Welcome to Open House

1. The force is strong with this one! Welcome to Open House Use the force Merlins!!! Third Grade Team 2011-2012

2. Introductions….. • Ms. Hale – Math/Science • Mrs. Duenas – Language Arts & Social Studies • Mrs. Krock – Reading • Mr. Robinson – Math & Science • Ms. Hayes – Language Arts& Social Studies • Mrs. Jones – Reading

3. Table of Contents: • Dress Code • Homework • Tests • S.T.A.R.R. • Color Change System • Agendas • Wednesday Folders • Parent/Teacher Interaction

4. Dress Code • Tops • Short sleeve, long sleeve, sweat shirt • Red, white, navy blue, or yellow • No design on the shirt (plain) • Bottoms • Jeans (no holes), shorts (no holes), skirt, uniform dress • Navy blue, blue jean, or khaki • Jackets • Red, White, Navy Blue, or Yellow • If there is a design, it can only be worn in class or outside • In the halls, the students need to be in full dress code • Shoes • Shoes need to be tied AT ALL TIMES; not simply tucked in • Tucked in shirts at all times • Exception: Free dress day (fundraiser)

5. Homework • S.T.A.R.R. subjects will have homework every night! • Reading (S.T.A.A.R.subject) • Usually a reading passage with a few questions • Read 20 minutes • Math (S.T.A.R.R. subject) • 10 – 20 Math problems • Spelling • Review spelling words daily • Science • Language • SS • Writing On an as needed basis

6. Tests • Testing every subject on Friday drains the kids! • Wednesday • Spelling • Thursdays • Math • Science • SS • Fridays • Language • Reading • Writing

7. What is S.T.A.A.R.? • STAAR STATE OF TEXAS ASSESSMENTS OF ACADEMIC READINESS The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) is the new state assessment program that begins in spring 2012. STAAR will replace the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) that has been in place since 2003 and includes 12 end-of-course (EOC) assessments for students in grades 3 through 8 and 9th graders coming into high school for the first time in 2011-2012. Students already in high school prior to 2011-2012 will continue to have TAKS as their graduation requirement.† Students will participate in the following STAAR assessments: • Grade 3: Reading and Math • Grade 4: Reading, Math and Writing • Grade 5: Reading, Math and Science • Grade 6: Reading and Math • Grade 7: Reading, Math*, and Writing • Grade 8: Reading, Math*, Science, and Social Studies • End of Course (Starting with incoming 9th graders in 2011-2012) • High School Courses ELA Math Science Social St. • English I Algebra I Biology W. Geog. • English II Geometry Chemistry W. Hist. • English III Algebra II Physics U.S. Hist. • * Please Note: 7th and 8th grade students taking a high school math course (e.g. Algebra I , Geometry) must take the EOC assessment.

8. Color Change System • Students start out on Green. • For every infraction/misbehavior, the student moves down a color. • Students have the option of earning their way back to Blue once off Green, but they cannot get back to Green. • Infractions can include: • Dress code • Talking back • Inappropriate behavior • Failure to follow rules/instructions • Immediate office referral for: • Bad language • Bullying • Fighting OR

9. Agendas • Main source of communication • Goes home every night • Color change system marked daily • Notes home to parents • Homework should be written down daily • Can also be matched/checked with website

10. Wednesday Folders • Goes home on Wednesdays • Graded assignments • Notes about school events • Please go through work with your child and sign on signature page. • Returned on Thursdays

11. Parent/Teacher Interaction • Feel welcome to call and leave a voicemail. • Extension numbers can be found on teacher web pages and our business cards. • Email • Please title the subject line with your child’s name • Conferences • Schedule a week ahead of time

12. S.T.A.A.R. Wars have begun! May the force be with you!!