Parent OrientationMrs. Estes and Miss Busby’s

3rd Grade Class

Alexandria Estes Graduated from Midlakes in

2004

Received my Bachelor's and Master’s degrees from SUNY Fredonia

While in college I participated in two teaching exchanges- one in Belize and one in Wales

I am the oldest of two

Married Mr. Estes, we have a daughter Evelyn, dog named Lola

We love to travel and explore

Run Spend time outside

Karen Busby Graduated from Midlakes in 2002 I received my Bachelors degree

from Roberts Wesleyan in 2006 and my Masters degree from Walden University in 2010

This is my seventh year at MIS. I am the youngest of 4, including

two brothers and 1 sister. My family all lives in the area and spends a great deal of time together.

I live in Canandaigua. I love spending time with my 2

nieces, playing guitar, and watching football.

Schedule 9:10-9:50 Science/SS9:54-10:39 Special Snack 10:40-12:10 Math 12:10-12:40 Lunch12:40-12:55 Recess 1:00-1:20 Silent Read Time 1:20-2:20 ELA 2:20-3:00 Daily 5 Reading

Workshop 3:00-3:15 Word Study

Specials: Day 1, 3, 5 P.E. * Don’t forget

sneakers! Day 2 Music Day 4 Art Day 6 Library/Computer * Don’t forget library

books!

Homework/Take Home FoldersHomeworkThe entire third grade will have mostly the same

homework Spelling every night –posted online Math on Tuesdays and Thursdays Projects and/or Study Guides

Take Home Folders and Agendas Every student has received a maroon take-home folder. The

folder needs to be returned everyday. Every student has an agenda to record assignments. This is a

great organizational tool. It is also great for parent/teacher communication.

English Language Arts (ELA)Common Core Curriculum 1:20-2:20 Curriculum adopted by the state Follows the new Common Core Standards 60- minute module lesson; “Put a book in every child’s hand.” Increased rigor Close reads- picture books Finding evidence in the text

Guided Reading Groups 2:20-3:00 Small groups meet every other day Focus on particular skills the students need Comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, writing support,

acceleration of skills

Silent Read Time 1:00-1:20 Independent read book (same one at home and school) 40 book challenge

www.engageny.org

What can I talk to my child about when we are reading at home?

FICTIONWho is the main

character?What is the setting?What is the main

problem in the story?What is the story mainly

about?What do you predict will

happen next in the story?

Did the character learn a lesson?

Did the character change?

Pick a character. What character traits does he or she exhibit?

NONFICTION What is the main idea of

the text? What details support the

main idea? What was the author’s

purpose in writing this piece?

Were there any text features (charts, photographs, diagrams) that were important? What did you learn from them?

BIOGRAPHY: What contribution did the subject make to society?

THESE ARE ALL “THINKING POINTS”!

MathCommon Core Curriculum90 minute lessons daily 10:40-12:10Intense lessons that go deep into

mathematical concepts and problem solving.Began the year with multiplicationUnits include multiplication, division,

measurement, perimeter, area, place value, and fractions

Facts are important. Memorization is a must. 10 minutes a day is all that is needed.

Flashcard games at home and in the car

www.engageny.org

Eureka Math

SpellingAll 3rd grade classes are using a word study

program that involves learning high frequency words (writing words) and pattern words.

A new pattern or rule will be taught each week.We believe in the importance of putting the

words in long-term memory, so once the words are given for spelling they will be expected to know how to spell them.

Grades are based on nightly homework, weekly tests, daily use and transferring words correctly.

A new homework sheet will come home each Monday (same homework every week) Please keep the assignment sheet in the take-home folder.

Words are posted on our class website each week. Spelling homework is to be completed nightly and returned the next day in order to receive credit.

Science and Social Studies Units for Social Studies and Science will be taught quarterly

Social StudiesCommunities and

GeographyCommunities Over

TimeCitizens and

GovernmentPeople in Communities

ScienceScience 21

Plant InvestigationInvestigating

ElectricityInvestigating the

Water CycleInvestigating Animal

Cycles

Data Binders and Goal SettingRecord data every MondayAnalyze data Set Goals

Example: Last week I earned a 75 % on my spelling test, my goal for this week is 100 %. In order to reach my goal I need to practice my spelling words. I think I will make flashcards to practice my words every night.

Data Binders will go home once a month

Super Connection Newsletter ELA Math

Social Studies Specials

Upcoming Events

I was a SUPER STAR when…_________________________________________________

The biggest challenge I had this week was _________________________

My goal for next week is…_____________________________________________________

New York State Testing This year 3rd grade students will be taking a state ELA test and a state Math test.

ELA April 14-16th Math April 22th- April 24nd

7 Habits of Happy Kids

Positive Behavior Clip ChartClip up for positive choicesClip Hall of FameClip down for poor choicesFlexible and students are never stuck

Calendar sent home to be signed every night.

Outdoor RecessEvery dayDress for the weatherSnow suits, rain coats, boots, or old sneakersWe stay in if there is thunder/ lightening or its below 10 degrees

STAR OF THE WEEK

Snacks and BirthdaysPlease send a daily snack or bulk to be kept here.

Please feel free to send in treats for your child’s birthday.

Most treats/ snacks ok, just check firstIf your child has a birthday in the summer,

we can celebrate it at any time during the year, just let me know what works for you.

Provide enough for 22.

Book OrdersIf you wish to order, please make checks

payable to Scholastic You can also order online: Go to

scholastic.com, click on book clubs, click on parents

Classroom Code: JC8DG

Team WorkIn our classroom we function as a team,

and everyone works together. We do our best learning when we can learn from each other.

Let’s work together to make this a great year for your child!

Please sign up for a parent/teacher conference before leaving. (Reading table)

Ways to contact usaestes@midlakes.orgkbusby@midlakes.org School Phone: 548-6900Notes in their agenda