Welcome to Room Third Grade!
Parent Information Packet and Welcome Letter
Welcome to 3rd grade!! I am thrilled to start the new year with you and your child!
My promise to you this upcoming year is that I will do everything I can in order for your
child to succeed and have fun while learning. With hard work, open communication, and
determination, third grade will be a great learning experience for all of us!
Homework Policy:
1. Homework will be assigned on a daily and weekly basis. Students are expected to turn in
the homework daily, unless told otherwise. Students will receive a homework folder to keep
organized. In this folder students will track their assignments as well as spelling practices.
All work that is assigned will be review from what has been taught in the classroom. It
should be done independently and turned in on time.
2. Students are asked to read nightly for a minimum of 20 minutes. Students will need to fill
out a reading log that is initialed by the parent and complete the correlating assignment. It
is the child’s responsibility to make sure they are reading each night.
3. Homework will be graded as a part of their responsibility. When students turn in all work for
the week they will be rewarded with group points. In order to receive points, the entire
group must turn in homework. If all students in the class complete the homework they will
receive points towards reward time.
Homework Philosophy:
Studies show that there is no direct correlation between homework length and academic
student performance. The main objective of our homework is to create a sense of
responsibility and diligence within the student. Homework given is also designed to give
students extra practice on concepts that have been taught that day or week. Completing
homework will build student character and allow them to feel a sense of accomplishment on
daily tasks. Please assist and encourage your child to maintain consistency in this area.
Returning Work:
All graded assignments and tests will be returned to the students on Wednesdays, along
with a progress report that will be sent home twice a month. Please look over and discuss
these assignments and progress reports with your child. When a progress report is sent home,
it needs to be signed and returned the following day. Also sent home with the Wednesday
folder will be information about our school. Please check this folder every time it comes home.
Miscellaneous
Classroom Curriculum:
The Common Core State Standards serve as the basis of our curriculum. They are
specifically defined for each grade level and subject area. As a grade level, teachers collaborate
weekly to pace the curriculum according to the Common Core State Standards, develop
instructional strategies, common assessments and remediation plans for non-proficient students. A
complete document of standards can be located at corestandards.org. I will periodically send home
websites for you to help reinforce the standards being addressed in the classroom.
Absent Policy:
If your child is absent please notify the office and myself by sending a note in either prior to
the absence or on the day they return. If no note is provided, the student will have an unexcused
absence. When your student is absent a folder will be placed on their desk. I will put all missed
work in the folder for the student to make up when they return. If the missed a test, it will need to be
made up during school hours. I will provide time for him/her to make up that test with no
repercussions. Other assignments may be taken home and returned within a week’s time.
Prearranged Absences:
If you have a prearranged absence please send in a note with your student. If the student
needs make up work in advance, please allow me at least three days to gather the materials the
student will need during their missed school days. I will do my best to accommodate the arranged
absence.
Volunteering:
As a parent, if you would like to volunteer in the classroom, please let me know. We can set
up days and times when you can come in to assist with the needs of the classroom. I would love to
have your help in the classroom. Please contact me if you are interested.
Contact:
I am always available to hear your questions or concerns. If you ever need to set up a
meeting please email me so we can set up a time before or after school. The best way to reach me
is by email or phone. My email is bldickinson@interact.ccsd.net
Your help is much needed this year. Your input and opinions are very important and highly
regarded. Please feel free to contact me via email or school telephone. I will do my best to return
all messages as promptly as possible. I am looking forward to working with your family this year!
Thank you,
Mrs. Dickinson