FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Third Grade:
*Does my child's planner need to be signed every day?
Yes, creating healthy organizational habits will help them be independent learners. (-: They use the purple student planners every day to keep track of their work. Any assignment not completed by the end of the day should be brought home to complete. Your child will be learning how to use the planner to stay organized and responsible for their work. This is a new skill in third grade.
*Do you assign homework?
Third grade teachers will not assign homework unless we are working on a project that requires some home time or we are asking students to study for a test. Homework is considered any work not completed during the school day.
We also have a "30 Minute Rule" in third grade. If your child is spending more than 30 minutes doing productive homework at night, we need to know this. Usually this means your child is struggling with the work or has misused his/her work time in the classroom. Either way, we need to know so we can help your child make a plan to get his/her work done.
*Can my child bring his/her text books home?
Yes! We encourage this! Any book may be taken home, but we ask that books are returned to school the next day. It's very hard to participate in class when they don't have their books.
*What time is lunch? How much is lunch?
We go to lunch from 11:05-11:25 and recess from 11:25-11:45. If your child would like to have an extra entree there will be an additional charge. In addition, an extra entree permission slip must be on file in the cafeteria. You can find this form in your first day envelope from the office or by calling the office. (402-827-5950) If you plan on visiting for lunch and would like to order a hot lunch, please call the office before 8:30 to order your lunch.
*What is Green Team?
This is the first year your child has the opportunity to help our custodian in the lunchroom. Green Team members help clean tables, collect trays for recycling, clean the floor, and help out in any way they are needed during lunch. Team members are a huge help! On the weeks your child helps out with the Green Team he/she will miss some lunch recess. Participating in Green Team is completely optional.
*Will there be a spelling test every Friday?
Yes, most Friday's we will test the Words Their Way list.
Words Their Way is a word analysis program which is an individualized spelling program that focuses on the patterns of spelling your child knows and can use consistently in practiced and unknown words. We'll be giving a spelling inventory at the beginning of the year to determine the spelling level of each child. Children will be given lists of words associated with patterns. Sorting the words is a common activity. When a child shows proficiency in a pattern, a quick test will be given. These tests may fall on Fridays, but will only be given when your child is ready.
*Does the school allow birthday treats to be brought to the classes?
Unfortunately, our district handbook states that treats are not to be brought to school for birthdays. There are many reasons that the district has taken this position with the most important being allergies.
*Can I send birthday invitations to school for my child to pass out?
This is always a very tough subject at school. When every child in a classroom is not invited to a party, there are always hard feelings and children getting their feelings hurt. We ask that you send your invitations via the mail or email. If your child must bring the invitations to school for delivery, they must be passed out before or after the school day. Thank you for your understanding.
*Is it typical for my child to "struggle" at the beginning of the year?
Absolutely, YES! Third grade is a tough transitional year in school. The expectations, workload, and amount of responsibility have increased greatly. Third graders are now expected to keep track of their daily work and all the materials needed to complete assignments and projects. This stepping stone sets them up for success in future grades.
*What is Power School? How do I get a log in?
Power School is our on-line grading system. Students' grades are posted weekly for parents to monitor. In addition, parents can also check absences and tardies. If you do not have a log in and password for your child(ren), please be sure to call the office at (402) 827-5950 and get that information.
*How do I know my child is using the computer/technology safely?
Every attempt is made to keep your children on appropriate sites while at school. Our district technology team also blocks many website addresses that are deemed inappropriate. Contracts are also signed by students to inform everyone of the policies and regulations. Here is a parent's guide to the Internet that you may find helpful at home:
Parent's Guide to Internet Safety - click to view
*Does my child's planner need to be signed every day?
Yes, creating healthy organizational habits will help them be independent learners. (-: They use the purple student planners every day to keep track of their work. Any assignment not completed by the end of the day should be brought home to complete. Your child will be learning how to use the planner to stay organized and responsible for their work. This is a new skill in third grade.
*Do you assign homework?
Third grade teachers will not assign homework unless we are working on a project that requires some home time or we are asking students to study for a test. Homework is considered any work not completed during the school day.
We also have a "30 Minute Rule" in third grade. If your child is spending more than 30 minutes doing productive homework at night, we need to know this. Usually this means your child is struggling with the work or has misused his/her work time in the classroom. Either way, we need to know so we can help your child make a plan to get his/her work done.
*Can my child bring his/her text books home?
Yes! We encourage this! Any book may be taken home, but we ask that books are returned to school the next day. It's very hard to participate in class when they don't have their books.
*What time is lunch? How much is lunch?
We go to lunch from 11:05-11:25 and recess from 11:25-11:45. If your child would like to have an extra entree there will be an additional charge. In addition, an extra entree permission slip must be on file in the cafeteria. You can find this form in your first day envelope from the office or by calling the office. (402-827-5950) If you plan on visiting for lunch and would like to order a hot lunch, please call the office before 8:30 to order your lunch.
*What is Green Team?
This is the first year your child has the opportunity to help our custodian in the lunchroom. Green Team members help clean tables, collect trays for recycling, clean the floor, and help out in any way they are needed during lunch. Team members are a huge help! On the weeks your child helps out with the Green Team he/she will miss some lunch recess. Participating in Green Team is completely optional.
*Will there be a spelling test every Friday?
Yes, most Friday's we will test the Words Their Way list.
Words Their Way is a word analysis program which is an individualized spelling program that focuses on the patterns of spelling your child knows and can use consistently in practiced and unknown words. We'll be giving a spelling inventory at the beginning of the year to determine the spelling level of each child. Children will be given lists of words associated with patterns. Sorting the words is a common activity. When a child shows proficiency in a pattern, a quick test will be given. These tests may fall on Fridays, but will only be given when your child is ready.
*Does the school allow birthday treats to be brought to the classes?
Unfortunately, our district handbook states that treats are not to be brought to school for birthdays. There are many reasons that the district has taken this position with the most important being allergies.
*Can I send birthday invitations to school for my child to pass out?
This is always a very tough subject at school. When every child in a classroom is not invited to a party, there are always hard feelings and children getting their feelings hurt. We ask that you send your invitations via the mail or email. If your child must bring the invitations to school for delivery, they must be passed out before or after the school day. Thank you for your understanding.
*Is it typical for my child to "struggle" at the beginning of the year?
Absolutely, YES! Third grade is a tough transitional year in school. The expectations, workload, and amount of responsibility have increased greatly. Third graders are now expected to keep track of their daily work and all the materials needed to complete assignments and projects. This stepping stone sets them up for success in future grades.
*What is Power School? How do I get a log in?
Power School is our on-line grading system. Students' grades are posted weekly for parents to monitor. In addition, parents can also check absences and tardies. If you do not have a log in and password for your child(ren), please be sure to call the office at (402) 827-5950 and get that information.
*How do I know my child is using the computer/technology safely?
Every attempt is made to keep your children on appropriate sites while at school. Our district technology team also blocks many website addresses that are deemed inappropriate. Contracts are also signed by students to inform everyone of the policies and regulations. Here is a parent's guide to the Internet that you may find helpful at home:
Parent's Guide to Internet Safety - click to view