Welcome to Grade 3!
Another exciting school year is beginning! I am thrilled to be teaching your child this year. Grade 3 is a great year full of interesting learning opportunities, collaboration, play, and hands-on learning.
I am teaching grade three at JS McCormick for my first year! I previously taught grade one and grade two also at JS. I received my education degree from the University of Calgary but grew up around central Alberta, so I’m very happy to be back around the area. I love to keep very active and, even in the winter, I enjoy being outdoors.
Our classroom community strives to create a safe environment where students feel safe, secure, welcomed, cared for and successful. Every student has a gift and I am committed to guiding your child to discover their individual gifts as well as helping them achieve success academically, socially, and emotionally.
In our classroom community students will feel they belong and have a sense of place and value. We celebrate our differences and ensure we value and appreciate everyone in our classroom. We will be using bucket fillers in our classroom as positive reinforcements to celebrate our friends and everyone’s special talents.
Student Learning
When you enter the classroom you will see laughter, learning and lots of fun. My teaching style is a combination of direct instruction, followed by play-based learning and hands-on discovery. I enjoy integrating technology into our work and strive to create responsible and efficient digital citizens. I encourage students to work collaboratively to problem-solve and come up with a variety of solutions to a question. Our classroom promotes taking risks. We celebrate risk taking and students are encouraged to be okay with making mistakes.
Building Relationships
Building relationships is essential in our grade 3 classroom. I will be working on building a relationship with your child so your child feels cared for. Friendships are important in students’ lives. Not only will we be working on maintaining and building stronger friendships with friends your child already has, but will be encouraging your child to work with other students in class and create new friendships. We talk about how our classroom community is like a family and we all care for each other. Every morning we start our day with our Morning Meeting, which allows us to work on these skills and share information with the rest of the class. Our goal is to cooperate and work together to create a positive place where everyone feels like they belong. We will work on social skills such as communication, dealing with conflict, etc. on a daily basis. We will also spend a good deal of time working at becoming digital citizens. This will look at how we use technology in a safe manner as a tool to help us learn and grow.
Classroom Expectations
In our class:
What Happens When Rules Are Broken?
When classroom disruptions occur and choices are made that go against our classroom expectations, a variety of consequences may occur, depending on the nature of the problem. This may include conversations at my desk, time to talk out problems and conflicts with other students, and encouraging ways to problem solve and apologize if necessary. If disruptions continually occur, the students may be placed on a behaviour contract that they make in collaboration with me to determine the consequences they should face. If behaviour issues continue to arise after this, parents will be contacted to discuss alternate plans to ensure that all students are achieving success in a safe and caring environment.
Assessment
We will be using Freshgrade (an online portfolio) to include samples of your child’s work. Throughout the year there will be Freshgrade showcases (November and March) that will allow your child to show you all of the exciting work he or she has done in the classroom. At the end of the year your child will receive a final report card outlining their achievements as they relate to the curriculum outcomes.
Curriculum Outcomes
We will be using “I CAN” statements when learning material in class. “I CAN” statements are the curriculum outcomes in student friendly language. The students will develop these in collaboration with myself so the learning target is fully understood. These statements will reflect why we are learning this material as a life skill. For more information about the grade three curriculum and related resources, please visit the Alberta Education Parent Page at:
Communication from the classroom
We are a team in helping your child grow. I will contact you if there are any behaviour or academic concerns that need to be addressed. I will also contact you to celebrate your child’s success! I will use the text message based program, Remind, to communicate home for any upcoming events, any problems that I am seeing, or just for some general information. If you are not signed up for it yet, please contact me, and I will send you the link/directions. You can also always contact the school at 403-782-3096, ext. 5310. I will also have a website where you can find monthly calendars and all the educational websites that the students use in class! Here is my website link: http://wendysmithejsm.weebly.com/. Our class Twitter account can be found @MsSmithGr3JS where news from our day will be posted. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact me through any of the ways listed above, or by phone or e-mail!
Communication from the school
Each month the school will send out an e-newsletter. Please subscribe by going to the EJSM website! The school website also includes information and student friendly sites. Check out our school twitter feed (@EJSMSchool) for pictures and information about the fun things that are happening in our school.
Education Team
There are many caring adults that will be working with your child:
Mrs. Rachel Maris - Educational Assistant
Mrs. Melissa Rogers – Physical Education Tuesday 10:15 and Thursday 9:15
Mrs. Karen Gustafson – Music Monday 12:15
Supporting your Child’s Learning
I believe that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. We want to work with you to ensure your child has a successful year. Your support in the following areas will be greatly appreciated:
1. Home Reading
The best way to become a better reader, writer and speller is reading. In addition to silent reading, reading aloud and novel studies in school, we encourage each child to read 15 – 20 minutes per day. A home reading program will be started in October.
2. Homework
Homework will only consist of work that your child did not finish during the school day. Research has shown that assigning homework does not improve student achievement. At home, I encourage you to read with your child, play together, enjoy each other’s company, and get adequate amounts of rest! At the end of each week, I have a time called Ketchup and Pickles, where any work that isn't finished will be sent home.
Extra Information
Water Bottles
Students are welcome to bring a water bottle to set on their desk. They will be sent home on Fridays so they can be washed.
Healthy Snacks
Students will have two snack times, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Please keep in mind that healthy snacks like cheese strings, fruit, yogurt tubes and granola bars are quick, easy and nutritious.
Clothing/Shoes
Please ensure that your child has a pair of indoor and outdoor shoes. Our janitors work very hard to keep our school clean and by changing our footwear before and after recess, we do our part to help them out. As cold/wet weather approaches, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for recess and has a change of clothes available if necessary
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me through email, phone, or by dropping in. Please feel welcome to come in the class at any time to learn, laugh and have fun! I look forward to meeting you and working with your child! This is going to be a great year! ☺
Wendy Smith
[email protected]
@MsSmithGr23S
(403) 782-3096 Ext. 5310
Remind Code:
Another exciting school year is beginning! I am thrilled to be teaching your child this year. Grade 3 is a great year full of interesting learning opportunities, collaboration, play, and hands-on learning.
I am teaching grade three at JS McCormick for my first year! I previously taught grade one and grade two also at JS. I received my education degree from the University of Calgary but grew up around central Alberta, so I’m very happy to be back around the area. I love to keep very active and, even in the winter, I enjoy being outdoors.
Our classroom community strives to create a safe environment where students feel safe, secure, welcomed, cared for and successful. Every student has a gift and I am committed to guiding your child to discover their individual gifts as well as helping them achieve success academically, socially, and emotionally.
In our classroom community students will feel they belong and have a sense of place and value. We celebrate our differences and ensure we value and appreciate everyone in our classroom. We will be using bucket fillers in our classroom as positive reinforcements to celebrate our friends and everyone’s special talents.
Student Learning
When you enter the classroom you will see laughter, learning and lots of fun. My teaching style is a combination of direct instruction, followed by play-based learning and hands-on discovery. I enjoy integrating technology into our work and strive to create responsible and efficient digital citizens. I encourage students to work collaboratively to problem-solve and come up with a variety of solutions to a question. Our classroom promotes taking risks. We celebrate risk taking and students are encouraged to be okay with making mistakes.
Building Relationships
Building relationships is essential in our grade 3 classroom. I will be working on building a relationship with your child so your child feels cared for. Friendships are important in students’ lives. Not only will we be working on maintaining and building stronger friendships with friends your child already has, but will be encouraging your child to work with other students in class and create new friendships. We talk about how our classroom community is like a family and we all care for each other. Every morning we start our day with our Morning Meeting, which allows us to work on these skills and share information with the rest of the class. Our goal is to cooperate and work together to create a positive place where everyone feels like they belong. We will work on social skills such as communication, dealing with conflict, etc. on a daily basis. We will also spend a good deal of time working at becoming digital citizens. This will look at how we use technology in a safe manner as a tool to help us learn and grow.
Classroom Expectations
In our class:
- We treat others the way we would like to be treated.
- We are respectful of others, their space, and their property.
- We listen to the speaker (teacher or other students).
- We help each other, we are a community, not a group of individuals.
- We strive to build a sense of family within our walls and will be using lots of positive reinforcement to encourage responsible and respectful behaviour.
What Happens When Rules Are Broken?
When classroom disruptions occur and choices are made that go against our classroom expectations, a variety of consequences may occur, depending on the nature of the problem. This may include conversations at my desk, time to talk out problems and conflicts with other students, and encouraging ways to problem solve and apologize if necessary. If disruptions continually occur, the students may be placed on a behaviour contract that they make in collaboration with me to determine the consequences they should face. If behaviour issues continue to arise after this, parents will be contacted to discuss alternate plans to ensure that all students are achieving success in a safe and caring environment.
Assessment
We will be using Freshgrade (an online portfolio) to include samples of your child’s work. Throughout the year there will be Freshgrade showcases (November and March) that will allow your child to show you all of the exciting work he or she has done in the classroom. At the end of the year your child will receive a final report card outlining their achievements as they relate to the curriculum outcomes.
Curriculum Outcomes
We will be using “I CAN” statements when learning material in class. “I CAN” statements are the curriculum outcomes in student friendly language. The students will develop these in collaboration with myself so the learning target is fully understood. These statements will reflect why we are learning this material as a life skill. For more information about the grade three curriculum and related resources, please visit the Alberta Education Parent Page at:
Communication from the classroom
We are a team in helping your child grow. I will contact you if there are any behaviour or academic concerns that need to be addressed. I will also contact you to celebrate your child’s success! I will use the text message based program, Remind, to communicate home for any upcoming events, any problems that I am seeing, or just for some general information. If you are not signed up for it yet, please contact me, and I will send you the link/directions. You can also always contact the school at 403-782-3096, ext. 5310. I will also have a website where you can find monthly calendars and all the educational websites that the students use in class! Here is my website link: http://wendysmithejsm.weebly.com/. Our class Twitter account can be found @MsSmithGr3JS where news from our day will be posted. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact me through any of the ways listed above, or by phone or e-mail!
Communication from the school
Each month the school will send out an e-newsletter. Please subscribe by going to the EJSM website! The school website also includes information and student friendly sites. Check out our school twitter feed (@EJSMSchool) for pictures and information about the fun things that are happening in our school.
Education Team
There are many caring adults that will be working with your child:
Mrs. Rachel Maris - Educational Assistant
Mrs. Melissa Rogers – Physical Education Tuesday 10:15 and Thursday 9:15
Mrs. Karen Gustafson – Music Monday 12:15
Supporting your Child’s Learning
I believe that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. We want to work with you to ensure your child has a successful year. Your support in the following areas will be greatly appreciated:
1. Home Reading
The best way to become a better reader, writer and speller is reading. In addition to silent reading, reading aloud and novel studies in school, we encourage each child to read 15 – 20 minutes per day. A home reading program will be started in October.
2. Homework
Homework will only consist of work that your child did not finish during the school day. Research has shown that assigning homework does not improve student achievement. At home, I encourage you to read with your child, play together, enjoy each other’s company, and get adequate amounts of rest! At the end of each week, I have a time called Ketchup and Pickles, where any work that isn't finished will be sent home.
Extra Information
Water Bottles
Students are welcome to bring a water bottle to set on their desk. They will be sent home on Fridays so they can be washed.
Healthy Snacks
Students will have two snack times, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Please keep in mind that healthy snacks like cheese strings, fruit, yogurt tubes and granola bars are quick, easy and nutritious.
Clothing/Shoes
Please ensure that your child has a pair of indoor and outdoor shoes. Our janitors work very hard to keep our school clean and by changing our footwear before and after recess, we do our part to help them out. As cold/wet weather approaches, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for recess and has a change of clothes available if necessary
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me through email, phone, or by dropping in. Please feel welcome to come in the class at any time to learn, laugh and have fun! I look forward to meeting you and working with your child! This is going to be a great year! ☺
Wendy Smith
[email protected]
@MsSmithGr23S
(403) 782-3096 Ext. 5310
Remind Code: