Mr. Dennis Brosseau

Contact: phone: (847) 432-4260 ext. 231 e-mail: dbrosseau@nssd112.org

Units of Study: Reading Harcourt “Storytown” series introduces students to many genres of literature and focuses on reading skills and strategies to develop competent readers. Reader’s theater is used regularly to develop fluency A biography project, animal research, and an independent research assignment used for a power point presentation are features of the spring reading program. Thirty minutes of reading at home or RAH, 5 times a week, are a requirement in 3rd grade. Writing Major components of writing, both functional and creative, are imbedded in the Storytown program. Students are taught to edit their work for spelling and common conventions. Math Major components of math include: addition and subtraction facts, addition and subtraction to 4 digits with and without regrouping and borrowing, place value to 1,000,000, money, time, measurement, geometry, decimals, multiplication and division facts, problem solving, and ISAT preparation. Social Studies Social Studies features the interactive program History Alive: Our Community and Beyond Science Science topics include: Light, Sun/Moon and Solar System, Plants, and Simple Machines. Students may help grow butter head lettuce hydroponically in our greenhouse. Students also receive an experience with worm bins, and stewarding May T. Watts Woods, the park district property adjacent to Ravinia. Specials Certified teachers instruct in the areas of Art, Music, Gym, and Spanish. Students also receive 30 minutes of computer lab time each week. This schedule is flexible and can be used more often as need arises.

Class rules, including birthdays, special programs: Room 115 is the home of “The Excellent Eagles”. STAR behavior and respect in all areas of the school environment are stressed. Students are given a reinforcement grid shaped like a star through winter break. After winter break, students are rated on their overall independence each day. Both systems are communicated to parents via e-mail. Inappropriate behavior is disciplined with natural consequences when appropriate or loss of privileges. Parents are informed of inappropriate behavior via e-mail or phone. Special Programs Ravinia 3rd graders experience a wide variety of special programs: Heller Nature Center Prairie Program, The Grove Schoolhouse, The Tin Cup Pioneer Program, Spirit of the Eagle Presentations, The Barn Dance – annual sing and dinner, Mad Science, visits from Rebecca Grill, Natural Areas Coordinator in Highland Park, The Highland Park Historical Society, Highland Park City Hall, Chicago Trip – (Historical Society and Double-Decker bus ride) Birthdays Birthdays may be celebrated at school. Students may bring a non-food item to share with classmates. Summer birthdays can be celebrated anytime throughout the school year. Please contact me with the date you would like to bring in your treat. Students are encouraged to buy a birthday book from the IMC to be donated in their honor to the library for all Ravinia students to enjoy.

Class homework policy : Homework is assigned on Monday and is due Friday. This generally includes Math and Spelling. In addition, students are required to read 5 nights a week for 30 minutes each night. This time is recorded on a reading calendar and returned at the end of the month. Parents are encouraged to schedule reading time with their child each week and record the times in the Assignment Book so I can reinforce excellent work habits at home.