please see the handout in your Back to School Folder.

– Math, Reading Comprehension, Science and Social Studies tests will be graded in fractions.

Classroom ProceduresMorning Routine Students will:• Walk into the room quietly. • Move their lunch stick to the proper bin.  • Quickly and quietly put their things in their cubbies. • *Bring HW folder and agenda to their desk! • Place any homework, notes, or signed tests in the proper bins.• Sharpen pencils. (3 at all times) • Begin working on their morning work.• Neatly copy their homework into their agenda.

Afternoon Routine Students will: Check their mailbox, and put any mail and homework

into their homework folder. • Check to see what books they will need to take home. • Put all necessary materials into their backpack. 

Field Trips• Sterling Hill Mine

December 4th.• Trenton (State

House) in Spring.• Chaperones will

be needed for all trips.

Book Fish• In lieu of a reading log, I implement an at home reading project, called

Book Fish. Book Fish puts the enthusiasm back into reading, especially for those who are reluctant readers. There are no nightly logs to fill out, no cramming to fit reading into what might be an already busy night. Book Fish is “read at your own pace.”

• Book Fish is simple and rewarding.• Here are the rules:

– Each student will receive a template of four fish. Once a student finishes a book or 3 chapters of a chapter book, he or she fills out one fish template.

– On this template, the student must state the title and author of the book. The student must also answer a question that has been provided by the teacher on the fish- in full sentences.

– Once the fish has been completed, the student then has a parent initial the tail of the fish to ensure the validity of the reading accomplishment.

– The student places the fish in our Book Fish Bowl. – At the end of the month, the student with the most Book Fish picks a

prize from the Treasure Chest.– But wait!- Each student that turns in a Book Fish for the month will

also receive a reward from the teacher.– At the end of the year, the student with the most Book Fish wins the

Grand Prize!

Birthdays• Birthdays will be celebrated in class. If

you wish to send in a birthday treat, please let me know in advance.

• Treats may not contain sugar as the first ingredient and no nuts at all.

• Please plan treats for at least 22. • Please do not send in treats that need to

be cut or poured. • Goodie Bags are not permitted. • If your child’s birthday falls during the

summer, we can set a date in May or June to celebrate your child.

• If you do not celebrate birthdays, please let me know.

Snack• Our class will have snack everyday around

9:45am.• Please see that your child has a healthy snack

and drink.• WE ARE A NUT FREE CLASSROOM!

– Please see do not give your child a snack that contains any kind of nut as an ingredient.

– For the safety of those that may have allergies, we can not permit any nut product in the classroom.

– These ingredients may be consumed in the cafetorium but not the classroom.

– Thank you for your cooperation in keeping us all safe.

LUNCH• Our class scheduled to

eat lunch at 11:55. Children may bring lunch from home or buy.

• Children choose their lunch in the morning, so please discuss the menu options with your child before school.

• Checks or cash may be sent in for payment. All payments are put onto their lunch card.

Homeroom ParentsMrs. Brito & Mrs. Sepe.

Please check out the volunteer sign up sheets on the table. Your assistance and participation is appreciated!

Communication

• Open communication is key for a successful classroom.

• If at any time, you have any concerns regarding your son or daughter, please feel free to contact me.

• Email: clewis@readington.k12.nj.us• Or you may call the main office.

Thank you for coming this evening!

This is going to be an amazing year!