Welcome to Open House
Mrs. Johnson
330-664-4885
Dear Parents,
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! I am so thrilled to be working with your child this year. I anticipate a fantastic year!
This is my second year as a third grade teacher and twelfth year here at Arrowhead Primary. I was an Intervention Specialist for ten years, teaching K-4 grade curriculum before transitioning to the third grade. I earned my Master degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Cleveland State University. Before entering the teaching profession, I taught ballet for many years, working with students from pre-school to senior citizens. I have a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Utah. That rewarding experience influenced my career in education.
The following classroom information will help you and your child understand some of the policies in room 406. Some policies are subject to change. If there is a change you will be notified.
Newsletter & Homework:
A newsletter will go home on Monday with the week’s homework assignments and additional information. Spelling words will be on the backside of the newsletter. There will be reading, spelling and math homework Monday through Thursday.
Reading Log:A reading log will be distributed on Monday and students may keep it in the back cover of their Take Home Folder. Students are required to read each night a minimum of twenty minutes and fill out a reading log which is due on Friday.
Comprehension Papers:On Monday, a comprehension paper will go home to support the reading strategy/story we learned the previous week. Depending on the strategy, it may not lend itself to a comprehension assignment. Therefore, there may not be homework that week Please check the newsletter each week. The comprehension assignment will also be due on Friday.
Spelling:A simple spelling paper will also go home on Monday-due on Friday.
Math:A home link math page will be assigned each night. Please tear out the assigned home link, complete and return the following day. Students will be asked to keep their home link journals in their backpacks at all times in an effort not to misplace them. We will not take them out at school.
Students may turn their Comprehension Papers and Spelling Papers in before Friday if they complete them early in the week. They must be turned in by Friday. Please refer to Homework at a Glance for additional information.
Rarely will Science or Social Studies be given as homework. There may be an occasional assignment sent home due to a schedule change (assemble, etc.) or an unforeseen circumstance.
Behavior: I want your child’s learning to be fun and engaging. Behavior issues in the classroom affect the quality of education for all students. I encourage my students to respectful and responsible for their actions. ClassroomResponsibilities are reviewed the first day of school and reviewed throughout the school year. Individual and whole class behavior systems praise good choices.
Individual:
We will be using a color-coded card system to monitor behavior throughout the day. This chart is used to reinforce positive behavior and identify consequences if needed.
Green-Having a great day.
Purple- Has gone above and beyond for the day! Excellent Behavior-Earn SMART Card
Yellow-Warning/lose 15 minutes of recess
Red-Parent notified/lose 30 minutes of recess.
Orange-5 minutes of recess for not having names and numbers on papers-many reminders given before enforced.
Whole Class Incentive Plan:
I will add trinkets to a jar. The class will earn rewards in ¼, ½, ¾, and full jar increments. The rewards will be determined by the students and teachers within the first couple of days.
Communication: Parent/teacher communication is an important part of your child’s learning process. Please check your child’s book bag every night for your child’s graded work, newsletters, announcements, and teacher notes. Each student will receive a planner. Students will be responsible for writing their daily assignments in their planner.
Students who do not return completed homework will miss recess to attend “homework club” to completeassignments. If you have any questions or concerns please call, write a note or email me. Please remember that parent conferences are held in September/ October and also in February. Information will be sent home regarding dates and times. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and discuss your child’s progress and see work samples. See you then!
Specials:
MondayP.E.
TuesdayMusic
WednesdayArt
ThursdayP.E.
FridayMusic
Computer, Library and Green-To be determined. I will note in the newsletter
Scholastic Book Orders:
Scholastic Book flyers will be sent home with your child monthly. The easiest and most convenient way to order is online. You don’t have to do the math or send in money. My classroom online activation code is: NCZ69. If you prefer to send in orders with money, I will be happy to place them for you. Please do not send in cash. Due dates will be noted in the weekly newsletter.
Miscellaneous:
Water bottles are encouraged. Please send in bottles with attached lids. If water bottles become a distraction, students will be asked to put them in their lockers.
Each student will have the opportunity to be the “ROCK STAR” for a week. They will have responsibilities within the classroom and assist the teacher as needed.
Birthdays: Please refer to the treat guidelines in student folder. I will note in the newsletter if there are any class allergies. We celebrate quickly by singing Happy Birthday. Please do not feel obligated to send in a treat. If students have a summer birthday, we will happily celebrate their half birthday.
Supplies: I will note in the newsletter when supplies need to be replenished. Please NO mechanical pencils.
Attached is a questionnaire I use as a quick reference. There is a back side. Please fill it out and return.
We have a lot to look forward to in the 3rd grade. Thank you in advance for supporting your child’s academics. I look forward to a wonderful year of learning together.
Mrs. Johnson