Welcome!

Yesterday, we launched the beginning of an exciting third grade year!  We were thrilled to greet smiling third graders who were anxious and ready to learn.  Thank you so much for sending your children so well prepared for the day!

We're spending the bulk of this week getting to know one another and developing our classroom expectations, agreements and routines. Just a reminder, Mrs. Christiano is the lead 3rd grade teacher in the morning, Mrs. Christy in the afternoon. Yesterday, we introduced students to the major theme of CC-3, which is KINDNESS.  Throughout every day we are all striving to be kind, caring and thoughtful toward ourselves, our classmates and the world.  We read the book Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson to get us started.  Please ask your child to tell you about the book.

Here are a few more tidbits for the week!

• Yesterday every child brought home his/her burgundy colored "Friday Folder".  In the folder were important start of the year forms for families to fill out.  If you can get them back to us by Friday that would be terrific!  All the forms are important, but one in particular is the "Acceptable Use Form" in regard to using computers and technology while here at school.  Our technology classes will begin next Thursday.

• Today, your child is bringing home a GREEN blog permission form.  This will let us know your preferences when it comes to posting images, student work, etc. on this blog.  Please return it as soon as possible.

• Open toed shoes are worrisome on the playground, PE and actually even in our classroom.  We encourage you to have your child wear closed toed shoes for school days.  As much as we all hate to give up our flipflops, they are a real danger at school.

• Our homework philosophy, expectations and first homework assignment will go home with students tomorrow, Wednesday, August 30th.  Here is the link to our CC-3 Homework Philosophy if you'd like a sneak peek.

• Here is another link to our CC-3 Schedule.  As you can see each day and week are very busy.  If you can avoid appointments, etc. during the school day that would be appreciated.  Also, late arrivals or early dismissals are challenging for both students and teachers.  Every minute we have with your kids is precious and important!

• If you require a paper copy of this blog please let us know, otherwise we will assume you will follow us and know what is happening in CC-3 via electronics.

Thanks again for all your support and help.  We're off to a great start!
Sincerely,
Christine & Kathy

Welcome back!

August 16, 2017

Dear Third Graders and Families,

We hope you’re all enjoying these last few days of Vermont summer!  We also hope  this letter will provide you with any information you may need as you prepare for the first day of school on Monday, August 28, 2017.

First and foremost, we are thrilled to be your third grade teachers!  We have both been at EMES for many years and have taught 3rd grade during many of them.  We feel extremely fortunate to be part of the EMES community.  We know firsthand that third graders are some of the most wonderful people on the planet!  Their desire to learn, explore their world and contribute to their community make them a very exciting age group to teach.  

The responsibilities of our third grade classroom will be shared between us this year, just like in 2016.  Students will be greeted by Mrs. Christiano each morning, she will be their primary teacher until lunch.  Academics during this time will include: Morning Meeting, Math, Science/Social Studies, and Reteach.  Mrs. Christy will be the primary teacher each afternoon. Afternoon academics will include:  Reading, Writing, Spelling, and some Science/Social Studies integration.  

It is important for you to know that we also fill other roles at EMES.  Mrs. Christiano’s afternoons are spent as our Tier II Interventionist.  She works with K-6 students in Tier II supports. Mrs. Christy is our EMES Professional Development Coach in the morning, working with teachers and students in grades K-6.

We are excited to be your child’s third grade team, as we have worked together frequently in the past and look forward to another successful year in CC-3.  In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.  We ask that you include both of us in any correspondence so that we are an effective communication team.  We keep a pretty active classroom blog going throughout the year.  Please subscribe to our blog address at your earliest convenience.  http://christiano-christy-3.blogspot.com/.  Here you will find helpful information about your child’s day, such as our Sharing Calendar and Specials Schedule.

First Day of School Needs and Tidbits

• We will have a morning snack each day.  Please send a healthy snack and water bottle with your child.
• Our Special on Monday, August 28th, is PE.  Coming prepared for that class will be very important.
• If you participated in the EMES library book bag program, please bring your bag and books back on the first day.
• Dismissal plans on the first day and week of school can always be a bit tricky, so if you could send us in a note of that first week’s dismissal plan that would be a great help.  You can email us these plans as well.  kchristy@u32.org and cchristiano@u32.org.
• Students will not need any school supplies beyond a sturdy backpack and lunchbox.  Students are welcome to bring in their own supplies if they wish, however we will have everything they will need.  Please do not send in any binders.  
• We expect all students will leave any electronic devices and toys at home.  There will be many opportunities for students to share treasures throughout the year.
• We request that students always have closed toed shoes that they can access during each school day. We want students to be safe and prepared for any activity.
• We love classroom volunteers.  Please let us know if you’re interested in donating some of your time.  Don’t forget to fill out necessary EMES paperwork for volunteering and chaperoning.  It will be sent home from the office during the first week.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!  We look forward to seeing our new third graders on Monday, August 28th!

Sincerely,

Christine & Kathy

Christine Christiano Kathy Christy

cchristiano@u32.org kchristy@u32.org

EMES Classroom Phone:  223-7936  Ext. 350