Back to School Night2014-2015

Mrs. Maureen Grissell

Background Information

• Dual certified in Regular/Special Education• History at Welch• Married 34 years, 2 kids – Scott & Meghan

The last 2 years have been quite a ride!

Another Engagement! December 2013

July 2012

August 2013

The next part of our lives….

Trey Joseph SabolJuly 25,2014

Curriculum• JOURNEYS – 3rd year (Think Central)• Balanced literacy: reading/writing connections• Whole group & Guided reading, vocabulary, phonics, spelling, and grammar

components• Self selected chapter books, read alouds• Reading calendars for accountability• Focus in 3rd grade is COMPREHENSION

making connections, visualizing, questioning, rereading, predicting, confirming, & inferring• Online access: Usernames & passwords are in manila folder• Correct reading level + high interest = success in reading

Using the above strategies will help your children to become more comprehensive readers!

Math

• ENVISION by Pearson• Online access – Usernames & passwords in folder• The program incorporates the use of the Smartboard• Differentiated activities - addresses the needs of the students• Problem solving is more involved this year – “Explain”• I model how to “explain answers” on a daily basis (homework)• Challenge math activities daily• Please reinforce “reading directions”• Trouble with homework, jot me a note

Social Studies & Science

• Social Studies themes: Community, Government, Immigration, American Symbols & Holidays

• Science themes: Plants, Rocks, & Sound• Variety of assessments• Lots of group work!

Philosophy

• Goals: 1. Mutual respect & learning 2. Academic, social, & emotional growth 3. Approachability4. Risk free environment5. Multi-sensory approach (visuals)

• Classroom management style: Don’t sweat the small stuff; kind, but firm; handle things proactively.

• Responsive Classroom: Helps to create a more cohesive and caring group!

Other items of interest…

• Conferences are 11/24, 11/25, & 11/26. Please sign up tonight. I will be available by 7:45am on most mornings.

• Web Page: Please check my page from time to time! There are pix, activities, news, and homework.

• Teacher-Parent Communication: mgrissell@crsd.org or leave a message on the voicemail. *Urgent messages: call office (loophole)

• Third Grade Birthday Policy• Book Clubs: sent home monthly, but no pressure! You can

order online. • Independent year – transition from primary-intermediate• **Please leave reading calendar on desk

Final Words

I hope to make your child’s 3rd grade experience positive, enriching, and exciting! Working together as a team will not only help to facilitate the process, but will also benefit your child in order to ensure his or her success.