Mrs. Newton3rd Grade2013-2014

A little about me…• I grew up in HB

• I’ve taught 17 years

• I’ve taught 2nd, 3rd and 5th grades

• I am a County and District Mentor for science, a Site Trainer for Write From the Beginning and Thinking Maps and serve on the District Technology Committee

• I have my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and hundreds of hours of professional development I believe the best things in life aren’t things!

Discipline Plan• The idea behind this plan is that as a

class we can accomplish more than we can as individuals and that each individual is responsible for our class’ success. Our team members include: teacher, students, parents and school support staff.

• Each day begins with a clean slate• A Need Note is a means to open the lines

of communication between teacher, parents and student – it is not a punitive

• If a phone call occurs it an opportunity for a pep talk, not a lecture

Policies of Interest• Independent Study – minimum of

5 days, must be set up before absence begins

• Birthdays – birthday book, student celebration

• Class Celebrations –Spooky Science Day (Halloween), Blanket Making (Thanksgiving), Winter, Valentines, End of Year Picnic

• Parent Communications – email, website, texts (Remind 101)

• Parent Helpers• Math Facts • Restroom Use• Recycling Project

Homework• Homework – Due each day as outlined on

the Home Education Assignment Sheet – we use assignments in daily lessons

• Should take about 30 minutes per night plus 30 minutes of reading

• Long-term projects will be included on the Homework Assignment Sheet when assigned

• Mastery Club on website is optional for students who want more to do

Curriculum Overview•Literature – Houghton Mifflin Anthology, CAFE. Daily 5

•Spelling – research-based approach using the high frequency words, word walls and all modalities of learning

•Writing and Grammar – Write from the Beginning, skills lessons from Houghton Mifflin and mini lessons

•Math – Harcourt Series, CGI, ST Math (JiJi Math), IXL

•Social Studies – Houghton Mifflin Series, map skills, biographies, Orange County/Huntington Beach Report

•PE – 90 minutes per week – times vary based on classroom curriculum requirements

•Science – Kit-based hands-on science with text for support, integration of technology and engineering, science fair

•Technology – Google Docs, Online Technology, Stop-Action Lego Movies using iPods (Grant from Huntington Beach Educational Foundation and Huntington Beach Assistance League)

•Character Counts/Second Step – 6 traits covered throughout the year and celebrated at assemblies, social skills and anti-bullying program taught within the class weekly

•Meet the Masters – assemblies and projects learning about art masters

•Accelerated Reader – Students are tested on books they read in their ZPD level and awarded prizes based on their participation and successful testing.

Class Websitewww.mrsjnewton.com

Curriculum Helpers

I have the wonderful honor of being the Secretary of The Huntington Beach Educational Foundation (HBEF). HBEF benefits our students here at Peterson in many ways. They award numerous teacher grants impacting all areas of the curriculum, including: SMART Boards, LCD projectors, document cameras, math supplements and manipulatives, Junior Great Books, assisting with its annual marionette production, and much more. They also provide staff development, materials and funding for the Arts Advantage, ScienceWorks, and Outdoor Science programs. They recognize outstanding HBCSD educators, support staff, and volunteers through the Educator of the Year and Showing Appreciation through Grant Endowment (SAGE) programs They honor outstanding students through the Scholar Squad program each spring.

In addition to the benefits outlined above, the HBEF Membership Give Back Program will provide much needed financial support for classroom supply budgets for the 2012-2013 school year. Please support your child’s education by joining HBEF and/or attending one of their great events such as monthly wine tastings at the Hilton, Touchdown for Technology on November 4th or the Annual Home Tour in May. Visit their website for more information www.hbef4kids.org or to become members.

Thank you for coming!• Sign up for a conference

appointment• Partners in Progress • HB Educational Foundation

membership• Write a note to your student

and leave it on their desk.