2. Fifth graders are the “Leaders of the Pack” and we have an exciting and productive year planned for students. The information included in the hand out and this presentation will prepare your student for a successful year.

3. The Team  Ms. Brenda Davis  Ms. Naomi Johnston  Mrs. Teresa Piraino  Mrs. Stacey Ward  Mrs. Kim Wilson We look forward to working with you to insure the success of your child during this very important year!

4. Upcoming Important Dates in September September 7 th - Grandparent Luncheon September 8 th - Fall School Picture Day September 13 th - Timbers Elementary School Spirit Night at Spring Creek Barbeque (5:00 – 9:00 p.m.) September 16 th - Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Day at Timbers September 20 th – Timbers PTO Ice Cream Social & General Meeting (6:30-7:30 PM)

5. Curriculum

6. Reading & Language Arts (RELA) Throughout the school year, students will extend reading strategies introduced in grades K-4 to further develop their critical thinking and analysis skills. In addition, students will practice STAAR format questions and apply strategies to prepare for the Reading STAAR to be administered in March.

7. Spelling We will be using the Words Their Way method of spelling and phonics instruction. This is an individualized spelling program. Students will be assessed on their spelling skills and grouped according to their level. Students are introduced to a new rule each week and given many opportunities to master the words.

8. Mathematics Fifth grade math focuses on exploring number concepts using hands-on activities and many different approaches to solving problems. Students will practice solving problems in a variety of ways and providing verbal and written explanations of their methods. In addition to hands-on activities, students will also practice STAAR-format questions so they will be fully prepared for the Math STAAR in March.

9. Science The focus for science is hands-on experiments and activities that make connections to real world applications of science concepts. The new TEKS place more emphasis on designing controlled experiments and the students will have plenty of practice before they are expected to design their own experiment. We will also spend some time analyzing non-fiction passages and information in preparation for the Science STAAR that will be administered in April.

10. Social Studies Fifth graders will study American History through a variety of sources, including historical fiction, non-fiction passages, and the “Why America Is Free” curriculum. This curriculum will allow students to travel back in time and experience how children their own age lived in Colonial times.

11. FYI

12. Patriot’s Day & Manner’s Banquet These are very exciting activities for our students and we need at least 36 parent volunteers to help us with these days. Please mark your calendars and save the days to help us make these experiences special for your child.  Patriot’s Day - November 18 th  Manner’s Banquet - December 2 nd

13. Tuesday Folders Graded papers and conduct will go home each week on Tuesday for the previous week. Please review the papers, sign the conduct card, and return the folder on Wednesday each week.

14. Homework Fifth graders will have homework on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. Additionally, students may have homework on weekends when projects have been assigned. Students will be expected to write the homework assignments in their planners each day.

15. Conduct Good conduct is critical to the success of all students. Students will receive a weekly conduct grade based on the following: Weekly Conduct:9 Weeks Conduct: E = 0 marksE = 0 - 4 marks S = 1 - 2 marks S = 5 - 9 marks N = 3 - 4 marksN = 10 - 18 marks U = 5+ marks U = 19+ marks

16. Conduct Rewards and Consequences The most important consequence of poor conduct is that the student loses opportunities to learn when he or she misbehaves. As an added incentive, fifth graders must maintain an E or an S in behavior for the year to participate in a number of end of the year activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, Talent Show, Autograph and Game Day, Mock Middle School and Kickball Tournament.

17. Recess Recess provides an opportunity for students to socialize and stretch their legs. Fifth graders will start the year with a recess break at lunch. However, as the year progresses we may gradually adjust the length and format of recess to prepare students for middle school, where they will not have a recess break.

18. After School Detention This is a program at Timbers for students in grades 3 through 5. The goal of after school detention is to keep students in class during the day so they do not miss instructional time due to behavior issues. Students will be assigned to after school detention if they receive 3 or more conduct marks in a day, 6 or more in a week, or for office referrals. Students with 3 detentions will be assigned additional consequences.

19. Snacks Fifth grade students will be allowed to bring a single- serving snack to be eaten in class at a time designated by the teacher. The snack must be one of the following items; which follow the nutritional guidelines set forth by the federal government and minimize the risk of allergic reactions and unsanitary conditions in the classroom.  Graham Crackers  Animal Crackers  Pretzels  Wheat Crackers  Dry Cheerios  Gold Fish Crackers

20. Student Birthdays Student birthdays may be celebrated during lunch time only. Parents wishing to provide treats for classmates may only purchase ice cream from the cafeteria. No outside food or drink may be shared. Please see the HOWL for details on ordering ice cream.

21. Conferences Our conference time is 8:15 – 9:15 daily. Please contact your child’s teacher if you wish to schedule a conference. Conferences will be scheduled with each parent in October.

22. Tardy Policy Students who are habitually tardy miss valuable instructional time. Parents will be contacted when a student is tardy more than 3 times.

23. STAAR – 5 th Grade  Subjects Assessed: Math Reading Science  4 hour time limit on all assessments  Results will be reported in the Fall of 2012  Only 1 administration of all tests this year  STAAR Math – March 26  STAAR Reading – March 27  STAAR Science – April 26

24. Other Important Information  Parents and guardians will only be allowed to escort students to class the first week of school. After this, we request that you stop at the double doors just past the office.  Parents and guardians will not be allowed to check students out of school after 2:45PM.  Students must have a parent note or doctor’s note when returning from an absence.  Students will be dismissed daily in the manner you tell us. Any change to dismissal must be given to the teacher in writing.

25. Please don’t forget to stop by the C1 computer lab and sign up for the Timbers Howl on- line newsletter!