Mrs. Zondervan's 3rd Grade News

Welcome to a new school year at Dorr Elementary! I'm looking forward to meeting everyone at our open house on Monday, August 19 anytime between 6:00-7:00. Our classroom is room 208.

Reminder: The first day of school is on Wednesday, August 21 and it is a 1/2 day.

*Please read this newsletter in full as it contains important information.* Thank-you!

There are only a few things your child needs for third grade (all other materials are provided by the district).

• Clean gym shoes (to be kept at school all year)
• Water bottle (preferably one that doesn't sweat on the outside and doesn't leak)
• Backpack
• Appropriate outside clothing depending on the weather
• A healthy, filling snack each day (please do not send candy)
• Headphones for iPad, if desired. I do have headphones for students to use in class as well.

NOTE: Occasionally, I may have a supply of extra snacks on hand for those who forget to pack one, but this is not a regular occurrence.

• pencils with erasers
• scissors
• crayons/colored pencils/markers
• good fit books to read

*If you need help with any of these supplies, I'm happy to send some home with your child as needed. Please just let me know.*

In 3rd grade, student iPads stay at school. They will not be needed at home.

Sharing photos and updates of what we are doing in class is easier and faster on Facebook. I still plan to send out newsletters about once a month, but Facebook is a good way to see fun things we are up to. If you don't use Facebook, that's totally fine. Really important information will be emailed home through Infinite Campus or it will be in the newsletter. Click the link below to join our page:

https://www.facebook.com/share/ERCGsQYsVo7FZt9C/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Attendance is taken each day fairly shortly after the morning bell rings at 8:45. If your child's bus is late, he/she will NOT be marked tardy.

PLEASE let me know in advance if you know your child will be gone- especially if it's for more than one day in a row. This helps tremendously when trying to help plan for make-up or alternative work. Thank-you!

As far as I'm aware, we do not currently have any food allergies in our classroom. If this is not accurate, please let me know as soon as possible. Birthday treats are optional, but welcomed if you would like to send one in (or near) on your child's birthday. If your child's birthday is in the summer, you can choose to skip a birthday treat at school or send one in when you would like.

The best way to reach me is email. My email is zondervank@waylandunion.org. You may also call, but it's more than possible you will have to leave a message and wait for return phone call (616-681-9637 ext.3178). I'm more than happy to talk in person if that need should arise as well.

There will be electronic newsletter links (or emails) sent home to keep families up-to-date. I know you may receive a lot of messages from the school, especially if you have multiple kids in the district, but I highly recommend reading them so you don't miss something important in regards to upcoming events, homework, spelling, tests, pictures of our class doing cool things, etc.

*Occasionally, paper notes are sent home as well.*

This is the first year that students earn letter grades. Up until now, report cards have consisted of a rating scale of 1, 2 or 3. In 3rd grade, students receive a letter grade for each subject area (math, reading, writing, social studies, science, and spelling- including the specials classes of gym, art, music and media).

Due to time constraints, we alternate Science/Social Studies units. If you do not see a Science or Social Studies grade, that is because we are likely working on the other subject area during that specific time frame.

There is a section on the 3rd grade report card called "Work Habits and Social Skills" in which students will earn a 1, 2 or a 3 rather than a letter grade. These categories include behavior, listening skills, homework responsibilities and work ethic.

The first trimester is a lot of "guided" work. The transition from second to third grade can feel overwhelming for some. Therefore, beginning grades will reflect a lot of work that we have done together in class as review for earned credit. Gradual release of independence will be given as confidence grows, routines are set and new material is taught with support.

Each student will receive a binder. Students need to bring this binder back and forth to school each day. Please help your child empty the binder regularly so it doesn't get too full and so that you can see the work/grades being brought home. There may be important notes here and there that parents need to see as well.

If your child is going home a different way than their normal schedule, PLEASE send a note with your child (only if you know they will remember to give it to me), send me an email, or call the office (by 3:00 p.m.). If your child says they are going home another way but we do not get parent communication about it, he/she will be sent home according to his/her normal schedule.

Our class will be creating a social contract during based on ideas that we mutually agree are important to follow in school. These agreements will become our classroom rules and will cover the basics of "Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful."

3rd grade is much more "academic" than 2nd grade. I expect students to always TRY new things, but I never expect students to be perfect. Best effort, listening ears and good work ethic are very important in my class. But we have lots of fun, too! Our motto is "work hard, play hard!"

Swearing, stealing, bullying and disrespect to peers or adults will NOT be tolerated at Dorr Elementary.

If you're interested in donating items to our classroom, here is a wish list of a few things that would be appreciated! :-)

PS- we are pretty set on tissues for a while. :-)

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/19IPNS7X9RAKS?ref_=wl_share

The Wild Robot is a movie coming out on September 27. It is a book series I always read to my class and kids fall in love with the storyline! I plan to read the book during snack time. If it works for you to avoid having your child see the movie, I thought it would be fun for us to plan a class meet up at the movies when we finish the book! This is not required, of course. Just for fun!

This is my 15th year teaching 3rd grade for Wayland Union Schools! I've also taught Young Fives, 2nd grade and 5th grade, but 3rd grade is my absolute favorite! I graduated from Wayland Union Schools so it's neat being back as an alumna to work in the district.

I have two kids- my son's name is Graysen and he's going into 7th grade this year. He loves soccer, biking and video games. My daughter's name is Kinsley and she is in our 3rd grade class this year! Her hobbies include dancing and doing crafts. We also have one kitty named Willow (her nickname is "Willow Pie")

Some things that I enjoy doing include reading (my favorite genre is mystery), cooking, spending time with family and friends and traveling (when I can!). My husband, Mr. Zondervan, enjoys fishing, golfing and also spending time with family and friends.