Welcome to May

What a beautiful time of the year when the flowers bloom, the trees turn green, and the students are ready to be outside so, what a perfect time to study the life cycles of plants and trees in science. We will be learning the different parts of a seed and growing a pumpkin patch as part of our Green School project in third grade. The students always enjoy this unit in science and will know how photosynthesis works and how to spell it by the time we finish with this unit.

Our Family Life Program in Religion will begin this month as the students learn how to take care of their minds, bodies, and souls. We will be doing some problem solving and learning what steps they should take if they need help. Each night your child will be bringing home their book and a paper about their lesson. Please sign and return each lesson. If you have any questions please write me a note.

In Math this month we will be working on prime numbers, finding volume, negative and positive numbers, division, and rounding numbers to the nearest thousands.(Please continue to work on learning those times tables!)

Our Walk-a-thon was a great success. The third graders again this year have shown that they could handle the responsibility of walking as a class and did a fine job. They walked until their feet hurt. Some even walked 10 miles! Great job students!

On May 17th the Third Grade will be taking a field trip to Strawberry Hill Nature Center, in Fairfield, PA. Please remember to pack a lunch with a drink. The students are to wear their gym uniform and bring an extra pair of shoes to walk in the creek. Parents who would like to attend can meet us at Strawberry Hill or follow the bus. We plan on leaving at 9:00 from M.S.S. (There is a $5.00 fee if you plan to attend the show.) Don't forget to pack your lunch too!

Looking ahead…
May 7th Fine Arts Night
May 13th Happy Mother's Day!
May 15th Book-It Pizza Party!
May 17th Field Trip to Strawberry Hill
May 18th No school
May 21-26th Mother Seton Carnival!
May 28th Memorial Day
May 30th Field Day and Class Picnic

***Also note that our class picnic this year will be on the same day as Field Day. You are welcome to join us for lunch.(12:00-12:45) A note will be coming home soon asking for food donations… and if you plan to join us.

Take care and God bless,

Ms. Jayne Breighner

PARENT ORIENTATION LETTER
MS. BREIGHNER Grade3
2011-2012

WELCOME STUDENTS and PARENTS

Welcome to the third grade! The magical year where your child will learn to multiply, name the 50 States, write in cursive, learn about life cycles, and so much more. This is an exciting time of the year filled with so many questions. Who is my teacher? When are our Specials? How much homework will I have to do each night? So, inside this first newsletter of the school year, are just a few things I thought you would like to know about our classroom and some events to look forward to as our new year begins together.

SPECIALS (Begin on Wednesday)
MONDAY: Music (9:50-10:20)
TUESDAY; ART(12:50-1:30)
Wednesday; Gym (12:45-1:25)
Library and Computer (1:30-2:30)

HOMEWORK
Homework will be given on Monday- Thursday nights.( I do not give any assignments over the weekend.) Your child will be given a Homework Folder and a Student Planner this year to help them stay organized. They will be responsible for writing down their homework assignments each morning and getting their homework completed and to school each day. Class work that is not finished in school will become homework. Please check to see if their work is neatly done and ready to hand-in the next day.( A parent signature is not needed at this time.)

Spelling homework will be given Monday-Thursday and their tests will be taken on Fridays. This year there will be 21 new words to learn each week. Please note the following schedule:
Monday night- Write words 3 times each
Tuesday night- Put words in ABC order
Wednesday night- Practice Pages from their workbooks
Thursday night- Study, Study, Study !!!!
Friday- Spelling test
In Math, you will be receiving a letter explaining the Math concepts your child will be learning this year. Each day your child will have a new math lesson and complete a worksheet (side A) in the classroom. Side B is for homework. Both sides should be completed, if not the student should finish for homework.

BEHAVIOR PLANS
We have two behavior plans in our classroom. One we use for the whole group by writing the word "QUIET" on the board. Letters will be erased or earned back depending on the student's behavior as a group. Minutes are earned through-out the week towards an extra recess on Fridays.(Friday Free-time) The second plan we use is a card system that is based on the students individual behavior. Students will be asked to move their card if they are not making good choices in the classroom. Points are earned each day so students can monitor their own progress. If a student earns 16-20 points for the week they can pick from the prize box on Friday afternoon.

TUESDAY FOLDERS
Your child will be bringing home their Tuesday Folder every week, so please take the time to look at and discuss the work they have done. I do ask that you sign and date the sheet inside their folder and return it to school by Thursday. It is very important that you check this folder each week for newsletters, notes from the office, permission slips, and classroom information.

SNACK TIME
We will be having snack time every morning, so please send a healthy snack to school with your child every day. Also note that our lunchtime now starts at 11:50-12:20 recess: 12:20-12:45.

SCHOLASTIC
Scholastic Book Orders will be sent home with your child once a month. If you wish to place an order please write a check to Scholastic for the exact amount. The books usually arrive in two to three weeks. Note
If you need to speak with me about your child, please send a note with your child and I will try to reach you that same day. Please include a phone number where you can be reached.

JUST SOME REMINDERS … * If a child is absent or is riding home with a friend…I need a note. * All medicine and medical forms go directly to the office.* When sending $ to school, please put it in an envelope with your child's name on it. * All of your child's items (bookbag, sweater,etc.) should be labeled. * If your child would like to celebrate their birthday at school, please let me know a day ahead… THANKS!!!
I am really looking forward to having your child in our classroom this year. Together, we can learn and grow in the spirit of God.
Hope to see you at Back-to-School Night on the 6th!

Sincerely,

Ms. Breighner