WELCOME to 3rd Grade!
This will be a very exciting year. Third grade is full of academic challenges and new experiences. This is also a “growing up” year. Students will gain the skills to work more independently and will be more responsible for their own work and organization. I will update my Weebly Webpage weekly. Please check there to see what we are working on every week and for special announcements. A blue folder will also be coming home with your child every day. Please sign/initial this folder daily as you check for graded papers, important notes from the school or myself, and homework.
You can access my classroom Weebly webpage by going to the Central Elementary School homepage (http://ces.sputnam.k12.in.us/home), then click on “Information”, then “Teacher Class Webpages”.
About 3rd Grade Curriculum:
Reading: The school adopted reading program is Pearson, and it will be the primary source of instruction. We will however, also incorporate other materials such as novels throughout the year. Everyday we will have silent reading. During this time students will select a “just right” book from the classroom library to read on their own. Every Monday students will be given a Reading Station Checklist. Students will complete all reading stations by the end of Thursday. We will take the Pearson online Reading Test every Friday; which is a review of the skills we worked on during that week. At the end of every unit (5 weeks/lessons) we will have a unit review and unit test.
Writing: We will be working very hard this year to master nice neat handwriting, whether it be print or cursive. We will use wide rule notebook paper for many assignments. Our writing assignments will range from basic sentences to complete essays/reports and letters. We will also be using Google Docs on the chromebooks for many writing assignments.
English: There will be a grammar quiz every week and a test at the end of each reading unit (5 weeks). Students will be given a study guide to take home and study several days prior to the unit test.
Spelling: Spelling lists will be sent home every Monday and are also posted on my Weebly page under “Parent Info.”. Please be sure to help your child study! A pretest will be given every Wednesday and the weekly test will be on Friday. If a student scores an A- or higher on the pretest they will not be required to retake on Friday. We will also be having 3rd grade spelling bees at the end of each grading period.
Math: Third grade mathematics is challenging! We will begin using a new math program this year (Envision Math 2.0). A lot of this will be done on student chromebooks at school. I always try to give students plenty of time to complete their work at school and eliminate homework. However, this program is new to us and may take some time to get used to. I will be sending home more information about math very soon. There is a great App for smartphones and tablets that will help with homework. We will have several timed tests beginning with addition and subtraction and moving on to multiplication and division quickly. Please work with your child using flashcards to master these skills for 5-10 minutes daily! Other skills that will be mastered this year include telling time, measurement, fractions, and money. Math Tests are typically once a week, but may vary.
Science & Social Studies: I try very hard to keep things fun and interesting for the kids. We will be doing a lot of hands-on learning activities in both Science and Social Studies. This is the first year where students receive a grade in these subjects on their report cards. A few things we focus on in Science include rocks/minerals/fossils, weather, plants, and sound. In Social Studies the focus is on “community” and we learn about maps, government, and Native Americans.
State Mandated Tests: ILEARN & I-Read 3
ILEARN- Third grade is the first year students begin taking the ILEARN Tests. ILEARN has replaced ISTEP. More information will be sent home closer to that time.
I-Read 3- This is the big reading test for third grade. Students must pass in order to proceed to 4th grade. This test is usually taken in March. If a student does not pass at this time, they will have a chance to retake at the beginning of summer break. Again, more information will be sent home closer to testing time.
General Information:
Daily Schedule- Special Class Rotation Schedule-
(possible changes will be posted)
8:20-8:30 Arrival & Morning Work Monday=PE
8:30-8:45 Spelling Tuesday=Music
8:45-9:15 Science Wednesday=Computer
9:15-10:15 Math Thursday=Art
10:15-10:45 Social Studies Friday=Library
10:45-11:30 Special
11:30-12:00 Lunch
12:00-12:30 Recess
12:30-12:45 Silent Read/Teacher Read Aloud
12:45-1:00 English/Writing
1:00-2:30 Reading Stations
2:30-2:45 Study Time/Homework
2:45-3:00 Dismissal
Water Bottles- Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to keep at their desk. The bottle must have a lid that seals completely shut and does not leak! If there is a problem with the bottle leaking or frequent spills, your child will lose this privilege. Students may not put anything in the bottle other than water. I encourage students to take their water bottle home on Friday to be washed and return with it clean on Monday.
Yoga/Balance/Exercise Balls- Students have the option of using a Yoga/Balance Ball in place of their desk chair. This is a privilege that can be taken away if problems arise. A Yoga/Balance Ball Contract must be signed by the student and parent/guardian. Rule infractions will result in very poor conduct grades and the loss of this seating privilege.
Studies show that using a balance ball in place of a desk chair has many benefits including a higher level attention span, improved posture and muscle tone, and ability to stay focused. Please discuss the rules with your child and consider this option.
Money- On several occasions throughout the school year, you will be asked to send money for lunch, fundraisers, book orders, field trips, etc. Please make sure that you put this in an envelope or zip-lock bag with your child’s name on it along with the amount and purpose of the money! All checks should be made out to Central Elementary School unless stated otherwise.
Mrs. Kelly Stevenson
[email protected]
Cell (765)376-1238
School (765)653-6175
Please feel free to contact me via email, text, phone, note/letter. Communication is key for great relationships between us! I try to respond to all communications promptly, but please allow me 24-48 hours.
About Me:
This is my fifth year teaching here at Central Elementary. My husband (Marc) and I just celebrated our 12 year wedding anniversary. My stepson, Colt, is about to turn 24 years old. I don’t have any biological children and felt a need to fill that void by becoming a teacher, and therefore have many children to guide and care for. I have 3 basset hounds, Honey (14 years) Basil, (2 years) and Lola (1 year) who also fill in as “my babies”.
I love learning new things and furthering my own knowledge. I graduated from North Putnam High School and went on to get my Associates Degree in Business Management from International Business College. Several years ago I returned to school and graduated from Saint Mary of the Woods College with my Bachelors of Science in Education. I am currently working on obtaining my Masters Degree in Gifted Education from Grand Canyon University.
Marc and I have owned a custom manure application business (Stevenson Nutrient Management LLC) for over 10 years and have just recently expanded the business in order to include my stepson.
Because this work is seasonal, my husband has had the extra time and ability to start another business (Driving The Dream Inc) that has stemmed from one of our favorite hobbies. We share a love for vintage automobiles, loud motorcycles, big trucks, and fast cars. We started collecting and restoring some 1960’s & 70’s American muscle cars as a way to enjoy our retirement fund. We now have a large collection of automobiles ranging from the early 1920’s to the early 1970’s. I love working with my husband on these old cars and going to auto auctions, museums, and shows.
We live in an old farm house near Fillmore, where we have our businesses. We also have a small house on Glen Flint Lake where we try to spend much of the summer and warm weekends boating with family and friends.
I’m looking forward to getting to know you and your children!
This is going to be a great year!
This will be a very exciting year. Third grade is full of academic challenges and new experiences. This is also a “growing up” year. Students will gain the skills to work more independently and will be more responsible for their own work and organization. I will update my Weebly Webpage weekly. Please check there to see what we are working on every week and for special announcements. A blue folder will also be coming home with your child every day. Please sign/initial this folder daily as you check for graded papers, important notes from the school or myself, and homework.
You can access my classroom Weebly webpage by going to the Central Elementary School homepage (http://ces.sputnam.k12.in.us/home), then click on “Information”, then “Teacher Class Webpages”.
About 3rd Grade Curriculum:
Reading: The school adopted reading program is Pearson, and it will be the primary source of instruction. We will however, also incorporate other materials such as novels throughout the year. Everyday we will have silent reading. During this time students will select a “just right” book from the classroom library to read on their own. Every Monday students will be given a Reading Station Checklist. Students will complete all reading stations by the end of Thursday. We will take the Pearson online Reading Test every Friday; which is a review of the skills we worked on during that week. At the end of every unit (5 weeks/lessons) we will have a unit review and unit test.
Writing: We will be working very hard this year to master nice neat handwriting, whether it be print or cursive. We will use wide rule notebook paper for many assignments. Our writing assignments will range from basic sentences to complete essays/reports and letters. We will also be using Google Docs on the chromebooks for many writing assignments.
English: There will be a grammar quiz every week and a test at the end of each reading unit (5 weeks). Students will be given a study guide to take home and study several days prior to the unit test.
Spelling: Spelling lists will be sent home every Monday and are also posted on my Weebly page under “Parent Info.”. Please be sure to help your child study! A pretest will be given every Wednesday and the weekly test will be on Friday. If a student scores an A- or higher on the pretest they will not be required to retake on Friday. We will also be having 3rd grade spelling bees at the end of each grading period.
Math: Third grade mathematics is challenging! We will begin using a new math program this year (Envision Math 2.0). A lot of this will be done on student chromebooks at school. I always try to give students plenty of time to complete their work at school and eliminate homework. However, this program is new to us and may take some time to get used to. I will be sending home more information about math very soon. There is a great App for smartphones and tablets that will help with homework. We will have several timed tests beginning with addition and subtraction and moving on to multiplication and division quickly. Please work with your child using flashcards to master these skills for 5-10 minutes daily! Other skills that will be mastered this year include telling time, measurement, fractions, and money. Math Tests are typically once a week, but may vary.
Science & Social Studies: I try very hard to keep things fun and interesting for the kids. We will be doing a lot of hands-on learning activities in both Science and Social Studies. This is the first year where students receive a grade in these subjects on their report cards. A few things we focus on in Science include rocks/minerals/fossils, weather, plants, and sound. In Social Studies the focus is on “community” and we learn about maps, government, and Native Americans.
State Mandated Tests: ILEARN & I-Read 3
ILEARN- Third grade is the first year students begin taking the ILEARN Tests. ILEARN has replaced ISTEP. More information will be sent home closer to that time.
I-Read 3- This is the big reading test for third grade. Students must pass in order to proceed to 4th grade. This test is usually taken in March. If a student does not pass at this time, they will have a chance to retake at the beginning of summer break. Again, more information will be sent home closer to testing time.
General Information:
Daily Schedule- Special Class Rotation Schedule-
(possible changes will be posted)
8:20-8:30 Arrival & Morning Work Monday=PE
8:30-8:45 Spelling Tuesday=Music
8:45-9:15 Science Wednesday=Computer
9:15-10:15 Math Thursday=Art
10:15-10:45 Social Studies Friday=Library
10:45-11:30 Special
11:30-12:00 Lunch
12:00-12:30 Recess
12:30-12:45 Silent Read/Teacher Read Aloud
12:45-1:00 English/Writing
1:00-2:30 Reading Stations
2:30-2:45 Study Time/Homework
2:45-3:00 Dismissal
Water Bottles- Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to keep at their desk. The bottle must have a lid that seals completely shut and does not leak! If there is a problem with the bottle leaking or frequent spills, your child will lose this privilege. Students may not put anything in the bottle other than water. I encourage students to take their water bottle home on Friday to be washed and return with it clean on Monday.
Yoga/Balance/Exercise Balls- Students have the option of using a Yoga/Balance Ball in place of their desk chair. This is a privilege that can be taken away if problems arise. A Yoga/Balance Ball Contract must be signed by the student and parent/guardian. Rule infractions will result in very poor conduct grades and the loss of this seating privilege.
Studies show that using a balance ball in place of a desk chair has many benefits including a higher level attention span, improved posture and muscle tone, and ability to stay focused. Please discuss the rules with your child and consider this option.
Money- On several occasions throughout the school year, you will be asked to send money for lunch, fundraisers, book orders, field trips, etc. Please make sure that you put this in an envelope or zip-lock bag with your child’s name on it along with the amount and purpose of the money! All checks should be made out to Central Elementary School unless stated otherwise.
Mrs. Kelly Stevenson
[email protected]
Cell (765)376-1238
School (765)653-6175
Please feel free to contact me via email, text, phone, note/letter. Communication is key for great relationships between us! I try to respond to all communications promptly, but please allow me 24-48 hours.
About Me:
This is my fifth year teaching here at Central Elementary. My husband (Marc) and I just celebrated our 12 year wedding anniversary. My stepson, Colt, is about to turn 24 years old. I don’t have any biological children and felt a need to fill that void by becoming a teacher, and therefore have many children to guide and care for. I have 3 basset hounds, Honey (14 years) Basil, (2 years) and Lola (1 year) who also fill in as “my babies”.
I love learning new things and furthering my own knowledge. I graduated from North Putnam High School and went on to get my Associates Degree in Business Management from International Business College. Several years ago I returned to school and graduated from Saint Mary of the Woods College with my Bachelors of Science in Education. I am currently working on obtaining my Masters Degree in Gifted Education from Grand Canyon University.
Marc and I have owned a custom manure application business (Stevenson Nutrient Management LLC) for over 10 years and have just recently expanded the business in order to include my stepson.
Because this work is seasonal, my husband has had the extra time and ability to start another business (Driving The Dream Inc) that has stemmed from one of our favorite hobbies. We share a love for vintage automobiles, loud motorcycles, big trucks, and fast cars. We started collecting and restoring some 1960’s & 70’s American muscle cars as a way to enjoy our retirement fund. We now have a large collection of automobiles ranging from the early 1920’s to the early 1970’s. I love working with my husband on these old cars and going to auto auctions, museums, and shows.
We live in an old farm house near Fillmore, where we have our businesses. We also have a small house on Glen Flint Lake where we try to spend much of the summer and warm weekends boating with family and friends.
I’m looking forward to getting to know you and your children!
This is going to be a great year!