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Welcome to Third Grade! My name is Melanie Eubanks and this is my third year of teaching third grade at Heritage Elementary. Before coming to Heritage, I had the joy of working with preschool, third, and fifth grade students. I am a graduate of Athens State University where I graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors. At Athens State, I received my B.S. in Elementary Education. I hope to return to school very soon to obtain my Masters in Elementary Education. I absolutely love teaching, and I could see myself doing nothing else. I feel very blessed to be employed here at Heritage Elementary. Last year, I had an amazing year with my students. It was amazing to watch the students grow in knowledge. I also look forward to working with your child. I promise to work hard to ensure your child gets the Hello from Mrs. Eubanks Heritage Elementary School “Dream, Believe, Achieve” -Author Unknown quality education that he/she deserves. I look forward to working with you to help your child succeed not only this year, but for the rest of his/her life. Communication In a couple of weeks, you will begin receiving our weekly class newsletter. “The Eubanks Enquirer” will keep you informed of classroom and school happenings. I will give your child a paper copy the first time it is sent out. I will then begin sending it via e-mail. I ask that you please print out the newsletter and place it in your child’s binder in the newsletter sleeve. Please sign the bottom of the newsletter so that I know you have viewed it. Students will bring a “B.U.G” binder home every day. This binder needs to stay in the child’s backpack and travel between home and school every day. More information about the “B.U.G” binder can be found on page 7. Graded paper folders will go home each Thursday (unless otherwise stated). On the inside cover is a sheet titled “This Week’s Work.” Please sign this document, so I will know that you have seen your child’s work. Please help your child get into the habit of bringing his/her folder back on Fridays. Also, please return ALL graded papers. I must keep these on file. Students will receive a sticker on their charts when folders are brought back signed the next day (more information about incentive charts can be found on page 6). Listserv is a great way for you to stay informed about school events and important information. The principal sends information via Listserv every week. To B B ACK ACK TO TO S S CHOOL CHOOL ! ! Third grade is an awesome and exciting year. However, third grade will also be a challenging year. Your child will be introduced to new math concepts, cursive handwriting, more detailed language and grammar skills, hands- on science experiments, and independent reading. I believe that third grade is a year of growing independence. Be safe in knowing that no matter what the day holds, your child will be taken care of in my classroom. I make a sincere effort to make sure that each child learns and has

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Page 1: Parent Letter

Welcome to Third Grade!

My name is Melanie Eubanks and this is my third year of teaching third grade at Heritage Elementary. Before coming to Heritage, I had the joy of working with preschool, third, and fifth grade students.

I am a graduate of Athens State University where I graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors. At Athens State, I received my B.S. in Elementary Education. I hope to return to school very soon to obtain my Masters in Elementary Education.

I absolutely love teaching, and I could see myself doing nothing else. I feel very blessed to be employed here at Heritage Elementary. Last year, I had an amazing year with my students. It was amazing to watch the students grow in knowledge. I also look forward to working with your child. I promise to work hard to ensure your child gets the quality education that he/she deserves.

I look forward to working with you to help your child succeed not only this year, but for the rest of his/her life.

Hello from Mrs. Eubanks

Heritage Elementary School

“Dream, Believe, Achieve”-Author Unknown

About Third Grade

Parent/Teacher CommunicationIn a couple of weeks, you will begin receiving our weekly class newsletter. “The Eubanks Enquirer” will keep you informed of classroom and school happenings. I will give your child a paper copy the first time it is sent out. I will then begin sending it via e-mail. I ask that you please print out the newsletter and place it in your child’s binder in the newsletter sleeve. Please sign the bottom of the newsletter so that I know you have viewed it.

Students will bring a “B.U.G” binder home every day. This binder needs to stay in the child’s backpack and travel between home and school every day. More information about the “B.U.G” binder can be found on page 7.

Graded paper folders will go home each Thursday (unless otherwise stated). On the inside cover is a sheet titled “This Week’s Work.” Please sign this document, so I will know that you have seen your child’s work. Please help your child get into the habit of bringing his/her folder back on Fridays. Also, please return ALL graded papers. I must keep these on file. Students will receive a sticker on their charts when folders are brought back signed the next day (more information about incentive charts can be found on page 6).

Listserv is a great way for you to stay informed about school events and important information. The principal sends information via Listserv every week. To sign up, go to the school website and click on “Listserv.” Follow the directions.

E-mails are sent out very often! Be sure I have your e-mail address for class news.

I like to keep teacher/parent communication lines open in order to maximize your child’s learning.

BBACKACK TOTO

SSCHOOLCHOOL!!

Third grade is an awesome and exciting year. However, third grade will also be a challenging year. Your child will be introduced to new math concepts, cursive handwriting, more detailed language and grammar skills, hands-on science experiments, and independent reading.

I believe that third grade is a year of growing independence.

Be safe in knowing that no matter what the day holds, your child will be taken care of in my classroom. I make a sincere effort to make sure that each child learns and has fun while doing it.

Page 2: Parent Letter

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2

Classroom Subjects

A spelling pretest will be given on Monday. Students scoring 100% will not be required to take the post-assessment given on Friday. However, students who compact out will still be required to participate in certain spelling concept lessons during the week. Please do not have your child study for the pretest. The pretest is used to assess PRIOR knowledge.

Reading Your child will be given the opportunity and instruction to improve silent and oral reading, as well as strengthen their comprehension through our AR program, chapter books and Harcourt Reading Series. Students will be given time in class to read silently from his/her AR book. Reading strategies based on the Alabama Reading Initiative will be taught and reinforced during the year, so that your child will continue to improve his/her comprehension and oral reading.

Feel free to e-mail me anytime as I check e-mail at school and home very frequently. If your child has special needs or concerns, you may want to e-mail me as soon as possible to let me know. Help me ensure your child’s success through positive communication.

Mrs. Eubanks’ Contact Information:E-mail: [email protected]: 256-772-2075

English/WritingYour child will engage in several writing activities, use correct punctuation, develop dictionary skills, correctly use nouns, verbs, adjectives, and pronouns in written and oral speech, etc.

Skill mastery will be assessed from writing products and unit tests.

There will be several reading activities happening throughout each week.

A story for the reader will be assigned weekly (most often with a vocabulary list). Skills that accompany the story will be taught and practiced throughout the week. Some assignments will accompany these stories as homework. Students will be responsible for reading their weekly story, writing vocabulary sentences, and studying their vocabulary during the week. The story of the week and vocabulary list will be noted on the weekly newsletter. Vocabulary tests will be given on Fridays. Comprehension tests will be given on Fridays.

Sustained silent reading will happen daily. This may or may not be Accelerated Reading (AR); however, it will be encouraged. We will begin working on AR goals after the students have taken the STAR reading assessment. Students will keep an Accelerated Reading Log in their binders. The log will give you more information on your child’s reading range and AR goal. Students will have the whole nine week period to meet their AR goal. AR tests will not count against the students’ reading grades; however, rewards will be given to those students who meet their goals. We will chart their progress in the classroom. The key is to motivate your child to read.

The STAR reading assessment will be given periodically during the year to evaluate progress and set optimal reading levels for students.

Small group instruction will be the primary reading strategy taught daily. Small group instruction addresses individual needs and allows me to focus more on my students’ strengths and weaknesses in reading. While I am working with my small groups, the rest of the class will be peer-discussing literature, doing reading activities from the class reader, writing, applying language skills, or utilizing technology.

Guided Reading will target specific reading strategies that improve student comprehension.

Spelling

Page 3: Parent Letter

Back To School Parent Newsletter - Page 3 Fluency is assessed in third grade through

the use of DIBELS. Students at the 3rd grade level should be able to read 110 words fluently by the end of the year. Therefore, fluency will be addressed weekly by read-alouds, poetry, and practice DIBELS fluency passages. Students will also be formally assessed on their fluency. More details about this assessment will be given to you at a later date.

Reading Logs – Students should read approximately 15-20 minutes a night. The only way a child can improve their reading skills is by practicing. The practice should be fun! Some strategies for making reading fun might include whole family reading, read to a big/little brother or sister, read to a friend or stuffed animal, take turns reading with Mom or Dad, read something besides books – cereal boxes, comics, newspaper, recipes, game instructions, etc.

Students will be given a reading log at the beginning of the year. I will e-mail you a blank copy, and again, I ask that you print out several copies to place in the reading log section of your child’s binder. The reading log should always be in your child’s binder in the reading log sleeve. Students will answer ANY three questions on their reading log using the books they are reading. Students should not answer the same questions each week as they need to work on all of the skills listed on the reading log. The reading log does ask for parents to take 5-10 minutes to discuss and record your student’s thoughts (only on one question). I understand that you all have busy schedules; however, if you are unable to fill in this section, your child can complete it himself/herself. Students should only use their weekly story out of the class reader one night a week when answering the questions. The other two nights should come from reading material within their reading level. The reading log will count as a reading grade. Reading logs will be due on Fridays. I will periodically check your student’s reading log during the week to make sure it is being completed. Also, I will conference with students often to discuss their reading logs. We will do examples together in class before students are given the assignment to complete independently.

Book reports may be assigned during the year. Book reports will be assigned two weeks prior to the due date.

Math Math will be taught as a skill-building/review process using the Everyday Math and AMSTI programs. Hands-on materials will assist daily activities that are practical (i.e. calendar, money, and elapsed time). There will be written assignments and homework.

Students are expected to have already memorized the basic addition and subtraction facts. During third grade, students should learn and memorize multiplication and division facts through the 9’s; however, we will study through the 12’s. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT WILL BE ESSENTIAL with reinforcement of all new and on-going skills. There will be a weekly multiplication test given on Fridays. Please see the weekly newsletters for the date the multiplication tests will begin.

Students will also be asked to write about daily math experiences in a school-kept math journal.

Social Studies

We will be learning about communities around the world as well as a study of Native Americans, geography skills, map and globe skills, American history and government, and good citizenship. Research, note taking, and the writing process will also be taught within this area.

Science

Our science curriculum is enhanced with AMSTI (Alabama Math and Science Technology Initiative) kits that we receive through UAH and FOSS. Each classroom kit is packed with enough materials to last approximately six to eight weeks. The kits include: Plant Growth and Development, Earth Materials, The Human Body, and Chemical Testing.

Health will be taught throughout the year in P.E.

Page 4: Parent Letter

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Physical Education

Cursive handwriting instruction will begin immediately. Hand and paper position, posture, and letter formation will be practiced and rehearsed daily. Grading of an S (satisfactory) or N (non-satisfactory) will be based on improvement in legibility, neatness, slant, and application. However, we will not begin writing assignments in full cursive until we have learned the proper formation of all upper and lower case letters.

Cursive Handwriting

Physical Education is required for 30 minutes on a daily basis. For your child’s safety, please have him or her wear appropriate shoes and clothing to school.

Specials

LibraryI have heard that we are on a flex schedule for library this year. This means that there is not a scheduled time for our class to go to the library. Students will be sent to the library at different times during the school day.

Art/Music

Art/Music will be provided on a rotating basis. For example, students will have art first semester and music second semester.

Computer LabTechnology is incorporated across the curriculum. Students have computer class once a week for 30 minutes. Students will use computers to practice keyboarding skills, work on Success Maker, research, take Accelerated Reader and STAR tests, and publish their writing. We will be doing a technology project this year and you will be invited to view your student’s technology project.

HomeworkHomework promotes self-responsibility, establishes organizational skills, and provides parents with information as to what knowledge their child is mastering. You should expect that your child will have some type of homework most every day. The only time homework will be assigned on Fridays is if your child has makeup work or projects that he/she needs to complete.

You will always find the homework assignments written in the assignment notebook that is kept in the “B.U.G” binder.  I encourage you to set up with your child a scheduled time for homework each day.   Students should be able to do most assignments independently, but do help if it is completely necessary.  If you notice that your child is having trouble with a concept, please send an email or jot a note to me on the assignment. 

Projects are periodically assigned and the due date is given at that time. You should find your child’s homework worksheets in his/her “B.U.G” binder in the back pocket. If your child fails to complete his/her homework at home, he/she will receive a warning on his/her “Work Study/Character Calendar”, complete the homework assignment during recess, and lose 5 points on his/her homework grade for each missing assignment. Please refrain from bringing homework to school for your child.

Word Banks on Graded AssignmentsIf a word bank is provided on an assignment, your child is expected to spell the words correctly. If your child chooses not to utilize the word bank provided, points (usually 2) will be deducted from his/her grade.

If a word bank isn’t provided, your child is encouraged to spell the words to the best of his/her ability. Your child will not be penalized if a word bank isn’t provided. However, he/she must spell the word so that it makes sense and is identifiable by the teacher and student. If neither the teacher nor the child can read the word, the answer will be marked wrong.

Page 5: Parent Letter

Great DayNo

Positive Reinforcement

First Offense WarningSecond Offense Student will lose 5

minutes of recess OR free time.

AND

Student will complete “Behavior Reflection

Form”

Third Offense

Parent will be notified by phone, email, or note.

Student will lose 10 minutes of recess OR

free time.

Student will earn 10 minutes in any of the

following:- isolation in buddy

teacher’s room.- isolation in lunchroom.

Back To School Parent Newsletter - Page 5

Classroom Rules and Discipline

Discipline is necessary for the welfare of the students as well as the entire school. Therefore, we will act in accordance with the guidelines set by the school. I am firm, yet fair, about following classroom/school rules. The rules will be posted and consistently followed throughout the school year. Please discuss the rules and consequences with your child. Your child should be encouraged to follow the rules at all times. Students will be taught the meaning of all rules during the first weeks of school. Rules will be practiced and role played for a clear understanding. Our classroom rules are:

1. I was not listening and/or not following directions.

2. I was not truthful.3. I was disturbing others.4. I was not keeping my hands, feet, and

other objects to myself.5. I was not respecting others, school,

and/or my property. 6. I was not working and playing safely.7. I did not complete my assignments on

time. 8. I was not walking in the building.

Work Study/Character Calendar

Your child will receive a monthly “Work Study/Character Calendar”. This document breaks down our classroom rules into 21 statements that will help make you more aware of your child’s behavior at school. If your child chooses to break a classroom rule, you will see a circle around a check mark, and a number written beside the check mark for a particular day. Please join me in helping maintain an effective classroom by INITIALLING YOUR

CHILD’S WORK STUDY/CHARACTER CALENDAR in the space provided if he/she failed to show acceptable character during the day. Praise your child for showing acceptable character and encourage him/her to accept responsibility for his/her actions otherwise. Please keep ALL “Work Study/Character Calendars” in your child’s binder throughout the school year.

Consequences

For each negative work study or character behavior, students will receive a check on their Work Study/Character Calendars.

*If misbehavior continues, detention will be implemented and parent will be notified.

Detention will be held on the following Wednesday from 2:45-3:15.

Page 6: Parent Letter

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Rewards

Individual

Group

Work Study/Character Calendar Each day a student does not sign his/her “Work Study/Character Calendar,” he/she will receive a money stamp.

At the end of each day, I or a student will draw to see how much money the students will earn for not having their calendars signed. The money amounts will range from 5 cents to 25 cents.

On Fridays, students will be given the opportunity to trade in their money for items in our Classroom Store. On Thursday night, students should total their money and write the amount down. Students who have signed their “Work Study/ Character Calendar” during the week will not be able to visit the Classroom Store until the following week.

Students may choose to save their money if they would like.

By having this type of reward, students learn money amounts, how to add and subtract money, how to save money, and how to do what many of them already do well…spend money.

StickersWhen students display good character or good behavior throughout the day, they will receive stickers that will be placed on their individual incentive charts. Students will also earn stickers when they return signed Graded Paper Folders, Character Calendars, permission slips, report cards, etc. (if they are returned the following day).

When a student’s incentive chart has been filled, they will be rewarded with one of the following rewards:

Buddy Lunch with friend Homework pass Five small marbles One large marble

In our classroom, students will sit in groups. Many times during the year, students will be asked to work cooperatively with their groups. It is very important that students learn how to work together and socialize.

Each group will be given a letter. For example, group A, group B, etc. Each day, the groups will start out with two marbles. These marbles will be shown by two dots on the classroom board. The groups can earn more marbles; however, they can also lose marbles.

After the students leave at the end of the day, I will place the number of marbles earned in each group’s box.

At the end of each semester, I will work with the students to divide the marbles up within their group. Students will be allowed to take home the marbles that they have earned.

Marbles

Grading Procedures Grades in each subject will be taken from daily work samples, tests, projects, teacher observation, rubrics, checklists, etc. Letter and number grades will be used to indicate your child’s progress. The Madison City School System has adopted the following grading scale for all students:

100-90 A

89 – 80 B

79 – 70 C

69-65 D

64 – below F

Class

“Bucket Fillers” After reading a story entitled Have You Filled a Bucket Today, students will realize that we all carry an invisible bucket around. This bucket is full of our feelings. When we are saddened by the events of our life or negative words from a peer, our bucket is empty. When I or other students see a classmate being kind to others or doing a good deed, the class will receive one or more “warm fuzzies” to place in the bucket. However, if students display a negative action such as bullying or saying something inappropriate, they will lose one or more “warm fuzzies” from the bucket. Our goal is to work as a team and to display good character. Once the bucket is full, the class will earn a reward.

Page 7: Parent Letter

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PROGRESS REPORTS/REPORT CARDS

A progress report with your child’s academic average will be sent home every three weeks. A report card will also come home at the end of the nine-week grading period. Look for the exact dates for the reports to be sent home in the weekly newsletter. Please sign the progress report and report card and send them back the next school day.

B.U.G BINDERThe B.U.G Binder will be used to help keep us organized, and it will assist with things running smoothly in our classroom. Listed below is a brief description of what is found in your child’s “B.U.G” binder.

1. Messages from School Pocket ~ The first pocket to the left of the binder is for important notes. This includes the monthly lunch calendar, work done in class that will not be graded, any notes from the office, and other communication that does not need to be returned to school. Please check this pocket daily and remove all material so that it is empty and ready to be used the next day.

2. Zipper Money/Note Pouch ~ Please place all money sent to the classroom for pictures, PTA membership, book orders, field trips, lunch, etc. in the zipper pouch. *Remember: All checks sent to Heritage should have a valid driver’s license number written on them.

3. Sign and Return Sleeve ~ This section will hold forms that will need to be signed and sent back to school. Ex. Report Cards, Progress Reports, Field Trip Forms, Notes from Teacher, etc.

4. Newsletter Sleeve ~ This sleeve will house classroom newsletters. The newsletter is entitled “The Eubanks Enquirer.” The newsletter will keep you updated on classroom happenings and important dates.

5. Schedule Sleeve ~ Once the schedule has been finalized, students will receive a copy to keep in their binders.

6. Snack/Volunteer Calendar Sleeve ~ The names of students whose parents have volunteered to bring in snacks on Fridays will be listed on the calendar. Also, if you are the reading or craft volunteer for the month, your name will be on the calendar.

7. Reading Tab ~ Students will write their vocabulary words and definitions on a sheet of paper and place their work behind this tab.

8. Reading Log Sleeve ~ Your child should complete any three nights of the reading log. The reading log will be checked often to make sure that it is being completed and your child is keeping it in his/her binder.

9. AR Information Sleeve ~ An Accelerated Reading Log will be kept in this sleeve. This log with give you information on your child’s AR goal and reading range. Students will use this log to keep up with how many points they have earned.

10. Language Tab ~ Behind this section you will find your child’s “Daily Proofreading” exercises. Also, practice activities for language will be found here.

11. Editing Information Sleeve ~ Students will use the Editing Symbols sheet that is included in this sleeve to correct their “Daily Proofreading.”

12. Assignment Notebook ~ Your child will write his/her assignments on his/her homework book each day. Please purchase an assignment planner from the PTA. I will assist a great deal with getting students prepared for their nightly assignment. It is your child’s responsibility to follow my instructions, so that he/she has the correct homework assignment, and all of the material required to complete homework goes home with him/her. Please check your child’s assignment notebook daily to make certain all work listed has been completed before going to bed at night.

13. Math Reference Sheets Sleeve ~ Students may refer to the math reference sheets to help them complete their math homework assignments.

14. Multiplication Information Sleeve ~ Students should study the multiplication chart that is included in this section. Also, we will use this section to record when your child has mastered each multiplication fact. Your child will work toward earning a Multiplication Sundae.

15. Work Study/Character Calendar Tab ~ Please remember to check your child’s “Work Study/Character Calendar” daily.

Page 8: Parent Letter

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Policies and Procedures

IllnessIf you feel your child is not well, but you want him/her to try coming to school, please don’t say to your child, “If you are not feeling well by lunch you can come home”. Your child will watch the clock and conveniently become ill at that time. Instead, please send me a note, and I’ll make sure that the proper precautions are taken for the benefit of your child.

Early Check Outs/Late Arrivals

If you will be checking your child out early, please send me a note, so that I may have your child’s assignment(s) ready upon your arrival. When checking your child out early, please go to the office first (not the classroom). The secretary will then call our classroom to notify me of your arrival (this is less distracting to the class). When entering school late, this same procedure must be followed; please note that it is important for your child to arrive on time. This will teach your child that being on time is important and will prove to be an important life-time skill.

Transportation

Any time your child’s mode of transportation changes, please notify me by email, phone or a written note.

PTA

I would like to encourage you to join the Heritage Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Membership in the PTA is an excellent way to be involved in your child’s education. Please take the time to join at Open House or the first week of school, if possible. Prizes or incentives are usually given for the classes in each grade level obtaining 100% membership first. I urge both parents to join if possible.

Parent Volunteers

Students love having visitors read to them, as well as help with various activities. Please let me know if you have any special talents or ideas that you would like to share.

Also, if you would like to help with parties, chaperone field trips, or volunteer in any way, please complete the Parent Roundup form and return it to me as soon as possible. Our room mother will be getting in contact with you about bringing small snacks on Fridays and having a parent come in and read or make a craft with the students once a month. Anything that you do will be greatly appreciated!

Student Numbers

Each student will be assigned a number. I would like for your child to write the number on all of his/her homework and class assignments in the upper right hand corner of his/her paper. This number system will help me identify student work when they forget to write their names, and it will also help me speed up the filing process.

Classroom Helpers

Birthdays

Snacks

Children need to have responsibilities in order to become responsible adults. Throughout the school year, students will have important jobs that will contribute to the operation of our classroom. Students will rotate jobs weekly.

Birthdays are special times. If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday by bringing special treats to school, please send me a note in advance. Before sending or bringing in treats, please see and follow the Nutritional Guidelines that you will receive. You may bring the treats during our lunch period. There are ____ students in our class. Please make sure your child brings enough treats for all of the students.

Students will also receive a coupon from me for a free ice cream treat from the cafeteria (to be used on or after their birthday).

If your child has a dairy allergy, he/she will receive another small special gift.

Back To School Parent Newsletter - Page 9

Students will be allowed to have a snack. If you would like your child to participate, please pack a nutritious snack for your child to enjoy each day.

16. Homework Pocket ~ Any practice worksheets or information about projects that have been assigned will be found in this section. Please check this nightly.

Classroom library rules:1. Find a book that you want to read.2. Place the index card that contains the

book’s title and author in your number’s checkout sleeve.

3. Please do not get books wet.4. Please do not “dog ear” any pages. Use

a bookmark to keep your place.5. Return the book to the check-in box

within a week.6. Be sure to write in the date when the

book was returned.7. Take responsibility for any damage that

you may have done to the book.*If your child loses a book or damages it beyond repair, I ask that you or the child please replace it.

Page 9: Parent Letter

Book OrdersBook orders will be sent home periodically. The due date will be found in the newsletter. This is an excellent way for you to purchase quality books at discounted prices. Also, with the bonus points that I receive, I am able to stock our classroom library with some of the students’ favorite books. Please complete the form thoroughly and return it along with your check (made payable to Heritage Elementary) or you may order online on or before the due date.

Student of the Week Assignment:

Any items brought to school will be returned the same day they are sent. However the items are the responsibility of the student. Listed below is everything your child needs to do during their special week. The “Student of the Week” bag contains most of the items needed to complete each activity. The bag will come home with your child on the Friday before their week. VERY IMPORTANT: PLEASE RETURN THE BAG BY THE NEXT FRIDAY. It is very important for each child to know he/she is special. During your child’s special week he/she may share anything about him/herself. This can be pictures of family members, special occasions, special toys, awards, etc.

Students/families should take our pet rock, Buggy, on an adventure. The rock will be in the bag. The adventure could be going to the grocery store, taking a walk, reading a book to our pet rock, or anything you can think of to do with the rock. Students will write a story about their adventures with Buggy.

Wednesday : Estimation Jar - Students should fill or partially fill the estimation jar that is included in the “Student of the Week” bag. The jar should be returned to school on Wednesday. The student of the week should count the number of items before bringing the jar to school. Just a hint, it may be a good idea to write the number down somewhere, so your child doesn’t forget. Items could include: toy cars, rice, beans, Q-tips, game pieces, cotton balls, beads, baseball cards, marbles, etc. PLEASE NO LIQUIDS. Edible items will no longer be edible due to the germs in the estimation jar.

Thursday : Parent Letter (Optional) - Parents will write a letter to the class telling us how special your child is to you.  Send the letter in a sealed envelope to school with your child, and I will read the letter to the class at class meeting.  The content of the letter is up to you, but you may want to choose from the following ideas: Describe special or funny stories about your child for the class to hear, write a silly or serious poem about your child, tell us some neat things we may not know about your child, send silly or special pictures with a letter describing the pictures, or write a short story with your child as the main character. 

Friday : “Buggy Story” – Students will share the story that they have written about their adventures with Buggy. The student will be recognized by his or her classmates and presented with a "Student of the Week" certificate.

Some games will be packed into the bag. Please try to play at least one game with your child during their special week!

Before returning the bag, please complete an inventory sheet.

We will all make a Buggy Jr. at the end of the year!

Field Trips

Third grade field trips this year MAY include the following:

YMCA swimming lessons Botanical Gardens Cathedral Caverns Space and Rocket Center Huntsville Stars Game

Parents will be asked to attend trips where extra help is needed. If we participate in the YMCA swimming program this year, then I will need a few parents to swap out days to accompany us.

If students bring money or other items on a field trip, they will be responsible for these.

Parent Night

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Classroom Library

I am very proud of our classroom library collection. Most of the books were either bought by family members or myself. Many of the books were my husband’s when he was younger. Also, several of my previous students donated books to the classroom library.

Students are more than welcome to check out books from our classroom library. However, once the books are checked out, that book becomes the responsibility of the student.

I have created a procedure students must follow in order to help us all keep our classroom library organized and complete.

While your child is the Student of the Week, each day of the week will consist of an exciting event or activity to honor him or her.

Monday: “The _____ Times” - Your child should bring at least one photo of him- or herself to school. Also, he/she should complete “The _____ Times” in the binder and return it to school by Monday. The photograph may be attached to the questionnaire.

Tuesday: Favorite Book – The student should bring one of his or her books to read to the class.  Students can read the book aloud to the class (if it can be read in less than 10 minutes) or give a book-talk if the book is longer.

Page 10: Parent Letter

Hello from Mrs. Eubanks About Third Grade Parent/Teacher

Communication

Reminders

School Supplies Needed

4 small glue sticks 1 box of 24 crayons 1 box of colored pencils with sharpener 1 gross (144) of #2 pencils 1 spiral notebook 1 composition notebook 1 graphing notebook 5 packs of wide-ruled loose leaf paper 1 pack of dry erase markers with

eraser 10 pocket folders with prongs Zipper supply pouch one - 1 1/2 inch 3 ring binder (white with

clear pocket on front) with 5 divider tabs.

Open House Packet

Back To School Parent Newsletter – Page 11

Be sure to complete all the forms and assessments sent home in the Open House packet

You are all invited to attend Heritage’s Parent Night on ____________ at ____ p.m. On this night, you will be able to tour our classroom, and I will be discussing classroom procedures and plans for the year. Also, I will be answering questions that you may have. I look forward to seeing all of you!

These first weeks of school will be a period of adjustment for all of us. The students will be settling in, learning school and classroom rules, and getting to know their classmates. They will also be learning to be comfortable with me as their teacher. Schedules seem to change somewhat during the first few weeks of school, so I will send one home as soon as it is finalized. Please be patient and supportive so that we may smooth out all of the rough places, such as transportation, scheduling, etc.

Student Work

This year students will be responsible for completing homework assignments and projects. I am not at all against parents helping children. I believe that one-on-one time is essential to student learning. Parents are encouraged to help their child; however, please refrain from completing your child’s assignment for them.

Closing Statements

Box Tops and Campbell’s Soup Labels

Please remember to save Box Tops and Campbell’s Soup Labels. The school uses the proceeds to purchase equipment and supplies.

Page 11: Parent Letter

Classroom Subjects, continued

Special Classes Word Banks

Please detach and return

I have read and understand the information in the Parent Handbook provided by Mrs. Eubanks.

Signature _____________________ Date _________

Please keep this handbook throughout the school year.

Parent(s) Comments and/or Questions__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Teacher Communication,

continued Classroom Subjects

Classroom Subjects, continued Classroom Subjects information

Rewardso Individual o Groupo Class

Grading Procedures

Progress Reports/Report Cards

“B.U.G” Binder

Classroom Rules and Discipline

o Work Study/Character Calendar

Consequences

“B.U.G” Binder Policies and

Procedures

Policies and Procedures, continued

Student of the Week Assignment

Student of the Week Assignment, continued

Reminders