Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
When will we have class parties?
Parties will be held on Halloween and Valentine's Day only. There will not be an end-of-the-year party as there has been in previous years.Back to Top
When are the 3rd grade field trips?
Info coming soonBack to Top
How can I contact Miss McClellan?
I am easiest to reach by email, as I check my email messages at multiple times throughout the day. My email address is jmcclellan@spfk12.org. I can also be reached by phone at the school at (908) 889-2148 x 210. If you have a message that needs to be left for me immediately, please leave a message with the secretary IN THE OFFICE as it is more likely that I will receive the message before the school day ends. This is especially helpful if you have a message for your child or a change in pickup at the end of the school day. I can also be reached by mail at: Jessica McClellan Brunner Elementary School 721 Westfield Rd. Scotch Plains, NJ 07076Back to Top
NJ ASK assesses student achievement in the knowledge and skills defined by the New Jersey Core Curriculum in language arts literacy, mathematics, and science. It replaces the Elementary School Proficiency Assessment, and was implemented in 2003 to meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act. All third graders and fourth graders in New Jersey will take the test. The NJ ASK will be administered in March. Third graders will be tested in Reading, Writing, and Math over a three-day period. Students will be expected to answer both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.Back to Top
What do I need to know about snack?
In third grade, students will be given a WORKING snack. This is a transition from previous grades. Please send students in with a snack that allows them to write at the same time. Snacks that require the use of utensils are not conducive to working effectively. We also encourge families to please adhere to our school's nutrition policy. A healthy snack includes something in which the first ingredient is not sugar and is less than 8 grams of fat.Back to Top
Can I celebrate my birthday in class?
Celebrating birthdays is welcomed in the classroom. Students may bring a small treat to class. We ask that all families send a list of ingredients with birthdays treats in order to monitor for nut allergies. We also ask that families follow the school nutrition policy. An appropriate birthday treat should be less than 8 grams of fat and the first ingredient should not be sugar. Some acceptable treats that students have enjoyed include fruit or vegetable plates, banana breads, etc.Back to Top
What do I do when I am absent?
When a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to contact the teacher and find out what material was missed. They may be expected to "make up" missed classwork or homework. Students will be expected to visit the "class absent buddy" when they return to school to find out what was missed. In cases of long-term absences, students should contact the teacher in order to keep on track with school work.Back to Top
What happens if I forget to bring my homework to school?
As human beings, we all forget things once in a while. As your teacher, I understand this. I will NOT yell at you. However, it is expected that the student will be responsible and bring his/her homework to school each day. Each student will have the opportunity to have a "homework waiver" once a marking period on a day of their choice. This does NOT mean that the student does not have to complete the homework. It simply means he/she does not have to stay in during recess time to complete the homework. He/She may hand it in the following day and will not be penalized.Back to Top
How can I become involved in my child's classroom?
There are many ways in which parents can become involved in the classroom throughout the year. One way is to be a Guest Reader. Several Fridays throughout the year family members are invited to read a book of their choice to the class. Sign up for Guest Reader is usually held on "Back to School Night." Another way for familes to become involved is to be a guest speaker to the class. This would involve presenting a talent/knowledge/family background or customs to the class. Family members can show their interest by noting what they would like to do on the "beginning of the year questionnaire". They can also contact Miss McClellan at any time.Back to Top