This document provides information for parents about Ms. Hickey's 3rd grade class at Cliffwood Elementary School. It details the daily schedule, homework policy, grading system, and overview of key subjects like writer's workshop, reader's workshop, everyday math, social studies, and science. It also includes behavior expectations, ways to contact the teacher, and notes for parents. The goal is for teachers and parents to work as a team to support students in having a successful school year.

1. Back To School Night
Ms. Hickey’s Class
Cliffwood Elementary School
3rd Grade
Room 21

2. Cliffwood Elementary
Principal: Ms. Valerie Ulrich
District Website: www.marsd.org
Telephone Number: 732-290-2770
School Day: Begins at 9:10
Ends at 3:35

3. Our Daily Routine
9:10-9:25 Homeroom
9:25-10:10 Writer’s Workshop
10:15-10:55 Reader’s Workshop
(Guided Reading & Centers)
11:30-12:40 Reader’s Workshop
(Shared Reading & Word Study)
11:45-1:10 Everyday Math
1:15-1:55 Lunch
1:55-2:40 Specials/Content
2:45-3:30 Specials/Content

4. Homework
• Please check your child’s Agenda daily
• Spelling and Writing will be completed in Notebook
• Any problems or concerns, please let me know!
Homework is an essential part of the
educational process and it will be assigned
Monday-Thursday
(not including any special projects that
may be given throughout the year)

5. Grading Policy
A+ 100-98 C+ 79
A 97-93 C 78-76 √ + = 95
A- 92-90 C- 75 √ = 85
B+ 89-87 D 74-70 √- = 75
B 86-83 F 69-0
B- 82-80
GRADES ARE BASED ON THE
FOLLOWING:
PARTICIPATION
CLASSWORK
HOMEWORK
QUIZZES/TESTS
PROJECTS

6. Writer’s Workshop
* Writer’s Workshop nurtures children as writers, giving them time and
space to learn how to write for a variety of audiences and purposes. To
ensure that each writer can write to the best of his/her abilities, routines
are systematically taught. Students are supported as they choose topics
and use the writing process towards publication. They are taught skills,
strategies and the crafts needed to grow as writers. For more information,
visit: www.noycefdn.org
Or Google: Writers Workshop Lucy Calkins
Components:
*Units of Study: Launching, Personal Narrative,
Literary Non-Fiction, Short Story, Expository,
Persuasive, & Poetry
*Six Traits
*Daily devotion to writing
*Reading and writing as complementary activities
*Student choice
*Differentiated instruction

7. Reader’s Workshop
Components:
• Shared Reading Units
-practicing specific reading strategies as a whole
class
• Guided Reading/Centers
-small groups based on skills needed, homogeneous
reading levels
• Independent Reading
-independently reading on DRA levels
• Word Study
-concentration on word patterns
**End of Unit Test will be given district wide**

8. Everyday Math
Success relies on:
*Parent Involvement
*Student Reference Book
*Math Journal/Math Boxes
*Problem Solving
*Games, Manipulatives, & Skills Days
*Study Math Facts EVERY NIGHT!
**1-2 Quizzes will be given for each unit and Test dates will be
determined when each chapter is completed.**
For more information:
www.everydaymathonline.com
www.everydaymath.uchicago.edu

9. Social Studies & Science
*We will work on one subject at a time
*Emphasis on participation & projects
*Formal Assessments will be announced &
Study Guides will be sent home
Our Social Studies and Science
programs are motivating,
challenging and provide
meaningful learning
experiences about the world.

10. Star Jars
Everyone starts with 15 per week
-1 = Warning -2 = 5-10 min off DPA -3 = Note Home
*If any more are removed, then a phone call will be made, or Mrs.
Ulrich will be notified of behavior
*Students can gain stars for positive behaviors
*Please initial Record Sheet at the end of each week!
100 Stars = Reward from the Treasure Box!

11. Some Extra Info
*Classroom Buzz will be sent home every Friday
*Classroom website will be updated weekly
(photos, Star Students, student work, spelling lists, etc.)
*Field Trips will be announced later in the school year
*We are always in need of tissues & clorox wipes
*Promethean Board & Technology will be used on a daily
Basis (ActiVotes, Skype, Podcasts, Reading Eggs,
Study Island & more!)

12. Some More Extra
Info
*Working snack every day and water bottles can
remain on desks
*Birthdays will be recognized in school
(Cupcakes or munchkins can be provided, but please be
mindful of allergies!)
*Testing
District-wide testing – NWEA Fall, Winter, Spring
http://www.nwea.org
Standardized State testing – NJASK May 2013
http://www.nj.gov/education/assessment/es/

13. Contact Information
• The best way to contact me is by email:
jhickey@marsd.k12.nj.us
• Telephone number: 732-290-2770
Ext. 2135
*Parent-Teacher conferences can be made
at any time in person or by phone after
school or before school.*

14. Let’s work as a team and have
a great school year!
Any Questions?