This page serves as a resource for parents and families to refer to throughout the year.
Absenses and Arrival Arrival:School doors will open at 8:45 am; students may arrive anytime between 8:45 and 9:15. Please do not drop your child off before 8:45. I am typically in meetings several mornings a week before school. Students may not enter the classroom without an adult. After 9:15, students will be considered late and will need to stop by the office with an adult to get a tardy slip. Please understand how important it is for your child to be IN school and ON TIME each day! We start our day right away. Most days it will be helpful for your child to arrive by 9:00. This gives them a chance to read the morning message, unpack, use the restroom and get settled. It's very hard for students to walk in at 9:15; they feel unsettled.
Absences: If your child is sick, please keep them at home and notify the office at 233-4300. You can also email me at [email protected]. When your child returns, please send a brief written note explaining their absence.
Allergies and Medication If your child has any allergies, please let me know immediately. Also, please let us know if there are any medications that need to be dispensed during school hours. These medications must be given to the school office (not the teacher) along with the appropriate forms filled out by your physician. Your child will go to the office at the appropriate times to receive his/her medication as needed.
Please remember, I am not permitted to dispense medication or apply sunscreen, Benadryl cream, etc.
Ambassador of the Week Each week one student will serve as the Ambassador. The ambassador will represent our class throughout the week. An ambassador must always represent their people and country in a positive manner. It will be their job to set the example for their peers. Serving as the Ambassador includes: - Being the line leader - Sitting in the ambassador's chair during meetings, whole group instruction, and daily reading time - Having their picture displayed
Birthdays Student birthdays will be acknowledged by the grade level on a monthly basis using a tradition from another country around the world. Parents are asked not to bring in cupcakes/donuts/unhealthy snacks or hold birthday parties for individual students in the classroom. We will be sure to celebrate summer birthdays as well at the end of the year.
I invite a family member to read to our class on our child's birthday. Your child may select the book from home, our classroom or school library. I'll do my best to coordinate with family and work schedules.
Breakfast and Lunch Hours of Operation: Breakfast and lunch will be served everyday in the cafeteria. Breakfast is available from 8:45 - 9:15. Our lunch will be from _________ . You are welcome to join your child for lunch. Please make sure to sign in at the front office before making your way to the cafeteria. We will meet you in the cafeteria.
Lunch Money: If your third grader's lunch account is low, the cafeteria staff will give your child a sticker to serve as a reminder. You may send in cash or check with your student. Checks should be made out to Wiley International Elementary. Students are responsible for taking their lunch money to the dining room.
Online Lunch Accounts: Check out the following link - you can manage your child's lunch account online! http://www.mylunchmoney.com Click "enroll now" and search for Wiley/Wake County.
Class Meetings Class meetings are an extremely important part of our classroom community. Students will take turns leading the various meetings. In the morning we briefly gather after the bell to: - greet classmates & stretch - share our classroom mission statement - review our essential questions - discuss our daily schedule
Our end of day meeting is the last activity we do each day. Students are responsible for tallying their daily credits/debits. The class meeting is led by our classroom meeting manager each week. We begin with a quick plus/delta of our day. Pluses are the things that went well today and things that we liked. Deltas are the things that we would like to change and/or something that didn't go well. We also check our issue bin to see if any students have left anonymous issues to share with the class. The Encourager then leads our Citizen Compliments by highlighting two students. Part of the Encourager's job will be to observe his/her peers throughout the day. It's amazing to hear children recognize each other for their strengths, talents and efforts. It is important to recognize both classroom and individual efforts from throughout the day!
Classroom Economy Your students will be actively involved in a year-long economy unit. Click on the following link from Mrs. Newingham's Michigan classroom. My classroom economy is based on her practices. Our classroom is a community of learners. In order to help us achieve greater success, each student, or citizen, will have a job or responsibility each week. When students complete their jobs, they are paid at the end of the week. Students will also earn credits and debits throughout the day. Students will decide on salaries and what constitutes a credit vs. debit. All students will have their own account books to manage. At the end of each pay period, I will issue checks to each student. Students will cash their checks at the Wiley International Bank. They will also have the opportunity to visit our class store monthly. Students will take turns serving as the class economist at our store. Throughout the year, the children will learn economic lessons that include decision making, opportunity cost, supply and demand, and inflation.
Communication and Conferences Getting in Touch With Me:Please feel free to contact me anytime you have a question, concern or even good news! I can be contacted via: - email [email protected] - a note - calling the office (919)-856-7723 and leaving a message - filling out the contact me form on our class website: http://hahnersworldwonders.weebly.com It is very important to me to maintain open communication with parents. I do my best to respond quickly to all parent questions or concerns. While I check my email from home on most nights, please respect that this is also my personal family time.
Communication From Me: I strive to stay in contact with all parents. - I will post quick updates and messages via my classroom Twitter account: https://twitter.com/HahnersWonders - The third grade team will send home the Third Grade Times twice a month full of important information - You can check our class website; it's full of helpful information! http://hahnersworldwonders.weebly.com - I will send out parent emails If you do not have access to an email account, computer or mobile device, please let me know.
Conferences: I ask all parents to meet with me at the end of the first quarter (middle to end of October). During the second half of the year, I will provide additional dates/times for parents wishing to conference. We will also have student-led conferences. If you would like to schedule an additional conference, please contact me. I typically ask parents to provide me with two possible dates/times.
Conscious Discipline Many of the teachers at Wiley participated in a year-long professional development series on Conscious Discipline. Mrs. Katie Ware, our assistant principal, led this study. Our class learns and grows using Conscious Discipline. I strive to help all of my students develop skill sets for: Composure, Encouragement, Assertiveness, Choices, Empathy, Positive Intent and Consequences.Learn more by checking out the following links: Conscious Discipline Website: http://consciousdiscipline.com/about/conscious_discipline.asp Listen to Dr. Becky Bailey:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j3gF1dh_t4 Shubert's Classroom:http://consciousdiscipline.com/shuberts_classroom.asp (We incorporate many of these strategies and components in our class)
Data Folders It is important to me that ALL of my students feel successful in their learning. Throughout the year, the children will set learning goals, create an action plan to meet their goals and track their progress.
Dismissal Dismissal begins at 3:40 each day. Safety is number one! I will gather transportation plans at the beginning of the year. If your child's dismissal plans change, I need a phone call, written note or email to implement these changes. If you call the office, they will make sure I receive the update.Thank you for understanding and helping to keep all students at Wiley safe! Remember that all parents must sign into the office before visiting our class. Dismissal Order: 1) Carpool and Walkers 2) YMCA at 3:45 bell 3) Buses are called via the intercom as they arrive
Emergencies In the event of unexpected emergencies, please make sure to keep all of your contact information updated. If you change your information, please let both the office and I know about it!
All students are required to have emergency contact cards on file in the front office. These cards are a part of the back-to-school paperwork. Please fill out both the front and back of the emergency card. Students will not be permitted to go home with another adult without written consent.
End of Grade (EOG) Testing Your third grader will be taking the North Carolina End of Grade tests this year. This is often an area of stress for both students and parents at the beginning of third grade. First and foremost . . . BREATHE! Your child will be ready when the time comes. It is natural that your child will have questions. I will reassure them at school and not spend an entire year discussing this so-called "DREADED TEST!" Instead I will instill a sense of confidence and skill. Please help me to do the same! The second component is learning and practice. We will learn and practice new skills each day. By the end of May, they will be more than ready!! Other ways you can help: - help you child to be well-rested for school each day - foster a YES, YOU CAN! attitude and encourage them - know what your child is learning about 1) Talk to them 2) Ask them questions 3) read our biweekly newsletters for updates
Throughout the year the third grade team will help your child learn testing strategies. (We will also share them with you via newsletters, websites, articles and homework.) We incorporate it naturally into our curriculum. I couldn't expect you to change a tire if you've never done it before. The same is true with testing. It is a genre of it's own. Children will need practice applying testing strategies. If you are looking for more information, please visit the following site: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/eog/
Field Trips We will have several wonderful field trips planned this year! Below are a few things parents need to know to make sure we all have a great time on our field trips this year. Third Graders Should:
Turn in signed permission slip
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
Bring a packed lunch or fill out a lunch form
Arrive at school on time
Parents Should:
Sign permission slip and turn in money (teacher will send a link for online payments)
Make sure their third grader has a lunch from home or school
Make sure their third grader arrives on time
Notify teacher in advance if you want to chaperone. All chaperones must be cleared in advance.
Chaperones Thank you so much for volunteering your time and energy! Our field trips are not possible without YOU! Here are some chaperone Do's and Please Don'ts that help make each trip a success!
Do's
Do bring your child to school that day. They must be accounted for on the schools attendance.
Do plan on following behind the buses OR meeting us at our destination. By law parents cannot ride with us on the bus.
Do be prompt to specific meeting areas and times. Always have a way to see the time (watch, cell phone, etc.)
Do have fun!
Please Don'ts
Don’t bring older or younger siblings. We would love for your full attention, and responsibility as a chaperone, to be towards the students.
Don’t forget to bring comfortable clothes, walking shoes, and sharp eyes.
Don’t forget to have volunteer clearance. You can NOT go on a trip without it.
Don’t plan on picking your child up after the trip without giving prior notice to the office and the teacher. This can be a huge safety issue and all need to be notified.
On the day of the field trip you will be given a group of students that will be under your care. I will notify all chaperone of directions, the day's schedule, and any emergency supplies as needed. Get ready to have some fun!
Global Matrix You will constantly hear us referring to our Global Matrix. A globally competent student CAN: This matrix applies to all areas of learning in our classroom. Ask your child to explain it to you :)
Globetrotters At Wiley, we follow the Wiley Way: RESPECT 1) Yourself 2) Others 3) Property Students can earn Globetrotter cards as individuals or a a class. Our class tracks the number of globetrotters we earn. We set goals as a class and work towards class celebrations. Students can earn Globetrotters in class, in the hallways, at languages and electives, the cafeteria, playground, etc. The students vote on the celebrations once we meet our goals.
Ground Rules At the beginning of the year, the entire class sets up our ground rules. These are rules that we decide on together that we will follow all throughout the year. We will read a favorite picture book about classroom manners and create a chart about what constitutes a great student and a great teacher. Then the students will have the opportunity to "imagineer" the perfect learning community.
Homework & Homework Folders Your child works VERY hard all day. I do not believe in a lot of homework. Homework serves two purposes: 1) to help your child become more independent and responsible 2) to allow your child to practice or apply new skills
Quality vs. Quantity is my rule. I would like to see my students solve and explain one problem well, rather than rushing through 10 problems to get it done! The third grade teachers plan homework together. Students will receive a homework calendar. They will be able to choose certain assignments. Students will have an english language arts and math component daily. Homework should not take longer than 30 minutes nightly! Please help your child to establish a quiet designated homework spot at home. Parents and students should have regular dialogue about homework and what they are learning about. Please let your child know that you are there to support and encourage them, but that homework is their responsibility.
Students will have a homework folder and notebook to organize all work and materials. These materials should go back and forth to school daily! Please hold your child accountable for ensuring that his/her materials are in their bookbag BEFORE bed. If there are changes to homework calendars or updates, I will post them on Twitter.
Interims Interims are sent home in the middle of each quarter. They are designed to periodically notify parents of a student's academic progress before a report card. Parents always have the option to request a conference to discuss the comments and suggestions on the interim. Only students who are demonstrating inconsistent performance, or performing at a level 2, in any subject or conduct area will receive an interim. Please keep one copy and return the other one signed.
Monday Folders At Wiley, we use Monday folders. These folders go home on Mondays and are returned on Tuesdays. The folder may contain correspondences from the school, from the class and/or student work. Please take the time to review the contents of your child's folder with your student. Only papers or forms that require a response need to be returned. Your child will have a clear, plastic page protector in their folder. Items to be returned should be placed inside (Math tests that need to be signed, field trip forms, etc.) There is also a weekly log to be signed by parents. Students are expected to turn in their folders. I do not go in a child's bookbag to retrieve materials.
Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) PBIS is a system of behavior management developed to “support high student performance”. It is a proactive and outcomes based system. Students learn the meaning the Wiley Way. They examine the Wiley Way in real life situations and how to practice their strategies in various situations throughout the school day. Our entire school staff supports and encourages students in this endeavor by recognizing students and classes who demonstrate the Wiley Way on a daily basis.
Quality Tools Quality tools are graphic organizers that we use to collect, display and use information. Quality tools help us to organize our thinking and put it in a user friendly format. In third grade we use these quality tools to chart our thinking and record what we've learned. You'll find lots of charts around the classroom! Some examples of quality tools:
- Lotus Diagram - Affinity Diagram - Fishbone Diagram - Flowchart - Force Field Diagram (Drivers and Restrainers) - Bone Diagram - Bubble Map - Venn Diagram
Questions, Comments, Concerns . . . Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns that you have! I am always available to discuss your child's success! At the beginning of the year, I hand out business cards with all of my contact information. You can reach me at [email protected] or 856-7723. Also, in efforts to avoid duplicating efforts, please check our class website, Twitter or the Third Grade Times for lots of information! If you would like to conference, please e-mail me so we can set up a time; I will not be available for impromptu conferences.
Report Cards Report Cards are sent home at the end of each quarter in 3rd grade. Report cards showcase your child's progress in reading, writing, math, social studies, science, conduct and work habits. There is also a section with teacher comments discussing your child's strengths, areas for improvement and interventions that are being used. Report cards are sent home in an envelope that is used all year. Please return it, signed, after each quarter. Report card envelopes also have a box to check if you would like a conference.
Wake County uses standards based grading. Students will receive a 1, 2, 3 or 4. Please do not confuse standards based grading with the A, B, C, D, and F system that many of us grew up with. A 4 is not equivalent to an A and so on. Instead please read the standards based grading descriptions below.:
1 - Not meeting benchmarks for the quarter. Performing below grade level standards. 2 - Needs support to meet benchmarks for the quarter. Showing inconsistent performance. 3 - Demonstrates proficiency of targeted grade level standards. (meeting benchmarks for the designated quarter) 4 - Demonstrating performance above grade level by extending targeted grade level standards
Scholastic Reading Club Each month I will send home new scholastic fliers in Monday folders. I will set the due date via my website. Parents can order online or return the forms and a check in a sealed envelope with your child's name. All checks should be payable to Scholastic Book Orders. I cannot accept cash payments. Please take advantage of the scholastic book orders: 1) they have great prices 2) you can find wonderful good-fit books for your children 3) our class earns free books each time you place an order! Plus, if you order online, our class gets a $3.00 gift certificate for the next order! All you need is our class activation code: GKD9J Check out the anouncements page on our website. This allows you to set up your own parent account for ordering online! Happy Shopping and Happy Reading!
Snack Please send your child with a healthy snack and a bottle of water each day! This helps to keep them energized and hydrated! Due to food allergies, we ask that children do not share snacks. Please do not send juice or juice boxes. I recommend getting your child a reusable water bottle that can be washed and refilled: - It's cheaper - Washable bottles keep our classroom healthy - It's GREEN!
Technology in the Classroom We will be using a lot of technology in the classroom. Please know that the children are supervised at all times and that our Wake County system blocks inappropriate sites.. When I want the students to use particular sites, I link them to our class websit.e. At the beginning of the year parents have a lot of paperwork to sign for their students. One of the forms is the Internet Parent Request to DENY access. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN THIS FORM UNLESS YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILD TO HAVE INTERNET ACCESS. If you are considering this option, please contact me. Technology is very much incorporated into our daily routine. It is not a tool to keep students busy - instead it's a tool to open our world to learning. Students will be using technology to read, to express their ideas, to share with their peers, to create products, etc. A few examples of the technology we use: - SMART Board - Class Website - blogs via kidblog.com or our class website (both password protected) - Digital Camera - Discovery Education - Flip Videos - Big Universe - Voice Thread - mCLASS - PowerPoint - Prezi - SmileBox - Skype - Internet via laptops and classroom desktops - Virtual Field Trips - Apple Product (Ipads, etc.)
Volunteers I LOVE parent volunteers!! Even if you are unable to come into the classroom during the school day, there are plenty of ways to help from home. All volunteers MUST have clearance with Wake County. You need to use a Wiley computer to fill out the application. Don't forget, all volunteers must RE-REGISTER each year! It takes time to process new applications; please be proactive and get it done early. I will send out classroom volunteer surveys in the beginning of the year. Please use this form to include your volunteer areas of interest. After the first few weeks of school we will begin hosting our parent volunteers in class. We appreciate your understanding as we establish procedures and routines during the first few weeks. When volunteering, please make sure you are focused on students and their success. If you would like to conference, I will be more than happy to set up a later time to meet.
Wiley Way: See Globetrotters Above
WISE Students have WISE time Monday - Thursday. Many Wiley teachers teach 3rd grade WISE. The students switch classes for WISE. This is an additional time for remediation and enrichment where we focus on direct, specific instruction tailored to fit individual student needs and skills. The third grade professional learning team (PLT) uses classroom data to create groups. Groups are flexible and change regularly depending on our area of focus. Students may also receive additional services (CCR, Speech, etc.) during this time. All students benefit from this additional, differentiated learning time while ensuring that no child misses critical instruction in their own classroom.