This document provides information for third grade parents at a school. It introduces the teachers and outlines the curriculum focus on transdisciplinary skills and the unit "How the World Works" centered on scientific investigations. It discusses STAAR testing in April, homework and grading policies, science fair, technology resources, conferences, open house, volunteer opportunities and answers any questions.

1. Welcome Third Grade Parents
Mrs. Moline, Mrs. Jarmusch, Mrs.
Owen, Ms. Schulte, Mrs. Stein,
Mrs. Corbett, and Ms. Vechan

2. Transdisciplinary Skills
• Self-Management Skills
• Social Skills
• Thinking Skills
• Communication Skills
• Research Skills

3. How the World Works
• An inquiry into how humans use their
understanding of scientific principles
• Central idea: Scientific investigations allow
us to explore and understand the physical
world.
• Lines of Inquiry:
• Questions that can be answered by doing a systematic observation or by doing an
experiment—Reflection
• How changes in the physical world can be explained-Change
• How the scientific process helps us understand the natural world--Function

4. Communication
• Friday Folders & e-Folder
• Homework Planners
• Teacher Website & Remind 101
• Email
• Phone
• HAC, Report Cards, and Progress Reports
(See left side of the RRISD webpage for
link for Home Access Center.)

5. STAAR Math and Reading
April 21 and 22, 2015
• Passing the STAAR is not a promotion
requirement for 3rd grade.
• Test scores will determine mandatory
interventions in 4th grade.
• Four-hour time limit for each test.
• Bubble sheets for recording answers.
• No retakes.

6. STAAR PREPARATION
• Students will be well prepared before the
testing date.
• Read daily and practice math facts daily
with your child.
• Math will be weighted heavily toward
problem-solving.
• Reading will cover fiction, nonfiction, and
poetry.

7. Grading Policy
• All graded work must be done at school.
• 10 points may be deducted from the grade
for late work.
• Students will have one opportunity to redo
any assignment that receives a grade of
less than 70.
• Assignments may be sent home for redo.
• The highest possible grade on a redo is
70.

8. Homework Policy
• 30 minutes of reading nightly.
• 10-15 minutes other homework as practice.
• Homework is for practice and to build good
habits. It is not graded.
• Special projects will be completed mostly in
class. However, some research may need to be
done at home. Materials may need to be
supplied by the parents.
• Incomplete classwork may be sent home for
completion and return the next day.

9. Incomplete Work
• If a student is unable to complete a
graded assignment within the time
provided, the assignment will be graded
based on the number of questions
answered.
• Incomplete class work that is not for a
grade will be sent home as additional
homework and should be returned the
next day with a parent signature.

10. Rewards and Consequences
• Classroom essential agreements
• Classroom reward system
• Consequences

11. Science Fair
• Science Fair is not mandatory in third
grade, but is encouraged.
• Science Fair projects will not be done in
school.
• The summative assessment task for the
first UOI can be used as the basis for a
Science Fair profect.

12. Technology
• Library – available for whole group
lessons and individual inquiry.
• Netbooks– Third grade has a dedicated
netbook cart available for whole group
instruction and individual projects.
• Full time IT position

13. Fall Conferences
• Student-led goal-setting conferences
• Teachers are keeping some work for your
student to review with you on that day.
• Sign-up will be available through google docs
shortly.
• Students will conference with parents in the hall.
• A short conference with the teacher (in the
classroom) will be included in your time slot.

14. Spring Open House
• Students share their growth for the year
with their parents.
• Afternoon on an early release day

15. Volunteer Opportunities
• Computer Time – must complete Acceptable Use Policy
• Special Projects – Science materials and investigations;
Biography Projects; support for UOIs
• Field Trips –dates & destinations to be determined
• Party Days – December 18, February 13, and June 4.
• Homeroom Parent, Box Tops, Math Super Stars
• Weekly help – Friday folders, copies, laminating, bulletin
boards, etc.

16. Volunteer Orientation
All volunteers must participate in the
PTA’s volunteer orientation. Please check
the PTA website for requirements, dates
and times.

17. Questions?
Thank You for Coming