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 FAQ

 Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
  1. What is Accelerated Reader (AR)? Where can my child get an AR book?
  2. My child says he/she doesn't have time to do their Accelerated Reader tests.
  3. How many math problems a minute should my child complete?
  4. Why do I have parents sign notes and return them to me?
  5. Do we celebrate summer birthdays?
  6. What is a Math Contract?
  7. Does my child have a spelling list?
  8. What's the Reading Club?
  9. Can books read for Accelerated Reader count for Reading Club?
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What is Accelerated Reader (AR)? Where can my child get an AR book?

Accelerated Reader is a computer generated reading comprehension program. 
Your child reads a book and answers questions on one of our many computers 
are school. Children are to check out at least 1 AR book a week from the 
library. You probably have books at home that are on AR. Ask our library for 
a list of AR books so you can check your home library.
Absolutely! The only books I ask that do not go home are books from my 
pesonal library.
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My child says he/she doesn't have time to do their Accelerated Reader tests.

There is ample time to take tests. Not only do we have 2 classroom computers 
on 
line to Accelerated Reader, all computers in the lab are hooked up to AR as 
well. Every Friday we have one hour specifically set aside for AR goals. 
There are several times throughout every day tests can be taken as well. 
Children can and should be reading for Accelerated Reader at home, 
especially when we begin requiring the reading of chapter books.
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How many math problems a minute should my child complete?

I'd like to see children completing between 20-25 addition and subtraction 
problems in a minute. Anything over 20 in multiplication is considered grade 
level.
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Why do I have parents sign notes and return them to me?

Communication is key. By having you sign and return a note I've sent home 
with your child, I know you have received the information. Believe it or 
not, 3rd graders have a tendency to "forget" or "lose" notes.
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Do we celebrate summer birthdays?

I LOVE to celebrate the day your child was born! I celebrate summer 
birthdays as "half birthdays". If your child has a summer birthday (during 
the time we are not in school) I will notify you of the "half" celebration 
so you know when to send in a birthday snack. PLEASE send in everything 
needed to serve your snack. (napkins, cups, etc.) Also, remember that 
serving 25 children is a huge task. Picture serving a treat to 25 people in 
your home...please respect this and make snacks easy to distribute. 
(cookies, brownies, bagged snacks, etc.)
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What is a Math Contract?

The Math Contract is to help increase the fast recall of math facts. If your 
child is practicing strategies for fast recall at least 4 times a week, math 
skills WILL increase. Remember, facts can be practiced in the car, at the 
dinner table or on the computer. I have a link to math web sites to help 
practice facts as well. Returning the Math Contract on its due date is part 
of a child's grade. Thank you for helping your child be successful!
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Does my child have a spelling list?

Yes. Your child will bring home a list of 15 words on Monday. It will be
stapled to the pre-test (that is given on Fridays and no studying is needed)
AND a homework page that will be due Wednesday. The test of these words will
be given on Wednesday. If your child misses any words on Wednesday, another
test will be given on Thursday.
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What's the Reading Club?

Richland has a wonderful parent sponsored program called the Reading Club. 
Children simply write down the title of books and the number of pages 
they've read on a Reading Club Slip. (These are in the classrooms and in the 
office.)  Parents sign the form for verification and the form gets returned 
to school. Our Reading Club Parent keeps track of all the 
pages read. Remember that EVERYTHING that is read counts towards the Reading 
Club. Refer to your Reading Club information sheet for prizes/pages. Our 
goal is for everyone on the Team to earn a Reading Club Shirt by spring. 
READ READ READ NOW. Don't put it off to the last few months!
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Can books read for Accelerated Reader count for Reading Club?

EVERYTHING that is read counts for Reading Club. Remember that ONLY books 
marked for the Accelerated Reader program have quizzes on the computer. I 
will sign Reading Club Slips for the books kids read for Accelerated Reader.
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Last Modified: Friday August 31 2007
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