2. Welcome to Fifth Grade! 2010 - 2011

3. Who are the teachers? Mrs. Merritt Ms. Gabriel Mrs. Hernandez Mrs. Ramirez

4. What is Fifth Grade about? Leadership

5. Leadership Opportunities Patrols Choir Reading Buddies Run for the Arts

6. What is 5 th Grade about? Leadership Organization

7. Student agendas are the best way to stay organized. Students are expected to write all important dates in their agendas. Parents, please sign these agendas daily. Students are responsible for bringing home graded papers in the PSE homework folder. Students are responsible for completing their Reading Logs every night after they have read for 30 minutes.

8. More Organization Organization is a critical skill for middle school. Parents and child should select one evening as “Folder Night”. Use this time to organize, talk about grades, and communicate expectations with your child.

9. What is 5 th Grade about? Leadership Organization Curriculum

10. Chemistry Earth / Space Science Environments USA or Bust! Economics and Government United States History Critical Reading and Writing Skills Landforms Technology Pre-Algebra

11. What’s different about 5 th grade? MathScienceReadingWritingSoc. Studies Pace Applying knowledge learned to a new situation Student Accountable Habitual Specific Using advanced vocabulary Interactive/ Cooperative Group work Concrete to Abstract Covers all Elementary Topics Inferential Supporting Opinions with text IntegratedProject Based Learning

12. Homework Students are responsible for writing in their student planners everyday. Each teacher provides time during the day in which to write the assignments. Homework is given as a reinforcement of concepts covered in class. Homework is planned to cover a time period of 60 minutes.

13. Homework FAQ Q.How much help should I provide for my child? A.You should be available for your child, but expect them to do it independently. Q.What if homework is taking too long? A.Set a timer. Provide a break at 30 minutes. Communicate with the teacher to discuss concerns. Q. How do I help my student remain organized? A. Use the homework folder inside the binder. Ask your child to place the homework in the folder.

14. Grading Expectations Social Studies –Concepts = 50% = 4- 6 grades –Observations = 30% = 2 grades –Project = 20% = 1 grade More grades may be taken. These are minimum standards.

15. Grading Expectations Math –Content = 60% = 6 grades –Problem Solving = 30% = 4 grades –Math Facts = 10% = 4 grades More grades may be taken. These are minimum standards.

16. Grading Expectations Science –Concepts = 40% = 5 grades –Observation = 20% = 2 grades –Project = 20% = 1 grade –Journal = 20% = 1 grade More grades may be taken. These are minimum standards.

17. Grading Expectations Language Arts –Reading = 40% 1 oral reading 2 comprehension 1 observation of comprehension 1 reading response –Writing = 40 % 1 teacher assigned composition 1 student selected composition 1 writing observation 1 writer’s notebook –Spelling = 10% 1 grade that reflects transfer of spelling knowledge to written work –Oral Language = 10% 1 grade that reflects student’s ability to communicate effectively

18. Grading Expectations Conduct –E = Always follows class rules, never disruptive in class, always tries their best and has a positive attitude in class, always on task –S = Usually follows class rules, rarely disruptive in class, usually tries their best and usually has a positive attitude in class, usually on task –N = Rarely follows class rules, is disruptive in class, rarely tries their best and rarely has a positive attitude in class, rarely on task. –U = Does not follow class rules, is disruptive in class, does not try their best and does not have a positive attitude in class, not on task

19. What is 5 th Grade about? Leadership Organization Curriculum Teamwork

20. TRIBES Tribes is a democratic group process that promotes a caring environment for cooperative learning. We use Tribes to promote the ideas of community and respect for all in our classrooms. The Tribes agreements include attentive listening, mutual respect, appreciation, and the right to pass.

21. Behavior Expectations All students are expected to follow the life skills at all times. The fifth grade teachers believe that all students can and should exercise self- control in their relationships with others. Conduct grades are written daily in the planner. Please initial planners daily including Friday.

22. Behavior Policy 1.Reminders given in class. 2.Private/Student Teacher Discussion.

23. Behavior Policy 3. Parent Notification by note in planner, phone call, or e-mail. 4.Parent Conference. 5.Visit to the office. Physical contact is an immediate office referral.

24. Parent – Teacher Teamwork Healthy Snacks only, please! Always stop by the office to get your visitor’s tag. Please leave things for your child in the main office. E-mail is the best way of contacting us. Please join and support the PTA!!!

25. Parent – Teacher Teamwork Students must have a note from their parents if they are changing their route home. Please send a note to school immediately after an absence. Fill out a Volunteer form!!

26. Parent – Teacher Teamwork Birthdays are a special day. You may bring a snack to share with the homeroom class.( cookies, cup cakes, etc.) Ice cream, drinks, and party favors are not allowed. Birthday snacks will be scheduled after lunch periods. Don’t forget to cut the cookie cake and send some napkins to school also.

27. TAKS Test Dates Math April 4 Reading April 5 Science April 28

28. 1.Please tour all three classes that your child goes to during a regular school day. 2.Look for ways that you can help in our classroom. 3.View your child’s journals/folders to see what they are learning. 4.Visit the Block classrooms to meet the rest of the Pine Shadows Staff. Thanks for coming!