SKL Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I know third graders are supposed to be pretty independent, so I am wondering what is to be expected in terms of teacher communication. I've never met my kids' teacher (there was one opportunity which I missed due to travel). I've never received any kid-specific communication from her. In her general "third grade procedures" handout, she asks that nobody pop in at the beginning or end of the school day or contact her in any way other than email. (She never answered the one email I sent her before school started, asking if she had time to meet when I wasn't traveling.) She says she will post grades weekly and we must be "patient." So far (1.5 weeks in) no info at all in the online grade / calendar system. The kids have a "graded work" file that they bring home every day, and so far there have been 2 non-graded papers sent home in there. How does this compare with other third grades? I honestly don't know. When I was in 3rd grade, the teacher actually went to every kid's house and paid a visit before school started. But that was probably above and beyond. :P I suppose I can tell myself that until I hear otherwise, my kids are perfect students. Right? :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acorn Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 We had one open house, and weekly newsletter style email. There is a daily planner that patents must sign. It has a color stamp for the behavior chart color and the homework assignment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted September 5, 2014 Author Share Posted September 5, 2014 I forgot to mention that we also have the one-pager newsletter (weekly), and the kids maintain an assignment book which I have to sign daily (or they lose recess). The bad conduct note my kid had to write herself (for forgetting to turn in her homework by 8:30am) was stapled to the assignment book and I had to sign that too. :P I'm impatient to see academic results or comments so I will know what kind of help they may need at home. I'm glad this year's homework is in line with the math they are doing in school, though. That is a lot better than the weird stuff they were sending home last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mathnerd Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 The kids have a "graded work" file that they bring home every day, and so far there have been 2 non-graded papers sent home in there. My child had 2 tests this week, but the teacher said that since they are new to the class and still settling down, she would not count those tests for grading. So, I suggest that you give this teacher one or two more weeks before you push her for info about academic performance. I am going by my child's homework performance right now to determine what the weak areas are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wapiti Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 (She never answered the one email I sent her before school started, asking if she had time to meet when I wasn't traveling.) This would irk me. However, I'd give her the benefit of the doubt that the beginning of the school year was crazy busy. I'd wait another week and send another email. Eta, I'd definitely mention the particular reason you want to meet (your child's particular issues, etc.). She says she will post grades weekly and we must be "patient." So far (1.5 weeks in) no info at all in the online grade / calendar system. The kids have a "graded work" file that they bring home every day, and so far there have been 2 non-graded papers sent home in there. My kids' school does not grade. The report cards for elementary are on a scale with choices for proficient, advanced, unsatisfactory - something like that. Individual papers for spelling and such have numerical grades but I have never paid much attention to them unless the grade is very bad. I have not seen any papers - or noticed any, LOL - yet this school year (3 weeks in). My dd's middle school grades extensively - every little grade from every class is on Infinite Campus. They just started a week and a half ago. There are very few grades posted yet. It's just too early. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Did you identifiy yourself in your email as Student and Student's mother? Because I sent an email to my son's teacher after the meet and greet and before class started and didn't get an answered. Asked her at the social a week later about it and turns out she wasn't sure who it was. I'd forgotten to identify myself at the bottom of the letter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arctic Bunny Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Before report cards, the kids bring home their portfolio, which is what the report card is based upon. I wouldn't expect to see any recorded evaluations online until mid-October? (We started on Tuesday). Our teachers are accessible by email, Facebook, school phone, and depending on the teacher, by text or home phone. If there is a problem at school, or I have brought up a concern, they will usually call in the evening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda in VT Posted September 7, 2014 Share Posted September 7, 2014 You're a week and a half in? It's too early for the teacher to have formed a reliable picture of each kid's academic performance. Friday was my third grader's eighth day of school. I met the teacher during her open classroom time the week before school started. I mentioned a few things about my son, but it wasn't a private meeting. Since then, I've received several emails about administrative things (hiking in the woods tomorrow, so bring boots; each child needs a pair of ear buds). One math worksheet came home for homework. This is my fourth kid, and this feels like a completely normal and appropriate level of communication at this stage of the year. If the lack of response to email continues, that would bother me, but I'd give her the benefit of the doubt for the first miss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue daisy Posted September 8, 2014 Share Posted September 8, 2014 She should at least be answering your emails. Even with the craziness of the first couple of weeks of school, my kids' teachers always answered emails within 24 hours. As for not wanting to meet immediately before and after school, I can understand that she probably has other things to take care of right then, especially before school. But with emails, yes, you should be able to get a response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefgazer Posted September 8, 2014 Share Posted September 8, 2014 I think it's way too early for a teacher to be able to accurately grade a child; I would wait at least until October for any grades. I would, however, expect that emails are answered. Email the teacher again, and ask for your meeting. If you get no response to that, I would email again, cc'ing the principal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weddell Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 We've gotten mostly administrative emails. Things like explaining how spelling will work this year, the reading log (see my other thread), and info about the class therapy dog. Nothing graded or about actual performance. We have parent night in about two weeks (all parents come to the school at night without the kids and learn about the school and room) and then a parent teacher conference sometime in October to lay out individual goals for the year. There is a second conference toward the end of the year to discuss how the goals have been carried out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwik Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 Our schools could teach MI5 and the CIA about secrecy. We don't get grades just an below/at/above national standards each year - well we are supposed to but I have been trying for 3 months. The teacher claimed my son had been given it but I never saw it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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