Welcome to Back to School Night

1. We are in the 3rd grade classrooms for a visit. We will begin the presentation at 5:15. Please feel free to come to our 3rd grade classrooms to look at your child’s room.

2. Welcome toBack toSchool Night Third Grade 2018-2019

3. Specials Teachers • Teachers – Introduce Specials teachers and they will share their Curriculum, Grading, Extra Curricular opportunities, and Classroom resources/tools. • Art • Ms. Moore= mmoore@aak8.org • Music • Ms. Blackman= lblackman@aak8.org • P.E. • Mr. McGarva= wmcgarva@aak8.org • Tech • Ms. Birdno= abirdno@aak8.org

4. Specials (Physical Education) • Teacher – William McGarva (Coach) • Curriculum: • Includes a variety of sports, games, skills, and fitness activities. Activities will include weekly objectives based around improving skills, building character, and will incorporate teamwork and sportsmanship. • Classroom resources and tools: • Sports, fitness, and skills equipment. FitnessGram assessment technology. • Grading: • 50% Participation • 50% Projects, skills, and assessments

5. Specials (Technology) • Teacher – Alyssa Birdno • Curriculum: • A well rounded curriculum including; proper keyboarding, computer programing, internet safety, internet research, graphics programs, etc. • Classroom resources and tools: • Using the software for Technology called Learning.com. Used to receive assignments/curriculum, turning in work, take assessments and work on typing, all online. • Grading: • 50% Participation • 50% Projects, skills, and assessments. • Extra Curricular opportunities: • Broadcasting (Still in need of participants) • Mileage Club

6. Specials (Music) • Teacher – Lindsay Blackman • Curriculum: • Will encompass music fundamentals like rhythm, dynamics, pitch, tempos, form, and phrasing. All of these will be taught using songs, dance, instruments, stories, and activities designed to inspire creative thinking. • Classroom resources and tools: • Keyboards, Drums, Pandora, youtube, and a host of different music apps for Ipad that will be projected full screen so that there is full engagement and participation.

7. Specials (Music) continued… • Grading: • Students are expected to participate fully and with maximum effort. Participation counts for half the grade, and assessments will be based on demonstrating acquired knowledge of musical fundamentals. Occasionally, a playing assessment will be used, but the impact on grades due to playing ability will be minimal. • Extra Curricular opportunities: • Band and Orchestra are the main extra curricular opportunities for the musically minded. Previous experience is helpful but not necessary for the Rebel Groups. • Spring Musical-keep an eye out for updates on the school website

8. Specials (Art) • Teacher – Marylyn Moore • Curriculum: • Artists are taught a brief art history from multiple cultures and eras prior to each lesson. They are then to use the Elements of Art (Color, Line, Form, Value, Texture, Space) to create a self expressed art piece. They must use problem solving skills to work through difficult material or concepts. • Classroom resources and tools: • Tempra, Acrylic & watercolor paint, markers, crayons, “light tracers” (Windows), variety of colored pencils, “How To Draw” books, Resource books, Supply table

9. Specials (Art) continued… • Grading: • 50% participation • 50% Art project (Based on the focused element, style, or concept of art) • Extra Curricular opportunities: • ECA’s will be offered to 3rd – 5th this year. More information to come on the Website

10. We Believe: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.”-Martin Luther King, Jr. • 3rd grade Teachers • Homeroom • Ms. Endo (Math & Literacy) aendo@aak8.org • Mrs. Jones (Math & History) mjones@aak8.org • Ms. Pozner (Math & Science) mpozner@aak8.org • Mr. Russo (Math & Literacy) jrusso@aak8.org • Ability Group • Ms. Izzi (Literacy) kizzi@aak8.org

11. 3rd Grade Daily Schedule 7:55-8:10 Homeroom 8:13-9:08 Math 9:11-9:33 Recess/Snack 9:36-10:31 Rotation 1 10:34-11:29 Rotation 2 11:32-12:17 Specials (P.E., Music, Art, Tech) 12:20-1:05 Lunch & Recess 1:08-2:03 Rotation 3 2:06-3:02 Rotation 4 3:05-3:35 Study Hall (in Homerooms)

12. Classroom Management • 3rd Grade Expectations: • Respect yourself, Respect others, Respect your school • Positive Reinforcement • Shout Outs (Fridays) • Leadership Awards-2 students per grade level per trimester

13. School-Wide Behavior Positive Management System

14. Why Are We Using Kickboard? • Focus on Positive Behaviors • We understand the real impact a positive culture has on our school and our students. We strive to build the same safe and happy culture so that each of us can thrive. • Schools who use positive behavior support systems have higher academic growth across the board • Students thrive when they understand what is expected of them • Everyone can be consistent by using common language as we work toward a common goal • Parents, teachers, and students all have access to the system to see what behaviors are happening at school • Positive behaviors are reinforced through individual and group incentives • Help us focus student expectations and character development with the same intentionality as academic content • Behavior expectations are positively stated, and then are further defined across various settings within the school

15. Kickboard Access? • Kickboard Login Papers Went Home at Open House • If you didn’t get one, please email School Dean, Sarah Miller smiller@aak8.org • Go to www.Kickboardforschools.com • Enter in username at the top of the page and your child’s birthdate (example 01/15/2006) • Write down the new username that appears it will be first initial, last name, -6pj example smiller-6pj • *note* the computer automatically saves your email as the username. This will not work • Then create your password • Write down your information • Email your Dean if you run into any issues.

16. Spending Those Rebel Bucks • Third grade has decided on the following rewards • (weekly, monthly, and each trimester) • Weekly Extra Monday Recess • Monthly Classroom Store • End of the Trimester Party • Lunch Bunch • (This list will grow throughout the year) • ***Any and all donated PRIZES are super appreciated for this***

17. Planner & Red Homework Folder • Planner: All homework should be written in your child’s planner • Check planner daily and sign/initial • Add questions or notes for teachers • Write in open section if your child is going somewhere different after school • RED Homework Folder: Two labeled pockets help with organization. (“Left at Home” & “Right Back to School”) • Graded work and school flyers will be in the “Left at Home” pocket of the folder. Please check and empty this pocket daily to help with organization. *Only remove items from the “Left at Home” pocket of the folder. • Please help your child remember their Red Folder and Planner daily with their completed homework in the “Right Back to School” side of the folder!

18. American Academy Character &Manners

19. Ability Grouping • Literacy is ability grouped based on the latest student test results and student work. We use multiple points of data and a percentage of each test to calculate a composite percentage. Examples: Writing Benchmark, MAP Reading, MAP Language Usage, Morrison McCall , I Ready, etc. • Literacy Ability Group Classes: Intervention, Supported, Standard, Advanced Standard • Math is leveled by grade level (Saxon 3=3rd grade math) (Saxon 4=4th grade math) • Ability Groups are FLEXIBLE-we meet with AG teachers and Principal to look over data each trimester and determine any movements needed. • We are already doing Ability Group rotations and instruction. We have quite a few new 3rd graders to AA and those students are still being evaluated to make sure they are placed into the correct Ability Group.

20. Curriculum Overview • Literacy Block: Reading, Spelling, Writing, Grammar • Spalding Spelling, Reading, and Writing • Core Knowledge Literature • Shurley Grammar • Step Up to Writing • Daily Language Instruction • Math: Saxon Math • Science: Next Gen Science & STEAM • History: Core Knowledge

21. Literacy Block Spalding (spelling, reading, and writing) -research based literacy program focusing on phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension -provides an interactive, multisensory approach to language instruction Step Up to Writing (Intermediate) -writing tools and mini lessons used to supplement Spalding writing curriculum -multisensory, consistent approach to writing instruction Shurley Grammar -grammar concepts and sentence diagramming lessons to supplement Spalding grammar/writing curriculum -multisensory instruction with jingles and sentence diagramming question and answer flow to support long term retention Daily Language Instruction (DLI) -weekly grammar concepts -editing for errors

22. Spelling Homework & Tests Spelling Homework- Rather than assigning spelling soup or choose three each week, students will be required to “self study” for weekly spelling/vocabulary tests. We will put a list of ideas of how to effectively study spelling words on our website. Feel free to use these weekly to help your child study, but it will not be collected as a grade. Most weeks, however, we will be assigning at least 1 authentic spelling/vocab activity to be completed at home for a grade. These will always be posted in Infinite Campus. Spelling Tests- Most weeks your child will have a spelling test at the end of the week. The words for the week will be in IC under the Spelling Test entry (under description). These words will mostly come from our Spalding spelling curriculum; however, some weeks may include words from Science/History vocabulary. There may also be a phonogram quiz to accompany the spelling test. All phonograms will come directly from the spelling words.

23. Once a Trimester Book Report • Your child will complete a book report each trimester. • Students will… • 1. Choose a good fit book based on their Lexile level. • 2. Read the book and choose a book report activity to complete. A list of book report options will be sent home. Feel free to choose one of these options or find your own. • 3. Trimester book reports are due: • Trimester1-Nov. 1st • Trimester 2-Feb. 8th • Trimester 3-May 3rd • 4. These book reports will be counted as a reading grade each trimester. Book Report Checklist/Rubric Name (1) ______ Title (1) _____ Author (1) _______ Good Fit Book/Lexile Level (1)______ Genre (1) ______ Neatness/Presentation (5) _____ Effort (5) ______ Plot (10) ______ Creativity (5) ______ Conventions (5) _____ Spelling (5) _____ Language Usage (5) ______ Total: _____/ 45

24. Saxon Math • Concepts spiral • Homework • Homework will be due daily • Worth 20% of math grade • Assessments • Every 5 lessons- cumulative test from all previous lessons • Facts Assessment-fact mastery is necessary so PRACTICE! • Assessments are worth 80% of math grade • Vocabulary study guides will be sent home periodically if your child is in Saxon 4. • Saxon Math book is available as an online version so students do not need to carry the heavy book back and forth. If there is a discrepancy between the printed textbook and the online version, we will grade accordingly. • **TAKE AN UPDATED HANDOUT**

25. Science- Next Gen & STEAM • Science units with Ms. Pozner • Weather and Climate • Force and Motion • Changing Matter • Rocks and Minerals • Adaptations and Traits of Plants and Animals • Hands-on activities, inquiry style, science notebooks • (Science Notebooks- used to keep track of investigations and vocabulary) • STEAM units with Ms. Wray • October 15- November 5- WeDo Robotics • January 8-29 - Sphero

26. History- Core Knowledge • History units • Core Knowledge • Canada • Geography • World Rivers • Ancient Rome • Vikings • Earliest Americans • European Explorers • Thirteen Colonies

27. Communication • We are partnering together to help your child succeed and therefore we are one team. • If an issue comes up, or your child comes home and says something that concerns you, PLEASE reach out to the teacher first • (per our communication policy). • We always want to go to the source first, because 9/10 it is a misunderstanding that we can handle together if we just talk. • After that, if you still can’t resolve the issue with us, then you are welcome to bring Ms. Norton or Ms. Miller into the conversation. • Please remember that 3rd grade is when students start to self-advocate more. Have your child email their teacher with concerns.

28. Communication (cont.) • INFINITE CAMPUS: (Check frequently) • Infinite Campus provides dates and details for upcoming assignments and assessments. • Grades will be updated frequently. • Please SAVE work in case of an error so you can send the work back in for adjustment to IC. • IC will reflect grades, turned (T) in work, and any missing (M) assignments. • WEBSITE: • PLEASE refer to the American Academy website, this power point along with the weekly updates on the Grade 3 Webpage before e-mailing your child’s teacher with questions. • Check our Grade 3 Webpage frequently for updated news. • Third grade newsletters will be emailed weekly for the first half of the year, and every other week the 2nd half of the year. • EMAIL: • E-mail your child’s teacher with questions before going to someone else. Email your child’s teacher for that specific subject/question. (ie. Question about a math grade=email child’s math teacher, it may not be his homeroom teacher) • Please be patient with e-mails. Please allow up to 48 hours for our response. • If you email us over the weekend, we will respond on Monday/Tuesday when we return to school. • We may not respond to all e-mails. Some emails from parents are simply informative and do not require a response. However, if you feel your email required a response and we have not responded after the 48 hours, please just follow-up with us! 

29. Parent/Teacher Conferences • There are 3 scheduled conferences for this school year • October 3 & 4 • January 23 & 24 • May 15 & 16 • These are the best times to meet with your child’s teachers. We will discuss goals, progress, and next steps for your child. • We will send you a Sign-Up Genius link about one week before each conference. Please READ carefully, to know which of your child’s teachers to sign up with (literacy, math, homeroom, etc.). • Conferences are NOT mandatory, but encouraged ** We will contact you if there is a concern on a child’s progress that requires an additional conference outside of these scheduled times**

30. AA Absent Work & AA Grading Scale GRADING SCALE • MISSED SCHOOL/MAKE-UP WORK: • Students have 2 days for each EXCUSED absence to make up their work. • Ex: If they were absent on Monday, they will obtain their work on Tuesday, and all work will be due on Thursday at the start of class. • Missing Assignment notification will be sent even when excused absence, it is not late!

31. Grading Policy • Students are responsible for their own work, including turning it in on time as well as making sure their name is on it. • Points will be deducted for late or no name work. • Late policy for homework/classwork- • 1 day late: 10% deduction • 2 days late: 20% deduction • 3-5 days late: 50% deduction • More than 5 days late = NO credit • Missing Assignment Notifications will be sent even if your child was absent. • No Name Work: 10% deduction STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE AND RETURN ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME TO RECEIVE FULL CREDIT

32. School Uniform Policy • American Academy has a uniform, not a dress code. Make sure tops and bottoms are from Dennis. • Sweatshirts – send a sweatshirt or sweater everyday. Any sweatshirt can be worn outside for recess. American Academy sweatshirts from Dennis Uniforms are allowed inside school. Rebel Spirit sweatshirts and shirts are worn only on Fridays. • Please LABEL your child’s clothing! It all looks so similar! • Any questions about AA Uniform Policy-Go To: AA website –Quicklinks-Parents-Student Uniforms-Student Uniform Policy

33. Food PolicyNO FOOD BIRTHDAY TREATS allowed at school, either in the classroom or the cafeteria. Other non-food treats are welcome. You are welcome to drop off or send in small toys/goodie bags with your child’s homeroom teacher. ex: Pencils, stickers, bracelets, etc.NO NUTS IN SNACKS OR FIELD TRIP LUNCHES.We ask that all snacks sent to school for regular snack time and on field trips be nut-free. As long as the item itself doesn't contain nuts, it's ok to send it in for your own child’s snack (even if it was produced in a facility that also processes nuts).FOOD IS OK for classroom parties and classroom learning events.You can bring in food items to eat as well as food items for crafts and games. However, we ask that parents work with teachers to ensure that any food allergy concerns are addressed in the planning process. We want to be sure ALL students can participate in the fun safely.

34. Volunteering • Volunteer options will be available on each class’s Shutterfly website-managed by our Room Parents. • Room parents for each 3rd grade classroom will set up the volunteers needed for this school year. Be looking for more information from them sometime in Sept. • When volunteering at school, please refrain from bringing younger siblings with you. It is a distraction to the students in the class trying to learn.

35. Third Grade Instructional Assistants • Holly Jackson and Marilyn Conner are the IAs for us • We support our IAs 100% • We communicate constantly and are all working towards the same goal • All students need to have respect for both of our IAs and follow directions, just like they would the classroom teacher

36. THANK YOU so much for coming! • We will post this presentation on our 3rd grade LM website page. Please refer to it as needed.

37. Friendly Reminders • Morning Carpool: begins at 7:35 am, students report to their grade level classrooms to wait until school begins, school starts promptly at 8:05 am • Afternoon Carpool: begins at 3:35 pm (All call about 4pm) • (PLEASE make sure student know end of the day plan. If plan changes last minute, notify the front office. We don’t always see your emails before end of the day.) • Lunch with your child: If you join your child for lunch in the cafeteria, your child can invite up to 2 friends to sit at the table with them. (You and your child are responsible for cleaning up that table.) • Have your child bring a water bottle and nut-free snack everyday. • Send your child with a jacket/sweatshirt/sweater everyday. • LABEL EVERYTHING!