1. Welcome to 5th Grade Back to School Night! Mrs. Vanek grade5@kirkschool.org

2. Tonight’s Topics Weekly Schedule 5th Grade Curriculum Homework Grading Scale Organization/Study Skills Behavior Expectations Student Health Class Parties Fieldtrips Fundraising Middle Schools/Applications Substitute

3. 5th Grade Math Curriculum Factors Multiples Fractions Decimals Algebra Geometry Working with large numbers The key is to ask for help!

4. Singapore Math Singapore Math is designed to –Increase students’ number sense –Increase students’ problem solving skills through model drawing –Develop and sharpen students’ ability to do math mentally –Fewer topics are taught in greater depth.

5. Language Arts In Language Arts we will be working on: Reading Comprehension gained through textbooks and core literature novels: Peppermints in the Parlor The Riddle of Penncroft Farm Literature Circles will be used to enhance the reading experience. We are working on developing good reading strategies: –Accessing Prior Knowledge –Inferring –Asking Questions –Identifying the important information –Monitoring Comprehension –Creating Mental Images –Synthesizing

6. Language Arts Writing –Writing is a process. Students will come to understand this process and writing will be less intimidating. –By the end of 5th grade students will be able to write a cohesive 5 paragraph essay with a thesis statement. Spelling/Vocabulary –Packet and flashcard due EVERY Wednesday --> Quiz on Friday –Grammar in the context of writing.

7. U.S. History The topics we will cover are: –First Settlers –Exploration –Colonial America –Revolutionary War –American Government –Movement Westward –There will be both group and individual projects to enhance the 5th graders’ understanding of United States History.

8. Current Event Assignment We want our students to be aware of their community, state, nation, and world. Every Wednesday the students will have a current events article and summary due. This is a great assignment to work on over the weekend!

9. Homework There is more homework in 5th grade than in the previous years. Homework reinforces what is being taught in the classroom. We are trying to prepare them for the middle school workload. Typical Night: –Math (1-2 pages) –Studying for a test –Assigned Reading –Social Studies/Vocab Packet

10. Assessment/Grading Scale Tests... ……….30% Projects/Essay….25% Class work & Participation…….20% Homework…….. 15% Quizzes....... 10% 100%-97% A+ 96%-93% A 92%-90% A- 89%-87% B+ 86%-83% B 82%-80% B- 79%-77%C+ 76%-73%C 72%-70%C- 70% and below D 60% and below F

11. Organization and Study Skills Organization –Students are responsible for keeping their desks, binder, and backpacks organized. –Students are responsible for keeping their weekly/monthly planners up to date. Study Skills –Students are being taught that studying is not just looking at the book. –Studying is an activity that requires effort. –Students are being taught different study tools.

12. Student Behavior Expectations 1. I will always do my best. 2. I will complete all assignments on time. 3. I will not use “put downs” or harass others. 4. I will respect other people’s differences and opinions. 5. I will actively listen when others are speaking.

13. Student Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends: –Stay home a least 24 hours after no longer having a fever, or signs of a fever without fever-reducing medicines. –Encourage students to wash hands and keep their hands to themselves.

14. Classroom Parties Parents sign up to help with the different parties/holidays. Please keep parties simple: –A few snacks and drinks –Games and Crafts –2-->3 is the best time for class parties

15. Fieldtrips October 21st –8:30-1:30 –Reagan Library –Guided Tour and Discovery Center –Lunch –Parent drivers needed Pali Camp –May 4th-6th –We will have a Pali Camp meeting night as this trip gets closer.

16. Fundraising Recycling - Corner of Vanowen and White Oak. Every parent should sign up for a month. Selling food at school events. See’s Candies ? ? ? ? ? Other ideas?

17. Graduation I would love to have a point person in charge of graduation. Are you that person? We will have a graduation meeting as the day gets closer... No tears yet!

18. Where do we go next? Please come to me with any questions about middle school. We want to find a school that is a good fit for your child weather it is private, public, or charter. If you need to have me fill out or write letters of recommendation please give me approximately 3 weeks before it needs to be in.

19. QUESTIONS! CONCERNS!