Class Information        Mrs. Davis, 3rd Grade

Daily Homework Binder

                Students have a homework binder which will include an assignment notebook, a third grade handbook, and a homework folder. One side of the folder will be dedicated to notes for parents. The other pocket will include daily homework, long-term projects, and study guides. Any unfinished work from the day or evening homework is due by 9:00 the next school day.  Rewards and consequences are given for work completion on time and having a signed assignment book.

Assignment Book

             Assignment Books are provided to all students in grades 3-5.  Each morning students copy daily assignments in their books.  When an assignment is completed students put an X in the second box.  If an assignment is not completed during class, it should be taken home for homework.  The student should put an H in the first box to indicate that the assignment is homework.

        A parent should see and sign the student’s assignment book daily.  Parents can use this as a discussion starter for a conversation about what the child is learning in school.  Please look for the date written correctly, assignments clearly written, Hs and Xs, and any notes from the teacher or student.  Feel free to use the message area to correspond with the teacher.

Grades

        Students earn the following grades for their work:

                        E = Exceeds requirements

                        M = Meets requirements for grade level

                        NI = Needs Improvement

        Corrections:  Errors are part of the learning process.  Students will make mistakes in their work if they are learning new material that is a challenge to them.  Correcting mistakes is an ESSENTIAL part of the learning process.  I encourage students to correct work and turn back in. 

Student-Led Conferences & Portfolio Sharing

        All third grade students will keep an individualized portfolio during the school year to keep track of their personal academic growth. The portfolio will include samples of reading, writing, and math activities.
       In the fall, students and parents will create an action plan to reach the state standards for first semester. During the year, the students will compare their samples and be able to identify their strengths, progress, and areas where they continue to need improvement.
       At the second Parent/Teacher conference (mid -February), students will invite their parents to school to share their portfolios. During this time, students will be in charge of their portfolios and leading the conference. Students will share their growth and show how they are reaching the state standards. The students will also revise their action plans for second semester with the guidance of their parents during this time.
       At the end of the year, we will have a portfolio-sharing picnic to celebrate their successful year.  Students will invite their parents to come during our regular lunch and have a working lunch.  During this time, the students will again share their portfolios and show the growth they have made during the school year.  Students will then be allowed to take their portfolios home.

Absences

        Please notify the office staff when your child will be absent.  If you would like your child's work gathered and sent home at the end of the day with a sibling or left in the office, please request it when you call to report the absence.  Work will NOT be gathered in advance of an absence, such as when families take a vacation.  Your child will be provided with that work when he/she returns.  According to school policy, your child has one day to make up work for each day he/she was absent.  If work is not made up in a timely fashion, it is considered late. It is your child's responsibility to keep track of the work and complete it on time. 

Discipline & Conflict Resolution

        Oakland students receive instruction in behavior expectations and character education. We appreciate your continued support of our discipline plans and the reinforcement you provide at home. Parent involvement can help to conquer small incidents before they become big problems. We are continuing our school-wide conflict resolution program designed to enhance a student’s ability to resolve conflicts. We teach students the appropriate steps to “Talk It Out.”

Changes in Transportation

        If your after school transportation plans change, the classroom teacher AND office staff must be notified.  Please send a note to school in the morning and/or call the office secretaries.  If the teacher and office staff are not made aware of the change, your child will be sent home the normal way.  This policy is in place to ensure the safety of your child.

Lunch Money

        Our school offers several lunch options. You can pay for school lunches at www.mylunchmoney.com.  You can also send a check in a sealed envelope with the title “Lunch Money,” your child’s name, teacher, and grade.  Students can give it to their classroom teacher to be sent to the office with other morning notes.  The cafeteria notifies families of the balance due through weekly bills, but you can pre-pay for lunches and check your balance online anytime.

Toys & Games

        Toys and games are not allowed at school, unless they are pre-approved by the teacher for academic reasons.  Please talk to your child about leaving these items (electronic devices, collectable cards, stuffed animals, board games, sports equipment, etc.) at home.  If they cause a disruption, they will be taken and held for a parent to pick them up.  We hope that parents will support us in limiting unnecessary distractions and promoting the best use of instructional time.

Book Orders

        Once a month, book order forms from Scholastic book clubs will be sent home.   Book clubs offer a wide variety of inexpensive, quality literature.  If you choose to order books, you may

• Send the completed order to school.  Please make checks payable to "Scholastic" or send the exact amount of cash. 

• Order online.  Go to http://pcool.scholastic.com/parentordering/login.jsp

              Class User Name:  3davis

                Password: readbooks

          You may consider ordering books for birthdays or holidays. Just send a note stating that the order is a gift and I will hold them for you until it is convenient for you to pick them up.

Birthdays

        We like to celebrate your child’s birthday at school. Due to our busy schedule, a simple treat is requested, one that can be passed around by the birthday child at a convenient time for us to enjoy it. Please DO NOT send a liquid drink to be poured or a cake or cookie that needs to be cut.  Napkins are also appreciated.  Please check in advance to find out the number of students and check allergy restrictions.

        Birthday party invitations are no longer allowed to be passed out at school.  This is a district-wide rule.

Can Tabs

        We collect tabs from soda/pop cans.  You may send these to school with your child.  The tabs are donated to Ronald McDonald Charities.  This organization provides lodging to parents who have a hospitalized child.  What a great community service!