Welcome to 3 rd Grade!

1. Welcome to 3rd Grade! Mrs. Dahnert Room B2

2. What to Expect Third Grade is a year of changes: exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Third grade expectations are much greater than ever before: student and parent must be up for the challenge. Your child knows how to read, write, add, and subtract...now we move on from there. We will build upon existing knowledge and create life-long learners. There is an incredible amount of content to cover so responsibility is great. Third graders must come to school each day with a positive, respectful attitude, be prepared to learn, take initiative and be willing to draw outside of the lines. The pace if fast, but by working together as a TEAM we will help each other make incredible gains and succeed! I will guide your child through the exciting world of third grade and they will leave each day knowing that they are loved, that they were heard, that they are smart and that they can accomplish anything! I will challenge them in ways they never thought possible, I will expect nothing but the best and I will watch them grow into the most incredible 3rd graders ever. I will teach them to think, to be proud and to never give up! What you can expect...one AMAZING year!

3. Mrs. Dahnert • I received a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a concentration in Language Arts from Christopher Newport University in Virginia • I have a minor in both Leadership and Philosophy • I earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching from CNU as well • I have taught 3rd and 4th grade • I like to read, travel, and do anything outside (walk my dogs, hike, rock climb, snowboard, etc.) • I live in Gilbert with my husband, Bryce and two playful pups, Jewel and Reesie. • We just moved to AZ last year and we love to explore and try new things!!

4. Daily Schedule Daily Schedule 8:30- 8:45 Morning Meeting 8:45- 9:45 Reading 9:45-10:15 Specials 10:15-11:35 Writing/Spelling/Grammar 11:35-11:55 Lunch 11:55- 12:15 Recess 12:15 -12:30 Silent Reading 12:30- 1:10 Math Block 1:10- 2:45 Social Studies/Science 2:45- 2:55 Homework/ Agenda/ Reflection 3:00 Dismissal Specials Schedule: 1 Library 2 & 5 Music 3 & 6 PE 4 Brain Break

5. English Language Arts Writing Speaking and Listening Language Reading Literature Informational Text Foundational Skills Math Number & Operations Fractions Standards in Mathematical Practice This year, third grade will begin the full implementation of Common Core Curriculum in English Language Arts and partial Common Core in Math. Please go to the following websites to learn more about Common Core Curriculum: http://ww2.chandler.k12.az.us/page/934 www.pta.org/common_core_state_standards.asp Common Core Curriculum

6. Reading Literature Studies • Nightly Reading (approx. 15-20 min. per night) • Reading Reflections and Book Reports • Assessments • DIBELS • DRA • Skills Assessments • Comprehension Assessments • Students will receive whole group instruction, as well as, small group, and individual instruction throughout the year.

7. Writing and Language • Write From the Beginning • 6 + 1 Traits of Writing • Harcourt Writing and Grammar Skills • Quick Write • Write on Track • Mountain Language • Cursive writing

8. Fulton Elementary is a Thinking Maps school. We use these strategies to help organize our ideas in all areas: reading, writing, grammar, science, Social Studies and even math. Our writing program, Write From the Beginning, uses the tree map and flow map to help students organize their writing, which will be beneficial as we begin writing 5 paragraph reports and stories! Thinking Maps

9. Spelling • 100 No Excuse Words • Students will be assessed on spelling during their daily writing and published work from their Write From the Beginning samples. • Students will be given spelling lists based on ELA Common Core Standards. Lists will be generated according to spelling rules and areas of concern. Rules will be spiraled and will be seen several times throughout the year.

10. Math • Scott Foresman (emphasizes vocabulary and builds upon skills with incorporated spiral review) • Math Blocking per concept • COMMON CORE: fractions (Quarter 1) • We will focus on: • Place Value • Number Sense • Addition/Subtraction with regrouping • Multiplication • Division • Time • Money • Graphing • Geometry • Measurement • Probability • Discrete Mathematics **CUSD Curriculum outlines 4 chapters a quarter

11. Science

12. Social Studies

13. Homework • Agenda must be signed EVERY NIGHT! • Homework is sent home daily. (20-30 minutes per night) • Students should complete homework independently. • Assignments are due the following day. • Reading nightly is a part of daily homework. Reading Response logs will be assigned weekly. • Don’t understand? Let me know!!

14. Grading • Letter grades in math, reading and writing. • Participation and Excellence Towards the Standards grades are awarded for Science and Social Studies. • Look at the work weekly in the Friday Folder! *There should be no surprises!* • Progress Reports will go home half way through the quarter. • Soon you will be able to register on-line to check your child’s progress in grades at home. I’ll notify you when this is possible.

15. Classroom Management • Our class agreements are mutual respect, attentive listening, appreciations/no put-downs, and right to pass and to participate. By agreeing to these rules we will make our classroom a fun and safe place to be. • Consequences are an obvious result of misbehavior. Hopefully, we can take many steps to resolve issues when they arise before severe consequences are given. • Conference with teacher • Responsible Thinking Process Reflection Sheet • Communication Home

16. AIMS testing dates: April 16-19 It is IMPERATIVE that your child does not miss any school during testing dates. Mark your calendar NOW! • 1 ½ hour – 2 hours of testing every day • Reading and Math tested each day Support: • Skill based instruction and grouping • Parent support at home • Test taking strategies practice throughout the year. AIMS Testing

17. Tax Credit Donations • $400 for married couples • $200 for individual tax payers • Donations to school will support field trips for all grade levels, Art Masterpiece, and after school clubs. • Donate online @ http://www.mychandlerschools.org/page/1131

18. 3rd Grade Mining Field Trip • Trip can be paid for by tax credit donations for students only • Parent chaperones may pay with cash or check for their trip. • Trip Dates: November * Informational Meeting: Coming Soon!

20. Housekeeping • Please notify me of any changes in transportation or contact information • Dress Code - NO flip flops! Wear sneakers on P.E. days (Days 3 & 6) • Library books are to be returned the DAY BEFORE we have library • Please fill out ALL forms in student packet and return on the first day of school. • If you need to get in touch with me throughout the day, please email me! • Lunches: $2.50 daily • Money can and should be put onto your child’s account with the cafe’

21. Art Masterpiece • Junior Achievement • Classroom Volunteers • PTO • Please contact me if you are interested in working in our classroom! Parent Involvement

22. Our classroom website: http://ww2.chandler.k12.az.us/Page/12356 • Our school website: http://www.mychandlerschools.org/Domain/1819 • Our district website: http://www.mychandlerschools.org/page/5 • To register to CUSD and Fulton’s websites (to receive updates): www.mychandlerschools.org/register • To add money to your child’s lunch account: https://mylunchmoney.com/ • District calendar: http://www.mychandlerschools.org/Page/1298 • Tax Credit Donations: http://www.mychandlerschools.org/page/1131 • To check grades ON-LINE: Coming Soon! Important Links

23. No Phone Zone • For the safety of our children, please stay off of your cell phone while in the parking lot.

24. Order Form will be sent home shortly • Cash Only! • We will wear them on all field trips spirit day Fridays.  Third Grade Torch Bearers Passing the Flame of Knowledge Class T-Shirts

25. Have you registered to receive updates from our class and school websites? www.mychandlerschools.org/register

26. Questions??? • Please fill out the Curriculum Form in the student packet and return. List any questions you may have and I’ll compile a FAQ’s list to be sent home by the end of the week. I look forward to partnering with you to make this a memorable year for your child.