We wish to welcome you to a new year!

Third grade promises to be an

adventure in learning. Below is information that will help you and your child
begin a truly wonderful year. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in
making the transition to third grade an easy one.
RELIGION: We will be using the religion series, We Believe. The series is very
comprehensive and provides great home connections that serve as a homeschool link.
MATH: Our new text, Progress in Mathematics, uses a systematic, step-by-step
approach to developing mathematics concepts and skills. The focus on
problem solving and reasoning should provide opportunities for students to
demonstrate and apply their understanding. During the first trimester, we will
cover addition and place value concepts that include numbers in the hundred
thousands, estimating, and rounding. Students will begin, for the first time, to
use the Accelerated Math Program. We will also continue using the Mathletics
program as a supplement to our Math curriculum. The children will have
homework almost every night. In addition to regular homework, children
should practice flashcards daily at home. Students will be taking timed fact
tests in math class regularly. The first trimester will focus on addition facts, and
the rest of the year will focus on multiplication facts. It is important for
students to be fluent with their math facts for success in their math education.
ENGLISH: Throughout the year, students will begin creating different types of
written works. During the first trimester, the students will identify the four
types of sentences and distinguish subjects and predicates. We will also be
reviewing capitalization and punctuation in sentences. We will place special
emphasis on these skills in their writing throughout every subject.
READING: We wish to encourage a love for reading while fostering growth in
all areas of the reading process. De-coding and comprehension skills will be
stressed. This year we are using the reading series, Reading Street. We would
like the students to read aloud for at least 15 minutes each night so you can
guide their progress. This will be recorded on a reading log to be returned to
school every Friday with a parent signature. In order to increase comprehension
skills, ask your child to tell you about the story. Students will be required to
successfully complete one Accelerated Reader Test for the 1 st trimester, two
Accelerated Reader Tests for the 2nd trimester, and three Accelerated Reader
Tests in the 3rd trimester. These tests count towards their reading grade.

This year we are very excited to be implementing a new Fountas and Pinnell
Leveled Reading Program in our classroom. This program is closely aligned with
Common Core State Standards designed to help individual readers. Using a
benchmark assessment, a reading level will be determined for each child. Each
week the student will read a short story with a variety of activities to enhance
fluency, comprehension, and problem solving skills. The student will be
assessed weekly and texts will be changed as the student moves up in his/her
reading level.
By implementing the new Guided Reading program into our daily curriculum,
we are able to support each student in a small group, but the ultimate goal is
independent reading.
SPELLING: Every week different spelling principles will be presented and
children will learn to apply strategies to help them spell words correctly. Every
Monday there will be a pre-test. This test will have all the words for the week.
This will serve as a study sheet that can be left at home. Other assignments
may be given during the week for homework. These activities are designed to
help children prepare for our Friday tests.
SOCIAL STUDIES: The students will be using a social studies series: Harcourt
Our Communities. In the first trimester, we will study how communities provide
goods and services to help people meet their needs.
SCIENCE: This year we will be using a science book from Scott Foresman.
During the first trimester, we will study the world of plants and animals. We will
also be incorporating a hands-on approach to learning through the Foss Science
kits.
HANDWRITING: Our third graders will begin learning cursive skills during the
year. A great emphasis will be placed on form and neatness. Please,
encourage your child to practice at home.
ASSIGNMENT BOOKS: Use of an assignment notebook is extremely
important in the development of your third graders organizational skills. It is
important that parents check them daily. Signatures are required
every day. Please try to make this part of your childs daily routine.
Homework, reminders, long-term projects, and an occasional note for you may
be in this book. Please, encourage your child to be responsible in this matter.
HOMEWORK is given Monday through Thursday. In third grade, children
should spend at least 30 minutes a night on homework. Part of the homework
assignment is to read aloud 15 minutes each night and to practice math
flashcards and handwriting. During the first trimester, careful attention will be
paid to missed assignments. Please try to keep a positive outlook regarding

homework. It is not meant to be a punishment, but a reinforcement of skills

learned during the day.
We will be updating our websites as often as possible with nightly homework,
important reminders, as well as what we are learning in each subject.
Ms. Coleman- http://mscoleman3.weebly.com
Mrs. Grella-http://mrsgrella.weebly.com
**Corrected papers will be sent home every Tuesday and Thursday in their
Tuesday/Thursday folder. We ask that you sign the sheet of paper attached to
the folder, so we know you have seen the graded material.
CONDUCT
A strong self-discipline cycle will be used this year with the third graders. It is
designed for the students to redirect inappropriate behavior. This disciplinary
plan will be strictly enforced. Rewards will be given for positive behavior.
Encourage your children to follow directions, complete assignments on time,
ask questions, and practice basic courtesy skills. Let them know that there are
reasons for rules and consequences for not following them.
The 3rd-5th grade teachers will use a behavior card system to maintain
appropriate behavior in the classroom. Students will begin each day with a
green card. If a student behaves inappropriately, he or she will be given a
warning, which results in changing the card from green to yellow. If any further
inappropriate behavior occurs, he/she will change his/her card to red.
In the event that a student changes his/her card to red, he/she will have to fill
out a Stop and Think slip explaining what happened and how he/she intends
to correct the behavior. This Stop and Think slip will be sent home and must
be signed by a parent.
Inappropriate behaviors that can lead to a yellow or red card include anything
deemed as disrespectful to others or disruptive to the group. This includes, but
is not limited to, a violation of the posted classroom rules, being unprepared for
class, talking out of turn, leaving desk without permission, rough play, etc. Any
behaviors that hinder the promotion of a positive environment will lead to a
yellow card, and in serious cases, the card may be moved directly to red. If a
student has already received a red card/filled out a Stop and Think slip during
the day and continues to misbehave, he or she will fill out an additional Stop
and Think slips. Every five Stop and Think slips accrued per trimester will
result in a detention. Students who keep their cards green for the entire month
will be invited to participate in our monthly reward party.
Any missing assignment will result in a homework notice. The homework notice
must be signed by a parent and returned to school the next day along with the
missed homework assignment. Every five (5) missing or late assignments per
trimester will result in homework club. Students who receive a homework club

must stay after school to complete activities that correlate to the missing
assignments.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns:
Ms. Coleman- mcoleman@cajetan.org
Mrs. Grella- jgrella@cajetan.org