Dear Parents,
Welcome to fifth grade. I am very excited to be your child’s teacher this year. I can already tell we are going to have a great year!
Special Classes:
Monday = P.E.
Tuesday = P.E., Art
Wednesday = P.E., Music
Thursday = P.E., Music
Friday = P.E., Technology
Assignment Notebooks:
Each student was given an assignment notebook the first day of school. It is the student’s responsibility to write down any homework or important reminders in the notebook. The notebooks have a box for parents to sign nightly and write any messages to the teacher. Please sign the planner nightly after your child has shown you the completed work or notes that were written down. The signature lets me know that your child has completed any work he/she might have been given and that he/she has shown it to you. I will check the notebooks each morning for a parent signature. The planners are a great way for your child to keep track of what they are working on, any homework he/she might have, and a great way for you and me to communicate.
Communication
Each week I will send out a classroom newsletter to let you know what is coming up. We also have a classroom website that you can access at http://mrsyoungroom5y.weebly.com/ where you will find useful information and updates. The website also has a place where students will blog about what they are reading and can answer monthly surveys.
Homework:
This year students will see both fifth grade teachers during the day. Your student will have Mrs. Blumer for Social Studies ([email protected]). If you have any questions regarding homework in social studies you will need to email Mrs. Blumer.
Some of the work done in fifth grade is completed during class time. When a student does not complete an in class assignment it then becomes homework. The student is expected to complete it that night and bring it in the next morning for the same grade as if the assignment were completed in class. When an assignment is not completed and returned the next day the student will miss their lunch recess to complete the work. Students are expected to be responsible for their work and if they are not, consequences will be given.
Absences:
If your child is going to be absent, whether you know ahead of time or not, it is expected that you send a note or call the school to let Mrs. Begner or I know of the absence. When a student is absent he/she will have 2 days to make up work for each day that he/she was absent. A peer and I will go over all missed work with the student to make sure that he/she understands what is expected.
Grading Scale:
The grading scale for the district is as follows:
99-100% A+ 90- 91% B+ 82- 83% C+ 72- 73% D+
94- 98% A 86- 89% B 76- 81% C 68- 71% D
92- 93% A- 84- 85% B- 74- 75% C- 66- 67% D-
Below 65 F
Remediation:
All students will be given the chance to retake major unit tests (quizzes and daily work do not apply to this policy). Any student who wishes to improve his/her grade on a test is able to do so, no matter what their original grade is. Students will have one week from receiving the original test back to retake the test and have the remediated grade become their new grade. However, it is the student’s responsibility to decide if he/she wants to remediate and create a plan for remediation. Both Mrs. Blumer and Mrs. Young will have remediation slips that a student must fill out if they wish to remediate a test. On the slip, the student will write a three step action plan for how they will prepare themselves to retake the test (i.e., create note cards, complete study guides, review daily lesson work, etc.). Generic responses, such as “Will study harder” will not be accepted. The student’s parent will need to sign off on the action plan to acknowledge their student’s first grade and willingness to spend additional time preparing for the retake. The student will be given the original test back, without answers, to help them prepare for the retake. The remediated test will be similar to the original test, but may not be the same exact test. Students need to review concepts for the remediation, not exact test questions.
Math:
We use Math in Focus. This program focuses on problem-solving, combining skills, and forming a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts in order to prepare students for algebra. Throughout the year students will work whole group, small group and independently to strengthen their skills. Lessons vary from one to three days long. Students will have homework after a lesson is completed. The day after a lesson is completed students will take a 5 pt quiz for part of their math grade. Along with the lesson quizzes students will receive 2pts credit for completing and returning each practice assignment on time.
In fifth grade we focus on understanding whole numbers (place value, multiply, divide, estimate), fractions and mixed numbers (add, subtract, multiply, divide), volume and surface area, decimals (add, subtract, multiply, divide and convert between fractions and decimals), and algebraic concepts (using numbers as letters, simplifying algebraic expressions, evaluate inequalities and equations). Students will also learn about graphs and probability, three-dimensional shapes, angles, and properties of triangles and four-sided figures. Near the end of the school year we will cover percent.
Reading:
The reading series we use is Literacy By Design. In this reading series your child will learn the strategies good readers use in order to better understand the text they read. Those strategies include, but are not limited to, making connections, asking questions and infer. Students will also be given the opportunity to enjoy a piece of text three different ways: independently, shared with a classmate, and read aloud to them. This method allows fluent reading to be modeled and practiced. The series is rich in a variety of fiction and non-fiction text, while introducing new words into the fifth grade vocabulary. Guided reading will also be used to pin point areas that need to be strengthened in order for your child to become the best reader they can. During guided reading we will focus in on the elements of literature to help students understand the many dimension of a book. Students will also take part in literature circles where they will read novels in small group and focus on holding quality book discussions.
Reading is a very important part of a child’s success in school. As a result I find it is very important that children read at home as well. Throughout the school year your child will be expected to read nightly to increase their reading fluency.
Accelerated Reader:
Students will take part in the Accelerated Reader (AR) program throughout the school year. To get started, students will take a reading test using STAR Reading to help establish their zone of proximal development (best fit for reading level). Then the students will set goals to read books within their level, and complete the accompanying AR tests with a self-determined accuracy (must be 85% or higher). Students will also keep track of their time spent reading to help work toward their personal AR goals. As students meet personal goals they will be given the chance to celebrate their success. We will also set class AR goals to celebrate larger successes.
Language Arts:
The language arts curriculum is aligned with the Literacy By Design reading series. As a result, students will see a common thread between the reading and writing work they do.
In writing students will study the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing) and the six traits of writing, (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency and conventions). Throughout the year students will be keep a writing journal where they will take notes on writing genres, strategies, and grammar, as well as practice the different writing concepts being taught. When students are given a major writing project to complete, they will work at their own pace, on a topic of their choice, while completing each step of the process. Students will also complete a multi-genre research project where they will choose a topic to research and use more than one genre of writing to share the information they learned.
As a whole, your child will receive one grade for writing and grammar. Major writing projects will count as double, meaning each project will be counted twice.
Spelling will not be a separate entity this year. Spelling patterns and concepts will be taught, but in conjunction with the reading curriculum, and will be tested on the reading theme test. We feel it is more important for students to learn words in context, rather than independently. Often times the words learned for a spelling test are simply memorized, rather than learned, and quickly forgotten. Our hope is that focusing on word patterns within context will give students a better chance of committing the patterns to memory.
Science/Social Studies:
In regard to science, students will learn through a combination of hands-on activities and textbook reading. The units we cover are human body, matter, energy, and motion.
In social studies students will be studying geography, the Civil War, World War I, the roaring 20s, the Great Depression, World War II, and other wars within the modern era.
The biggest adjustment students have in these two areas is learning how to study for tests and quizzes. To help in this area, students will be given a study guide to help prepare for the test. Some study guides will be completed in class, while others will be given as homework. Test grades will count twice the weight as in class grades.
Birthdays:
Students may bring birthday treats for the class only (30 students). They must be store bought individually wrapped items with the ingredients listed on the packaging to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction. If the packaging of the treats does not meet the district guidelines then they will be sent back home.
If your child has a summer birthday or a birthday over a break, he/she may bring a treat on his/her half birthday or before or after the break. It is your choice.
Expectations and Discipline:
Classroom ground rules school wide expectations.
At Banner we will...
Goals for life
When these expectations are demonstrated students will be rewarded through student and teacher chosen rewards. If these expectations are not followed, your child will work through the following process to help deter them from getting into trouble.
* Severe Misbehavior: Immediate referral to the administration will occur for the following infractions: fighting, vandalism, defiance (stopping the class from functioning), weapons, drugs, etc…
If you ever have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me. The easiest way to reach me is by email or you can call me at school between 7:15am and 3:30pm. When calling you will most likely have to leave a message with Mrs. Begner or Mrs. Ryan and she will pass the message on to me. The school phone number is (309) 243-7774, my email address is [email protected], and the class website is http://mrsyoungroom5y.weebly.com.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Shelley Young
Welcome to fifth grade. I am very excited to be your child’s teacher this year. I can already tell we are going to have a great year!
Special Classes:
Monday = P.E.
Tuesday = P.E., Art
Wednesday = P.E., Music
Thursday = P.E., Music
Friday = P.E., Technology
Assignment Notebooks:
Each student was given an assignment notebook the first day of school. It is the student’s responsibility to write down any homework or important reminders in the notebook. The notebooks have a box for parents to sign nightly and write any messages to the teacher. Please sign the planner nightly after your child has shown you the completed work or notes that were written down. The signature lets me know that your child has completed any work he/she might have been given and that he/she has shown it to you. I will check the notebooks each morning for a parent signature. The planners are a great way for your child to keep track of what they are working on, any homework he/she might have, and a great way for you and me to communicate.
Communication
Each week I will send out a classroom newsletter to let you know what is coming up. We also have a classroom website that you can access at http://mrsyoungroom5y.weebly.com/ where you will find useful information and updates. The website also has a place where students will blog about what they are reading and can answer monthly surveys.
Homework:
This year students will see both fifth grade teachers during the day. Your student will have Mrs. Blumer for Social Studies ([email protected]). If you have any questions regarding homework in social studies you will need to email Mrs. Blumer.
Some of the work done in fifth grade is completed during class time. When a student does not complete an in class assignment it then becomes homework. The student is expected to complete it that night and bring it in the next morning for the same grade as if the assignment were completed in class. When an assignment is not completed and returned the next day the student will miss their lunch recess to complete the work. Students are expected to be responsible for their work and if they are not, consequences will be given.
Absences:
If your child is going to be absent, whether you know ahead of time or not, it is expected that you send a note or call the school to let Mrs. Begner or I know of the absence. When a student is absent he/she will have 2 days to make up work for each day that he/she was absent. A peer and I will go over all missed work with the student to make sure that he/she understands what is expected.
Grading Scale:
The grading scale for the district is as follows:
99-100% A+ 90- 91% B+ 82- 83% C+ 72- 73% D+
94- 98% A 86- 89% B 76- 81% C 68- 71% D
92- 93% A- 84- 85% B- 74- 75% C- 66- 67% D-
Below 65 F
Remediation:
All students will be given the chance to retake major unit tests (quizzes and daily work do not apply to this policy). Any student who wishes to improve his/her grade on a test is able to do so, no matter what their original grade is. Students will have one week from receiving the original test back to retake the test and have the remediated grade become their new grade. However, it is the student’s responsibility to decide if he/she wants to remediate and create a plan for remediation. Both Mrs. Blumer and Mrs. Young will have remediation slips that a student must fill out if they wish to remediate a test. On the slip, the student will write a three step action plan for how they will prepare themselves to retake the test (i.e., create note cards, complete study guides, review daily lesson work, etc.). Generic responses, such as “Will study harder” will not be accepted. The student’s parent will need to sign off on the action plan to acknowledge their student’s first grade and willingness to spend additional time preparing for the retake. The student will be given the original test back, without answers, to help them prepare for the retake. The remediated test will be similar to the original test, but may not be the same exact test. Students need to review concepts for the remediation, not exact test questions.
Math:
We use Math in Focus. This program focuses on problem-solving, combining skills, and forming a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts in order to prepare students for algebra. Throughout the year students will work whole group, small group and independently to strengthen their skills. Lessons vary from one to three days long. Students will have homework after a lesson is completed. The day after a lesson is completed students will take a 5 pt quiz for part of their math grade. Along with the lesson quizzes students will receive 2pts credit for completing and returning each practice assignment on time.
In fifth grade we focus on understanding whole numbers (place value, multiply, divide, estimate), fractions and mixed numbers (add, subtract, multiply, divide), volume and surface area, decimals (add, subtract, multiply, divide and convert between fractions and decimals), and algebraic concepts (using numbers as letters, simplifying algebraic expressions, evaluate inequalities and equations). Students will also learn about graphs and probability, three-dimensional shapes, angles, and properties of triangles and four-sided figures. Near the end of the school year we will cover percent.
Reading:
The reading series we use is Literacy By Design. In this reading series your child will learn the strategies good readers use in order to better understand the text they read. Those strategies include, but are not limited to, making connections, asking questions and infer. Students will also be given the opportunity to enjoy a piece of text three different ways: independently, shared with a classmate, and read aloud to them. This method allows fluent reading to be modeled and practiced. The series is rich in a variety of fiction and non-fiction text, while introducing new words into the fifth grade vocabulary. Guided reading will also be used to pin point areas that need to be strengthened in order for your child to become the best reader they can. During guided reading we will focus in on the elements of literature to help students understand the many dimension of a book. Students will also take part in literature circles where they will read novels in small group and focus on holding quality book discussions.
Reading is a very important part of a child’s success in school. As a result I find it is very important that children read at home as well. Throughout the school year your child will be expected to read nightly to increase their reading fluency.
Accelerated Reader:
Students will take part in the Accelerated Reader (AR) program throughout the school year. To get started, students will take a reading test using STAR Reading to help establish their zone of proximal development (best fit for reading level). Then the students will set goals to read books within their level, and complete the accompanying AR tests with a self-determined accuracy (must be 85% or higher). Students will also keep track of their time spent reading to help work toward their personal AR goals. As students meet personal goals they will be given the chance to celebrate their success. We will also set class AR goals to celebrate larger successes.
Language Arts:
The language arts curriculum is aligned with the Literacy By Design reading series. As a result, students will see a common thread between the reading and writing work they do.
In writing students will study the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing) and the six traits of writing, (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency and conventions). Throughout the year students will be keep a writing journal where they will take notes on writing genres, strategies, and grammar, as well as practice the different writing concepts being taught. When students are given a major writing project to complete, they will work at their own pace, on a topic of their choice, while completing each step of the process. Students will also complete a multi-genre research project where they will choose a topic to research and use more than one genre of writing to share the information they learned.
As a whole, your child will receive one grade for writing and grammar. Major writing projects will count as double, meaning each project will be counted twice.
Spelling will not be a separate entity this year. Spelling patterns and concepts will be taught, but in conjunction with the reading curriculum, and will be tested on the reading theme test. We feel it is more important for students to learn words in context, rather than independently. Often times the words learned for a spelling test are simply memorized, rather than learned, and quickly forgotten. Our hope is that focusing on word patterns within context will give students a better chance of committing the patterns to memory.
Science/Social Studies:
In regard to science, students will learn through a combination of hands-on activities and textbook reading. The units we cover are human body, matter, energy, and motion.
In social studies students will be studying geography, the Civil War, World War I, the roaring 20s, the Great Depression, World War II, and other wars within the modern era.
The biggest adjustment students have in these two areas is learning how to study for tests and quizzes. To help in this area, students will be given a study guide to help prepare for the test. Some study guides will be completed in class, while others will be given as homework. Test grades will count twice the weight as in class grades.
Birthdays:
Students may bring birthday treats for the class only (30 students). They must be store bought individually wrapped items with the ingredients listed on the packaging to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction. If the packaging of the treats does not meet the district guidelines then they will be sent back home.
If your child has a summer birthday or a birthday over a break, he/she may bring a treat on his/her half birthday or before or after the break. It is your choice.
Expectations and Discipline:
Classroom ground rules school wide expectations.
At Banner we will...
- Follow directions quickly when they are given
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself at all times
- Speak kindly
- It is never okay to be hurtful.
- It is never okay to be disruptive.
Goals for life
- I can make good choices even if I am mad.
- I can be OK even if others are not Okay.
- I can do something even if I don't want to (or if it is hard).
When these expectations are demonstrated students will be rewarded through student and teacher chosen rewards. If these expectations are not followed, your child will work through the following process to help deter them from getting into trouble.
- Nonverbal redirect
- Verbal redirect
- Safe seat
- Buddy room
- Principal's office
* Severe Misbehavior: Immediate referral to the administration will occur for the following infractions: fighting, vandalism, defiance (stopping the class from functioning), weapons, drugs, etc…
If you ever have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me. The easiest way to reach me is by email or you can call me at school between 7:15am and 3:30pm. When calling you will most likely have to leave a message with Mrs. Begner or Mrs. Ryan and she will pass the message on to me. The school phone number is (309) 243-7774, my email address is [email protected], and the class website is http://mrsyoungroom5y.weebly.com.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Shelley Young