Welcome Letter

Mrs. Bryant’s
2011-2012 Third Grade

Welcome to the Amazing Journey of Third Grade!

    Third Grade is a very exciting, special and hard year.  It is usually a very big adjustment for the students to transition to the demands of the Third Grade.  Together we will make this transition smooth and productive for your child.   I am going to provide a brief outline of my room and procedures in this letter.  At the beginning of each week I will also e-mail and post a newsletter with information about our room and upcoming events.  Please look over and read these letters as they will be a valuable link between you and your child’s school days.  If you ever have any questions, concerns, or ideas please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail.  (mrsbryant@stspeterandpaulschool.com)  An open line of communication is essential to your child’s success. 

About Me:
     This will be my twelefth year of teaching.  I have taught reading, First, Second and Third Grades.  I have BA from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Pacific University.   My family and I moved back to Ohio 9 years ago from Oregon.  I am truly excited about the upcoming school year, and of being a part of your child’s educational experience!

My Classroom:
    It is very important for a classroom to be a safe and comfortable learning environment.  To meet this need the students will have very clearly defined rules and procedures to follow.  Clear expectations help support and encourage good behavior.  Each year Third Grade’s expectations center around three main concepts; Respect, Responsibility and Kindness.

Expectations:
1. Treat others, yourself and the environment with respect.
2. Raise your hand to speak and stay seated unless given permission to behave differently. 
3. Follow the directions of all school adults quickly and quietly.
4. Take responsibility for your actions.

We will also be working on classroom standards, which will include:
1. Practice active listening.
2. Help and encourage others.
3. Strive for excellence and allow others to do the same.

Students will receive many positive incentives when they are making appropriate choices.  These will include, but are not limited to, stickers, raffle tickets, extra recess, computer time, class rewards, treats and most importantly compliments and praise.
If there is a discipline issue, the student will be given a chance to correct the behavior before receiving a consequence.   Students will receive an infraction mark in their agenda if they cannot fix their behavior.  Three infraction marks in a day will result in a behavior notice sent home.  These notices need to be discussed, signed and returned the following day.  If a student receives three behavior notices it will result in a detention.  All teachers and specialists will be using this system to ensure consistency for the students.

Homework and written communication:
    I require a reading journal to be completed Monday through Thursday.  My goal is that students will devote 15 to 20 minutes nightly to recreational reading.  I believe that it is essential that students are reading every night.  I also firmly believe that it is essential that parents are still reading to their children every night.  Therefore, the 20 minutes of reading can be any reading done during the evening.   Students will also be bringing home other subjects nightly.  All assignments will be written in the student agenda.
    Please take time nightly to look over your child’s agenda and folder.  Students will fill out their agendas at the end of each day as a class.  They are expected to return them each morning.  I will sign their reading journal in their agenda, daily, and ask that you do the same.  The best encouragement and motivation is your interest in what your child is accomplishing.  If your child sees that you are interested and looking at the quality of work that they are doing, it will reinforce the home/school connection.

Routines:   
     Students will have a daily snack in the lunch room after morning recess.  Please help your student choose and pack snacks each day that are healthy, and filling.  It is a long day trying to concentrate on your work if you are hungry during class.  I do allow students to have a water bottles on their desks, if it is not a distraction during teaching times.

Specials:
    Music - Monday and Thursday
    Gym & Spanish - Tuesday and Wednesday
    Computer - Monday and Thursday
    Art - Friday 
   


I am looking forward to a wonderful year!