Mrs.

Villanueva
3rd Grade
Welcome to 3rd grade! This evening we will be talking about the homework, curriculum,
discipline, and a few other items. Thank you for joining us!
Homework
Read 20 minutes a just right book (i.e. not too easy, not too hard) and complete log.
Math facts
Spelling practice
Math / ELA review
Please review homework for completeness, neatness, and correctness. By checking their
homework, you play a big part in helping your child become a successful learner. If your child
does not complete or bring their homework to school, he or she will stay in at recess to work on
it.
Language Arts The adopted curriculum is the Houghton-Mifflin reading and language arts
program which is aligned with the state standards. In addition, we will be using the Accelerated
Reader (A.R.) program that is very individualized, directing students to books appropriate to
their level and assisting them in further developing their reading skills. Also, all students will
meet in small groups for 30 minutes of ELA Plus time each day to receive reading instruction
targeted at their level. Furthermore, students mastering English as a second language will
deploy for ELD for 30 minutes a day while the remaining students will receive enrichment. The
table below lists fluency norms for third graders. The goal is to read 114 words correct per
minute on grade level text by the end of the year.

Oral Fluency Norms in Words Correct Per Minute (WCPM) for 3rd Grade

Grade Percentile
3
50th

Theme 1
79

Theme 2
86

Theme 3
93

Theme 4
105

Theme 5
110

Theme 6
114

Reading Rocks is a school wide incentive program to encourage children to read. They can
earn a free book about every 6-8 weeks by carefully choosing books to read for their
nightly homework. Goals are set by the teacher and student depending on student needs.

Math Currently, the district is piloting a new math curriculum and hoping to adopt new
materials this spring. Rigorous Curriculum Design units have been designed by teachers in the
district to help students achieve the Common Core Standards. In addition, to assist students in
learning their basic math facts with both speed and accuracy, they will be using Reflex Math.
Reflex Math will be done in class, but because it is web-based students may also do it at home
and over the weekend. Third graders are expected to master their multiplication facts to 10.
Science The adopted curriculum is the by Macmillan McGraw-Hill. It includes the following
topics: Adaptations in Land Environments; Adaptations in Water Environments; Environments
Change; Our Earth, Sun, and Moon; Our Solar System; Matter; Energy; and Light.
Social Studies The adopted curriculum is by Macmillan McGraw-Hill. Passages from their
social studies curriculum are integrated with their weekly fluency practice. In class, we read
the passage whole group and go over the concepts and vocabulary prior to the students reading
the passage with partners during the week. This will help them to be more successful and at
the same time give them a stronger foundation in social studies. There are five Big Ideas that
we will study:
1. How does geography affect communities?
2. How has life changed for people over time?
3. Why do communities change over time?
4. How do people in a community meet their needs?
5. Why do communities need governments?
Chromebooks We have the privilege of using one-to-one Chromebooks. Students are expected
to follow all procedures, rules, and expectations as described in the Network Acceptable Use
Contract. Failure to meet these standards will result in loss of use of the Chromebooks. The
Chromebooks are used for instructional purposes, practice of various academic concepts and
standards, and quiz taking.
Physical Education Emphasis will be placed on cardiovascular health by engaging mostly in
activities that encourage aerobic exercise. Appropriate athletic shoes will help your child in
running and other exercise activities. It is also a good idea to send your child with a water
bottle. Please send clear water bottles with water only (no ice).
Discipline
When students make good choices, they move up on the Behavior Chart. Alternatively, when
they do not make good choices, they move down. As students move up, they are allowed greater
privileges. In addition, students often line-up by color, so that those who are on purple are

dismissed first, and so on with those who are on red being dismissed last. Serious offenses
between students and breaking of major school wide rules may result in immediate referral to
the office.
Bathroom / Drinks
Students are expected to use the bathroom before school, at recess, and during lunch unless it
is an emergency. If a student has a medical concern, a doctors note needs to be on file in the
office, and he or she will be allowed to go as needed during class. Students may keep water
bottles at their desk provided it has a tight fitting lid to prevent spills. If however, the water
bottle becomes a distraction, the water bottle will be removed from the student. Water
bottles must be clear plastic and filled only with water.
Birthdays and/or Parties
Birthday snacks are permitted the last 5 minutes of the day. However, advance notice of at
least one full school day before the party is required to make sure the class is available for
the celebration. Individual snacks such as cupcakes or cookies are preferred instead of a cake
that needs to be cut. Healthy snacks such as fruit is also a great choice. Individually packaged
juices or milk are preferred instead of jugs that require pouring because it is faster and less
messy. Any treats must be store-bought. This is the districts policy. Remember, we only
have 5 minutes. Another option includes passing out items such as pencils.
NO PEANUTBUTTER is allowed due to the possibility of severe allergic reaction.
Communication
Phone calls, emails, and notes may be used. I can sometimes be reached by phone before or
after school at 385-6627. Please allow a day or two for me to get back to you. My preferred
method of communication is email. My e-mail address is jmvillanueva@mcsd.k12.ca.us.
Sincerely,

Mrs. Villanueva