Starting Strong!

The students and I are getting to know each other while learning simple routines and procedures. Thank you again for trusting me to prepare, protect, and teach your child this year. I look forward to sharing in your child's milestones as well as discussing what's next! Having an open mind to the process of learning, finding the diamonds within your child's gems, and living up to who we want to be as a person will be important values built upon throughout the year within our classroom.

WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO?
On day one, we asked ourselves what kind of person we want to be and how we want to be treated. Students responded on sticky notes and we talked about giving/receiving, as well as getting out what you put in and how there is a relationship between the two.

BOOKMARKS-Reading
Students have a bookmark to keep in their current book of choice. Students are to keep track of pages read each day. I would love for every child to read every day at home however, I know this can be a challenge. Reading 80-100 (or more) minutes a week at a pace that is convenient for your family is completely acceptable. That might mean 10 minutes tonight, thirty tomorrow, but maybe Thursday is very busy and it isn't going to fit into the schedule. Do what works for you, your family, and your child, but most of all make it a priority and it will be.
You do not need to sign every single line of the "at home" reading (no need to initial the "at school" reading sections either). If you sign most of the "at home" reading sections, it helps me to know you are aware of your child's reading progress through the year. This is simply a tool for discussion as students evaluate their reading lives. My goal is to help students find and foster a love of reading. It is a game changer WAY beyond third grade and your help is greatly appreciated.

MATH
We have started to talk about sets and groups to build toward our first mathematics unit! Students brought home a letter today explaining some of the learning we will be doing the first several weeks of school. By the end of third-grade students will have learned tools and strategies to fluently multiply through 10X10.

STAR Binder
Students brought home their STAR Binders on Monday! We will continue to add a few items as the week continues! Feel free to use the paper to write me notes! Your child will need to alert me to the note so I don't miss it.

SNACK CALENDARS
Keep an eye out for snack calendars in the STAR Binder. Students will begin helping to provide snack next week (we currently have 25 students). Remember, it is extremely important to read labels and be cautious of ingredients that may cause significant problems for students with allergies. If your child does not have an allergy, I would ask you to consider: just as you want me to keep YOUR child safe please respect the policies I have communicated to you so I can keep ALL the children safe. If you ever have any questions please refer to the tab at the top of this page or ask me for clarification.

PILLOWS!
Students are able to bring a small throw pillow to use during independent work time. As long as it fits in their chair it is acceptable. Usually, 20 inches by 20 inches works pretty well. No full-size pillows or extra large throw pillows will be used at school. The purpose for the pillow is to give students something to sit on or lean on during work time. Sitting in a hard chair for long periods of time is uncomfortable and I have found the pillow offers a little wiggling and comfort when students are sitting. If you have a pillow that will work, feel free to send it in. No other child will use the pillow your child brings to the classroom. If the pillow works for your child it can stay here at school, if it is not helpful or causes a distraction, I will send it home.

Thanks for checking in! Have a great week as we head into Wednesday.