Dear Third Grader,
Can you believe school is only a few weeks away? I hope you have had time to enjoy the sun and do something new and exciting over the summer.
I have done all the different activities that I love to do like, hiking, swimming, waterskiing, camping, traveling, building, and hanging out with my daughter Dakota and my wife Pam. This summer I saw the amazing cliff dwellings of the Ananzi Indians in New Mexico. You will learn about them in our Native American Unit. My family and I also drove all the way to South Dakota where my wife was raised. It is a very long drive, 30 hours, but on the way we stopped and saw Mount Rushmore and other interesting places. I will show you pictures of my summer when you come to school and I look forward to hearing about what adventures you had as well.
Before you walk into our classroom I want you to think about some very important things. First and most importantly, I believe that everyone can be a success. I also believe success is not something that just happens, but takes a person who is “Proactive”. Being proactive means that you know that you are in control of what happens to you. You know that if you study your math facts every night you will become better at your math facts. If you read every night you will become a stronger reader. If you study your spelling, you will do better on the tests. If you pay attention in class you will learn more. If you are kind to others they will be kind to you. Makes sense right!
Notice how the word “you” is in dark letters. Your parents and I can help you do your best but it boils down to the fact that you are in charge of your attitude, actions, and ultimately your success. You should expect of yourself to complete your homework every night. You should expect to treat others in a respectful way during class. You should expect yourself to pay attention. You should expect yourself to always give one hundred percent effort in all you do. When you teach yourself to expect the best you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. My greatest goal this year is to teach you how to reach your full potential.
I look forward to seeing you soon and if you see me at the fair come and say “Hi”.
Sincerely,
Mr. Grillo
Monday, August 23, 2010
Hello Parents,
I want to touch base with those who have an email address in our data base and outline a few things about our year and hopefully hear from you if you have any concerns or questions.
First I want to give you a brief idea of what to expect your child to do for homework each night. If your student comes home and tells you they have nothing to do, here are a list of things to remind them of.
1. Study math facts at least 2 times. Students should have their multiplication facts fluent by the end of third grade.
2. Complete the math work sheet and correct it
3. Read at least 20 minutes a night
4. Study spelling
Math homework will come home almost every night of the school year. It is imperative that complete the work in order to be successful.
Second we will be discussing the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. These habits were developed by Stephen Covey and are used within many successful organizations around the world. I encourage you to look up the seven habits and learn about them so when your student talks to you about how they must put "first things first" and " their circle of influence" you will understand what they are talking about. The program that has been introduced into schools is called " The Leader In Me."
We will use a blog to keep you informed about what is occurring in the classroom. When your child comes home and you ask what they did and they shrug and say "nothing" log on and see what really happened. I try to post something every few days. It is more fun if you comment on what has been done. I usually go through the blog with the kids at lunch time. Please make the address a favorite!
I don't expect to have much behavior issues this year however I will explain how the behavior system works in my room. In order for a student to get a "refocus" they have to get their name on the board and two checks. If they do earn a refocus they will call and let you know what they did to deserve a refocus. Three refocuses leads to detention after school. I do my best to be fair and to insure that students understand the expectations in my classroom. If a behavior creates a situation were the student can't learn, other students can't learn, or I can't teach, then the behavior is disciplined. I always talk to students to insure they understand exactly why they have received the refocus or name on the board.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. As you know you are the most important aspect of your child's education and thank you for your support!
Justin
I want to touch base with those who have an email address in our data base and outline a few things about our year and hopefully hear from you if you have any concerns or questions.
First I want to give you a brief idea of what to expect your child to do for homework each night. If your student comes home and tells you they have nothing to do, here are a list of things to remind them of.
1. Study math facts at least 2 times. Students should have their multiplication facts fluent by the end of third grade.
2. Complete the math work sheet and correct it
3. Read at least 20 minutes a night
4. Study spelling
Math homework will come home almost every night of the school year. It is imperative that complete the work in order to be successful.
Second we will be discussing the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. These habits were developed by Stephen Covey and are used within many successful organizations around the world. I encourage you to look up the seven habits and learn about them so when your student talks to you about how they must put "first things first" and " their circle of influence" you will understand what they are talking about. The program that has been introduced into schools is called " The Leader In Me."
We will use a blog to keep you informed about what is occurring in the classroom. When your child comes home and you ask what they did and they shrug and say "nothing" log on and see what really happened. I try to post something every few days. It is more fun if you comment on what has been done. I usually go through the blog with the kids at lunch time. Please make the address a favorite!
I don't expect to have much behavior issues this year however I will explain how the behavior system works in my room. In order for a student to get a "refocus" they have to get their name on the board and two checks. If they do earn a refocus they will call and let you know what they did to deserve a refocus. Three refocuses leads to detention after school. I do my best to be fair and to insure that students understand the expectations in my classroom. If a behavior creates a situation were the student can't learn, other students can't learn, or I can't teach, then the behavior is disciplined. I always talk to students to insure they understand exactly why they have received the refocus or name on the board.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. As you know you are the most important aspect of your child's education and thank you for your support!
Justin
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