grade 3 – room 63 teacher mr. michael mckenna [email protected] 215-441-6093 x11229
TRANSCRIPT
Michael McKenna
I have been teaching in Centennial School District for 11 Years.
I have a Masters Degree in Education, and am Certified in
Elementary Ed. My undergraduate degree is in General Business.
I am working on my Anti- Bullying certification
Prior to becoming a teacher I worked in a facilities department of a mental health agency that helped physically and mentally challenged children and adults. Before that, I was in the Navy for 7 years. I think these two experiences give me a unique perspective as a teacher working with children.
I have three children, twin 10 year old girls, Rachael and Katelyn, and a 12 year old son Michael. Like your children, they play sports, instruments, sing, dance etc. And like your children, mine never ever get into any trouble; . On a serious note then, I know how busy your lives can be. I will be considerate of your time with respect to homework. We will have 2-3 at home projects this year and you will have at least 4 weeks notice of the expected completion date.
The two major assignments to be done at home this year are as follows:
1- During social studies, some time around January, your child will make a 3 dimensional map of their room.
2- At the end of the year we will do a rain forest writing project in school. Your child will create a 3-dimensional rain forest animal that will complement the writing piece we are doing is school. The project also makes for a great display during open house.
We may do one book report, details to follow; but it will not be a traditional book report and should be a lot of fun for the kids.
Homework
• Needs to be recorded daily in assignment books• Student’s responsibility, they will be given time
during snack, at 10:20, to write homework in their books, and it will remain on the board all day.
• Must be done neatly and on time, I will allow 2 misses per month.
• Show best effort, neatness is important• Please indicate struggle in student’s assignment
book or e-mail me• Parents are asked to initial assignment book daily
CSD –25 Book Minimum Standard
• Reading every day is critical for your child’s success through-out their school age years.
• One of the best ways to improve your child’s reading scores is to have them read.
• Children should read independently for at least 15-20 min each night. If you have time try and read with your child as well.
• Your children love when you read to them!!
Home – School CommunicationWednesday Express
Please sign & return all tests and other action information within a day or two
of receiving them.
Thanks in advance for this, with 27 children it really helps save time.
215-441-6093 X11229
Curriculum EVERYDAY MATHBasic Operations Weekly Time Tests
Time, Money PSSA Preparation
Estimation Geometry
Measurement Probability / Graphs
Algebra Fractions / Decimals
Multiple Step Problem Solving
HOME LINKS
On – Line Components
www.everydaymathonline.com
Reading and Language ArtsRigby Literacy by Design• Focus on teaching
comprehension strategies
• Whole Group Instruction• Small Group Instruction
(Guided Reading)
• Independent Practice
(Reading Workshop)
• Spelling - Focus on teaching word study and spelling strategies
• Daily homework assignments
• Writing – Focus on the writing process
• Typically a large area of growth in grade 3
CurriculumSocial Studies• Map Skills• Lenni Lenape Indians• Local History• Local Government• Pennsylvania• South America• Rainforest• The United States
Communities and Neighbors
Science• Foss – Hands On Inquiry•Lots of Experiments•Life Science•Butterflies / Chicks •Beetles / Crayfish•Plants•Water
SPECIALS• SPECIALS
• DAY 1 - Guidance/Health
• DAY 2 – Gym- wear your gym shoes!
• DAY 3 – Music
• DAY 4 – Art
• DAY 5 – Library
• DAY 6 – Computer Lab
Classroom Management
Classroom RulesThe kids will learn very quickly not to talk when someone else is talking, and to be respectful. I have always felt this sums it all up very nicely!
Character Counts6 Pillars
• RESPECT
• RESPONSIBILITY
• CARING
• TRUSTWORTHINESS
• FAIRNESS
• CITIZENSHIP
OTHER
• Birthday Treats – Neat and Simple• Water Bottles with safety caps permitted• Healthy snacks / lunches encouraged.
• Remember to send notes to excuse student absences!!!
