Third Grade

Mrs. Margie Ryan

We have gotten off to a great start in third grade.  The students are adjusting well to the routine and I look forward to a great year!  Please note the following:

            P. E. –Tuesday and Thursday (P.E. uniform required-to be worn all day)

            Mass - Thursday at 8:00   (Students should be at school at 7:50)

HOMEWORK

            Homework is a very important part of the school day and is meant to reinforce what the student has learned in class.  Third graders will be assigned homework each day, Monday through Thursday.

            Students will be using a weekly homework assignment sheet to copy their assignments for the day.  They are to copy what is written on the board onto the appropriate space.  We will work together to learn how to fill it in and in a week or so all should be doing it without any problems. The assignment sheets are to be turned in with Friday’s homework. 

            Your child should have homework in spelling and math each evening.  Occasionally homework will be assigned in other subject areas.

            According to Diocesan policy, the time a third grader spends doing their homework should not exceed 45-60 minutes.  If it is taking longer than this, or if your child is struggling, please let me know and I will make adjustments.

TEACHER-PARENT COMMUNICATION

            I plan to have a letter to parents go home every week, usually on Mondays.  Look for it in the “HOME” FOLDER.  This will keep you informed of what we are doing and of anything I need from you.

            I may also contact you personally by note or phone call.  Please feel free to do the same if you have any questions or concerns. You may reach me by phone at the school, and if I am not available to talk, I will return your call as soon as possible.  If a conference is necessary, I can schedule meetings with you before or after school or during one of my “prep” periods during the school day.

BIRTHDAYS AT SCHOOL

            Children love to be recognized and feel special on their birthday, and we will do that in third grade. Students may wear “free dress” on their birthday. (Please refer to Parent Handbook for “free dress” expectations).  If you wish, you may send in a simple, hand-held treat to share with the class during recess or at lunchtime.  Please do not send in cakes that need to be cut or drinks that need to be poured.  Cupcakes, cookies or doughnuts are great, and if you feel a drink is necessary, it should be in individual containers such as juice boxes. Please respect this policy, as we don’t want the birthday to be disruptive to our learning day.

            If you have any questions concerning birthdays, please feel free to contact me.

BOOKS and BOOK REPORTS

            I ask that the children try to keep a book in their desk for silent reading.  We have some books in our classroom library (we can always use donations!), and we should have access to the books in our school library in a short while.  I also encourage you to visit your local public library with your child and to consider purchasing a few books through the book orders we will send home throughout the year. We are working hard to encourage the children to enjoy reading, so they need to find books which interest them.

            Your child will be required to prepare one book report each month. I ask that each child show me their selection for the book report to assure it is appropriate for their reading level.  Direct instructions for each report will be sent home one to two weeks prior to each due date, which are listed below.

September 30                        Free Choice

October 28                       Fiction

December 2                            Mystery

January (TBA)                        Non-fiction book for Solar System project

February 24                             Biography

March 31                                   Non-fiction book about an animal

April 28                                    Fiction           

May 26                                      Free Choice