Welcome to Mr. Ferguson’s Back to School Night 2014-2015 Welcome to Mr. Ferguson’s Back to School Night

About Me First, I would like to introduce myself. This is my fourth year teaching in Loudoun County and at Hillside Elementary. Before teaching 5th grade, I worked as an assistant for two years in a Positive Behavioral Reinforcement Program for a 3rd through 5th grade Special Ed. classroom in Roanoke County, Virginia. Before that, I substituted for 4 years in Franklin County, Virginia for all elementary grades. I am very excited to be teaching 5th grade again this year. I believe students in this age range are some of the most amazing and enjoyable learners to have.

About me (cont.) I enjoyed my summer as I visited Mexico for the first time. It was an amazing learning experience! I also spent time with friends and family, and am in the middle of buying my first home, which closes in one week. I have a lot of interests and passions including music, sports, movies, history, and good books. I also have 2 crazy cats (Mr. Norris and Ziggy) that have kept me company for 10 years now.

Binder Organization We have organized the binders into various subjects. Your child should file each paper, packet, or assignment into the appropriate area. You can use the materials in each section to review for tests and quizzes. Your child should bring his or her binder home every evening.

Homework Agenda Please initial at the bottom of the agenda every day. The bottom non-subject row is a great place to find out about upcoming tests, quizzes, and projects. Agendas need to be kept in students’ binders.

Thursday Folders Every Thursday I will send home graded work in their Thursday Folder. This will allow you to see what we have been working on and how your child is doing. Please sign and return the half sheet to school on Friday. If a student receives a grade of C (2) or below, please go over it with your child, sign and return it to school in their Thursday Folders.

5th Grade Curriculum SOL tests are given in reading, math, and science. All SOL tests are given in May. 9 week plans are posted on the 5th grade Webpage.

5th Grade Webpage Our webpage is located on the Hillside site under the classrooms tab – then drop down to Fifth Grade link. On our page you will find the following: 9 week plans/Study Guides Email contact information Individual teacher pages Newsletters Special classroom/subject information (upcoming projects)

Homework Expectations Homework should be completed on a nightly basis Monday-Thursday. Homework is always due the next day unless noted otherwise. If a student is absent or misses class, they have the number of days out to complete the work. If homework is not turned in when due, it must be completed the next day.

Math SOL – May. We will not be switching for Math classes this year. Instead, my class will go to Mr. Fortunato’s class for Math and his class will come to mine for Science/Social Studies. Focus on preparing students for middle school. Focus on problem solving and critical thinking.

Science Sol- Spring May Units of Study: Earth, Rocks & Minerals, Matter, Living Systems, Oceans, Light & Sound Interactive Notebooks Website: Outlines and Vocabulary Words Studying

Social Studies SOL- none! Units of Study: 6 Regions of the United States Tests & Quizzes: study guides online Map Quizzes- states, capitals, and abbreviations Interactive Notebooks

Writing Writing Process Graphic organizers – plan to writing Types of writing –descriptive, narrative (entertain), expository (inform), persuasive Editing and revising – major focus Handwriting – encouraged to write in cursive and print. Spelling Quizzes on Fridays.

Reading Reading fiction and nonfiction selections Improve reading comprehension Reading fluency – reading with expression Reading a variety of genres Power Reading – Can you read 20 books this school year? This is a goal, not necessarily a requirement. 15 – 20 minutes of silent reading in every reading class daily reading at home

Management Students will receive behavioral reminders from teacher. 3 reminders and student loses time off extra recess. If repeated, a note or email will be sent home. Great behavior = tickets! Tickets can be used for various activities or prizes.

Donations Bean bags Books ?

What’s Next? Specials Report Card Conference Sign-up Student Transportation Information Volunteer Information Contact Information THANK YOU FOR COMING !