Welcome to
3rd Grade!!!
MacArthur Elementary School 2016/2017
Dear Parents,
Welcome to 3rd grade at MacArthur Elementary! We are looking forward to an exciting school year.
In this packet you will find information about our procedures and other important policies. The success of your child is as important to us as it is to you. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher anytime throughout the school year with any questions or concerns. We are available by phone or email. On our website you will find spelling lists, reading logs, permission slips, and other pertinent information.
Again, we welcome you to MacArthur. We are eager to begin this year’s educational journey with you and your child.
Ms. Garcia, Ms. Mitchell
Ms. Nolen, and Mrs. Pappal
School phone number 651-6517
Gricelda Garcia ext. 3254
Mandi Mitchell ext. 3525
Sydney Nolen ext. 3255
Stephanie Pappal ext.3253
Classroom Rules
The following classroom rules/principles provide a comfortable learning environment and foster success for all students:
Respect yourself, peer, and school. Keep your
hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
Effort- pay attention, listen carefully, and always do
your best.
Attitude- Be positive, pleasant, helpful, and
courteous. Keep negative comments to
yourself.
Cooperation- Be willing to work with anyone. Use
the correct voice level. Share.
Honesty- Always tell the truth.
Grading
Report cards will be sent home every 9 weeks. You will also be able to keep up-to-date on your child’s progress online through our electronic grade book on Skyward. Please note a red flag next to an entered grade is to show there is a comment entered by the teacher pertaining to the assignment. Your password to log on will be sent to you through the office soon. Online grades are updated weekly. Your child will be required to correct assignments if they score below proficiency. Please be sure to review all assignments that come home in the Friday folder. Students love to be celebrated on their accomplishments. This is also a great time to discuss improvements that may be needed.
If at any time you have a question about your child’s grades, please contact your child’s teacher.
Organizational Notebook
Each child will receive an APPLE notebook, “A Perfect Place for Learning Excellence.” Information explaining this communication and organizational tool can be found in the front pocket of the binder.
Newsletters
Each 3rd grade teacher will send out a weekly newsletter through e-mail highlighting special dates, curriculum updates, and any important news. Spelling words for the upcoming week are included in Friday’s newsletter. The newsletter will be posted on the district website also.
Homework
Students are asked to read, practice math facts, and study spelling words each evening. You can always expect a spelling worksheet to come home on Tuesday evening that will be due the next morning. You can also expect a math and language arts skill review to come home on Friday, which will be due on Tuesday. Students will be tested on their math fluency each week; it is important that they are practicing their math facts at home.
Reading Calendars
Research proves reading improves reading skills, fluency, and communication. Listening to your child read and asking them questions about their reading will enhance our program at school. At the beginning of the year a minimum of 10 minutes per evening should be recorded. This number will increase as we move through the year towards fourth grade. Students are expected to record the number of minutes they read on their Reading Calendar; those minutes should be totaled at the end of each week and again at the end of the month. Teachers will check the calendar weekly. Students who meet at least the minimum number of minutes and complete the reading response on the back will be rewarded by participating in the monthly “Reading Achievement Celebration.”
Student Planners
Each student is given a day planner at the beginning of the school year. Your child will write his or her homework and other important notes in the planner each day. We ask that parents check and sign the planner each evening. Teachers will write notes if necessary in this planner and parents are welcome to write notes also.
Snacks
Students are encouraged to bring a small healthful snack for the morning time. Research shows that a small mid-morning snack will help with concentration and performance. Due to nut allergies, please make sure your snack doesn’t contain nuts. Please do not send “sweet treats” or candy (ie: cookies, small cakes, chips) as a snack. Children are also encouraged to bring a water bottle to school. Please send water in a bottle that will limit spills! Thank you!
Birthdays
Birthdays are very special to children. We welcome sweet treats or special favors (pencils, stickers, etc.) to be handed out by the birthday boy or girl. Favors must be for all students. It is school policy that birthday party invitations are not sent to school unless an invitation is available for every member of the class.
Food Allergies
It is a good idea for parents of children with food allergies to supply a few extra goodies for their child. We are more than happy to store any special snacks for a later date. Teachers try to give advance notice to parents if we know a treat is coming into the classroom. Sometimes surprise treats show up, so it is nice to have something special in case that happens.
Volunteers
Parent volunteers are needed to make the year successful. Teachers will ask periodically for parent volunteers in the classroom. As more events are planned, notes or emails will be sent asking for help.