1. The Fifth Grade Team of Penn Wood Elementary School 2017-2018
Back to School Night
The Fifth Grade Team of Penn Wood Elementary School

2. Welcome to the 2017-2018 School Year at Penn Wood
We are looking forward to a year of academic growth and memorable experiences.
Who are the teachers?
Mr. Cermignano
Mrs. Quinn
Mrs. Quigley
Mrs. Johnson
Dr. Koberg
Ms. Bushnell

3. Fifth Grade~ Fun and Challenge
What is Special about 5th Grade?
It is your child’s last year in an elementary school
environment.
Increased Responsibility
Increased Expectations
More Independence
Challenging Curriculum and Standards
What do the teachers expect?
Student do their best work
Students ask questions when they don’t understand
Students take responsibility for their own learning
Students come to class prepared to learn and complete assignments
Students cooperate with teachers, staff, and classmate as a “team”

4. Our Schedule Special Subjects: 4 Day Cycle 9:10 to 10:00 Specials
Day 1-Art
Day 2- Library
Day 3-Music
Day 4- PE
Basic Daily Schedule:
9:10 to 10:00 Specials
10:00 to 11:00 Math
11:00 to 11:30 MTSS/ Math
11:30 to 12:45 ELA
12:45 to 1:30 ILU
1:30 to 2:00 Lunch
2:00 to 2:45 ILU
2:45 to 3:00 Class Meeting/2nd Step
3:00 to 3:30 Recess

5. Reading Workshop
Use a variety of resources to meet the PA Core Standards
Instruction stems from leveled texts, thematic units, non-fiction articles and books or magazines.
Reading skills are taught in whole group lessons, reinforced during flexible small groups, and practiced independently by students.
Fifth graders should have an appropriate independent book called a Just Right book at all times.
Students are required to read 30 minutes a night as Reading Fluency Homework.

6. Math In Focus ~ Singapore Math
The math curriculum for fifth Grade covers the following topics:
Algebra
Place value
Rounding whole numbers and decimals
Decimals- add, subtract, multiply, and divide
Fractions-add, subtract, multiply, and divide
Order of operations
Analyzing patterns
Graphing points on a coordinate grid
Classifying two-dimensional figures
Measurement
Scale
Volume

7. Balanced Math Program Computation Skills Problem Solving
Development of number sense
Fluency
Problem Solving
Problem of the Day
T.H.I.N.K Model
Bar modeling
Conceptual Understanding
State and District standards are aligned to daily math instruction
Mastery of Math Facts ~ Homework
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Enables quick recall of number facts when computing more advanced math problems
Common Formative Assessment
Provides teacher with data as to the students current understanding

8. Social Studies
The Social Studies Curriculum for the Fifth Grade covers the following topics.
Geography
Government
Explorers
Early Colonies
The Causes of the Revolutionary War.
Students use The Big 6 to conduct research projects.
Taught through ILU’s

9. Science
The science curriculum for fifth Grade covers the following topics:
Science Explorer textbook
What is Science?
Scientific Skills
Scientific Method
The Work of Scientists/Scientific Careers
Models and Designs-Foss Science Kit
Mixtures and Solutions-Foss Science Kit
Levers and Pulleys- Foss Science Kit
Nonfiction Reader- Foss Science Stories
Taught through ILU’s

10. Integrated Learning Units
To grab students’ interest and motivate them to achieve at high levels.
To help students develop and use effective Executive Function Skills.
Students complete projects and receive grades for assignments and homework completed as part of an ILU.

11. Integrated Learning Units
Integrated Learning Units (ILUs) are units of study that integrate content area information with reading, writing and critical thinking.
ILUs occur on Monday through Friday in 40 minute sessions.
Example ILU schedule for your child’s class:
Trimester 1
Mrs. Quinn
Brainology
Government
Mr. Cermignano
Models and Designs
Mrs. Quigley
Problem Solving Pig Problems

12. Assessment Formative Assessments Summative Assessments Report Cards
Used by teachers to evaluate students understanding of a concept of skill taught.
A mid-way assessment that helps a teacher to determine future instruction.
Not graded.
Summative Assessments
Tests, quizzes, projects, performance assessments
Graded and put into Power School.
Report Cards
A report to parent to show students’ levels at a given point.

13. Communication Grades may be viewed online at www.edline.com.
Please note: Power School is updated every two weeks.
A biweekly Communication Folder will be sent home containing your child’s formative and summative assessments for your review. Summative assessments are expected to be signed and returned to school the following week.
Class information is posted on the teacher’s web site: (This is in place of a Newsletter) Information is updated weekly.
Contact the teacher at to schedule a parent teacher conference if you have concerns.

14. Homework ~ Fluency
Fluency in reading means reading smoothly and effortlessly. Students should read daily for a minimum of 30 minutes and complete a weekly reading log, verified by a parent
Fluency in writing means that student’s ideas can flow into their writing smoothly and effortlessly. Students will write daily by responding to self-selected writing prompts using a journal.
Fluency in math is quickly and effortlessly solving computation problems. Students will use math flashcards, websites, and written homework to practice math fluency.
All Homework will be given on Monday and will be due on Friday.

15. Thank You for Coming Discipline & Records Policy
Please go online and follow the link that was sent to you to complete all new school year forms.
Weebly
ThinkCentral
Username: PWEstudent5
Password: mathinfocus