Class 3-1: St. Matthew Catholic School of San Mateo, CA

Class 3-1

Teacher:
Mr. Alex Fong

Aide:
Maureen Oliver

Classroom Teacher

Mr. Alex Fong
Email Mr. Fong

Classroom Aide:
Mrs. Maureen Oliver

Room Coordinators 2011-2012:

Alisa Springer – email Alisha
Nancy Massey – email Nancy
Karen Z. McIntyre – email Karen

PE Days 2011-2012

Monday and Tuesday
Students are required to wear the PE uniform on PE days

Curriculum

Language Arts

In reading, our literature/phonics approach includes listening, writing, oral expression activities, poetry, and "a life long love for reading". Grammar includes usage and mechanics concentrating on capitalization, punctuation, nouns, verbs, dictionary and research skills.

Math

The program concentrates on math vocabulary, concepts of number, numeration, place value, rounding, estimation, computation in addition, subtraction, (with and without regrouping), multiplication, time, money, measurement, problem solving, and critical thinking.

Religion

The curriculum includes understanding of the structure of the Mass, prayer and prayer services, Church doctrine, moral values in everyday life, community service, and conflict resolution skills.

Cursive Writing

Practice begins on whiteboards and advances to paper. Most work will be done in cursive by the end of the school year.

Social Studies

The integrated approach utilizes maps, charts, graphs, geographical themes, how the lives of the people of the past influence our lives today, critical thinking skills, and decision-making.

Science

Following the Archdiocesan standards, third grade concepts include: energy and matter, light, adaptation of organisms, stars, moon, planets, scientific observation, understanding the difference between evidence and opinion, making predictions, and collecting data.

In Science, we study how feathers help insulate birds against heat loss. We then perform an experiment to determine if feathers help keep the water's heat longer.

Report Cards and Grading

Third graders receive letter grades and percentages for the first time. The grades are posted on the Option C site so that constant monitoring of grades is available to parents and students.

Weekly Newsletter

You will receive a Weekly Newsletter written by me, informing you of any upcoming projects, important tests, classroom needs, field trips etc. This is my way of keeping you connected with what is occurring in 3-1 every week. The newsletter will also be posted in our classroom web page.

Friday Folders

Every Friday your child will receive a folder containing graded papers, and the Weekly Conduct grade for the week. Read and keep the newsletter for one week. Review the folder with your child every Friday and compare the grades with those logged in Option C.

Star of the Week

Each week a different student will be the Star of the Week. On Monday, (or in case of a holiday, Tuesday) the student will bring in their Star of the Week Poster. On Friday the student will bring in a recipe card (which I will provide for them), demonstrate how this treat was made and provide a treat for everyone in the class. The treat should be made beforehand. Please bring enough treats (35) for every student in the class. Please check the attached schedule for when it is your child's turn to be Star of the Week. Treat should be simple enough for a child to make and explain. (ex. Half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins.) These recipe cards will be compiled at the end of the year to create a class cookbook that each child will receive a copy of.

Hot Lunch/Snacks/Student Birthdays

Check the St. Matt's website for information about the hot lunch program. NO DELI or FAST FOOD lunches may be delivered to school! Nutritional snacks for morning recess are great to send with your child.

Please do not bring Birthday invitations to school unless they are for the entire class. If you would like to provide a simple treat to celebrate your child's birthday, please get in touch with the teacher two days before the celebration.