Transcript Welcome Back to School

Welcome Back
to School!
Third Grade
2014-2015
Harrisburg Academy Mission
Statement
 Harrisburg
Academy offers an
academically challenging and globally
minded liberal arts education that
encourages each student to reach his or
her full potential. In our commitment to
excellence, we provide tools and teach
skills that will prepare students to thrive
and succeed in college and in their future
endeavors.
Meet the Teachers
Mrs. Robertson



I spent my undergraduate career
at the University of Virginia, took my
Masters in English at the University
of Nebraska, and earned my
Pennsylvania certification at
Susquehanna University.
This my 3nd year teaching 3rd grade
at Harrisburg Academy. I have
been teaching since 1994.
My husband and I have an Alaskan
Malamute named Seamus and a
Lab/Jack Russell mix named Lola
whom we enjoy hiking with. I also
enjoy reading and watching
movies.
Mrs. Quigley




I graduated from Shippensburg
University with a degree in
Education and a minor in Early
Childhood Ed.
This is my 10th year at Harrisburg
Academy teaching 3rd grade.
My husband and I have 3
children, Taylor, 15, Tyler, 12, and
Nathan, 6. Tyler and Nathan
attend the Academy and are in
7th grade and K.
In my free time, I enjoy attending
my children’s sporting events,
reading, and being outside.
Attendance

Students are expected to arrive at school by 8:00 am each
day, but no earlier than 7:30 am. After the bell is rung in the
Gallery, we ask that all parents leave, so Early Childhood and
Lower School can have a brief Gallery Gathering (G2). We will
begin our day promptly upon being dismissed from the
Gallery. If your child arrives after 8 am, please sign them in at
the front office.

If your child is ill or has an appointment during school hours,
please notify the main office or Debbie O’Day. You can call
or send an e-mail. If we receive this information, it will be
passed on for attendance records.

If you are planning an educational trip, please fill out an
“Excused Absence” form prior to your trip. You may get this in
Mrs. O’Day’s office. Please note that we may send some work
for your child, but our policy is not to send work in advance, so
your child will have make-up work upon his or her return.
Class Rules
 Respect
our school equipment.
 Respect
each other.
 Respect
yourself.
 Try
your best!
Our Daily Schedule:
Mrs. Robertson
Mrs. Quigley

Day 1: PE, Spanish, music

Day 1: PE, Music, Art

Day 2: PE, library, chorus

Day 2: PE, Chorus, Spanish

Day 3: art, science, PE

Day 3: Science, Library, PE
Day 4: PE, Spanish, music


Day 4: PE, Music, Computer

Day 5: Art, PE, Spanish

Day 6: PE, Library (book day),
Chorus

Day 7: PE, Science, Spanish

Day 5: art, library (book day), PE

Day 6: PE, Spanish, chorus

Day 7: PE, science, computer
Homework Policy

Students will receive homework most nights, with the exception of
weekends and special nights (school concerts and other school
functions). Homework is due the next school day, unless
otherwise stated.

All homework should be copied from the Smartboard into your
child’s school agenda. You may check your student’s agenda
nightly to see assignments for the night.

Homework should be completed in pencil by your child. Parents
may help, but if your child is having difficulty with a concept,
please let us know, so we can go over this concept with your
child in class.

A typical night’s homework will usually be a math sheet (usually
double sided) and another subject. Students are also expected
to keep track of their reading for the week on the Reading Log.
They are required to read at least 120 minutes or 2 hours per week
(Monday –Sunday). Parents should sign the reading log as well.

Homework should take between 30 and 45 minutes. If you notice
that it is taking longer, please let us know so we can discuss
options with you and your child.
Curriculum
In third grade, students continue making a
journey toward independence. They do
this through learning to manage their
homework, work time in class, and take
responsibility for asking questions when
they have them. The students share ideas
with each other using scaffold support.
Through this process, they learn to
become better readers, writers, and
critical thinkers.
Math
We use the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt series
titled Math Expressions. This is a comprehensive
math program that offers new ways to teach
and learn mathematics. Math Expressions use
objects, drawings, conceptual language, and
real-world situations to help students build
mathematical ideas that make sense to them.
We use a variety of other materials to augment
and differentiate our students mathematical
experiences.
Language Arts
We use a variety of different teaching materials to
teach students spelling, phonemic awareness,
writing, and grammar. Over the course of the
year, the children learn about the interdependent
nature of reading and writing. Third grade is also a
period during which students learn different
approaches to each step of the reading process
through mini-lessons, discussions, and practice.
Students learn about grammar in the context of
both reading and writing.
Language Arts
This year we are implementing the researched-based
approach the Daily 5 which emphasizes five crucial
experiences that children need to have on a regular
basis: read to self, read to someone, work on writing,
word work, and listen to reading. The children will also
work on building their stamina in all of these areas. This
allows the children to be aware of the progress they
are making. We will also spend time conferring with
individual and small groups of children. This approach
allows for individualized and targeted instruction and
guidance.
Reading
Third grade uses a number of resources for
instruction. Research shows that children who
have some choices about what they read
become stronger readers and enjoy reading
more. Among others, we use the Junior Great
Books series, fiction chapter books, nonfiction selections, literature in translation from
Europe, and some shared reading
experiences of beloved authors.
Spelling
Spelling in third grade is differentiated and
integrated into their reading and writing
instruction. Students will learn about the
various ways to spell the forty-four sounds, or
phonemes, in the English language. Therefore,
the spelling lists will focus on multiple spellings
of a sound each week. The children sort the
words into columns for each spelling. They are
also taught to seek out the spellings for the
sound in their reading and writing thereby
connecting reading, writing, and spelling.
Handwriting
Students will be guided through cursive
handwriting using the Zaner-Bloser
Handwriting program. Students are expected
to work on their handwriting workbook at
home, so that they can complete it on time.
Students will complete the handwriting book
by winter break and be expected to write
most work in class, and for homework, in
cursive thereafter.
Social Studies
Students in third grade will study Pennsylvania. We are
using the book Our Pennsylvania Story. This book and
other resources will cover topics such as geography,
history, natural resources, and government. Students will
no longer be creating a Pennsylvania Scrapbook to be
collated at the end of the year. Instead, they will bring
home the various items they complete to demonstrate
their understanding of several aspects of our state’s
history, geography, and influential people as they
complete them. This in-depth study also serves to
prepare students for future long-term projects including
the States’ Fair project they complete in fourth grade.
Any trips children take to historical sites can be shared
during our social studies discussions.
Europe
Third grade studies the continent of
Europe. Over the course of the year, we
will examine a number of European
countries through conducting research
about the culture, geography, and
literature of each.
Field Trips
 We
take 3 field trips: The Hershey Story, the
Philadelphia Seaport Museum, and the
Capitol in the spring.
 We also take a field trip in the spring to an
art museum with Ms. Phillips (details of this
trip will come at a later date).
 Parents must adhere to the “Chaperone
Guidelines” found on our class website.
Class Parties and Parent
Volunteers
 Fall
Harvest Party
 Winter Holiday Party
 Valentines Day Party
Sign-up sheets will be available for
volunteers after the presentations.
This year we will have our parties
together.