Cracking the Code:A Parent’s Guide to Your Child’s Third-

Grade Year

The 2016-2017 Third-Grade TeamMs. Samantha Finkel - room 214

Mrs. Heather Kern and Ms. Sara Conant - room 222Mrs. Lindsay Mages and Mrs. Jennifer Cohen - room 220

Mrs. Sarina Marine and Ms. Sara Conant - room 216Ms. Michelle Mulhare - room 224

Ms. Sue Price - room 219Ms. Katie Swanson – room 218

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Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we begin another exciting year here at Discovery, I would like to introduce myself to you. My name is Heather Kern, and this will be my third year teaching in Loudoun County Public Schools. I received my B.A. in Psychology at George Mason University. I spent time at home raising my two daughters before re-entering the workforce as a preschool teacher in Ashburn. During this time, I was also fortunate enough to teach in an academically-enriching kindergarten program. My excitement in watching my students learn during those years fueled my desire to expand my love of teaching and learning to a wider age range, so I pursued and completed a Master’s in Education, during which I enjoyed many opportunities to substitute as well as complete my student teaching in Loudoun County. I love teaching at Discovery because my personal philosophy is that each child is on his or her own path of learning; it is my job to help each child navigate that individual path or “trail,” if you will!

In order for your child to have the best experience possible this year, I want to make sure that we maintain open communication at all times. Therefore, if at any time you or your child has a question or concern, please feel free to contact me. My contact information is listed on the Communication page later in this packet as well as information about the forms of communication I will use to keep you updated. To enable me to get to know your child better, it would be very helpful if you could complete the Getting to Know Your Child sheet in the packet of forms you received . Additionally, if you would like to volunteer for our classroom, please indicate this on the Contact Information sheet (also at the end of the packet). After reviewing this handout, please complete the Policies Acknowledgment and Release of Information to Room Parent forms at the end as well as the Internet Access, Movie Permission, and Food Permission forms. Please return these forms to school as soon as you possibly can. I’ve included policies and procedures for the year as well as other helpful information that you might want. Again, if you have any questions at any time, please contact me. Thank you so much for your support, and I look forward to working with you and your child this year.

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Sincerely,Heather Kern

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Behavior Management:Students will draft classroom rules with their teachers during the first days of school to

create a strong classroom community. We will be guided by Discovery's "Three Rs"; Be Respecful, Be Responsible, Be Ready to Learn.

At Discovery Elementary, we use a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework to encourage a pattern of expected behaviors in our students. Everything we do includes research-based best practices to support more positive student outcomes. The focus in this framework is on non-tangible rewards. We will never reward a student for expectations, as they will come expect a reward for everything they do. Research says that when they do get a tangible reward – for example, our classroom money or tickets - that it will also come with verbal or nonverbal praise. Some classes may have variations of prize boxes, but they will not be scheduled routine activities in the class, but rather spread randomly throughout the year. Best practices say that when prizes are given when it’s least expected, it is a stronger reinforcement for positive behavior.

This year, we will try to minimize the attention on negative behaviors, but when we do want students to reflect on their behavior we will ask them to sign a Think Sheet. Their first task will be to identify the reason they are filling out the “think sheet.” Next, they will reflect on how their behavior affects themselves as well as the class. Finally, they are asked to respond to ways they can adjust their behavior so they experience a more positive outcome the next time. A copy of the completed form will be sent home for a parent signature and must be returned the following day. All Think Sheets will be collected and kept as my official record for the quarter and year. Repeated behaviors will result in an office referral.

Bring Your Own Technology – BYOT:All classrooms at Discovery are now considered to be BYOT. This initiative invites

children to bring in their own personal devices from home – iPads, Chromebooks, laptops, etc. We will use the devices for academic purposes only: ST Math, Interactive Achievement, Raz Kids, Kidblog, Wixie, etc. I must stress that BYOT is absolutely not mandatory. When necessary, devices will be provided for children without a personal device. I ask that you please be sure that the device that you send in with your child is one that your child knows how to use on his or her own and is already equipped with the necessary applications; please see the BYOT attachment.

Belongings:Please make sure that all items that your child brings to school are clearly labeled. Many

coats, sweaters, gloves, and hats look alike. Please leave all toys at home, as these items tend to get lost or broken.

Birthdays:Birthdays are very special in Room 222! We will celebrate your child with a birthday

song, and he or she will receive a birthday card and pencil.According to the Loudoun County Food Policy, “no food is to be brought into and shared

within the classroom.” Unfortunately, this means that no food is allowed for birthdays. If your child would like to bring something in, he or she may bring a favorite book for the classroom

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library or game for indoor recess. If you plan to invite every student of Room 222 to a birthday party for your child, I am happy to distribute invitations. I will not be permitted to disclose other parents’ e-mail addresses for any purposes.

Book Orders:Approximately once a month, I will send home Scholastic Book Club flyers, which offer

books at reduced prices. This is a wonderful way to excite your children about reading and empower them to make their own reading selections! If you choose to participate, you can do so by logging onto www.scholastic.com/readingclub. Our “Classroom Code” is ND2JM.

Classroom Visits:With advance arrangement, we would be more than happy to have you as a volunteer in

our classroom. You may also visit to have lunch with your child. Our lunch is from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM each day. If you need to speak with me, please contact me to make arrangements prior to coming in.

When you visit the classroom, please make sure to stop in the Main Office where you will sign-in and retrieve a visitor badge. Even if you are a regular school volunteer, please make sure to sign-in.

Communication:Agendas: This year, your child will receive an assignment book (agenda). In it, your child

will record homework, projects, and quizzes/tests. We may also jot notes in your child’s book occasionally. Please review your child’s assignment book each night and help him or her use it wisely. Lastly, please initial at the bottom of the page each night to help us know that you are helping your child use his or her agenda.

Conferences: Conferences will be held at the end of the first grading period, during the week of October 31- November 4. I will send out an online sign-up early in September. At this time, please sign up for a 20-minute conference slot that works best with your schedule. If need arises, we can also schedule conferences at any other time during the year.

Email: My main form of communication is via email. My email address is Heather.Kern@lcps.org. I will use e-mail to provide information about upcoming events and activities. Please be sure all of your information is current on the Contact Information sheet. Please also be sure that the front office has an updated e-mail address for you. If you do not have Internet access at home, please let me know ASAP.

Thursday Folders: We will also be sending home a blue pocket folder, called the Thursday Folder, every Thursday. This folder will contain any information from the school and the class, as well as graded and returned work from the week. Please check this folder every week, remove and review its contents with your child, and return the folder on the next school day.

Website: Please check our third-grade website for information about third-grade teachers, our supply list, curriculum by the quarter, study guides, special events, links to special websites, and other information pertaining to our whole grade level. To find my page, go to the Discovery ES webpage (www.lcps.org/des), hover over Classrooms, and then choose Third

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Grade from the drop-down menu.

Dismissal Changes/Absences:Should your child need a change in after-school arrangements, please send in a note or

call the office in a timely manner. In addition to a note or phone call, please email dis-absentee@lcps.org and myself to confirm the details of the arrangement. This will ensure your child abides by the change in plans. Without a note or phone call to the office, I am unable to allow any deviations from typical arrangements.

Each day in the classroom is important; therefore, if your child will be absent due to an appointment or family trip, please inform me as soon as possible. This will allow me to determine how and when I may provide your child with any assignments and proctor any tests that will be missed during the absence.

Grading:The grading scale for third grade is as follows:

This is the same scale used on the Loudoun County report card. This scale allows the teacher to clearly indicate students’ progress and to what degree skills have been mastered. Report cards are issued every 9 weeks.

In class, assessments will consist of reading and writing checklists, rubrics, class work, observations, tests and quizzes, and projects. This year, teachers will be formatively (not graded) assessing the child at levels 1 through 3. Summative assessments (graded work) will allow the student an opportunity to demonstrate a level 4 understanding. See the next page for more detail.

Progress Indicator Progress Indicator Description

1 Beginning Students understands the basic concept or skill.

2 Intermediate Students recognize, organize, and begin to use the skill or knowledge.

3 Proficient Students meeting expectations for a given learning target.

4 Advanced Students are able to apply or create with the skill or knowledge.

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In the case that progress is not sufficient, an interim will be sent home in the middle of the grading period. The interim will detail areas needing improvement, strategies being used in class to address the student’s need, and what you can do to help.

Homework: We believe that homework is an important part of your child’s education because it

reinforces what has been learned in class, prepares students for upcoming lessons, teaches responsibility, and helps students develop positive study habits. With that said, we will not give homework for the sake of having something to do at home; rather, it will be purposeful and skill-based.

There will generally be homework every day, Monday through Thursday. Once we begin our Word Study program, there will be a Word Study test on Fridays. Students will also have a required Reading Log to be filled out nightly. Students need to read at least 20 minutes each night. In addition to reading, your child needs to practice his or her math facts for at least 10 minutes each night. Assignments should not take more than approximately 30 minutes each night. We expect students to do their best work on all assignments, to complete their work neatly and independently, and to always complete work in pencil.

Lunch: Packers: Please send your child’s lunch in a clearly labeled lunch box. Buyers: Please send all money to school in an envelope with your child’s name and

lunch number (student ID) clearly indicated. You may wish to consider the lunch account option to relieve yourself from the daily chore of gathering loose change.

Snack:We will allow a few minutes for eating a snack after the morning math block each day.

Snack is optional, but we do encourage your child to bring a simple, nutritious snack (e.g. crackers, cereal, fruit, vegetables). Do not send candy, cookies, or chips. Please make sure that your child can manage his or her snack without help (e.g. oranges come to school peeled or sliced). Snacks may not be shared, and one snack is sufficient. Drinks are not necessary, as water is available. Your child is welcome to keep a reusable water bottle on his or her desk at school; these will be sent home to be washed every Friday. Please ensure that all snacks are nut-free for the safety of all our students!

Specials:Please be sure that your child wears sneakers and appropriate clothing on Physical

Education days in Room 222.PE Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

Music Monday, ThursdayArt Wednesday

Guidance FridayComputer Lab Tuesday, Friday

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SEARCH Wednesday (every other week)

Standardized Testing:Testing in third grade includes the SOLs, Virginia Standards of Learning tests, which

assess comprehensive knowledge in content areas of reading and mathematics, and measure achievement of students against objectives and skills defined by standards set by the state of Virginia. Further information about both of these tests will follow at a later date.

Tardiness:School begins promptly at 7:50 AM. If you drive your child to school, please provide

ample time for him or her to be in the classroom and settled by 7:50 AM.

Thank you for your time and attention to this information, the goal of which is to clearly explain the policies and procedures of the classroom. If ever you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at Heather.Kern@lcps.org. I am looking forward to a fantastic year!

Thank you,Mrs. Kern

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FORMS, FORMS, FORMS!

After reviewing this packet, please sign and return each of the following pages no later than Friday, September 2.

Thank you in advance for your time and support!

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Contact Information

Child Name: ____________________ Birthday: ________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________

Home phone number: ______________________________________________

Mother’s name: ________________________________

Mother’s phone number(s): _________________________________________

Father’s name: ________________________________

Father’s phone number(s): __________________________________________

Child’s medical concern(s): _________________________________________

Transportation: ______ rides bus (# ______) ______ car rider

After-school arrangements: _________________________________________

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Getting toGetting to Know YourKnow Your

ChildChild

Our classroom runs much more smoothly when we have volunteers! Please return this form and let me know if you are able to volunteer for the following:

Room parent Copying Thursday folders Hallway bulletin board (once every month or two) At-Home Volunteer (cutting out items, collating monthly Scholastic flyers, etc.) Other: _________________________________________________________

In addition, we are always short some supplies at the beginning of the year. I would happily accept donations for any of the following items:

*Lysol wipes*disposable gloves*games for indoor recess (gently used is fine; will not be returned)*outdoor recess equipment (new or in excellent condition; will not be returned)*AAA batteries*magazine subscriptions for our class library (please contact me for suggested titles!)

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Dear Parent(s),

In order to help me get to know your child better, I’m asking that you please fill out the following questionnaire and return it to me at school.

1. Child’s preferred name _______________________________

2. Birthday __________________________

3. I’d describe my child as _____________________________________________________.

4. What does your child like best about school?

______________________________________________________________________________

5. Her/his strengths include:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. What is your child involved or interested in?

______________________________________________________________________________

7. What hopes or goals do you have for your child this year?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________9. Anything else you want me to know about your child?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Signed ______________________________

Parent’s Name

Release of Information to Room Parent

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Dear Parent(s),Our room parent will be scheduling and coordinating

different parties and events this year and will need volunteers or other assistance. In order to do this, I put together a contact list to assist the room parent in obtaining help. Please complete the following to let me know if you would like to be included in this list.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Kern

______ I’d prefer not to release my contact information to the room parent.

Name: ___________________________

______ I give permission to release my contact information to the room parent.

Name: ___________________________Phone #: ___________________________ Preferred mailing address:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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PG-Rated Movie Permission

On certain occasions in the past, we have shown PG-rated movies at school. Some movies are shown to enhance our instruction, while others are shown as rewards for good behavior or as part of class parties. (Typically full-length movies are shown 2-4 times per year.) We are required to have parent permission before your child can watch a PG-rated movie. Please fill out the bottom portion of this form, and return it to your child's teacher.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Student Name (please print): ________________________________________Please check one:___ I give permission for my child to view PG-rated movies at school.___ I do not give permission for my child to view PG-rated movies at school.Parent Signature: __________________________________ Date: __________

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Food Activity Permission SlipDear Parents,

Throughout the year, I seek to find innovative, exciting, and hands-on ways for my students to explore math and science. From time to time, an opportunity arises for students to create models of various cycles we study in science or construct visual representations of abstract concepts in math. One way I have found to make this enjoyable as well as memorable for students is to represent these models using allergy-safe food (no nuts or eggs). Please indicate below whether you give permission for your child to participate in these occasional hands-on activities and if your child also has permission to consume the food that he or she works with. As always, if there are any questions at any time, please feel free to contact me!

Sincerely,

Mrs. KernThird Grade TeacherDiscovery Elementary School(571) 252-2370heather.kern@lcps.org

Please cut and return the bottom portion only._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

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_____ YES, my child ___________________, has my permission to participate fully in food-based activities, including using and consuming the food for a science-or math-based learning activities.

______ My child, ____________________, has my permission to participate in the hands-on activities but may NOT consume the food.

______ NO, my child, ___________________, does not have my permission to participate in any part of these activities.

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_____________________________ ______________________ Parent Signature Date

BYOT

We are thrilled that Discovery is participating in Loudoun County’s BYOT program. We believe that the proper use of technology can enhance and enrich your child’s learning experiences. Please indicate below which of the following your child has access to at home (check all that apply):

WiFi or other internet access iPad iPhone non-Apple tablet (please specify): ____________________________ desktop computer laptop computer (specify Windows or Mac): ____________________ Chromebook printer other: ______________________________________

In addition, please tell me which of these devices, if any, your child will be bringing to school each day:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

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