Welcome to Mrs. Connor's Third Grade class page for Room 21.  Check here to find: links to great websites, pictures and news from our classroom, and important class information.

I will be going on maternity leave on November 6th.  Please forward all questions or concerns to Miss Danielle Raffaelle my substitute until I return.  Her email is  raffadan@ssd.k12.pa.us She can also be reached by phone 610-938-6538 (Please call the office between the hours of 10-3:20 while she is teaching and leave a message).  Though I am looking forward to some time off with my new little lady Hailey (and Sean of course), I know I will be thinking of our class quite often.  Keep up the good work while I am gone!

Welcome to all my third graders!!  

Here is the classroom supplies that you will need to start the year.

* SMALL backpack - backpack must fit into a small cubby
* pencils (#2 - bring 6 to school and keep a supply at home)
* glue (bottle and/or stick)
* 2 sturdy laminated/plastic pocket folders (not a Trapper Keeper or large
  portfolio - there will not be enough desk space).  One is for homework, the
  other will be your test folder.
* 2 zipper pouches for pencils, crayons, markers, etc. (No plastic boxes)
* thin markers - 24 or less
* crayons - 24 count only
* scissors
* art smock - old t-shirt in a zip lock bag (name on smock)
* old sock (white board eraser)
* box of tissues for classroom use
* plain letter size clipboard
* lunch money in a marked envelope or purse or put money on account
* snack - bring your own small healthy snack (e.g. pretzels, crackers, fruit)
  everyday if you want to have something to eat during the morning
* low odor dry erase markers - please put in a zip lock bag.  We will supply
  the whiteboards.
* liquid soap for classroom use
* yellow highlighter
* headphones for computers (name on headphones and in zip bag for storage)
* container of Clorox wipes for classroom use
* Sharpie marker - Black, Fine
* Post-its:  1 pad of 3 x 3 and 1 pad of 1 x 2 (any color)

Please put your child's name on everything (even pencils, markers, and other
small items)! This will help us return property when misplaced.  Our cubby space
is limited, so no large backpacks.  The backpack must fit inside the cubby.

Below is a list of students that will be our class this year.

Nicholas Agostini

Gaetana Baccaro

Chloe Borgesi

Matthew Carango

Kimberly Chandler

Emily Christopher

Jeremy Druckenmiller

Mary Flaherty Tykia Jay

Haley Joachim

Nicholas Lafferty

Frankie Lambert

Colin McCloskey

Nicholas Meloni

Courtland Miller

Jessica Miller

Hannah Morrissey

Meghan Nolan Kevin Shartner

Emilee Serrano

Camryn Shea

Julie White

Piper Wright-Chapis

  Want to pick out books that are “just right” for your child?

 ***Please help your child practice addition and subtraction facts for at least 15 minutes a night.***

I hope that we can work together to allow for a positive learning experiences for all the children in my class. 

If you ever have a concern or question please feel free to call or email me.  Before 9 a.m. and after 3:30 are times that I am free to talk or we can set up an appointment for a more convenient time.

As the new year starts please keep in mind the importance of establishing a homework routine at home.  Students need your help learning math facts and study for tests. Please check the homework book for assignments and classroom information.

There are numerous websites available to help you and your child prepare for the PSSA.  Below are just a few you may want to visit:

http://www.growparents.com/paelementary/index.jsp

http://www.pde.state.pa.us/a_and_t/cwp/view.asp?a=108&Q=73314&a_and_tNav=|680|&a_and_tNav 

 http://www.pde.state.pa.us/a_and_t/lib/a_and_t/Grades3and4MathAssessmentAnchorGlossary.pdf

http://www.pde.state.pa.us/a_and_t/lib/a_and_t/2007AssessmentAnchorsMathGrade3.pdf

http://www.pde.state.pa.us/a_and_t/lib/a_and_t/ReadingAssessmentAnchorGlossary_updated.pdf

http://www.pde.state.pa.us/a_and_t/lib/a_and_t/AssessmentAnchorsReadingGrade3.pdf

http://www.pde.state.pa.us/a_and_t/lib/a_and_t/Grade_3_Math_Anchor_Cards.pdf

http://www.pde.state.pa.us/a_and_t/lib/a_and_t/Grade_3_Reading_Anchor_Cards.pdf

TEXT ANXIETY:  Third grade is the start of text anxiety for some children.  Please help your child through this by:

1. Helping them prepare for tests.  This helps them feel in control of the situation.
2. Stress "Do your very best" not "You must get an A" 
3. Prepare ahead of time for tests, quizzes and assignments.  The last minute marathon method usually raises stress levels.
4. Use flashcards and mnemonic devices to memorize facts.
5. Have a quiet place to study and do homework.
6. Having a routine in place at home that will help a child with time management.
7. Talk about it.  Discuss with them what they can do to relieve some of the anxiety.
8. Make the teacher aware of the situation.  Sometimes a quick chat,one-on-one, can really help.

Many of our homework assignments will become part of our weekly routine.  Please check your child's homework assignment book daily for specific assignments and reminders.

Typical Nightly Homework

Reading:  Each night your child is to read for at least a half of an hour at his/her independent level.  The reading needs to be recorded clearly on the log sheet.  (15 minutes = 1 step, half hour = 2 steps etc.)

Math:  Each night your child is to do the next page in his/her math packet.  Be sure to check the back to see if it continues to the other side!

Spelling:  Each night your child will do a page in spelling.  One day of the week the students are required to put the word in alphabetical order.  Spelling tests are every Friday!

Please be sure to sign the homework book every night.  Homework stickers can only be earned if assignments are done completely .

Test folders and Wednesday Elementary Express envelopes are handed out every Wednesday and need to be signed and returned on Thursdays!

Grading Guidelines

A = Advanced (100%-92%)

P = Proficient (91%-80%)

B = Basic (79%-70%)

BB = Below Basic (69% or lower)