Second/Third Grade / Welcome to 2nd and 3rd Grade!

Dear Parents,

Third grade is a "growing up" year. Many changes are taking place. Your child will be taking tests in every subject, doing monthly book reports, writing and giving oral reports in front of the class, and making the transition from manuscript to cursive writing.

In order for your child to be successful, which we both want, we must work together as a team. I will do my best to inform you of what is going on in the classroom. If you have any questions or any problems develop, please don't hesitate to call me so we can work together to arrive at a solution. (School: 540-751-2490)

Following are some items of importance:

Assignments & Events Sheet:

Each Monday I will try to get a weekly calendar out to you with important information on it. It will be located in the Homework Folder. Please take time to read this and help your child prepare for the week ahead. Also, a monthly newsletter will be sent home at the beginning of each month giving insight into that month's events.

Grading System:

In third grade 1, 2, 3, and 4 are used to assess progress. On daily papers I use a check mark with a plus (all work correct) or a check mark with a minus (something incorrect). Also, a numerical number will be used to indicate the amount right out of the total answers. The circled number will indicate the level of progress.

Homework:

Your child will have homework Monday through Thursday. It will come home each night in a homework folder inside their planner. The planner will state what the homework will be for that night. The students should work 30 minutes each evening on their homework. If you find the homework is taking longer, please allow your child to stop working and comment on the sheet that he/she did work for their 30 minutes. Please make sure the homework sheet is returned the next day in the same folder. Please initial the planner each night. This lets me know the parents participated in the homework.

Spelling:

Loudoun County uses the "Word Study" spelling program. This is a hands-on approach to learning. The students will compare and contrast words with different features (sounds and patterns) and discover the similarities and differences within those features. Activities for different ways to sort will be introduced and practiced in class. Students will receive a list of words each Monday, practice different types of sorts through the week, with an assessment of the words on Friday.

Friday Folders:

All students' completed work will come home on Friday in a Friday Folder. There will be a parent signature sheet for you to sign and comment. Please return the Friday Folder on Monday.

Book Reports:

A book report will be required each month. Each month the book report will be reported on in a different way. When possible, the book should be displayed with the report. I would like for the student to check out books from our school library for their reports.

Book Orders:

Scholastic book orders will come home at the beginning of each month if you wish to order books for your child. When ordering books for your child, you must send the money back to school with the order.

Conferences:

If at any time you would like to set up a conference, please feel free to call me at school or send a note with your child. It is very important that we work together to ensure the success of your child.

Classroom Economy:

This is the discipline plan implemented in third grade. It is both a behavior and rewarding system. Money is earned by students for positive grades, good behavior, following rules, and citizenship. Money is lost by inappropriate behavior, not following rules, and poor citizenship.

Time doesn't allow to stop and reward or collect money during class time, so an OUT card is placed on each desk. When a rule has been broken, an X is placed over one letter at a time, giving the student two chances to change inappropriate behavior. The student is fined $1 per strike. If no strikes occur, the student receives a baseball card with "Home Run" written across it. These cards are redeemed for money on banking day (every other Friday). At the end of each nine weeks, the students will visit the "Classroom Store" to redeem their money for appropriate school supplies and materials.

Testing:

The students will take the Standards of Learning (SOLs) in May.

Outside School Events:

I am very interested in what my students are doing out of the classroom. If your son or daughter is involved with sports, dance, horse events, etc., please let me know the dates of special events so I may attend to give them my support!

The third grade curriculum is packed with a variety of fun and interesting subjects that I feel your child will enjoy. I look forward to a wonderful year working with you and your child.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Girondo

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