This document provides information for parents about the third grade curriculum at Ashley Elementary School for the 2010-2011 school year. It includes details about the daily schedule, academic content areas like language arts, math, science and social studies. It also outlines homework expectations, behavior policies, and ways for parents to communicate with teachers and volunteer. The goal is to welcome parents and inform them about what students will learn and the policies and procedures for the upcoming school year.

1. Welcome to Third Grade Curriculum Night 2010-2011

2. Ashley Mission Statement “Learners Today… Leaders Tomorrow” At Ashley Elementary, we are dedicated to nurturing, developing, and challenging the young minds of tomorrow’s leaders.

3. Daily Schedule

4. Schedule 8:15 – 8:45 SPI 8:45-9:40 Science 9:40 – 10:25 Specials 10:25 -11:30 Reading/Lang. Arts 11:30 – 12:00 Recess 12:00 – 12:30 Lunch 12:30 – 1:45 Math 1:45 - 2:45 Writing 3:00 Dismiss

5. Academic Content Areas Learners Today…

6. Language Arts Reading Writing Process using the Six Traits Ideas, Organization, Word Choice, Voice, Fluency, Conventions Grammar Spelling

7. Six Traits Writing Ideas – The content or main theme. Organization – The internal structure. Voice – The personal voice of the author; it gives the sense of a real person speaking. Word Choice – Precise, colorful, rich language. Sentence Fluency – The writing has a rhythm; it flows. Conventions – Mechanical correctness, including grammar and spelling.

8. Spelling Frisco ISD has created a vertically aligned spelling program that builds on phonological and developmental skills. Third Grade Spelling Lists Began August 30th Monday Pre-test / Friday Post-test Consists of 12 words Students who show mastery on the pre-test will be given 8 challenge words. Additional spelling instruction will occur during Writer’s Workshop as students master words in daily writing.

10. Main Idea/Details

11. Context clues

12. Cause and effect

13. Sequence of events

14. Fluency

15. Decoding strategies

16. Story elements

17. Character traits

18. Drawing conclusions

19. Reading for multiple purposes

20. Summarization

21. Predicting outcomes

22. Comprehension

24. Math Place Value Rounding / Compatible Numbers Time Probability Fractions Temperature Patterns Money Graphing Number Concepts Basic Operation + - / x Geometry Problem Solving in real world contexts

25. Science Scientific Method /Lab Safety Force and Motion, and Energy- Position and Motion Matter and Energy -States of Matter, Physical Properties, Effects of Hot and Cold Organisms and Environments -Inherited Traits, Food Chain, Environmental Changes and Life Cycles of Animals and Plants, Plant and Animal Structures Earth and Space - Formation of Soil, Rapid Changes of Earth’s Surface, Landforms, Natural Resources, Weather, Relationships of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, and the Solar System

26. Student Responsibilities Leaders Tomorrow

27. Homework – What to expect? Monday – Thursday 20-30 minutes of silent reading each night. Basic math skills/fact practice Spelling activities As assigned – Language Arts /Science/Social Studies project or review worksheet

28. Study Hall Study hall will be held daily during the third grade recess period. It will be assigned when… Student does not complete and/or turn in a homework assignment. Student does not complete a class assignment. If a child is assigned more than three study halls within a two-week period, the parent will be notified.

29. Late Work 10 points will be deducted from late assignments – up to 3 days late for a total of a 30 point deduction. (FISD Policy) This policy is consistent across all FISD elementary schools.

30. BehaviorExpectations Use time and materials wisely Participate Use self-discipline Respond promptly and willingly Be courteous Work and play well with others Show respect Follow all school rules Listen attentively Follow directions

31. Consequences Loss of recess time Time Out Verbal/Written Apology Letter/Phone Call Home Parent Conference Office Referral

32. I.C.M.M I Can Manage Myself Green – Great Job! Yellow – 10 Minutes Recess Orange – 20 Minutes Recess Red – All Recess/Send Note or Call Parents

33. Skills Practice InvestigationS.P.I.

34. Tutoring Skills Practice Investigation will begin on September 13, 2010. Daily S.P.I. is from 8:15 – 8:45. Monday and Tuesday – Reading Skills Wednesday and Thursday – Math Skills

35. Flexible Grouping Third grade students are flexibly grouped for skills practice. Teachers pull small groups for word work, use hands-on resources, and target skill instruction. Instruction is targeted toward areas needed for improvement or enrichment. The groups adjust as needed by skill.

36. Parent Communication

37. Weekly Agenda/Planner Your child has received a weekly planner. Help your child learn to use it. Check it daily and initial that you have seen it. Use the agenda to communicate with your child’s teacher. It is never too early to develop organizational habits for success.

38. On The Web Ashley Elementary Website http://www.friscoisd.org/schools/elementary/ashley/ Texas Education Agency (TEKS/TAKS) www.tea.state.tx.us Frisco I.S.D. (District Information/Curriculum) www.friscoisd.org

39. Communication Planning Time 9:40 – 10:25 am Mrs. Ortel Mrs. Atwater ortell@friscoisd.orgatwaterr@friscoisd.org Mrs. Rutter Mrs. Odom rutterm@friscoisd.orgodoml@friscoisd.org Mrs. Beaman beamank@friscoisd.org

40. Absences and Tardy Policies

41. Absences and Tardy Policy Students arriving after 8:00 am must pick up an admit slip to be admitted to class. Without a medical excuse students will be marked tardy. If your child reaches 5 tardies, your child’s teacher will notify you. A school administrator will contact you if your child reaches 10 tardies. If a child misses a portion of the day 3 times, it will be counted as 1 full day absence ( 3 partial absences= 1 day). School begins at 8:00 am.

42. Absences and Tardy Policy Cont’d Absences will only be marked excused with a note from home or doctor. As mandated by the state, schools must file with the courts once your child receives 10 tardies or 10 unexcused absences. So, please send a written note with your child for every absence. Section 2 – Student Handbook Compulsory Attendance

43. Transportation Home Please inform the school office prior to 2:00 pm of any changes in your child’s mode of transportation home. Teachers will not check emails during instructional time, so please contact the office. The office may not be able to reach your child’s teacher with the message after 2:45 pm.

44. More Important Stuff

45. Snacks This is really important to your child! Please send a healthy morning snack and a fresh, small bottle of water for your child daily.

46. Lunch Time Parents are ALWAYS welcome to eat lunch with their child at the designated table. They may invite one friend to join them for lunch. In accordance with the State Law of Texas, parents who bring food for their child may notshare with other children.

47. Birthday Celebrations Birthday celebrations will begin at 2:45 pm. We cannot allow homemade birthday treats. Please let your child’s teacher know in advance you are bringing treats, so we can schedule accordingly. Birthday party celebrations are welcome and a big part of your child’s school year experience.

48. Volunteering

49. We Need You!! We have a constant need for volunteers. If you would like to buddy read, copy, laminate, cut out game pieces, etc., please contact your child’s teacher. Please go to the Ashley Website to join our school email list for the most updated information.

50. Questions?

51. Thanks for coming!