Mrs. Leake's Third Grade Class
Third Grade Handbook
Mrs. Leake
Room 206
Titles Listed Alphabetically
Attendance
Our school policy states that if your child is going to be tardy or you are planning to keep your child out of school for any reason, you must call the school before 8:30 and let us know! If we do not hear from you, we will need to call you to find out what is happening with your child. This is a safety precaution and very important. If your child is tardy (even just 5 minutes), bring your child into the office before coming to the classroom. You need to sign your child in and get a pass/tardy slip. Your child will need to give me the tardy slip which I will collect for our state records. 8:15 is our start time on Mass days. Please don’t ever drop your children off at mass. You are welcome to walk them in if you are running late.
Birthday Invitations
I know that many families like to have birthday celebrations outside of school and invite children from the class. Our school policy states that birthday party invitations are not to be passed out at school unless the whole class is invited. It is preferred that gifts are given outside of school as well. Please talk with your child about being discreet around party time. We will celebrate each child’s birthday in class as well. If you would like to bring in treats to share with the class please inform me ahead of time and we can schedule time for that.
Book Clubs
Occasionally I will send home Scholastic book order forms. These catalogs often have great prices on books and other items. It is always optional for you to order. When you do place an order I will receive points which I can use to get free books for the classroom. Sometimes Scholastic will send free books to the classroom for merely placing an order! Orders can also be placed online using my code, KND3K, which will still give the points to the classroom. Many parents like to order books as gifts. This is not a problem. Just indicate if an order is to be kept secret from your child, otherwise I will send home orders with the students as they arrive. Thank you in advance for placing book orders!
Buddies
Our class is paired with the Mon. Wed. Fri. morning pre-school class. We will meet with these buddies every other week to read to them and celebrate holidays and special events. We also have seventh grade religion buddies who will come every other week to work on service projects and learn about the Catholic Social Teachings.
Classroom Jobs
All students have a job at all times. These jobs rotate weekly. I will rely on the students to help each other learn the new jobs as they pass along their responsibilities. Some of the jobs include prayer leader, botanist, lunch carriers, paper passer, etc. I feel that everyone is included by having their own job every week.
Classroom Rules/Expectations
Follow directions as they are given.
Treat classmates and classroom supplies with respect.
Raise your hand before talking during instruction time.
Clean up after yourself.
Be responsible for your belongings.
Walk quietly in the hall.
Show reverence in church.
Be proud of your behavior.
Continuous failure to follow the rules will result in a note being sent home and class privileges being removed. I also have a system of rewards both for individuals and the entire class.
Communication
I communicate through email often. I will work on getting a comprehensive class email list up as soon as possible so I can keep you all informed as things come up. If you do not have easy access to an email account, please consider getting one for this purpose. I check my email throughout the day as often as possible but I can’t guarantee that I will read all emails until the school day is over and I am not responsible for your children any longer. If you need to send an urgent or time sensitive message, please call the office. For anything else, email is the best way to reach me. Of course, you are always welcome to call me at school 336-5853 or at home 812-219-3234 and we can set up a time to talk either by phone or in person. You can text me also, but I may not be able to respond right away.
Curriculum
Religion: Students will study the sacraments, the liturgy, Catholic prayers and traditions, special holy days, and Bible stories to expand their knowledge of their Christian beliefs. Students will also be responsible for several liturgies throughout the year. Additionally, students will complete activities designed to develop a positive self-esteem and develop cooperative group skills. The third grade will complete several service projects this year.
Reading: Students will read from various Trade Book Units throughout the year. Students will concentrate on developing effective reading strategies, basic outlining, critical thinking, making predictions, making connections prior to reading, summarizing, and understanding character, plot, and setting.
Sustained Silent Reading is a critical skill to develop in third grade. Students will read silently in school for a minimum of 15 minutes each day and are encouraged to do so at home as well.
Language: We use the Houghton Mifflin Company language series for third grade. We study basic grammar and writing skills. Students will complete additional creative writing activities both long and short throughout the year.
Spelling: Students will study different phonetic sounds and spelling rules each week. Daily classroom work is given to reinforce these concepts, however daily study and review is also recommended. Tests are given every Friday.
Math: Students will concentrate on four general subjects, multiplication, division, fractions, and geometry. Students will also be reviewing patterns, time, date, calendar, and addition and subtraction facts. Please check your child's daily homework and help correct any mistakes. Students are encouraged to use flash cards to review basic math facts (addition and subtraction at the beginning of the year and multiplication and division towards the end of the year). Students without a firm grasp of these basic facts will have difficulty completing third grade math.
Handwriting: A review of basic cursive strokes and letter formations is presented the first semester. Students are not required to write in cursive, but are encouraged to do so if they feel comfortable.
Social Studies: The students will study communities, map reading skills, and table/graph reading skills. We will learn about how communities have changed throughout history as well as compare different communities around the world. We will focus on American history primarily, but relate that to foreign customs and traditions.
Dismissal
In good weather, all children are dismissed outside of the school unless other arrangements are made ahead of time for you to pick up your child early. Your child’s safety is very important to me so I ask the children to make sure we say good bye to each other before they leave our line and go with you. I appreciate your help in reminding your child to make sure he/she says goodbye to me and that I respond before leaving. At 3:05 we will proceed to the area east of the island in the parking lot. You can park on the east side of the parking lot and pick up your child there, or you can drive past the west side and I will send your child to your car. In the event of inclement weather we will be waiting in the gym for parents to park and come inside.
Dress Code
Please follow the St. Charles Dress Code that was included in your School Packet. The last Monday of each month is a spirit dress day. The second Monday of each month is a NUT or dress down day.
Field Trips
We will be taking several field trips throughout the year. The school requires that we have written permission for each child to participate. A permission slip will be sent home for each field trip. On each slip there will be a place for you to indicate if you are interested in driving students, chaperoning, etc. I will let you know as soon as possible if you are needed to drive on that particular field trip. It is our policy that siblings are not allowed on field trips unless specifically invited. This is to ensure that your attention remains focused on our class and you don’t have to divide your responsibilities.
Friday Folders
A folder will be sent home every Friday containing all graded student work for the week. Any notes that cannot be emailed will be included as well. Please remove all papers, examine them, and provide your signature upon completion of your review. Return the folder every Monday. We will check the signature and keep the folders again until Friday.
Goals
Academic: The primary goals in third grade are to develop successful study habits, increased responsibility, and building positive attitudes towards learning and self. Daily activities and homework are designed to promote these areas.
Social: At St. Charles, the focus is on developing a respectful, caring, and friendly atmosphere where all students feel loved and accepted. Students develop relationships with peers and teachers based on these principles which further promote a conducive learning environment.
Spiritual: Our spiritual goals focus on loving one another, forgiving one another, and developing our personal God given talents. We strive to develop a personal relationship with God through daily prayer, praise, worship, and service to others.
Homework Policy
The purpose of homework is to provide the student practice in mastering concepts presented in class. It allows the student an opportunity to demonstrate understanding of ideas presented in class. Additionally, it measures the student’s ability to work independently for a sustained period.
Students are held accountable for the work they do at home. This is done in order to promote responsibility and a good work ethic. Students should have no more than 30 minutes of homework each evening. No homework will be given over the weekend. Please check your child's assignments each night. Homework assignments are to be turned in on time. There will be a one day grace period before grades are affected.
Parent Volunteers
I encourage parent volunteers. I am always happy to have helpers in the classroom. I utilize parents to help with organization, copying, reading or working one on one, and giving guest lectures. If you are interested in volunteering, please let me know. You must be certified in Safe and Sacred and have a background check through the Archdiocese. Ask the office if you aren’t sure how to do this.
Reading Records
Each Friday, a “Reading Record” is also included in the Friday folder for the upcoming week. Setting aside a time to read each day will help your child develop a positive habit of reading that will hopefully last a lifetime. Filling out the Reading Record will help your child to establish a routine as well as keep track of the progress he or she makes. I recommend starting at a minimum of 15 minutes of reading per day outside of school. Reading to your child counts towards these minutes. Please keep track of each night’s reading and return the sheet the following Monday regardless of the number of minutes read. This will help me keep track of your child’s interests and help impress upon the students that reading is part of their homework. Every Monday when the children return their records from the previous week I put a sticker next to their name on a chart in the classroom. Children who return their records every week are rewarded.
Snacks
Families will be assigned days to bring in a class snack on a rotating basis throughout the school year. A calendar will be sent home each month or two letting you know of your scheduled days. If you are unable to bring your snack on the actual day, you may bring it to school a day or two early or switch with another family. Please note the important distinction between snacks and treats. You should bring a snack, not a dessert. Bringing in a daily snack instead of keeping a snack cabinet allows more easily for perishable foods such as fruit, cheese, yogurt, etc. to be part of the mix. Some examples of appropriate snacks are:
Fresh/dried fruit, granola bars, raw vegetables, animal crackers, Chex Mix, yogurt, pretzels, graham crackers, trail mix, fruit bars, fig bars, vanilla wafers, rice cakes, popcorn (pre-popped), bagels, applesauce cups, string cheese, goldfish, Gogurt, crackers with cheese
Specials Schedule
Monday
Science-8:40-9:20
Media Center 11-12
Music-1:30-2:00
Tuesday
PE 10:15-10:45
7th grade Buddies 1-1:30 (alternate weeks)
Wednesday
Mass- First Wednesday of the month
Preschool Buddies- 9:15-9:45 (alternate weeks)
Science 10:00-10:40
French 10:40-11:20
Thursday
Music- 9:30-10:00
PE-10:15-10:45
Art- 2-2:50
Friday
Mass- 8:30-9:30 except first Friday of the month
Science 10:00-10:40
Music-2:30-3:00
Please help your children remember to wear appropriate shoes on gym days and to return their library books on or before Monday in time for Media Center.
Lunch is every day at 12:00 followed by recess until 1:00
Specials Teachers
St. Charles School Pledge
Today I promise to keep Jesus in my mind, on my lips and in my heart. I promise to always do my best and to treat everyone with respect and kindness. I promise to take good care of everything God has given me and to have the courage to always do what Jesus wants me to do. Today I promise to live what St. Charles School teaches.
Flight
Faith
Leadership
Intellect
Gratitude
Honor
Tradition
Mrs. Leake
Room 206
Titles Listed Alphabetically
Attendance
Our school policy states that if your child is going to be tardy or you are planning to keep your child out of school for any reason, you must call the school before 8:30 and let us know! If we do not hear from you, we will need to call you to find out what is happening with your child. This is a safety precaution and very important. If your child is tardy (even just 5 minutes), bring your child into the office before coming to the classroom. You need to sign your child in and get a pass/tardy slip. Your child will need to give me the tardy slip which I will collect for our state records. 8:15 is our start time on Mass days. Please don’t ever drop your children off at mass. You are welcome to walk them in if you are running late.
Birthday Invitations
I know that many families like to have birthday celebrations outside of school and invite children from the class. Our school policy states that birthday party invitations are not to be passed out at school unless the whole class is invited. It is preferred that gifts are given outside of school as well. Please talk with your child about being discreet around party time. We will celebrate each child’s birthday in class as well. If you would like to bring in treats to share with the class please inform me ahead of time and we can schedule time for that.
Book Clubs
Occasionally I will send home Scholastic book order forms. These catalogs often have great prices on books and other items. It is always optional for you to order. When you do place an order I will receive points which I can use to get free books for the classroom. Sometimes Scholastic will send free books to the classroom for merely placing an order! Orders can also be placed online using my code, KND3K, which will still give the points to the classroom. Many parents like to order books as gifts. This is not a problem. Just indicate if an order is to be kept secret from your child, otherwise I will send home orders with the students as they arrive. Thank you in advance for placing book orders!
Buddies
Our class is paired with the Mon. Wed. Fri. morning pre-school class. We will meet with these buddies every other week to read to them and celebrate holidays and special events. We also have seventh grade religion buddies who will come every other week to work on service projects and learn about the Catholic Social Teachings.
Classroom Jobs
All students have a job at all times. These jobs rotate weekly. I will rely on the students to help each other learn the new jobs as they pass along their responsibilities. Some of the jobs include prayer leader, botanist, lunch carriers, paper passer, etc. I feel that everyone is included by having their own job every week.
Classroom Rules/Expectations
Follow directions as they are given.
Treat classmates and classroom supplies with respect.
Raise your hand before talking during instruction time.
Clean up after yourself.
Be responsible for your belongings.
Walk quietly in the hall.
Show reverence in church.
Be proud of your behavior.
Continuous failure to follow the rules will result in a note being sent home and class privileges being removed. I also have a system of rewards both for individuals and the entire class.
Communication
I communicate through email often. I will work on getting a comprehensive class email list up as soon as possible so I can keep you all informed as things come up. If you do not have easy access to an email account, please consider getting one for this purpose. I check my email throughout the day as often as possible but I can’t guarantee that I will read all emails until the school day is over and I am not responsible for your children any longer. If you need to send an urgent or time sensitive message, please call the office. For anything else, email is the best way to reach me. Of course, you are always welcome to call me at school 336-5853 or at home 812-219-3234 and we can set up a time to talk either by phone or in person. You can text me also, but I may not be able to respond right away.
Curriculum
Religion: Students will study the sacraments, the liturgy, Catholic prayers and traditions, special holy days, and Bible stories to expand their knowledge of their Christian beliefs. Students will also be responsible for several liturgies throughout the year. Additionally, students will complete activities designed to develop a positive self-esteem and develop cooperative group skills. The third grade will complete several service projects this year.
Reading: Students will read from various Trade Book Units throughout the year. Students will concentrate on developing effective reading strategies, basic outlining, critical thinking, making predictions, making connections prior to reading, summarizing, and understanding character, plot, and setting.
Sustained Silent Reading is a critical skill to develop in third grade. Students will read silently in school for a minimum of 15 minutes each day and are encouraged to do so at home as well.
Language: We use the Houghton Mifflin Company language series for third grade. We study basic grammar and writing skills. Students will complete additional creative writing activities both long and short throughout the year.
Spelling: Students will study different phonetic sounds and spelling rules each week. Daily classroom work is given to reinforce these concepts, however daily study and review is also recommended. Tests are given every Friday.
Math: Students will concentrate on four general subjects, multiplication, division, fractions, and geometry. Students will also be reviewing patterns, time, date, calendar, and addition and subtraction facts. Please check your child's daily homework and help correct any mistakes. Students are encouraged to use flash cards to review basic math facts (addition and subtraction at the beginning of the year and multiplication and division towards the end of the year). Students without a firm grasp of these basic facts will have difficulty completing third grade math.
Handwriting: A review of basic cursive strokes and letter formations is presented the first semester. Students are not required to write in cursive, but are encouraged to do so if they feel comfortable.
Social Studies: The students will study communities, map reading skills, and table/graph reading skills. We will learn about how communities have changed throughout history as well as compare different communities around the world. We will focus on American history primarily, but relate that to foreign customs and traditions.
Dismissal
In good weather, all children are dismissed outside of the school unless other arrangements are made ahead of time for you to pick up your child early. Your child’s safety is very important to me so I ask the children to make sure we say good bye to each other before they leave our line and go with you. I appreciate your help in reminding your child to make sure he/she says goodbye to me and that I respond before leaving. At 3:05 we will proceed to the area east of the island in the parking lot. You can park on the east side of the parking lot and pick up your child there, or you can drive past the west side and I will send your child to your car. In the event of inclement weather we will be waiting in the gym for parents to park and come inside.
Dress Code
Please follow the St. Charles Dress Code that was included in your School Packet. The last Monday of each month is a spirit dress day. The second Monday of each month is a NUT or dress down day.
Field Trips
We will be taking several field trips throughout the year. The school requires that we have written permission for each child to participate. A permission slip will be sent home for each field trip. On each slip there will be a place for you to indicate if you are interested in driving students, chaperoning, etc. I will let you know as soon as possible if you are needed to drive on that particular field trip. It is our policy that siblings are not allowed on field trips unless specifically invited. This is to ensure that your attention remains focused on our class and you don’t have to divide your responsibilities.
Friday Folders
A folder will be sent home every Friday containing all graded student work for the week. Any notes that cannot be emailed will be included as well. Please remove all papers, examine them, and provide your signature upon completion of your review. Return the folder every Monday. We will check the signature and keep the folders again until Friday.
Goals
Academic: The primary goals in third grade are to develop successful study habits, increased responsibility, and building positive attitudes towards learning and self. Daily activities and homework are designed to promote these areas.
Social: At St. Charles, the focus is on developing a respectful, caring, and friendly atmosphere where all students feel loved and accepted. Students develop relationships with peers and teachers based on these principles which further promote a conducive learning environment.
Spiritual: Our spiritual goals focus on loving one another, forgiving one another, and developing our personal God given talents. We strive to develop a personal relationship with God through daily prayer, praise, worship, and service to others.
Homework Policy
The purpose of homework is to provide the student practice in mastering concepts presented in class. It allows the student an opportunity to demonstrate understanding of ideas presented in class. Additionally, it measures the student’s ability to work independently for a sustained period.
Students are held accountable for the work they do at home. This is done in order to promote responsibility and a good work ethic. Students should have no more than 30 minutes of homework each evening. No homework will be given over the weekend. Please check your child's assignments each night. Homework assignments are to be turned in on time. There will be a one day grace period before grades are affected.
Parent Volunteers
I encourage parent volunteers. I am always happy to have helpers in the classroom. I utilize parents to help with organization, copying, reading or working one on one, and giving guest lectures. If you are interested in volunteering, please let me know. You must be certified in Safe and Sacred and have a background check through the Archdiocese. Ask the office if you aren’t sure how to do this.
Reading Records
Each Friday, a “Reading Record” is also included in the Friday folder for the upcoming week. Setting aside a time to read each day will help your child develop a positive habit of reading that will hopefully last a lifetime. Filling out the Reading Record will help your child to establish a routine as well as keep track of the progress he or she makes. I recommend starting at a minimum of 15 minutes of reading per day outside of school. Reading to your child counts towards these minutes. Please keep track of each night’s reading and return the sheet the following Monday regardless of the number of minutes read. This will help me keep track of your child’s interests and help impress upon the students that reading is part of their homework. Every Monday when the children return their records from the previous week I put a sticker next to their name on a chart in the classroom. Children who return their records every week are rewarded.
Snacks
Families will be assigned days to bring in a class snack on a rotating basis throughout the school year. A calendar will be sent home each month or two letting you know of your scheduled days. If you are unable to bring your snack on the actual day, you may bring it to school a day or two early or switch with another family. Please note the important distinction between snacks and treats. You should bring a snack, not a dessert. Bringing in a daily snack instead of keeping a snack cabinet allows more easily for perishable foods such as fruit, cheese, yogurt, etc. to be part of the mix. Some examples of appropriate snacks are:
Fresh/dried fruit, granola bars, raw vegetables, animal crackers, Chex Mix, yogurt, pretzels, graham crackers, trail mix, fruit bars, fig bars, vanilla wafers, rice cakes, popcorn (pre-popped), bagels, applesauce cups, string cheese, goldfish, Gogurt, crackers with cheese
Specials Schedule
Monday
Science-8:40-9:20
Media Center 11-12
Music-1:30-2:00
Tuesday
PE 10:15-10:45
7th grade Buddies 1-1:30 (alternate weeks)
Wednesday
Mass- First Wednesday of the month
Preschool Buddies- 9:15-9:45 (alternate weeks)
Science 10:00-10:40
French 10:40-11:20
Thursday
Music- 9:30-10:00
PE-10:15-10:45
Art- 2-2:50
Friday
Mass- 8:30-9:30 except first Friday of the month
Science 10:00-10:40
Music-2:30-3:00
Please help your children remember to wear appropriate shoes on gym days and to return their library books on or before Monday in time for Media Center.
Lunch is every day at 12:00 followed by recess until 1:00
Specials Teachers
- ART – Mrs. Brown
- PE – Mrs. French
- MEDIA CENTER – Miss Sherman and Mrs. Murray
- MUSIC – Mrs. Gorr
- SCIENCE - Mrs. Maxwell
- FRENCH- Mrs. Popolizio
St. Charles School Pledge
Today I promise to keep Jesus in my mind, on my lips and in my heart. I promise to always do my best and to treat everyone with respect and kindness. I promise to take good care of everything God has given me and to have the courage to always do what Jesus wants me to do. Today I promise to live what St. Charles School teaches.
Flight
Faith
Leadership
Intellect
Gratitude
Honor
Tradition