Arrival: School doors will open at 8:00 am; students may arrive anytime between 8:00 - 8:30am. After 8:30, students will be considered late and will need to stop by the office with an adult to get a tardy slip. The school day ends at 3:00 pm. Please understand how important it is for your child to be in school and ON TIME each day! We start our day right away! Absences: If your child is sick, please keep them at home and notify the office at 233-4300. You can also email me at [email protected]. When your child returns, he or she will need a written note explaining their absence.
Agendas
Each student will need to purchase an agenda at the beginning of the school year. Students will be responsible for recording homework, announcements and other important information in their agendas. Students are also responsible for taking home their agenda EACH night and returning it to school the following day. Parents are responsible for signing their child's agenda EACH night. Agendas serve as a great tool for parent-teacher communication. Most importantly, they foster independence for students!
Allergies and Medications
If your child has any allergies, please let me know immediately. Also, please let us know if there are any medications that need to be dispensed during school hours. These medications must be given to the school office (not the teacher) along with the appropriate forms filled out by your physician. Your child will go to the office at the appropriate times to receive his/her medication.
Birthdays
Snacks: All birthday snacks must be store bought. This is a WCPSS policy. Birthday treats will be eaten our daily snack or recess time. I also ask that parents please e-mail me or send a note via agendas at least a few days prior to your child's birthday.
Birthday Party Invitations: Please do not send invitations to school unless the entire class is invited. A class directory will be sent home in September.
Breakfast and Lunch
Hours of Operation: Breakfast and lunch will be served everyday in the dining room. Breakfast is available from 8:00 - 8:30. Our lunch will be from 12:35 - 1:10. You are welcome to join your child for lunch. Please make sure to sign in the front office before making your way to the dining room. We will meet you in the dining room.
Lunch Money: If your third grader's lunch account is low, the dining room staff will send home a slip of paper with the remaining balance. You may send in cash or check with your student. Checks should be made out to A.B. Combs Elementary. Students are responsible for taking their lunch money to the dining room.
Online Lunch Accounts: Check out the following link - you can manage your child's lunch account online! http://www.mylunchmoney.com Click "enroll now" and search for Combs/Wake County. Lunch menus will be sent home monthly in Friday folders.
Class Meeting
Our class meeting is the last activity we do each day. Students are responsible for tallying their daily credit/debit totals and preparing their agendas to take home. The class meeting is led by our classroom meeting manager each week. We begin with a plus/delta of our day. Pluses are the things that went well today and things that we liked. Deltas are the things that we would like to change and/or something that didn't go well. We also check our issue bin to see if any students have left anonymous issues to share with the class. The meeting manager then leads our daily compliment circle, starting with highlighting two students with the Leaders Spotted award. It is important to recognize both classroom and individual efforts from throughout the day!
Classroom Economy
Your students will be actively involved in a year-long economy unit. Click on the following link from Mrs. Newingham's Michigan classroom. My classroom economy is based on her practices. The children will have classroom careers while earning credits and debits throughout the day. All students will have their own account books to manage. At the end of each pay period, I will issue checks to each student. Students will cash their checks at the Combs Classroom Bank (CCB). They will also have the opportunity to visit our class store monthly. Students will take turns serving as the class economist at our store. Throughout the year, the children will learn economic lessons that include decision making, opportunity cost, supply and demand, and inflation.
Communication and Conferences
Communication: Please feel free to contact me anytime you have a question, concern or even good news! I can be contacted via email ([email protected]), a note or by calling the office (919) 233-4300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting(919) 233-4300end_of_the_skype_highlighting and leaving a message. It is very important to me to maintain open communication with parents. I do my best to respond quickly to all parent questions or concerns. While I check my email from home on most nights, please respect that this is also my personal family time.
Once again, students will be using agendas to help foster independence and responsibility. Students are responsible for writing down their homework and special events Monday-Thursday. It is the students' responsiblity to get their agenda initialed nightly. You are welcome to communicate with me via your child's nightly agenda. Conferences: I ask all parents to meet with me at the end of the first quarter (middle to end of October). During the second half of the year, I will provide additional dates/times for parents wishing to conference. We will also have student-led conferences in late May or early June. If you would like to schedule an additional conference, please contact me. I typically ask parents to provide me with two possible dates/times.
Core Values
Our core values for the classroom will be ones that we will take with us even when we leave. To develop these we will use a Bone Diagram using where we want to be at the end of 3rd grade as our goal. We used drivers and restrainers to determine what will get us there. We will do our best to show these traits in all parts of our lives (in the classroom, on the playground, at home, etc.)
Covey Habits
We incorporate the Covey habits into all aspects of the school day (morning meeting, daily instruction, classroom management, class meeting, etc.) I especially encourage my student to highlight each other to explain how he/she used the Covey habits. It is so exciting to see the children applying the habits first hand! You'll notice that once the children have a solid understanding of the habits, they become second nature at school and at home!
Habit 1: Be Proactive - Stop, think & make a good choice - You are in control of yourself
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind - Set a goal and work hard to achieve it
Habit 3: Put First Things First - Do the most important thing first - Work before you play
Habit 4: Think Win-Win - This habit guides classroom collaboration. Students learn to find solutions that are mutually beneficial.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood - Listen to your friends and care about what they're saying . . . listen with your ears, eyes and heart!
Habit 6: Synergize - "Two heads are better than one." Students learn to appreciate each others strengths and talents as they discover the impact of teamwork and open-mindedness.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw - Have fun and take care of yourself! (mind, body & spirit)
Habit 8: Find Your Voice - Students explore their interests and talents as they learn to express themselves -- everyone is a unique leader.
Visit The Leader In Me website: http://www.theleaderinme.org
Read Sean Covey's Book: The Seven Habits of Happy Kids
Data Notebooks
We collect data often at A.B. Combs. We collect math pre and post test data, we graph our L.E.A.D. tickets, we create charts about our classroom store and our work...just to name a few! Collecting data comes second nature to us after awhile!
We also have data notebooks. Inside, the students track their academic progress. Students will begin with the end in mind by setting goals and working hard to achieve them throughout the year!
While data notebooks stay at school until the end of the year, you will have the opportunity to view and discuss your third graders progress during conferences, etc. You will also be invited to a student-led conference!
Dismissal
Dismissal begins at 3:00. Walkers are dismissed at 3:00 with an announcement. Walkers will leave through the outer media center doors. Bus riders will be called by bus color via announcement. Bus colors will also show up on the classT.V. Bus riders leave through the front door of the school. The YMCA is released at 3:10 with a bell. YMCA students report to the gym. Carpool numbers and last names are displayed via the school TVs in the order they arrive. Carpool students leave through the carpool doors in the dining room and line up outside according to group.
Emergencies
In the event of unexpected emergencies, please make sure to keep all of your contact information updated. If you change your information, please let both the office and I know about it!
All students are required to have emergency contact cards on file in the front office. These cards are a part of the back-to-school paperwork. Please fill out both the front and back of the emergency card. Students will not be permitted to go home with another adult without written consent.
End of Grade Testing
Your third grader will be taking North Carolina End of Grade Tests this year. This is often an area of stress for both students and parents at the beginning of third grade. First and foremost . . . BREATHE! I work very hard to assure the children that this is nothing more than 2 days of showing what we have learned throughout the year. In fact, we hold an "I can't" funeral at the beginning of the school year! We will have practice tests and problems throughout the year to prepare the students. There will also be parent information sessions and EOG power nights later in the year. If you are looking for more information, please visit the following NC DPI site. Study Island is a great way for students to get some extra practice at home. (See Favorite Links)
Again, I can't emphasize enough the importance of positive thinking and confidence! Your child will work very hard all year to be prepared; this shouldn't be a dreaded event discussed all year.
Field Trips
Below are a few things parents need to know to make sure we all have a great time on our field trips this year.
Third Graders Should:
Turn in signed permission slip
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
Bring a packed lunch or fill out a lunch form
Arrive at school on time
Parents Should:
Sign permission slip and turn in money
Make sure their third grader has a lunch from home or school
Make sure their third grader arrives on time
Notify teacher in advance if you want to chaperone. All chaperones must be cleared in advance.
Chaperones Thank you so much for volunteering your time and energy! Here are some chaperone Do's and Don'ts to help you.
Do's
Do bring your child to school that day. They must be accounted for on the schools attendance.
Do plan on following behind the buses OR meeting us at our destination. By law parents cannot ride with us on the bus.
Do be prompt to specific meeting areas and times. Always bring a watch.
Do have fun!
Don'ts
Don’t bring older or younger siblings. We would love for your full attention, and responsibility as a chaperone, to be towards the students.
Don’t forget to bring comfortable clothes, walking shoes, and sharp eyes.
Don’t forget to have volunteer clearance. You can NOT go on a trip without it.
Don’t plan on picking your child up after the trip without giving prior notice to the office and the teacher. This can be a huge safety issue and all need to be notified.
On the day of the field trip you will be given a group of students that will be under your care. I will notify all chaperone of directions, the day's schedule, and any emergency supplies as needed. Get ready to have some fun!
Friday Folders
The entire school uses Friday folders. These folders go home on Fridays and are returned on Mondays. The folder may contain correspondences from the school, from the class and/or student work. Please take the time to review the contents of your child's folder with your student. Only papers or forms that require a response need to be returned. Please read, sign and return the student update page inside the Friday folder.
Ground Rules
At the beginning of the year, the entire class sets up our ground rules. These are rules that we decide on together that we will follow all throughout the year. We will read a favorite picture book about classroom manners and create a T-chart about what constitutes a great student and a great teacher. Then the students will have the opportunity to "imagineer" the perfect learning community with LEGO bricks.
Hahner's Happenings
Hahner's Happenings is my classroom newsletter. Each edition will be posted to our class website. Please make sure to carefully read all important information and dates.
Hahner's Heores
Each Friday I will recognize 8 students as Hahner's Heroes. Students can be highlighted in the following categories:
- Captain Character - Math Master - Remarkable Reader - Word Wizard - Mighty Manners - Writing Warrior - Searching Scientist - Super Student
Student pictures will be hung on a classroom display. The Super Student will earn additional weekly credits as well as bringing home our class mascot and classroom Flip Camera to record your adventures.
Homework
Students are responsible for tracking their homework via agendas. Student homework will focus on independent reading time, weekly literacy opportunities and review of math skills. Please attend our beginning of year curriculum night for more information. Students work hard all day in school. Homework should not take longer than 30 minutes nightly! Please help your child to establish a quiet designated homework spot at home. Parents and students should have regular dialogue about homework and what they are learning about! Please let your child know that you are there to support and encourage them, but that homework is their responsibility.
Interims
Interims are sent home midway through each quarter. They are designed to periodically notify parents of a student's academic progress before a report card. The information on an interim mirrors what would be on the next report card. Parents always have the option to request a conference to discuss the comments and suggestions on the interim. Only students who are demonstrating inconsistent performance, or performing at a level 2, in any subject or conduct area will receive an interim. Please keep one copy and return the other one signed.
Jobs (aka Classroom Careers)
During the first week of school, the students will read a Cynthia Rylant book called Mr. Griggs' Work. Mr. Griggs is known for his professionalism, dedication and strong work ethic. We will answer the following questions as a class: - What jobs will make our classroom run smoothly? - How can we be hard working leaders like Mr. Griggs? Together we will create a list of class jobs or classroom careers, rank their importance and then determine the salary for each job.
L.E.A.D.
L.E.A.D. is our school-wide code of cooperation. Students are expected to show L.E.A.D. in all areas of school.
L stands for Loyalty E stands for Excellence A stands for Achievement D stands for Discipline
Morning Meeting
Each morning we briefly gather as a group to: - greet classmates - recite our classroom mission statement and review our goals - review our daily schedule - reflect on our Plus/Delta from the previous day and - share a current event
Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS)
In keeping with our Mission: “to develop leaders, one child at a time”, our behavior management program is Positive Behavior Support. PBS is a system of management developed to “support high student performance”. It is a proactive and outcomes based system.
Students learn the meaning of Loyalty, Excellence, Achievement and Discipline; how they look in real life situations and how to practice them in various situations throughout the school day. Our young leaders are learning to “walk the talk” of leadership. Our entire school staff supports and encourages students in this endeavor by recognizing students and classes who demonstrate L.E.A.D. on a daily basis. For more information check out the following PBIS link. (AB Combs Website)
Quality Tools
Quality tools are graphic organizers that we use to collect, display and use information. Quality tools help us to organize our thinking and put it in a user friendly format. In third grade we use these quality tools to chart our thinking and record what we've learned. You'll find lots of charts around the classroom! Some examples of quality tools:
- Lotus Diagram - Affinity Diagram - Fishbone Diagram - Flowchart - Force Field Diagram (Drivers and Restrainers) - Bone Diagram - Bubble Map - Venn Diagram
Questions, Comments, Concerns . . .
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns that you have! I am always available to discuss your child's success! At the beginning of the year I hand out business cards with all of my contact information. You can reach me at [email protected] or 233-4300. Also, in efforts to avoid duplicating efforts, please check our class website and Hahner's Happenings for lots of information! If you would like to conference, please e-mail me so we can set up a time; I will not be available for impromptu conferences.
Report Cards
Report Cards are sent home at the end of each quarter in 3rd grade. Report cards showcase your child's progress in reading, writing, math, social studies, science, conduct and work habits. There is also a section with teacher comments discussing your child's strengths, areas for improvement and interventions that are being used. Report cards are sent home in an envelope that is used all year. Please return it, signed, after each quarter. Report card envelopes also have a box to check if you would like a conference.
Wake County uses standards based grading. Students will receive a 1, 2, 3, 3* or 4. Please do not confuse standards based grading with the A, B, C, D, and F system that many of us grew up with. A 4 is not equivalent to an A and so on. Instead please read the standards based grading descriptions below.
1 - Not meeting benchmarks for the quarter. Performing below grade level standards. 2 - Needs support to meet benchmarks for the quarter. Showing inconsistent performance. 3 - Demonstrates proficiency of targeted grade level standards. (meeting benchmarks for the designated quarter) 3*- Demonstrates proficiency of targeted grade level standards with evidence of application. 4 - Demonstrating performance above grade level by extending targeted grade level standards
Scholastic Book Orders
Each month I will send home new scholastic fliers in Friday folders. I will set the due date via my website and newsletter. Parents can order online or return the forms and a check in a sealed envelope with your child's name. All checks should be payable to Scholastic Book Orders. Please take advantage of the scholastic book orders: 1) they have great prices 2) you can find wonderful good-fit books for your children 3) our class earns free books each time you place an order! Plus, if you order online, our class gets a $3.00 gift certificate for the next order!
All you need is our class activation code: GKD9J This allows you to set up your own parent account for ordering online!
Happy Shopping and Happy Reading!
Science Fair
Every year in February, students showcase their amazing experiments, inventions and projects at the A.B. Combs Science Fair! Students submit science fair projects, which are judged based on outlined criteria. While participation is encouraged from students at all grade levels, students in grades 4 and 5 are required to participate. Our class will submit a project. I encourage ALL of my students to submit an individual project. Look for more information throughout the year!
Snack
Please send your child with a healthy snack and a bottle of water each day! This helps to keep them energized and hydrated! Due to food allergies, we ask that children do not share snacks. All food allergies will be posted outside the classroom door.
I recommend getting your child a reusable water bottle that can be washed and refilled: - It's cheaper - Washable bottles keep our classroom healthy - It's GREEN!
Technology in the Classroom
We will be using a lot of technology in the classroom. Please know that the children are supervised at all times and that our Wake County system blocks inappropriate sites. At the beginning of the year parents have a lot of paperwork to sign for their students. One of the forms is the Internet Parent Request to DENY access. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN THIS FORM UNLESS YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILD TO HAVE INTERNET ACCESS. If you are considering this option, please contact me. Technology is very much incorporated into our daily routine.
A few examples of the technology we use: - SMART Board - Class Website (no student names posted) - blogs via kidblog.com (password protected) - Digital Camera - Flip Videos - Voice Thread - PowerPoint - SmileBox - Skype - Internet
Transportation
Many students have complex transportation plans. They may attend the YMCA program two days a week, carpool one day, and ride the bus on Thursdays and Fridays. I will gather all of this information at the Back to School Picnic. It is my job to ensure that your children get home safely. If I do not have an e-mail, phone call or note from you, I cannot change your child's transportation plan at the last minute. I realize that plans change, but I must have prior consent. This ensures the safety of all students! You can call Ms. Pahl in the office if plans change; she will notify me. I will also look for notes via agenda.
Volunteers
I always welcome parent volunteers!! Even if you are unable to come into the classroom during the school day, there are plenty of ways to help from home! All volunteers MUST have clearance with Wake County. You can use an A.B. Combs computer to fill out the application. Don't forget, all volunteers must RE-REGISTER each year! It takes time to process new applications; please be proactive and get it done early. I will send out classroom volunteer surveys in the beginning of the year. Please use this form to include your volunteer areas of interest. After the first few weeks of school we will begin hosting our parent volunteers in class. We appreciate your understanding as we establish procedures and routines during the first few weeks. When volunteering, please make sure you are focused on students and their success. If you would like to conference, I will be more than happy to set up a later time to meet.
Website
Our classroom website is: www.mshahnersclass.weebly.com I will post tons of classroom information on the website (class newsletter, schedule, parent info, class pictures and videos of our learning, student menu, etc.). This site serves both students and parents. I use one site to both inform parents and to engage my students. On the student menu I often post links or sites that the students use during the day. Students may also access many of these sites at home!
W.O.W.
W.O.W. stands for Wonderful Opportunities Weekly. During this time students are grouped and switch among third grade teachers. This is an additional time for remediation and enrichment where we focus on direct, specific instruction tailored to fit individual needs and skills. Students often receive additional services (CCR, Speech, etc.) during this time. All students benefit from this additional differentiated learning time while ensuring that no child misses critical instruction in their own classroom.