I am so happy to welcome your child, as well as you, to Third Grade this year! Many of you may be familiar with my style and techniques while some of you are new to my way of doing things. Let me begin by saying that I will always be available to meet with you either before or after school in the event that you want to schedule an extra conference for any reason. Just send a note with your child or e-mail me, and we can set a definite time.
Our schedule is very full indeed. I will teach reading and math in the morning whenever possible when the students are hopefully rested and eager.Since we are a large class of 32 (11 boys and 21 girls), I am very fortunate to have the assistance of Mrs. Janie Vulich as my aide. It's amazing what an additional pair of eyes and hands can lend to a class this size. Mrs. Vulich will be with us every morning.
I will teach all subjects to the third graders. Our "special" classes will be scheduled as follows:
Monday...............Computers...................Mrs. Rosellini
Tuesday..............Art...............................Mrs. Gallagher
Wednesday.........Gym............................Mr. Fox
Thursday.............Library.........................Mrs. Conn
Friday..................Gym...........................Mr. Fox
As you can see, there is time spent outside of the classroom each day. I realize that the day is long, and that the children may become restless. We will take washroom breaks as a group at least twice a day. Encourage your child to wash his/her hands and make use of these breaks. They may ask permission for any emergency use of the washroom as well. While I do not schedule a definite "snack time" duing the day, I often will pass out crackers, pretzles, or some other sugarless snack during their worktime. Please feel free to send in any donations that you can pick up at a good price, as our supply will dwindle as the year moves along. On most days we will take advantage of outdoor recess right after lunch. Make sure your child comes prepared for colder weather conditions when the season changes.
Birthday treats may be sent with your child on his/her birthday (or on Friday if the birthday is over a weekend). Children with summer birthdays can celebrate either the first weeks or last weeks of school (which ever is closer) if they care to. Finger-food treats are prefered...cupcakes, donuts, or candy are acceptable for these special occasions.
I do also like to celebrate several holidays with class parties...Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. Thank you for volunteering to plan and help with the parties. I will contact those of you who offered to help! A field trip to the Naper Settlement in Naperville will be planned in the Spring. The children always enjoy the day spent in this living history museum setting.
This blog is where I will update you on our activities and important information. I hope you will check it monthly. Individual grades and averages can be reviewed by parents and students online using the Engrade program. More information along with your child's password will be sent home in the near future.
Thank you for entrusting your child to our care. I look forward to working with you to insure a really
great year! I'll keep you posted!