St. Francis de Sales Catholic School

Third Grade Parent Orientation 2024-2025

Dear Third Grade Families,

I would love to welcome you to St. Francis de Sales for another wonderful school year. I am very blessed and fortunate to be part of the St. Francis de Sales family and to be your child’s teacher. I am extremely excited to work with your child this year. Working together, it is our goal to assist your child in their academic, social/behavioral, and spiritual growth within our faith. I believe that for your child to reach these goals and to thrive, it is in their best interest for us (your child, me, and parent/guardian) to work together as much as possible. I strongly believe that each child has their own special personality and strengths from God, and I am excited to see it in the classroom. I will have high expectations for each of my students and want to nurture their passions and love for learning.

I am sure many of you may have questions for me as we embark on this new journey, and I hope I can answer most of them within this letter. Additionally, please be sure to check the Home and School connection which can be found on the school website every Sunday as this is where you will find weekly school updates and posted events.

Incentives

• A trip to the Sticker Shop will be used to reward positive and exceptional behavior.
• The “Do Good Daisy” will be used to reward positive and exceptional behavior displayed as a whole class. We will have one reward that we will try to earn as a team!
• A trip to the Third Grade Student Shop will be used as an incentive.

Classroom Expectations and Discipline

Students are expected to always follow the rules. Positive reinforcement will be used daily. Should a problem arise, it will be addressed immediately. If inappropriate behavior occurs, students will be given a warning. If serious misconduct occurs, a Parent Notification Form (PNF) will be sent home. If a Parent Notification Form is sent home, the student may miss their next recess to sit in class and work on a reflection assignment. Please refer to the parent/student handbook for school rules. Additionally, in the classroom, students are expected to:

• Listen and read carefully and follow directions.
• Use manners
• Raise your hand
• Treat others with kindness and respect
• Be respectful to the school and class property, this includes maintaining a clean and organized work area
• Try to do your best always and maintain a positive attitude

Attendance and Tardiness

Students are expected to be in their seats no later than 8:15am. A prompt arrival time will ensure everyone is ready for morning prayer, morning work, and announcements. Parents, please assist me in teaching your child the importance and value of punctuality. Should an absence occur due to illness or other personal reason, please retrieve an absence note which can be printed from my homepage to fill out, sign and return to me. Students will have two days for each absence to make up missed work and tests.

Homework

Students will be provided with an agenda to write down to write down what the homework is. On Monday, students will write the homework for Monday-Thursday. Parents, please initial the parent square nightly as this ensures you have looked over the assignments. Upcoming tests and quizzes will also be noted in the agendas on Mondays. Please check the comment box for any additional comments I need to communicate with you. Homework is assigned to reinforce what is being learned in class. Homework is not optional and will be graded. Students should also read nightly. Parents, while it is important for your child to complete independently, please review for accuracy. Thank you kindly for your support.

Grading

Grades will be uploaded to FACTS on a weekly basis. Please ask if you need any assistance logging on. The grading scale will be as follows:

90-100= A

80-89= B

70-79= C

60-69= D

59 or below= F

Students will receive Friday folders with their work. Parents, please go through the folder. Please review with your child anything stamped with sign and return.

Accelerated Reading

The Accelerated Reading Program (AR) is a schoolwide program used to enhance and challenge your child’s literacy skills. Students will have weekly AR goals which will be indicated in the agenda. Parents, please confirm the title of the book your child is reading is an AR compatible book. You may go to the Accelerated Reading website from the school’s website or find the link on my homepage. If you need any assistance with AR, please ask me. There will be additional incentives for goals met through Accelerated Reading.

Required Readings

Reading is essential to your child’s academic growth. Throughout the year we will read a few books together. These will have to be provided by you and be brought to school. These titles include:

Ramona the Brave by Beverly Cleary

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

Additional Information

Birthdays: Please feel free to send in any individual treats for your child’s special day, no whole cakes please. Free dress may be worn on your child’s birthday, unless we are scheduled for mass. Your child may bring party invitations if applicable but must include one for every classmate if they are to be handed out during school hours.

Student of the week: Each week, starting in September, I will choose one student to be the student of the week. Additional information will be sent home with your child for the week they are chosen.

I am looking forward to amazing year and am excited to work with you and your child.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

My email is [email protected]

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Mrs. Giovanna Hernandez

Third Grade Teacher