1. Grade 5 Parent Information Night Mrs. Darcy Gehen ELA and Social Studies Phone: 926-1740 Ext. 4162 Mrs. Heidi Gleason Math and Science Phone: 926-1740 Ext. 4164

2. Homework Every week night and occasional weekends Approximately 40 minutes Review and Practice Read every night for 30 minutes Complete a Study Link for Math each night. Unfinished Math Boxes assigned in school will need to be completed for homework. Check homework at: www.frontier.wnyric.org Click on “Big Tree School” and then click on “Mrs. Gehen and/or Mrs. Gleason.”

3. Agendas Your child has been provided with an agenda that will be used on a daily basis for the following: Recording homework assignments Parent/Teacher communication Bathroom sign-out Please sign your child's agenda each night to ensure that it is being used effectively.

4. Grading Homework Must be completed neatly and accurately on a regular basis. Review and reinforcement of skills and concepts Inform the teacher of your child's difficulty with homework or time management so that monitoring and adjustment can take place to make homework a worthwhile experience. Report Card Grades (More information coming soon.) 4 Progress exceeds grade level and/or expectations 3 Progress is satisfactory at grade level and/or expectations 2 Shows some progress but there is a need for improvement 1 Progress is consistently below grade level and/or expectations

5. Weekly Specials GLEASON Monday Art Tuesday Phys. Ed. Wednesday Music Thursday Phys. Ed. Friday Library GEHEN Monday Phys. Ed. Tuesday Phys. Ed. Wednesday Art Thursday Library Friday Music

6. The Curriculum Based on the NYS Standards and Core Curriculum Differentiated to meet all students’ needs Writing Intensive Driven by skill development Emphasizes Problem-Solving and Logical Thinking Prepares students for higher education Actively engages students in learning Focuses on developing understandings of key concepts to ensure transfer of knowledge

7. English Language Arts Award winning literature utilized to support interdisciplinary themes Guided Reading materials provided at appropriate instructional level Accelerated Reader (AR) Monthly Independent Reading Paragraph editing Integrated Vocabulary Units of Study Writing Program Preparation for the 5th Grade NYS ELA test given April 26-28

8. Vocabulary Content based vocabulary will be presented each week. Word Bank will be completed in class. At least 2 days notice will be given prior to a Word Bank test. Students should prepare for vocabulary tests studying Word Bank words. Having a strong knowledge of Word Bank words will help prepare students for state assessments

9. Social Studies Comparative study of the United States, Canada, and Latin American nations. Focus on geography, history, culture, and economy by utilizing a variety of sources: TheWestern Hemisphere, the United States and Its Neighbors, and NYS Elementary Soc. St. Coach. Writing Intensive Strategies for Success: -Content area reading strategies -Test taking skills -Memory Strategies Preparation for NYS Social Studies test given on November 16 and 17

10. Mathematics Spiraled Curriculum Math Boxes Daily Math Message Mental Math and Reflexes Memorization of Multiplication Facts Family Letters for each unit Study Links Student Reference Book NYS Coach book for Grade 5 State Assessment Prep NYS Assessment May 5-7

11. Science Standards based exploration of the Scientific Method Inquiry and problem solving Hands-on Exploration and Experimentation Journal Keeping Systems Analysis Mealworms Electromagnetism Ecosystems and Ecology Integration of Technology

12. Health Correlated to National Health Standards and NYS Health Education Standards Skills include: Communication Planning and goal setting Decision making Stress management Refusal skills Assessing information Healthful behaviors Maintenance of body systems Memory Strategies and Study Skills Life Skills – WNY United Growing up VIDEO

13. Opportunities for Involvement Band Chorus Orchestra Safety Patrol Banana Splits Reading Buddies Intramurals Art Club Friendship Club

14. Your Child’s School Success Depends on: Positive Parent/Teacher communication Organization Effective Study Habits Positive Attitude Application of Habits of Mind Compassion, Comfort, and Confidence Support in and out of school