Mr. Franey

September 2013

Introduction

• A little bit about myself– 17th year teaching in Montgomery– Undergraduate degree from Rutgers College– Graduate degrees from Rutgers Grad. School of

Ed.

Tonight’s Agenda

• Curriculum Overview• A Typical School Day in Your Child’s Life• Responsive Classroom• Class Rules• Homework• Report Cards• Testing• Communication

K-4 Language Arts

Writing•Focus on writing instruction at all grade levels through Writing Workshop•Writing Workshop Daily Format

• Mini-lesson (Whole Class Direct Instruction)• Independent Writing• Individual Writing Conferences • Strategy Groups • Share

•Partnership with Teachers College

Reading •Reading Workshop Daily Format

• Mini-lesson (Whole Class Direct Instruction)• Independent Reading • Individual Reading Conferences • Reading Partnerships/Daily 5 • Guided Reading

•Word Journeys (Developmental Spelling Program)

K-4 Mathematics

Math In Focus Math Workshop Approach Mini-lesson

Whole Class Direct Instruction using Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract

progression Practice Games, Activities, & Written Practice Small Group Instruction Infused Technology Goal Based Fact Fluency Practice Problem Solving Experiences

COME TO OUR FAMILY INFORMATION SESSION ON SEPTEMBER 30th at 7:00 PM at OHES. Read the e-blast for more information!

K-4 Science and Social Studies

Students will learn about their communities and the world around them through:

Social Studies•Culture and Diversity•Geography and map skills•American symbols and history

Science•Scientific investigations in Life, Earth, and Physical Sciences •Developing Science Process Skills, such as Observation, Hypothesis, Scientific Drawing, Measurement and Collecting Data •Engineering projects embedded within units of study

At all grade levels, there is an increased focus on non-fiction and informational texts in both Science and Social Studies.

A Day in the Life

9:20-9:45 Morning Work9:45-10:00 Morning Meeting10:00-10:15 Snack/Word Study10:15-11:15 Math11:20-12:00 Special12:05-12:25 Read Aloud & Reading Mini-lesson12:25-12:55 Target Time1:00-1:25 Reading Workshop1:30-2:15 Lunch/Recess2:20-3:00 Writing Workshop3:00-3:45 Science/Social Studies

Responsive Classroom

• Based on the belief that the social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum.

• To be successful academically and socially, children need a set of social skills: cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control.

• Morning Meeting• Rule Creation• Modeling of expected behavior• Logical consequences for misbehavior • You break it you fix it, Temporary loss of privilege, Take a

break• For more information about responsive classroom you can

go to www.responsiveclassroom.org/about-responsive-classroom

Class Rules

• Agreed upon classroom rules

– Treat others with kindness & respect.

– Respect each others personal property and personal space.

– Cooperate and help each other.

– Take care of yourself & each other.

Homework

• Establish good independent study & work habits, reinforce learning

• Should be able to be done relatively unassisted • Expect between 30 to 40 minutes most nights split between

math and literacy• Homework assignment books • Accountability

– Report Card category– Opportunity to make-up missed or forgotten hw– I understand that our late dismissal time can make it difficult to finish

hw on days when students have after school activities. If you could send me a note or a quick email when this happens I would appreciate.

Online Report Cards

• Three per year (December 20, late March, & June 20)

• No letter grades, instead student understanding of content is graded as proficient, partially-proficient, or non-proficient (similar to those given on the current state tests)

Classroom Assessments

• Students will be provided with study guides for every classroom assessment explaining what will be on the assessment and providing practice problems.

Band & Orchestra Lessons

• Students will miss instruction when they leave for orchestra and band lessons.

• Students are responsible for making up any work that they miss while at music lessons. I will do my best to help them during recess or other times that present themselves during the school day, but it is their responsibility to make up what they miss.

Communication

• E-mail– kfraney@mtsd.us (best bet)

• e-mail reminders from me about important dates (tests, field trips, school events...)

• I will update my website with the information I send in e-mail reminders. www.mtsd.k12.nj.us/Domain/500

• Parent Pick-up notes help me remember to send students to parent pick-up.

• Sign & return tests• Parent-Teacher Conferences

– November 21, 22, 25 & 26

Parties / Snacks

• You’re welcome to send in food to celebrate your child’s birthday. Half birthdays for summer birthdays or the end of the year if you wish is fine.

• Twenty-two students in the class

• Please send a healthy snack with your child. (our lunch is not until 1:30!)

Wish List

• Tissues

• White board markers for your child, and a sock to use as a white board eraser if they haven’t already brought one in.

• Please remember to send snack

Questions

Thank You for Coming Tonight!