1. Pecan Grove Elementary
Teacher: Mrs. Sissel

2. Welcome to 5th Grade
I am excited about a wonderful school year. Your child will be learning many different skills this year in sixth grade. We will be doing many different learning units, working with computers, and talking about the current events of our world!
I am looking forward to working with all the parents so we can make this a fun and educational year for your children. Parent involvement is very important to the success of the students in this classroom.

3. About the Teacher Born and raised in Michigan
Graduated from Lake Superior State University in 2001 with a degree in Social Sciences.
Graduated from University of Phoenix in 2003 with a Masters of Education degree.
2 years substitute-teaching experience in Alaska.
Moved to Yuma in July 2004

4. S.T.A.R. Binders
This year I will be using S.T.A.R. Binders.  S.T.A.R. stands for Students Taking Awesome Responsibility. On the following slides you will find a description of each section in the S.T.A.R. Binder. Please read this section carefully as we will be using the S.T.A.R. Binder all year long.

5. S.T.A.R. Binders Inside Front Pocket:
In this pocket you will find notes from school and our weekly newsletter. All papers in this pocket need to be removed every night. If there are any forms, such as field trip forms, which need to be returned, please sign and place back inside this pocket.
Zipper Pocket:
This is where book order and/or field trip money needs to be placed.  

6. S.T.A.R. Binders Sheet Protector:
This will contain each week’s spelling and vocabulary list. 
Homework Folder:
This folder will contain your child’s homework for each night. After your child completes his/her homework, please be sure that he/she places it back into his/her homework folder. This should be the child’s responsibility, not yours! 

7. S.T.A.R. Binders Take Home Folder:
This folder will contain your child’s completed work. Completed work will be sent home every Monday. Please remove the completed work each Monday night. 

8. S.T.A.R. Binders Communication Log:
 This section will be used for notes between parent and teacher. The students should not write in this section. I will write notes in this section and look for communications from parents.

9. Classroom Rules Only 1 person talking at a time
Listen Carefully
Follow Directions
Work Quietly – Do not disturb others who are working
Respect others – Be kind with your words and actions
Respect school property
Work and play safely
Only 1 person talking at a time
Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself
Sit in your assigned seat
Use a 6-inch voice when in group work

10. Character Counts
Pecan Grove Elementary participates in a program entitled “Character Counts.” This program is designed to teach character traits that will help the students interact with other students and community members. Mrs. Garcia, the school counselor will be talking with the students once a month about one of the ten “Character Counts” themes.

11. Textbooks Used Reading: Harcourt Trophies Language: Harcourt Trophies
Spelling: Harcourt Trophies
Math: Harcourt
Social Studies: none
Science: none

12. Reading 6 reading themes Weekly Vocabulary
5 stories per unit
Weekly Vocabulary
Weekly Reading Comprehension Tests
Accelerated Reader
Book-it Clubs
Battle of the Books

13. Writing Writing Folders 6 Traits of Writing Quick Writes Daily Writing
Published writing (bulletin boards, student made books, etc.)
Editors Checklist
Proofreading with editing marks
6 Traits of Writing
Ideas and content
Organization
Voice
Word Choice
Sentence Fluency
Conventions

14. Spelling Test on Wednesdays Sentence Dictation Form
Review list at end of reading units
Activities:
Word finds
Unscramble
Sentences
ABC Order
Making Words
Word Wall Activities
Around the World

15. Math Homework will be given each day Monday through Thursday
Students NEED to study their math facts nightly
Students need to know their math facts by memory in order to help them with the higher math skills at this level
Students will be doing math facts daily in class and will have a timed skill check every day
NOTE: Flashcards can be purchased at Wal-Mart, the Dollar Store, etc. and/or flashcards can be made with index cards
Math Assessments for academic standards will be given every quarter
Example of different skills learned in 5th grade x
Measurement
Fractions, Ratios, Percents and Decimals
Graphs and Spreadsheets

16. Social Studies Maps and Geography US History Indigenous Peoples
Colonization
Revolutionary War
Beginning Expansion
Industrial Revolution
Civil War
Ocean to Ocean
Immigration
Boom to Bust
World War 1
World War 2

17. Science
Science and Social Studies will be taught in alternating units throughout the school year
Physical Science
Matter
Force
Motion
Earth Science
Earth & Moon
Solar System
Life Science
Cells, Organs
Body Systems

18. Technology Computer Station Listening Center TV/VCR Learning games
Internet based assessments
Accelerated Reader
Listening Center
Books on tape
TV/VCR
Educational videos that tie into units

19. Assessments Traditional Assessments Non-traditional Assessments
vocabulary tests
reading comprehension tests
spelling tests
math assessments
math fact tests
Non-traditional Assessments
projects
presentations
Writing
Accelerated Reader
learning games

20. Grading Scale 100%-97% A+ 96%-94% A 93%-90% A- 89%-87% B+ 86%-84% B
59%-0% F

21. Five Star Family
To become a Five Star Family, parents need to attend or be involved in at least five activities in our school. Families that become a Five Star Family will attend the end of year school carnival. Students will also receive a Five Star Family t-shirt. The next slide lists many different ways that your family can become a Five Star Family!

22. Parent Involvement Open House attendance Class Party Sponsor
Attend Parent/Teacher Conferences
Volunteering in classroom
Donating school supplies to classroom
Attend Student of the month award ceremony
Attend Parent Tea
Attend PTO Meetings (1st Thursday of every month)

23. Pecan Grove Elementary School
Contact Information
Pecan Grove Elementary School
600 S 21st Avenue
Yuma, AZ 85364
ext. 8113

24. Thank you for attending Meet the Teacher Night