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Halley Garry 918.357.8726 |
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Robyn Gertner 918.357.8728 |
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Noelle vonHartitzsch vonhartitzsch.noelle@unionps.org 918.357.8727 |
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Amie Bacon 918.357.8715 |
Dear 3rd Grade Families
We’re excited to kick off another amazing school year! Our theme this year is "Adventure Awaits"—a perfect way to launch your child into all the new opportunities and experiences that await them at Darnaby Elementary. We are thrilled to welcome you and your child to Third Grade!
We’re looking forward to a year filled with academic growth, personal development, and social connection. Thank you for partnering with us to make this a fun, meaningful, and successful year for your child!
Third Grade FAQ’s
Communication- We want to stay connected with you! It is vital that we have accurate email addresses and phone numbers. Please be sure the email address we are using is one that you see and/or visit often since this will play a significant role in communicating with you. We will also be communicating through the Talking Points App. We strongly encourage you to have this app on your device since it is a quick way for us to connect with you in the language of your selection.
What is TalkingPoints? -TalkingPoints is a communication platform designed to bridge language and communication barriers between educators and parents. It enables teachers and school staff to send messages in multiple languages, fostering effective and inclusive communication with families who speak different languages. By facilitating seamless dialogue, TalkingPoints enhances parental engagement in their child's education and creates a supportive partnership between schools and families.
How does one use TalkingPoints? - Families have three easy ways to use TalkingPoints and to communicate with their children’s teachers for free! They can use text messaging, download the separate app - TalkingPoints for Families - or they can use it on the web at TalkingPoints for Families. If you are looking for more information regarding TalkingPoints please visit the Darnaby PTA website.
Health & Safety- Our number one priority is the health and safety of our students and colleagues. Please keep your child at home if they are showing illness symptoms. Please reach out to Nurse Snow with concerns or questions 918-357-8740.
Arrival- Students can enter the building at 8:00 a.m. and go to their classroom or to the cafeteria for breakfast. Car riders and walkers are encouraged to enter through the 3rd grade door. Bus riders will enter through the cafeteria door and use the back hallway for arrival. EDP (Extended Day Program) students will enter the building through the front door. The tardy bell will ring at 8:15 a.m. At that time, all doors will be closed, and students arriving late will check in with Mrs. Salim and go through the front door. Please do not have children arrive at school earlier than 8:00 a.m., as there is no supervision until that time.
Departure- School will be dismissed at 3:00 p.m. Bus riders will be dismissed first from the classroom over the intercom. Car riders will dismiss second and will exit with a staff member. They will gather at the 3rd grade spot around the front loop. EDP will be dismissed third from the classroom and go directly to the cafeteria. Walkers will be dismissed last and depart from the third-grade door. For even more details, please read over the Arrival and Departure found on the Darnaby website.
Early Release Fridays- Please mark your calendars for early release Fridays. On these designated Fridays (September 5, 2025- April 10, 2026) students will be dismissed early to provide teachers with additional collaboration time. That means on Early Release Fridays dismissal will be at 2:17 p.m.
Breakfast and Lunch- Breakfast will be served starting at 8:00 a.m. in the cafeteria. Bus riders may pick up a breakfast bag on their way to their classroom. 3rd Grade lunch begins at 12:05 p.m. Students will eat at designated classroom cohort tables in the cafeteria. They may bring a lunch from home or choose a hot lunch from the cafeteria.
Recess – Students will play on the playground in a variety of temperatures. On inclement weather days, students will remain in their homeroom classroom to read, draw, or play board games. Please check the weather to determine if a jacket or coat could be needed for that day.
Birthday Celebrations – In support of Union Public Schools guidelines and recommendations for student health and wellness, and as an official Healthy and Fit School, Darnaby will no longer be able to allow the delivery of donuts or other food items not in compliance with USDA Nutrition Standards for the purpose of classroom parties, except for two allowable exemptions which will take place during our Winter and Valentine parties. No birthday treats will be allowed at school.
Water Bottles – Students are encouraged to bring water bottles. Please only send water and label the bottles with your child’s name. No other beverages are allowed in the classroom except special celebrations.
Class Rotations – Our team does “team teaching” meaning students will spend half of their day with their Language Arts teacher and half of their day with their Math, Science, and Social Studies teacher. Please mark your calendars for our Community Night, September 4th from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm where we will talk more about what students are learning and what a day looks like for them.
Technology/Laptops – Every 3rd grade student will receive a laptop and QR to get onto the district’s computer platform. Laptops will remain at school. You will receive a copy of their QR to use at home to get them onto various software allowed.
Cell Phone Policy – Per Oklahoma Senate Bill 139, all personal electronic devices – cell phones, smart watches, etc. must remain turned off and in student backpacks. If a child is sick, or there is an emergency, we have protocols in place for that and students may use school phones, or the nurse will call the parent. For more information: https://www.unionps.org/students/messages/cell-phone-policy
Fun Friday – This is an extra recess on Fridays and is a reward for great behavior and work completion during the week. Students who have incomplete assignments and/or behavior issues or referrals will miss this extra recess time.
Attendance/ Tardies – Students benefit from arriving to school on time. It gives them time to get settled in for the day and start their morning work or finish up any homework. The tardy bell rings at 8:15 am. At that time, the 3rd grade door will be closed and locked. Students will have to walk around and enter through the front door.
School Expectations: Please review the schoolwide rules with your child.
BE SAFE, BE RESPECTFUL, BE RESPONSIBLE.
