Remember that Ecosystem Dioramas are due this Thursday, December 17. You may go ahead and bring them in for display as soon as you complete them. I can't wait to see the students' creativity! Remember to continue to bring in Box Tops and Can Tabs as you collect. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to 3rd grade. You are in for some real adventure. Let us work together as parents and the teacher to aid your child in meeting some fundamental 3rd grade goals. I will list only 3 of these basic goals. 1. Encourage your child to enjoy reading. Read with him/her each night for 15-20 minutes. Let your child ask you questions after each page. 2. Help your child to be as responsible as can be. Completing class work and homework, keeping up with supplies, and being self-disciplined are all part of being a responsible 3rd grader. 3. Make your child aware that he/she can solve real world problems. We will work with real world ideas in all subjects, especially math and written expression. Watch carefully for examples of this and discuss the ideas that we explore, as papers and books come home. Eight-year olds are so smart! If at any time you have a concern, do not hesitate to call me at school 587-2290. My planning period is from 1:15 to 2:05. You may also email me at wadea1@k12tn.net or just write me a note. I promise you that I will smile and laugh a lot, love your children, and work very hard toward teaching your child. Let’s get this awesome year started! Parent Homework You know that your child is unique, special and wonderful in many ways. He or she is the love of your life and the apple of your eye! As a parent you know your child better than anyone on Earth. I will be spending many hours a day with your child and would like for you to help me know him/her better. In order to help me, I have given you a homework assignment. Assignment: Write a letter to me. In the letter, tell me about your child. Tell me his/her strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. Tell me about past experiences and developmental milestones. Include anything you think will help me help your child adjust to 3rd grade and become a successful learner. Please return no later than Friday, August 14th. Book Orders I will be sending home book orders from time to time. If you would like to order books for your child, please fill out the form and return it to me by the date I have requested. Please pay by check or money order and make them out to Scholastic Book Club. Thank you for all your help and support! Homework Policy Why I assign homework I believe homework is important because it is a valuable aid in helping students make the most of their experiences in school. I give homework because it is useful in reinforcing what is learned in class, teaches responsibility, and helps students develop positive study habits. When homework will be assigned Students will receive a planner on the first day of school. In the planner, the students will write their daily homework assignment. Please read these planners nightly and initial at the bottom. (I try to never give homework assignments on Wednesday or Friday.) Student homework responsibilities Each student should write in their planner neatly and return this work to school on time. Teacher homework responsibilities All homework will be checked. If homework is not completed, the student will complete it in study hall and have to mark their behavior chart accordingly. Parent homework responsibilities Parents should provide necessary supplies and a quiet learning environment at home. It is important for parents to set a daily study time, to provide praise and support, and to contact me if there is a problem. Behavior Plan 1. Conduct Chart- Each student will receive a conduct chart at the beginning of the week that will be taped to their desk. There is a list of behavior codes at the bottom of the chart to tell how much will be deducted for each behavior. The student will get the chart signed and brought back each week. If the student receives at least a 90 each week for a month, they will earn a FUN FRIDAY. If the student does not earn at least a 90 each week, they will not be able to participate in FUN FRIDAY. 2. Weekly Rewards- If the student remains at 100 on their behavior chart at the end of the week, then on Monday after returning the chart signed the student can draw for a reward. Some of the rewards include a toy from the treasure box, 10 minutes on the computer, snack time, eating lunch in the room with the teacher, etc. 3. RECESS- I am trying to get away from taking recess with rewarding the