Ms. Christine Sarantopoulos

Welcome to Third Grade!

Thank you for coming this evening. It is a pleasure to meet all of you. Please be aware that a conference sheet is attached. I would like to meet with all parents prior to the end of October. I believe that communication is the key to your child’s successful year!

Mrs. Nack, a retired educator and friend, will volunteer in our room two days a week from 9 to 12. She supports all of our efforts.

Reading- There are many sources of reading instruction in our third grade curriculum. During this school, the third graders will be using Rigby Reads and Wilson Fundations as a major part of their reading instruction. We enhance the curriculum by supplementing it with quality literature. The children will be using trade books as they participate in literature circles. The students will respond to critical thinking questions related to their reading by writing in Reading Logs. The children enjoy participating in lively discussions about book characters, themes, problems, and other pertinent ideas. Many motivating ideas are also included.

Language- First Steps Writing allows the children to write recounts, narratives, reports and procedures. Students write a discovery draft and learn revision techniques through conferencing individually with me. Children also create other forms of writing, including poetry, research articles, and letters to pen pals to name a few. Portfolios are filled with student writing and taken home in June.

First Steps Spelling is utilized. The spelling words are obtained from the student’s individual writing. The children take pre-tests with a partner.

Math-We are continuing to use the Everyday Math program in third grade. Prior to each unit, parent letters will be sent home. The program teaches the student’s higher level thinking skills. Children will use Math Journals. Many of the lessons provide hands-on instruction. It is important to remember that the concepts taught will spiral and the students will have additional practice in each skill as the year progresses. Home Links (Math homework) are sent home to reinforce Math skills. Through class work, children should be able to complete the assignments with little support.

Science- We will utilize three NSRC kits which are Plant Growth and Development, Chemical Tests, and Rocks and Minerals. The children do hands-on scientific testing in cooperative groups with journal writing, which will be assessed. Supplementary Science lessons about the phases of the moon and seasons will also be taught.

Social Studies- Major themes include Colonial America, the city of Beverly, Massachusetts, and New England, to name a few. Many field trips will correlate. We will visit the Balch House in Beverly and take a bus tour of Beverly at the end of the year. A representative from the Beverly Historical Society will visit the classroom to involve students in an archaeological dig that relates to the Balch House site. The Social Studies lessons are interdisciplinary.

Penmanship- Cursive writing will be taught during the school year.

Homework- Homework is given to reinforce skills taught in the classroom. It is given on Monday through Thursday. All assignments will be recorded in the agenda books. The school system does have a homework policy in place. Most assignments should be completed within 30 to 45 minutes.

Your child should be involved in recreational reading as much as possible to improve reading skills, and to foster a love of reading. Read at Home slips are due on Monday. This assignment will impact Reading grades.

Snacks- No glass bottles or cans with metal lids should be brought to school. Please provide a healthy snack for your child.

Absence Notes- If your child is out sick, please write a note when they return to school. A note must accompany all medications, including cough drops, for our school nurse, Mrs. Eramo.

During inclement weather, please send children with appropriate clothing.

Report Cards- Students will receive report cards using the same marking procedure as last year. Namely, number grades will be administered.

Conferences- Each of you received a conference sheet with times that I am available to meet with you. Remember that communication is the key to your child’s successful school year. Contact me with a note, phone call or by e-mail. Centerville School voice mail: 1-978-921-6120 (X215) My e-mail address:

csarantopoulos@beverlyschools.org.

Thank you for coming this evening. I look forward to working with each of you to provide the best educational opportunity for your children.