FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions AND Answers...
Q: How can families help out at home with school?
A: Talking with students about their daily planner, reviewing any homework together, encouraging an at-home routine, emptying backpacks each day, and reaching out immediately with questions/concerns, all will promote success between home and school!
Q: What will my child's day look like?
Q: How much reading should students be doing?
A: Third graders should be reading at least 15 minutes each night as part of their home routine.
Q: What kind of books should students be reading at home?
A: High interest books are great! Third graders should be reading a variety of chapter books and Mrs. Derichs is an awesome resource in helping us pick out those "just right" books. Third Graders are able to check out 2 books during our Tuesday Library time.
Q: How much homework will third graders have?
A: Each full week of school, students will have a spelling list and are encouraged to read 15 min. each evening. Test reviews may come home prior to unit tests. Nightly homework will not be assigned..students are given time in class to complete work. IF they don't finish their work, it is sent home as homework.
Q: Is homework required?
A: Students are encouraged to be responsible and establish a homework routine. Completing and handing in class work promotes responsibility and leads to success!
Q: Are students assigned grades?
A: YES! You can view current assignments and grades on Synergy/ParentVue.
Q: What are your discipline policies?
A: Our school-wide expectations are to be safe, respectful, responsible, and a good problem solver. If students are struggling in these areas families will be notified.
Q: Can third graders take iPads home?
A: iPads generally stay at school. If you would like your child's iPad to go home, please email me and your child's iPad can go home at any time. *School iPads are learning tools that can only be used for school assignments. When iPads go home, they should return to school fully charged the following day. Student iPads are closely monitored...students sign a CONTRACT at the beginning of the year which promotes good digital citizenship.
Q: Can students bring phone devices to school?
A: If phone devices need to be at school, students are asked to keep them off and left in their backpack. This includes Apple Watches and similar devices.
Q: What happens when my child is absent?
A: If your child misses one day of school; they can make up their work the following day. If students are absent MORE than one day, please email me to make arrangements for their missing assignments.
Q: Can my child celebrate their birthday at school?
A: For sure! Students MAY bring birthday treats that are pre-wrapped, include a list of ingredients, and napkins with your treats. Check with me prior about food allergies in our classroom. Summer birthdays can celebrate at their 1/2 birthday. Birthday party invites are not to be handed out at school unless the whole class is invited.
Q: Can parents volunteer in our classroom and/or at home?
A: YES! Emails will be sent out to families, as needed, asking for volunteer interests and availability. Guest readers are ALWAYS welcome.
Q: What is the best way to contact me?
A: The most efficient way is by email: lwurtele@mpsomaha.org. Sometimes an in-person meeting or phone call is more appropriate. Communication is highly important!
Q: Can students bring a snack and a water bottle?
A: Yes..we have a brief snack time in the morning. Healthy snacks are encouraged...examples of snacks include granola bars, fruit snacks, fruit, crackers, popcorn, etc. Pre-packaged snacks work the best. Due to possible food allergies, students are asked not to share snacks. Please no candy or nut based snacks!
Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle that contains ONLY water, no fruit juices or other beverages are allowed.
Q: Will we go on field trips?
A: We try to plan 2 field trips each year. Our spring trip is usually tied to our Omaha study. Our Fall field trip is scheduled for Oct. 24 at Chalco Hills Recreation Area.
Q: What will inclement weather days look like this year?
A: There are no designated inclement weather days included in our district calendar. On these days students may have an eLearning(remote learning) Day where a-sychronized learning will be assigned and completed at home OR a traditional snow day will be announced.
Success is a TEAM effort!