Grade 3M

Handbook

Riverstone Public School

2019 - 2020
Mrs. Mahoney
Dear 3M Families,

I hope that you had a fantastic summer and that you are as excited as I am about a new school
year! I am so happy to have your child in my class and I hope that they will find grade 3 fun and
exciting! I am here to help both students and parents in all areas of child growth and development.
Together we can make this an amazing year!

Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions. I look forward to providing
the best education possible and building a lasting relationship with your family. All of my contact
information is included later on in this booklet.

Also in this booklet, you will find some important information about what to expect this year.
Please review and discuss this booklet with your child. Please fill out and return the various forms
which have been sent home, if you have not already done so.

Please be sure to update any electronic forms on the PowerSchool link below:

https://powerschool.gppsd.ca/public

They are extremely important for both the office and I in order to ensure we current contact
information, in case we need to get a hold of you. If you are unsure of your PowerSchool
Parent Portal account User Name, Click "Forgot Username or Password" to retrieve your login
information. If that does not work, please contact the school office at 780-532-1321 and we can
reset your password and assist you with logging in. Please DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT.

Once you are logged in, click on the "School Engage" icon in the left menu at the bottom left.

• Click on "Students” in the left menu

• Click on your student’s name
• On the right you will see a list of forms. Please select “2019-2020 Registration Update Form”
• Complete and Submit

Links and forms work best if completed on a computer or laptop. Mobile devices may not display
correctly.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to fill them out!
I look forward to a wonderful year with you!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Tracey Mahoney

 Our Learning at a Glance
Language Arts Mathematics
• Reading • Data & Graphing
• Read to Self • Number Patterns
• Reading Buddies • Skip Counting
• Reading Groups • Representing Numbers and Place
• Read Alouds Value to 1000
• Monthly Home Reading • 2 Digit and 3 Digit Addition and
Challenges Subtraction Strategies
• Writing • Introduction to Basic Multiplication
• Creative Writing and Division
• Seasonal Writing • Introduction to Basic Fractions
• Narrative Story Writing • Time Equivalency
• Word Work • Mass (Grams & Kilograms)
• Spelling Skills • Linear Measurement (Centimeters
• Grammar Development & Meters)
• Cursive Handwriting • 2D Shapes & 3D Objects

Social Studies Science

• Mapping Skills & Knowledge • Rocks & Minerals
• Communities Around the • Hearing & Sound
World • Building with a Variety of Materials
• Peru • Testing Materials and Designs
• India • Animal Life Cycles
• Ukraine
• Tunisia
• Global Citizenship
 The 7 Habits of Happy Kids – 3M Student
Expectations
We will be learning about these 7 Habits early into the school year.
We will then be putting them into practice in many ways all year long.
These are foundational skills for children to feel confident and successful at
school!

Habit 1 — Be Proactive
You're in Charge
I am a responsible person. I take initiative.
I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods.
I do not blame others for my choices.
I do the right thing without being asked, even
when no one is looking.

Habit 2 — Begin with the End in Mind

Have a Plan
I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that
have meaning and make a difference.
I am an important part of my classroom and
contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I
look for ways to be a good citizen.

Habit 3 — Put First Things First

Work First, Then Play
I spend my time on things that are most
important. This means I say no to things I know I
should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule,
and follow my plan.
I am focused and organized.
 Habit 4 — Think Win-Win
Everyone Can Win
I balance courage for getting what I want with
consideration for what others want.
I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank
Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third
alternatives.

Habit 5 — Seek First to Understand,

Then to Be Understood
Listen Before You Talk
I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings.
I try to see things from their viewpoints.
I listen to others without interrupting.
I am confident in voicing my ideas.
I look people in the eyes when talking.

Habit 6 — Synergize
Together Is Better
I value other people’s strengths and learn from
them. I get along well with others, even people
who are different than me.
I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s
ideas to solve problems because I know that by
teaming with others we can create better
solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am
humble.
 Habit 7 — Sharpen The Saw
Balance Feels Best
I take care of my body by eating right,
exercising and getting enough sleep.
I spend time with family and friends.
I learn in lots of ways and lots of places.
I find meaningful ways to help others.

Growth Mindset
We will be spending time learning about our mindset and how to ensure we
are supporting positivity and growth with our thoughts and words.
 Important Classroom & School
Information

Bell Schedule
Doors Open 8:10 am
Block One 8:20 - 8:50
Block Two 8:50 - 9:20
Block Three 9:22 - 9:52
Block Four 9:52 - 10:22
Snack & Movement Break
Block Five 10:24 - 10:54
Block Six 10:54 - 11:24 (3M Gym)
Recess 11:24 - 11:54
Lunch 11:54 - 12:24
Block Seven 12:26 - 12:55
Block Eight 12:55 - 1:24
Block Nine 1:26 - 1:55
Recess 1:55 - 2:10
Block Ten 2:12 - 2:41
Block Eleven 2:41 - 3:10
Dismissal 3:10 pm
Student Rights and Responsibilities
You have the right to a safe place to learn.
You have the responsibility to follow the school rules.

You have the right to have your own ideas and opinions.
You have the responsibility to respect the ideas and opinions of others.

You have the right to use school books, equipment, and materials.
You have the responsibility to take care of all school books, equipment, and materials.

You have the right to be treated fairly.

You have the responsibility to treat others fairly.

You have the right to a good education.

You have the responsibility to do your best.

Classroom Expectations and Discipline Plan

During the first few weeks of school, we will be focusing on establishing
a safe and successful routine. I will strive to provide your child with a positive classroom
environment where he/she will be encouraged to listen, share and help others. For this
environment to be successful all students must be safe, respectful and responsible.

Classroom expectations are set up so that your child can be part of the best learning
environment possible. We discussed these expectations together during the first few days
of school. Please review them again with your child

Keys For Success and A Caring Classroom

1) Be Responsible
2) Be Honest
3) Be Considerate of Others and use your manners
4) Be on Time and Ready to Learn
5) Always Try Your BEST (“Don’t be stressed and try your best”)

Expectations for a Caring Classroom

1. Raise your hand and one person speaks at a time.

2. Be kind and respect each another.

3. Listen to the teacher.

4. Help one another.

5. Treat other people how you want to be treated.

Math Bucks – 3M individual reward
Students have the opportunity to earn 3M Math Bucks for demonstrating desired
expectations and/or behaviours. The Math Bucks may be cashed in every second Friday
morning, for a variety of rewards such as: inside recess, board games, show & tell, bringing
a stuffy to school, having lunch with a friend etc. Students may also have to pay the
teacher Math Bucks for undesired behaviours.

Encouragement Procedures
☺ Positive Verbal feedback ☺ Whole class rewards
☺ Math Bucks ☺ Class free time
☺ High Fives ☺ Parental contacts
☺ Written Feedback (in agendas, notes) ☺ School awards

Marble Jar – 3M whole class reward

I will reward students with marbles, when whole class desired behaviours are followed.
Students have the opportunity to earn a movie & popcorn party when the marble jar is
filled per term.

Teacher Responsibilities
❖ Reminders of classroom and school expectations
❖ Continual praise for responsible behavior
❖ Consistent consequences – deal with any discipline issues as they arise
❖ Share time amongst all students to help support their learning needs
❖ Inform parents of expectations, assignments etc.
❖ Discuss more serious discipline issues with parents in a timely manner

Agenda Book
Your child will bring an agenda book to and from school every day. This will be
used for communication and organization between school and home. In the
front pages of the agenda, you will find a school calendar and important
procedures and policies. Please read these pages carefully and let me know
if you have any further questions. Please also read and initial your child’s
agenda every day and check for items that are being sent home, or may
need to be read/signed and returned. There is a $5.00 student fee. Payment
can be made at the office or sent in with your child in their agenda. Thank
you to those parents who have already sent in the payment!
Home Support
Home support will include basic enrichment activities such as home reading,
concept reinforcement and practice, as well as a few fun take-home
projects throughout the year. I cannot emphasize enough the importance
of daily reading. The more children read, the better readers they will
become! I expect students to spend at least 20 minutes, 4 times per week
at home reading, and more than this is even better! This can be independent
reading or reading to you. Each night your child is able to read, please record
the number of minutes and initial it in your child’s home reading calendar
(green book) that will be located in the clear pocket in the front of their
agenda book. We will use the home reading calendar book to total minutes
for our monthly home reading challenges. Your support is appreciated!

Library
We will have weekly access to our big, beautiful school
library! We will be exchanging books and our library books will
be due on TUESDAYS. Please ensure library books are
treated with care when they are taken home so they can be
enjoyed by all students for years to come.

Late Slips & Absences

If your child arrives later than 8:20 am, they are asked to please use the
front doors at the main entrance, and sign in at the office to receive a late
slip. Please be mindful that regular and timely attendance is a major
contributor to student success. If your child will be absent, please email the
office – riverstone@gppsd.ab.ca or call the office – 780-532-1321. Thank you!

Dismissal Plan Changes

Please email me, write a note in your child’s agenda, or call the school office
if their dismissal plan changes or they need to leave early for an
appointment.

Lunch, Canteen, and Water Bottles

Please send your child to school with healthy snacks and lunches. We do have
a school-based canteen service. A sample menu has been sent home, they
are the same as last year. Please let me know if you require more menus
to be sent home. I also have a link to the canteen form on the website. If
you will be ordering canteen for your child, please ensure the form and
payment are completed and in a plastic baggie before your child arrives at
school. Grades K-4 students do not have access to microwaves. Water
bottles are welcome and encouraged in our classroom!

Star Student Week

Our class will be acknowledging a Star Student each week! Your child
received an ‘All About Me’ Poster to complete and return to school by
Monday, September 16. I will hold onto the poster until it is your child’s turn.
It will then be displayed for the week that they are being recognized. This is
a special way to get to know each and every friend in our class and to let
everyone have a full week to be recognized and celebrated!

Scholastic Book Orders

There will be book orders from Scholastic sent home monthly. These are a
great way to add to your collection at home or order as gifts for your
children. Every order contributes to our classroom library as well! Payment
can be made by credit card online, cheque, or exact cash. Thank you in
advance for supporting your child's reading development and our classroom
library!

Toys
Please do not allow your child to bring toys to school. Toys can create a
number of ongoing challenges including distractions in the classroom and
conflict between students arising from lost, stolen, or broken toys. Please
note that toys such as stuffed animals may be permitted under special
circumstances such as a reward or a class party. Thank you in advance for
your support!
Recess
Thanks to the outstanding efforts of our playground society and school
community, we have an incredible playground! As we get settled into this
school year, we will be reviewing playground expectations to keep our
students safe. Please ensure your child dresses appropriately for the
weather as the seasons change. All students will be going outside for recess
twice a day, with the exception of heavy rain or extreme cold (-25°C or
colder).

School Calendar – There is a school calendar at the front of your child’s

agenda. There are certain full day Fridays when students have NO SCHOOL,
which will provide time for our PLC (Professional Learning Community)
Meetings and School Improvement Plans. The dates for these days are listed
in the yearly calendar at front of student agendas. Please ensure your child
is aware of any changes to child care arrangements before they go to school
each day, whether they are being picked up with a meeting spot, walking or
going by bus. A note in the agenda on these days helps us avoid confusion and
makes sure they get home safely.

Tests/Assessment
Throughout the year your child will be writing different forms of
assessments. I will keep a portfolio of work samples and assessments, which
I will share with you at parent teacher interviews. If there is a skill that I
think your child needs extra practice with, I will send home a note with
additional practice work. Students benefit so much, with extra help at home,
with any concepts they may find challenging. Thank you for your support!

Volunteers
There are opportunities throughout the year for parent volunteers – field
trips, class parties (to send in snacks, treats, and drinks) etc. As these times
approach I will send home specific dates and information.
 Birthday Treats
I absolutely love birthdays and enjoy making children feel
recognized on their special day! All I ask is if you would like
to send celebration snacks for your child’s birthday please
send only precut or individually packaged treats. Please also
include an ingredient list (in case of allergies). Thanks in
advance! Let me know if you are sending in treats in
advance, so I can have a special treat available for one of
my students who has a gluten allergy.

Allergies
Within our school, hallway, and classroom, many students have serious
allergies. To be safe, please ensure your child’s lunch does not contain any
nut products. There are many tasty nut-free food options for snacks and
lunches. Thank you in advance for being cautious and helping us keep all of
our students healthy and safe!

Medication
Teachers are not permitted to administer medication to students.
Medication in its original container must be administered through the office
and a medical form must be completed and signed by parents. Epipens or
other medical items that need to be in proximity of the student may be
kept in the classroom with a record of the medical form kept in the office.

Class Parties
Throughout the school year our class will celebrate several special events and
holidays. Rather than have all students bring treats to each class party, I
find it much more appropriate to split the class up and assign each student
one party to bring some “goodies” to share with the rest of the class. It is
great to consider treats such as cookies, cupcakes, as well as healthier
snacks such as veggies & dip, crackers & cheese, and fruit etc. Please find a
list of names at the bottom of the next page for each party. If the party
listed for your child will not work out for you, please let me know. Thank you
in advance for your support and cooperation! Reminder: our school is peanut
sensitive, so please refrain from sending foods peanut products as some
students have severe peanut allergies.
I hope this booklet provides you with useful information. Please contact me
if you have any questions, or need more information on a particular matter.
I look forward to working with you to ensure your child has a positive and
successful year in Grade Three!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Tracey Mahoney

3M
Class Party
Treat List
When it is your turn, I will send
home a note with specific dates
prior to the class party!

Halloween Christmas
Ashlyn Dominic
Elleigh Duke
Portia Kaylee
Addison. Audrey
Blake Madhav

Valentine’s Day Easter

Liam Aleysia.
Luke Aaliyah
Morgan Oliver
Max Alexa
Ava Zander

End of Year
Ryder
Devan
Brooklyn
Lucas
 The Parent – Teacher Connection
I believe that it is very important to keep open lines of communication.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Please check our classroom website regularly for important upcoming

dates, classroom updates, blog posts, pictures, and helpful educational links
and resources for both you and your child. As the year goes on, I will
update our website with adventures in Grade 3!

Class Website:
mrsmahoney3m.weebly.com
You can contact me during the day at school:

By E-mail: tracey.mahoney@gppsd.ab.ca
- The quickest way to get a reply.
By Note/Agenda: Send notes to school in your child’s agenda book.
- I will do my best to reply that day.
By Phone: 780-532-1321 (Riverstone Public School’s Office Phone Line)
- Please leave a message and I will return it at the end of the day.

You can email me in the evening or on weekends at home:

By E-mail: tracey.mahoney@gppsd.ab.ca
*I will do my best to reply during evenings and
weekends if possible. Please be mindful that it may
take me longer to reply during these times depending
on my personal schedule. Thank you!

I look forward to hearing from

you!