Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- When will we have class parties?
- When are the 3rd grade field trips?
- How can I contact Miss McClellan?
- What is the NJ ASK?
- What do I need to know about snack?
- Can I celebrate my birthday in class?
- What do I do when I am absent?
- What happens if I forget to bring my homework to school?
- How can I become involved in my child's classroom?
When will we have class parties?
Parties will be held on Halloween and Valentine's Day only. There will not be
an end-of-the-year party as there has been in previous years.
When are the 3rd grade field trips?
Info coming soon
How can I contact Miss McClellan?
I am easiest to reach by email, as I check my email messages at multiple times
throughout the day. My email address is jmcclellan@spfk12.org. I can also be
reached by phone at the school at (908) 889-2148 x 210. If you have a message
that needs to be left for me immediately, please leave a message with the
secretary IN THE OFFICE as it is more likely that I will receive the message
before the school day ends. This is especially helpful if you have a message
for your child or a change in pickup at the end of the school day. I can also
be reached by mail at:
Jessica McClellan
Brunner Elementary School
721 Westfield Rd.
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
What is the NJ ASK?
NJ ASK assesses student achievement in the knowledge and skills defined by the
New Jersey Core Curriculum in language arts literacy, mathematics, and
science. It replaces the Elementary School Proficiency Assessment, and was
implemented in 2003 to meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.
All third graders and fourth graders in New Jersey will take the test. The
NJ ASK will be administered in March. Third graders will be tested in
Reading, Writing, and Math over a three-day period. Students will be expected
to answer both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
What do I need to know about snack?
In third grade, students will be given a WORKING snack. This is a transition
from previous grades. Please send students in with a snack that allows them
to write at the same time. Snacks that require the use of utensils are not
conducive to working effectively. We also encourge families to please adhere
to our school's nutrition policy. A healthy snack includes something in which
the first ingredient is not sugar and is less than 8 grams of fat.
Can I celebrate my birthday in class?
Celebrating birthdays is welcomed in the classroom. Students may bring a
small treat to class. We ask that all families send a list of ingredients with
birthdays treats in order to monitor for nut allergies. We also ask that
families follow the school nutrition policy. An appropriate birthday treat
should be less than 8 grams of fat and the first ingredient should not be
sugar. Some acceptable treats that students have enjoyed include fruit or
vegetable plates, banana breads, etc.
What do I do when I am absent?
When a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to contact the teacher
and find out what material was missed. They may be expected to "make up"
missed classwork or homework. Students will be expected to visit the "class
absent buddy" when they return to school to find out what was missed. In
cases of long-term absences, students should contact the teacher in order to
keep on track with school work.
What happens if I forget to bring my homework to school?
As human beings, we all forget things once in a while. As your teacher, I
understand this. I will NOT yell at you. However, it is expected that the
student will be responsible and bring his/her homework to school each day.
Each student will have the opportunity to have a "homework waiver" once a
marking period on a day of their choice. This does NOT mean that the student
does not have to complete the homework. It simply means he/she does not have
to stay in during recess time to complete the homework. He/She may hand it in
the following day and will not be penalized.
How can I become involved in my child's classroom?
There are many ways in which parents can become involved in the classroom
throughout the year. One way is to be a Guest Reader. Several Fridays
throughout the year family members are invited to read a book of their choice
to the class. Sign up for Guest Reader is usually held on "Back to School Night."
Another way for familes to become involved is to be a guest speaker to the
class. This would involve presenting a talent/knowledge/family background or
customs to the class. Family members can show their interest by noting what
they would like to do on the "beginning of the year questionnaire". They can
also contact Miss McClellan at any time.
