Third Grade Handbook
Welcome to Third Grade! We are embarking on a new and exciting adventure in which
creativity, responsibility, and mutual respect are essential. My job as teacher is to be a
facilitator of learning in the classroom. I am looking forward to working with you and your
child this year.
Communication
Your child has received an agenda which will be a great tool for communication between
home and school. If there is a consistent problem in the classroom I will contact you
promptly by phone or email to discuss the issues. If you ever have a question or wish for me
to get in touch with you, please write a quick note in the agenda or send an email.
Reading is a skill that must be practiced daily at all ages. In the classroom we will be
working to decode, increase fluency, and improve comprehension. These skills must be
practiced at home. Your child should be reading at least 60 minutes a week at home. This
may be completed a little every night or split according to your convenience. If your child
needs more reading practice, please feel free to add more minutes. The reading can be
independent, read out loud, or you can read out loud to your child.
Math multiplication facts need to be practiced EVERY day. In third grade, not
only is your child expected to have mastered the 1-12 addition and subtraction facts, but
your child will need to know the 0-10 multiplication facts. You will be notified weekly in the
agenda and newsletter which facts to work on. Usually studying these for five or ten
minutes a night is sufficient.
Spelling JKB uses the Sitton Spelling Program. Students may either be studying a skill or
they may be given a list.
Projects will also be assigned this year in addition to the reading and fact practice. You
will be notified at least three to four weeks prior to projects being due. There are usually
2-3 big projects during the school year. One will be over the solar system during the third
nine weeks. Another will be the living museum project at the end of the year.
Grading
Numerical grades will be given for all subject areas. Progress Reports will be sent home
with each child every fourth week of each nine week grading period. Between the fourth
and ninth week, if I feel that there is a concern with your child’s grade, I will notify you.
Report cards will be sent home every nine weeks. Please check the parent portal weekly to
keep up with your child’s progress. Parent Portal can be set to notify you when there is a
concern. If you need a password, check with the office.
Lunch
This year, lunch will be from 11:55-12:25. Parents will only be able to visit students during
lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a new school wide policy.
Snacks
Snack will be allowed during the morning. Please make sure that your child brings
something that is classroom friendly and won’t create a mess. Raisins, cheese sticks,
crackers, fruit, breakfast bars, pretzels are examples of a few ideas. Your child may also
bring WATER to drink during the day. Please make sure that you do not send juice. Desks
become very sticky and a problem for custodians.
No utensils are provided. If your child needs a spoon for a fruit cup, please send it from
home.
Behavioral Expectations
As third graders, the students are expected to be responsible for their actions and
behaviors. JKB is using a school-wide behavior chart which will remain in your child’s
binder. Please sign this weekly to indicate you have seen it.
If students have received 4 or less signatures they will attend the pup party that is held at
the end of each month. Any child with an office referral resulting in ISS or detention will
not be able to attend the pup party that month. Your child is required to keep up with the
calendar. They must have it on the day of the pup party to participate.
Academic Expectations
1.
The students will increase their reading comprehension, fluency, and develop a
further love of reading.
2. The students will develop written expression skills.
3. The students will continue practice with problem solving and math facts.
4. The students will have a very good understanding of community.
5. The students will be able to work cooperatively in groups and participate in
classroom discussions and decisions.
THIRD GRADE HANDBOOK RECEIPT
I have read and discussed the policies and procedures in the Third Grade Handbook with
my child.
Parent Signature ________________________________________________________________
Student Signature _______________________________________________________________
Date _________________________________________________________________________