2. Email Addresses karenbodker@bigwalnut.k12.oh.us katiegraven@bigwalnut.k12.oh.us casey_wright@bigwalnut.k12.oh.us susanmissman@bigwalnut.k12.oh.us It is an honor and a privilege to be able to guide your student through his or her final elementary school year. If you would like to contact us for any reason, please call the school and leave a message or email us. GRE Office Phone 740-965-8900 School Website www.bigwalnut.k12.oh.us

4. Assignment Books All daily homework assignments are posted in the classroom. Your child will write daily homework assignments in his/her planner each day. Each night a parent or guardian should sign the planner to show that the assignments are complete. Teachers will check planners with those students who are having difficulties completing their work.

5. Homework Policy The purpose of homework is to reinforce what has been learned in the classroom. Homework helps to prepare students for assessments and teaches responsibility as well as positive study habits. Assignments will be collected in class on their due dates. Missing or late assignments will be noted in the student’s agenda. Late work needs to be turned in as soon as possible with points taken away for each day late. Thank you for helping your child make homework a priority! A+

6. 5 th Grade Weekly Check System First Check = Lose 5 minutes of recess Second Check = Lose all of recess Third Check = Student loses recess and writes a letter explaining their behavior. The letter needs to be signed by a parent to earn recess privileges back.

7. LANGUAGE ARTS Daily Five The Daily Five is a way of structuring the language arts block so every student is independently engaged in meaningful literacy tasks. These researched based tasks are ones that will have the biggest impact on student reading and writing achievement, as well as help foster children who love to read and write. Students receive explicit whole group instruction and then are given independent practice time to read and write independently while the teacher provides focused, intense instruction to individuals and small groups of students

8. DAILY FIVE COMPONENTS 1) Read to self 2) Work on writing 3) Read to someone 4) Listen to reading 5) Word work

9. CAFÉ Comprehension Accuracy Fluency Expand Vocabulary

10. WRITER’S WORKSHOP Students independently progress through the writing process to create written pieces. (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, publishing) Conference with teacher and peers to improve writing

11. M ATERIALS FOR C LASS I PICK book baggies- at least two “good fit” books Binder Headphones Thumb Drive (optional) *****Read at least 20 minutes every night!!!

12. Social Studies Curriculum Text : History Alive! Ohio academic content standards-based approach to teaching District-backed Highly interactive activity-based approach to learning Applied knowledge 5 th Grade Curriculum United States Geography U.S. History (pre-colonial exploration through westward expansion) Economics Local government and The Bill of Rights

13. Science and Health The science program is a fast-paced, exciting, and hands-on exploration into many disciplines and interest areas. We will be focusing on learning and using science process skills to help us gather, organize, analyze, and present our scientific knowledge. Tracking energy transfer will be a common theme in all our units of study. Students should expect a weekly quiz each Friday that will cover material presented throughout the week. Health education is integrated into the science curriculum and includes body systems, the study of disease, nutrition, safety, and drug awareness. District drug counselors and members of the local police departments conduct sessions on safety and drug awareness with all Big Walnut 5 th graders. Major units of science study include: Life Sciences (ecosystems, biomes, ecology) Physical Sciences (energy, light, sound, laws of motion) Scientific Inquiry (scientific method, science fair) Earth and Space (solar system, Earth’s resources)

14. Math The Everyday Mathematics curriculum is a comprehensive math program that aligns with Ohio’s academic content standards. The students will build and extend their knowledge of six mathematical content strands through a variety of learning activities. Please refer to your child’s Student Reference Book for a listing of the six content strands. Student Reference Book (SRB)- The student textbook is a great resource for both students and parents. Students should bring this book home to help with all homework assignments. Student Math Journal- This workbook contains both class work and homework assignments. Family Letter- At the beginning of each unit, we will send home a letter that summarizes the math concepts the students will be learning in that particular unit. This program can be extra challenging for those students still struggling with multiplication facts. If your child struggles with math facts, please help him or her to practice at home. We will spend very little time in class reviewing basic math facts.

15. O THER I TEMS Donations -classroom rewards & treats -books, magazines, etc. for classroom -Ipods Water bottles are welcome in class Birthday Treats -individually bagged treats to go home at the end of the day

16. Parental involvement is one of the strongest indicators of student achievement. It will be important for us to work together as the students prepare for middle school. We thank you in advance for the support and encouragement we know you will give your son or daughter this school year.