We use the principles of Love and Logic to run our classroom.
Those principles are:
- I will treat you with respect so you will know how to treat me.
- Feel free to do anything that doesn't cause a problem for anyone else.
- If you cause a problem, I will ask you to solve it.
- If you can't solve the problem, or choose not to, I will do something.
- What I do, will depend on the special person, and the special situation.
- If you feel something is unfair, whisper to me, "I'm not sure that's fair," and we will talk.
The following information helps to explain parts of your child's daily experience in our classroom. Please print this information as you may want to refer to it throughout the year.
Field Trips: This year we will be going to Hale Farm. We are also going to be taking several walking trips to support our curriculum.
Parent Volunteers: I will need one parent volunteer as a coordinator. His/Her job will be to contact other parent volunteers when needed. I will also need parent volunteers for class parties. Please sign up on the Parent Volunteer Form.
Internet Policy: If you have questions or concerns about the Internet Permission Form that you signed at the beginning of the year please contact me.
Homework: School policy is for approximately 30 minutes of homework each night for third grade. Please check over your child's homework. This is a great time for them to share what they are learning with you.
Absences: The school policy on make up work is that it will be collected and sent home with the child when they return to school. If I am given prior notice, or if the absence will be for an extended period of time, I may be able to send the work home prior to your child's return to school. Most of our classroom work is hands-on in nature and cannot be sent home. This is because the unique nature of each learning situation cannot be duplicated outside of class. Therefore, it is very important that every effort is made for your child to come to school each day. Absence for vacation is strongly discouraged.
Home Reading Program: Your child is to read at least 20 minutes a day, four or more days a week. I will regularly ask children to discuss what they are reading at home or possibly to share those books. If your child does not read at home they will find it very difficult to participate in these discussions.
InView and Terranova Tests: In mid-February, students will take these tests. Results will be returned some time in April. Mr. Leventhal usually conducts a meeting to explain the results. These results are used as a diagnostic tool to determine your child's areas of strength and need. Please make sure that your child is well rested and has eaten breakfast on these days.
Third Grade Achievement Assessments: During the week of October 3, your child will be given the Third Grade Reading Achievement Assessment. In the last week of April and first week of May, the reading test will be given a second time as well as the Third Grade Math Achievement test. These tests are required by the state of Ohio.
Book Orders: Your child will bring home optional book order forms throughout the year. If you choose to place an order please write a check payable to Scholastic or order online using a credit card. I cannot accept cash. Click here for online ordering instructions.
Parent notes: Please date any note you send to school. Children are not allowed to stay in during recess if they are not feeling well. There is not adequate supervision.
Notes are to be sent every week for Brownies, basketball, etc. This is so that I can be sure that your plans have not changed.
Snack: Your child will be given time to eat a snack each morning. Please be sure that this snack is nutritious. Fruit, vegetables, pretzels, and crackers are excellent choices.
Classroom Parties: We have four parties this year. They are the Halloween party, the December Holidays Party, and the Valentine's day party. Room parents will be organizing the parties. A note will go home asking for a $5 donation to help with the cost of the party. There will also be an end of the year party that will be held at McDowell.
Guidance Services: Kristin Gilliland and Cathy Leighton are our school guidance counselors. They can be reached by calling the main office. They are available to meet with parents and students.
Birthday Treats: You are welcome to bring or send in birthday treats of your child's choice. We usually will celebrate birthdays in the final hour or half-hour of the school day. Please contact me within 24 hours of when you wish to bring in a treat, and we will set up a more exact time. Treats should be divided into individual servings. Also, please remember plates and napkins if they are needed.
I look forward to a wonderful year. As always, please contact me with any questions. You may send email to Matt McGown at mcgownm@hudson.edu or leave a message with the office by calling (330) 653-1246. I will try to return your messages as soon as possible, but most likely that will be at the end of the school day.
© 1998-2012 Hudson City School District