Unity I dreamt I stood in a studio And watched two sculptors there. The clay they used was a young child’s mind And they fashioned it with care. One was a teacher – the tools she used Were books, music, and art. The other, a parent, worked with guiding hand, And a gentle, loving heart. Day after day, the teacher toiled with touch That was deft and sure. While the parent labored by her side And polished and smoothed it o’er. And when at last, their task was done They were proud of what they had wrought. For the things they had molded into the child Could neither be sold or bought. And each agreed they would have failed If each had worked alone. For behind the teacher stood the school And behind the parent, the home.

Welcome to 5th Grade Curriculum Night July 2011

Reading Harcourt basal reading series to address specific objectives Supplemental literature studies using chapter books Comprehension & skill based assignments as part of homework At home reading program

Language Writing process and the 6 +1 traits of good writing Modes of writing: functional, literary response, persuasive, expressive, expository and research Grammar and editing mini-lessons Spelling & Daily Language: Tested on Friday or Monday

Math Scott-Foresman program Math homework will be from the textbook and supplemental materials. “Computations” (individualized skill practice) State & District objectives include: data analysis, patterns & functions, geometry, fractions & decimals, measurement, and probability Students will receive nightly math homework that will reinforce skills taught in class.

Science Inquiry, Process Skills, & Science Fair Projects Physical Science: Matter (e.g., molecules & atoms), Motion & Forces (e.g., gravity & friction) Life Science: Structure & Functions of Living Systems (skeletal, muscular, & nervous systems) Earth & Space Science: Earth’s Processes & Systems (e.g., lunar cycle, rotation & revolution), Earth in the Solar System (e.g., planets, motion of sun & stars, space exploration)

Social Studies Geography Economics U.S. history from Exploration & Colonization to the Civil War. World History Government

Tid-Bits Communication: Email is our preferred method, however, we welcome notes and phone calls “Safe Folders” Fry’s and Basha’s Cards PTO liaison

Homework See website/child’s safe folder Reading comprehension story Spelling – Tested on Friday or Monday Reading and Math Fact Minutes Math – nightly homework that provides practice over concepts taught that day in class

Homework Policy Students should spend not more than 90 minutes per night. This time should be budgeted in the following manner: 15 minutes looking for assignment 11 minutes calling a friend for the assignment 23 minutes explaining why the teacher is mean and just does not like children 8 minutes in the bathroom 10 minutes getting a snack 7 minutes checking the TV guide 6 minutes telling parents that the teacher never explained the assignment 10 minutes sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Mom or Dad to do the assignment

Long Term Assignments These are given the night before they are due It is a long term commitment to time that begins at 9:30 pm and ends at 11:50 pm or later It is important that the whole family is involved in the project. It is imperative that at least one family member races to Wal-Mart/Target for poster board, and that at least one family member ends up in tears (does not have to be the student.) One parent needs to stay up and complete the project. The other parent needs to call the school and leave a message that the student is out sick. It is not necessary to have the student’s name on the assignment

Thank you for coming tonight Thank you for coming tonight! Your support and participation makes a world of difference!

Before You Leave… Please complete the following in your child’s homeroom in any order before leaving tonight: Sign in Fill out email and transportation information See donation and volunteer opportunities, we welcome any and all assistance Be sure to take your welcome letter and student information papers home. Please return the student information paper as soon as possible.