Erin Harms is a 3rd grade teacher at Poway Unified School District. She provides an overview of her background and experience, as well as details about her classroom schedule, curriculum, homework policies, communication methods, and opportunities for parents to volunteer or donate. She emphasizes the importance of parental involvement and a team approach between home and school for students to succeed.

1. Erin HarmsErin Harms
33rdrd
Grade Room 14Grade Room 14
(858) 485-0042 x 4114(858) 485-0042 x 4114
eharms@powayusd.comeharms@powayusd.com
Welcome Parents to
Back to School Night

2. • I will now present to you my AutobiographicI will now present to you my Autobiographic
Speech.Speech.
• This will be the same one your child will be workingThis will be the same one your child will be working
on in the next few weeks.on in the next few weeks.
This is ME!

3. Over two years as an elementary teacherOver two years as an elementary teacher
B.S. in Interdisciplinary StudiesB.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies
Masters in Educational and Instructional TechnologyMasters in Educational and Instructional Technology
Taught Impact for 3-5Taught Impact for 3-5thth
grade students at Highlandgrade students at Highland
RanchRanch
Taught Special Education for K-3 at Sunset HillsTaught Special Education for K-3 at Sunset Hills
Student taught with Linda Balona in third grade atStudent taught with Linda Balona in third grade at
Painted RockPainted Rock
My Background

4. CommunicationCommunication
CommunicationCommunication
 Learning Point-login as your child and please input emailLearning Point-login as your child and please input email
 Homework Contracts-paperless in OctoberHomework Contracts-paperless in October
 Friday Folders-Please signFriday Folders-Please sign
 Call me 485-0042 ext.4114Call me 485-0042 ext.4114
 E-mail me: eharms@powayusd.comE-mail me: eharms@powayusd.com
 Write a noteWrite a note
 Stop by the classroomStop by the classroom

5. DisciplineDiscipline
Positive ReinforcementPositive Reinforcement
Felix TicketsFelix Tickets
Early/Extra RecessEarly/Extra Recess
ComplimentsCompliments
Star Student!Star Student!
Character CardsCharacter Cards
T.R.R.F.C.C. PledgeT.R.R.F.C.C. Pledge

6. Class ScheduleClass Schedule
• 9:00– 9:209:00– 9:20 Opening/CommunityOpening/Community
• 9:20 – 10:359:20 – 10:35 Language ArtsLanguage Arts
• 10:35 – 10:5510:35 – 10:55 RecessRecess
• 10:55 – 12:2510:55 – 12:25 MathMath
• 12:25 – 1:0512:25 – 1:05 LunchLunch
• 1:05- 2:051:05- 2:05 Read Aloud/WritingRead Aloud/Writing
• 2:05– 3:152:05– 3:15 Social Studies/Science/ArtSocial Studies/Science/Art

7. Week ScheduleWeek Schedule
Mon. & Fri.Mon. & Fri. P.E. (dress appropriately)P.E. (dress appropriately)
Tues.Tues. Music, Library, and ComputerMusic, Library, and Computer
FridayFriday Reading clubsReading clubs
TBDTBD Arts AttackArts Attack
TBDTBD Character EducationCharacter Education

8. Language ArtsLanguage Arts
ReadingReading
reading to and by the childrenreading to and by the children
shared reading (large group instruction)shared reading (large group instruction)
guided reading (small group instruction)guided reading (small group instruction)
independent reading (D.E.A.R.)independent reading (D.E.A.R.)
Reading Counts PointsReading Counts Points
SRI-LexileSRI-Lexile
Reading Olympics-Go for the GoldReading Olympics-Go for the Gold

9. Language ArtsLanguage Arts
ReadingReading
 content area studies (thematic experiences)content area studies (thematic experiences)
 literature circlesliterature circles
 grammar practicegrammar practice
 reading logreading log
 fluency readingfluency reading
Public SpeakingPublic Speaking
 Help your child feel successful by being preparedHelp your child feel successful by being prepared

10. Language ArtsLanguage Arts
Writing-Implementing the new Common CoreWriting-Implementing the new Common Core
*Writing workshop*Writing workshop *Spelling Sentences*Spelling Sentences
*Shared writing*Shared writing *Letter writing*Letter writing
*Modeled writing*Modeled writing *Skill practice*Skill practice
*Paragraphs*Paragraphs *Writing across the curriculum*Writing across the curriculum
*Poetry*Poetry *Mentor Text*Mentor Text
*Write Source*Write Source *Author study*Author study
*Tool folder*Tool folder

11. MathMath
MathMath
 We use the Math Expressions Program, which consistsWe use the Math Expressions Program, which consists
of daily lessons that spiral throughout the year. There willof daily lessons that spiral throughout the year. There will
be math Homework practice exercises sent homebe math Homework practice exercises sent home
occasionally. They are due the next day.occasionally. They are due the next day.

12. MathMath
MathMath
In order to develop proficient estimation skills it isIn order to develop proficient estimation skills it is
imperative thatimperative that all studentsall students master basic addition andmaster basic addition and
subtraction facts (1-20)subtraction facts (1-20). If your child is weak in this. If your child is weak in this
area, please encourage daily practice at home.area, please encourage daily practice at home.
Multiplication and division begins in January. We will allMultiplication and division begins in January. We will all
aim for a touchdown.aim for a touchdown.

13. Social StudiesSocial Studies
Social StudiesSocial Studies
 The Students will be learning about our localThe Students will be learning about our local
community from the original natives, the Kumeyaay,community from the original natives, the Kumeyaay,
to present day lawmakers.to present day lawmakers.

14. ScienceScience
ScienceScience
 In science, our scientists will discoverIn science, our scientists will discover
information about desert and mountain habitats,information about desert and mountain habitats,
adaptations of living things, oceanography, matter,adaptations of living things, oceanography, matter,
and space.and space.

15. HandwritingHandwriting
HandwritingHandwriting
I will have regular practice during class and expectI will have regular practice during class and expect
the students to improve as appropriate. Pleasethe students to improve as appropriate. Please
encourage good handwriting practices.encourage good handwriting practices.
Keyboarding is essential. Please practice at homeKeyboarding is essential. Please practice at home
frequently. Use sites posted on LP.frequently. Use sites posted on LP.
I will be teaching cursive starting in December.I will be teaching cursive starting in December.
AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNNOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVvWwXxYyZz

16. HomeworkHomework
HomeworkHomework
 Homework provides needed practice on skillsHomework provides needed practice on skills
that have been introduced or previously taught inthat have been introduced or previously taught in
class. It also helps teach your child critical lifeclass. It also helps teach your child critical life
skills: time management, self management,skills: time management, self management,
perseverance, and individual responsibility. There isperseverance, and individual responsibility. There is
additional information in the homework letter inadditional information in the homework letter in
your child’s binder.your child’s binder.

17. HomeworkHomework
HomeworkHomework
Homework will include:Homework will include:
 reading 20 minutes daily and recording on the book logreading 20 minutes daily and recording on the book log
 Practicing math factsPracticing math facts
 unfinished daily workunfinished daily work
 math pages as neededmath pages as needed
 Spelling pretest, sentences, and later paragraphsSpelling pretest, sentences, and later paragraphs
 Additional long term projects include speeches and PTA ReflectionsAdditional long term projects include speeches and PTA Reflections

18. HomeworkHomework
HomeworkHomework
Please remember that many third graders needPlease remember that many third graders need
supervision with Homework, and it should besupervision with Homework, and it should be
checked by an adult for completeness, neatness,checked by an adult for completeness, neatness,
and qualityand quality beforebefore sending it to class.sending it to class.
Parents mustParents must initialinitial and sign Reading Logs forand sign Reading Logs for
student to receive credit.student to receive credit.

19. Field TripsField Trips
Field TripsField Trips
 Field trips are a fun, exciting, hands-on way toField trips are a fun, exciting, hands-on way to
enhance your child’s education. I will be requestingenhance your child’s education. I will be requesting
voluntary donations to cover fees andvoluntary donations to cover fees and
transportation.transportation.

20. Field TripsField Trips
Field TripsField Trips
Tentative field trips this year will include:Tentative field trips this year will include:
Stelzer Park (October)Stelzer Park (October)
Old Poway Park/Museum (November)Old Poway Park/Museum (November)
Birch Aquarium (February)Birch Aquarium (February)
Floating Lab (March)Floating Lab (March)
Valle Verde ParkValle Verde Park

21. Birthday’sBirthday’s
BirthdaysBirthdays
I certainly enjoy birthdays. You are welcome toI certainly enjoy birthdays. You are welcome to
send in individually wrapped treats. We have 28send in individually wrapped treats. We have 28
Students which makes for a lot of treats.Students which makes for a lot of treats.
If you do decide on a treat,If you do decide on a treat, pleaseplease do not send indo not send in
anything that requires scooping, cutting, or slicinganything that requires scooping, cutting, or slicing
AND adheres to the 180 calories rule. (PopsiclesAND adheres to the 180 calories rule. (Popsicles
are a personal favorite !)are a personal favorite !)

22. Star StudentStar Student
Star StudentStar Student
 For one week during the school year your childFor one week during the school year your child
will be a special star in the classroom. I have awill be a special star in the classroom. I have a
poster format that will give each student anposter format that will give each student an
opportunity to show their family members,opportunity to show their family members,
interests, pictures, etc. There is also a shelf forinterests, pictures, etc. There is also a shelf for
them to bring in a favorite book, trophy, award,them to bring in a favorite book, trophy, award,
collection, etc. that they wish to display.collection, etc. that they wish to display.

23. ComputersComputers
ComputersComputers
We will be using the computer lab on a regular basisWe will be using the computer lab on a regular basis
for keyboarding skills, Power Point Presentations,for keyboarding skills, Power Point Presentations,
assessments, and research.assessments, and research.
Ear buds can be sent in, although the lab hasEar buds can be sent in, although the lab has
headphones at each computer.headphones at each computer.
Microsoft PowerPoint.lnk

24. Time For KidsTime For Kids
Time for KidsTime for Kids
I use Time for Kids to enrich the Language Arts,I use Time for Kids to enrich the Language Arts,
Science, and Social Studies programs. It has 3Science, and Social Studies programs. It has 3rdrd
grade themes and headlines, as well as manygrade themes and headlines, as well as many
standards-based worksheets.standards-based worksheets.
I also ordered a geography component that teachesI also ordered a geography component that teaches
about cultures around the world.about cultures around the world.

25. Budget CrisisBudget Crisis
Budget CrisisBudget Crisis
Join the PTAJoin the PTA
Support the FoundationSupport the Foundation
Donate copy paper (color), white cardstock, gallonDonate copy paper (color), white cardstock, gallon
Ziploc bags, construction paper (12”x 18”),Ziploc bags, construction paper (12”x 18”),
ink cartridges, copies, laminatingink cartridges, copies, laminating
Send in money to help offset the cost of studentSend in money to help offset the cost of student
workbooksworkbooks

26. VolunteersVolunteers
VolunteersVolunteers
I want you . . . in the classroom!I want you . . . in the classroom!
The success of your child and the students in theThe success of your child and the students in the
class depend on you being here.class depend on you being here.
Be sure to fill out the Megan’s Law form in theBe sure to fill out the Megan’s Law form in the
office and have an up to date T.B. test.office and have an up to date T.B. test.
Sign in at the office.Sign in at the office.

27. Teamwork!Teamwork!
FOR SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS- WE MUST BE A TEAM!FOR SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS- WE MUST BE A TEAM!
 Make schoolwork the top priority in your home. Set aside aMake schoolwork the top priority in your home. Set aside a
specific time for your child to complete his/her homeworkspecific time for your child to complete his/her homework
in a quiet, well-lit spot, away from the television.in a quiet, well-lit spot, away from the television.
Supervision may be necessary for some assignments. MakeSupervision may be necessary for some assignments. Make
it clear that your child is ultimately responsible forit clear that your child is ultimately responsible for
completing homework and class work.completing homework and class work.
 Carefully review your child’s work, showing him/her thatCarefully review your child’s work, showing him/her that
this work is important.this work is important.
 School is your child’s job.School is your child’s job.

28. Teamwork!Teamwork!
FOR SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS- WE MUST BE A TEAM!FOR SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS- WE MUST BE A TEAM!
 Set realistic goals for achievement and praise your child forSet realistic goals for achievement and praise your child for
his/her efforts. Try thehis/her efforts. Try the ““hands offhands off”” approach.approach.
 Encourage reading at home by turning off the television for atEncourage reading at home by turning off the television for at
least 20 minutes. Discuss the books your child is reading. (Useleast 20 minutes. Discuss the books your child is reading. (Use
Closed-Captioning when television is on.)Closed-Captioning when television is on.)
 Support what takes place in the classroom.Support what takes place in the classroom.
 Encourage backpack and binder organization.Encourage backpack and binder organization.
 Keep in touch- if you have any concerns, please contact me so weKeep in touch- if you have any concerns, please contact me so we
can discuss them and together find the best way to help yourcan discuss them and together find the best way to help your
child succeed.child succeed.

29. Erin HarmsErin Harms
33rdrd
Grade Room 14Grade Room 14
(858) 485-0042 x 4114(858) 485-0042 x 4114
eharms@powayusd.comeharms@powayusd.com

30. Your HomeworkYour Homework
Parent HomeworkParent Homework
 Please input your email in Learning PointPlease input your email in Learning Point
 Write to your child on the back of his/her letterWrite to your child on the back of his/her letter
 Please put your name, child name, email, and phone # on the 3x5 card forPlease put your name, child name, email, and phone # on the 3x5 card for
our room parentsour room parents
 Please complete the 3 things about your childPlease complete the 3 things about your child
 Fill our Valle Verde permission slip for this yearFill our Valle Verde permission slip for this year
 Sign the book loanSign the book loan
 Sign the permission slip to post photos on LPSign the permission slip to post photos on LP
 Donate ten dollars to cover the cost of TFK and Handwriting (This is inDonate ten dollars to cover the cost of TFK and Handwriting (This is in
addition to the twelve already collected with school supplies.)addition to the twelve already collected with school supplies.)
 Sign up for a conference dateSign up for a conference date