Welcome to Back to School Night! Miss Powner Room 234

About Miss P Grew up outside Pittsburgh Attended Gannon University in Erie, PA BS in Elementary and Special Education MS in Elementary Reading and Math Post graduate certificate in Administration with a Concentration in Special Education Began teaching in 2003 Taught 2 nd, MS Learning Support, 4/5 Learning Support, 5 th 2

3 Standards of Learning Reading, Math and Science SOL assessments in May Science will consist of 4 th and 5 th grade concepts SOL changes this year in the state of Virginia: No writing SOL in 5 th Grade

Attendance If your child is going to be absent please let me or the attendance secretary know if at all possible. You can also at DIS- This is especially true if it will be an extended absence.DIS- The number of days absent will be the number of days allowed to make up the missed assignments. Please ensure that your child is in the building by 7:50 or they will be considered tardy. 4

5 Why is homework assigned? Homework is an important tool for reinforcing what has been learned in school. It also prepares students for upcoming lessons, fosters responsibility, and helps students develop positive study habits. Although homework is not graded, participation and completion is expected.

6 Homework Policy Students are expected to read for twenty minutes and practice math facts every night. Homework should not take more than minutes to complete (exceptions may occur). This includes 20 minutes of reading each night! Students are not allowed to call home for missing assignments. Miss Powner's webpage

7 What are your child’s responsibilities? Students should complete homework assignments every night as neatly and correctly as they can. All assignments should be completed in pencil, unless assigned otherwise. All work should be completed and turned in by the due date. They utilize their agenda to record assignments, tests, projects, etc, and reference it when completing work. Prepare themselves for middle school next year!

Mathematics Students will have one wire notebook per quarter in math, and will also have a section in their binder devoted to math. We have FLEXIBLE GROUPING in 5 th grade. We have placed your child in a math class according to data from previous SOLs and information in the cumulative files. Grouping MAY CHANGE based on assessments which will be given at the start of each new unit. Students will demonstrate their knowledge across various levels, with an emphasis on real world application. 8

9 Balanced Literacy We follow a Reading Workshop model. Students choose an independent reading book on their level, then utilize sticky notes to record their thoughts as they read. Students also conference with the teacher and participate in strategy groups. Each student is required to keep a Reading Response Journal, Word Study Notebook, and Language Notebook. All of these materials will be used to help your child become a proficient reader and writer. Your child should be reading for AT LEAST 20 minutes at home every evening!

Science Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science topics SOL in May covers both 4 th and 5 th grade concepts 10 Social Studies Regions of the United States States, capitals, and abbreviations

Quizzes & Tests Dates for quizzes and tests will be listed in agendas and on my website. We usually do some review in class the day before, but students need to study at home as well. Specific information to be studied will be highlighted in notes and handouts. 11

Grading Policies & Procedures Students will receive assignments throughout the week. Be sure to check your child’s Thursday Folder and the Parent Portal. Students will be receiving effort grades in all subject areas, including homework! Grading Key: A = Outstanding B = Very Good C = Satisfactory D = Needs Improvement F = Not Performing Progress Indicators: 4 = Exceeds Standard 3 = Meets Standard 2 = Progressing Toward Standard 1 = Below Standard O = Outstanding S = Satisfactory N = Needs Improvement 12

Behavior Management System In 5 th grade, students will earn classroom incentives. These are based upon students meeting behavioral and academic expectations. Discovery is a PBIS school (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports). As the quarter progresses and students are adjusting to their routines, we will introduce the Fun Friday classroom incentive. 13

Snacks Please try to send in healthy snacks. Students are welcome to use the refrigerator for snacks and/or lunch items. Water bottles are welcomed! 14

15 Communication Class webpage Newsletters Thursday folder Written notes Conferences

Please be careful when selecting Media Release and Photographs box. *The second choice (do NOT give permission) does not allow your child to be on the school website, too. (Photos from grade level performances, PTO activities, Spelling Bee, etc).

Simple Ways to Support Discovery Collect Box Tops for Education Collect Labels for Education Collect Coke Rewards points Link grocery and Target cards Link your Amazon shopping to Discovery Send in empty ink cartridges 19

20 Questions? Before you go … *Please be sure to fill out the sheets on your child’s desk and return them to the bins along the back wall. *Sign up for conferences and/or volunteering.

21 Thank you for coming and I look forward to a great year!