Welcome Back!

I am so excited to be starting a new school year here at Cummings. Welcome to third grade! My goals for this year are to create a classroom that is comfortable and inviting to every child, encourages creativity and open minds, and challenges every child to excel. I know each student and his or her family will do their best to support these goals. The following information introduces you to our classroom and school.

 

Boomerang Folder

This important folder will contain weekly homework, graded papers, and other paperwork from school. On one side of the folder are papers that students and parents should remove and look at. On the other side are papers for me to look at. Boomerang folders need to be brought to school every day. Homework will be sent home Monday and is due Friday. It will include reading, math, writing, and occasionally another item. Our first regular homework will be until next week along with more information about requirements.

 

Birthday Celebrations

While I understand that birthdays are exciting and important events for children, the primary aim of school is learning. Keeping this in mind, we will celebrate birthdays by singing and presenting the birthday child with a class card in the classroom. Any treats will be served at lunch time in the lunchroom. If your child does not celebrate birthdays or holidays please let me know.

 

Third Grade Instruction

This year I will be teaming with the two other third grade teachers. I will teach science, Mr. Adams will teach Social Studies, and Mrs. Weathers will teach health and art. Our classes will rotate every two weeks. This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know all of the third graders, for the students to know all of the teachers, and to spend quality time on these important and exciting subjects. We will teach reading, writing, and math to our own classes.

 

State Testing (OAKS)

Students begin both state and district mandated tests in third grade. The state test (OAKS) is given on the computer 2-3 times per year. The district test is given twice a year, also on the computer. Both tests include reading and math. Our first tests will begin around November.

 

Homework

Students will have homework every week that is at least 4 days long. Homework consists of reading, writing, and math. There are no weekly spelling lists or tests in third grade. Students will practice spelling at school and are expected to spell the common words correctly in their writing. Math includes ongoing facts practice as well as problem solving.

     Homework will be given on Friday and is due the next Friday. Children who do not turn in their complete homework will do it during lunch recess on Friday. Each child receives one free pass per grading period. They will not be penalized for missing one week’s homework assignment.

 

 

Student of the Week

Each child will have a chance to be the student of the week during the year. This honor includes: presenting their special objects and paper from home, being line leader, and being the teacher’s helper. The following items should be brought to school on the first day of their week. (Usually a Monday.) Papers will be sent home the week before. I expect all students to participate.

* Getting to Know______ sheet

* 2-5 items to share that describe the student in some way (photos, drawings, crafts or art, etc.)       NO TOYS PLEASE!

 

 

Independence

This week I will begin awarding students blue tickets for being independent students. Once a student has collected five they become an official “Independent Student”. They will receive a certificate to take home and a desk award. The students and I take this certification seriously. I hope every student in my class becomes an “Independent Student”, but they must each earn it and maintain it. Following are the qualities I expect to see demonstrated all of the time:

 

Follow directions the first time. Follow school and classroom rules. Complete your work. Be fair. Work cooperatively in any group. Try even when you do not feel like it. Do the right thing even if no one is watching. Be a problem solver. Make sure your actions do not distract yourself or others from learning. Apologize when someone is hurt by your actions. Tell the truth.

 

Water Bottles

I encourage students to bring a water bottle to school. Please make sure the bottle has a lid that closes as well your child’s name. I will ask students to take their bottles home every Friday for cleaning. Water only please! (No juice, sparkling water, or flavored water.)

 

About Me

This is my ninth year as a teacher. I have taught grades one through four and this is my fourth year as a third grade teacher. I grew up in Salem where I went to school at Baker, McKinley, Leslie, and South. Please take a moment to fill out the questionnaire and stop by to introduce yourself so I can get to know you. You are your child’s most important teacher!

 

Please e-mail me if you would like to be contacted through e-mail. That way I can put your address in my book.

 

Looking forward to a great year,

 

 

Jenny Irving (Mrs. Irving)

 

(503) 399-3141                      

Irving_Jennifer@salkeiz.k12.or.us