“What a child can do with assistance today he/she will be ...



“What a child can do with assistance today he/she will be able to do by himself/herself tomorrow.” L.S. Vygotsky

Dear Parents,

Welcome to fifth grade! I know your son or daughter will have a fabulous year. The following letter details some important information about fifth grade, which you may find useful in helping your child become and stay successful in fifth grade. Fifth graders are still elementary students, but many skills are introduced and applied all year in preparation for middle school. Fifth grade students are given more choices and freedoms than other grade levels in order to practice making independent choices. A major goal in fifth grade is to develop independence and responsibility.

Independence and Responsibility

Independence and responsible behavior is cultivated in fifth grade. Organization is critical in fifth grade. Students have set up folders with teacher help. These folders are assigned to a subject and all relevant papers, notes, assignments, etc. are stored in the folders. If your child has unfinished work in a subject it will be in the take home folder. Your child will fill out an assignment book page for each day of school. The book will tell you what we studied or worked at in class and assignments that were given. Students are expected to have their homework completed on time everyday. If your child has a late assignment they will fill out a late assignment sheet that will be stapled into their assignment notebook or it will be written in their assignment book. The late assignment sheet will need to be signed and returned the next day. If it is written in the assignment book, please initial it or sign your name next to it so we know you have seen it. Students will be expected to miss break time and have the work completed by the next school day. If your child doesn’t have homework, he or she should work on math facts and independently read. If your child uses his or her time wisely in class they shouldn’t have more than 30 minutes of homework a night. Each day I will initial the bottom of that day’s assignment book page. I ask that you initial or sign your child’s page every night. I will again initial the assignment book every morning. This is an excellent way to send a quick note, since I check them at least two times a day! There may be times when I send home a note or reminders to you this way instead of calling or e-mailing. It is the responsibility of your son or daughter to ask or even bring their assignment book to you to be signed.

Specials

Fifth graders enjoy the specials music, PE, art, computer, and guidance. A couple of additions include chorus, band, and Code 411. All students are encouraged to try band and chorus, but they are electives. CODE 411 is an eight to ten week program taught by the Clive Police Department in the second semester. This program teaches students about the dangers of Internet use, alcohol, and drugs.

Academics

Fifth graders continue to study the areas of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. During reading workshop the focus is on reaching a higher comprehension of text and higher order thinking skills. We use a balanced literacy approach, which includes: guided reading/strategy groups, shared reading, teacher read aloud, independent reading, shared writing and independent writing. Some strategies we will be focusing on are: determining importance, inferring, visualizing, questioning, monitoring, and synthesizing. The workshop model consists of a short mini-lesson on a focused skill. Students then practice this skill individually and in small groups. Most of our practice is done at school. I encourage thirty minutes of reading at home as well. Students also have more choice in what they read. Read to self is a time your son or daughter will read a just right text of his or her own choosing. As their teacher, I will push them to choose different and richer texts. In addition, students will read short stories, meet in small reading groups, and study grammar and writing concepts.

In writer’s workshop, we will publish at least five large pieces of writing. You will also see your child trying out short, unpublished pieces of writing as we continue to study and practice the traits of good writing. We use a word investigation program called, Words Their Way. Students will do various activities with their words that are focusing on the structure and patterns of words and their meanings.

Science and social studies remain a favorite for fifth graders. Both offer many hands-on activities and projects throughout the year. Science consists of four majors units or modules. Within each are more specific objectives of science. Students learn through teacher directed experiments and reading. Social studies is a study of American history from the settlement of the United States until present. We also participate in JA Biztown. This program teaches about economics and finances.

There are 12 units in fifth grade Everyday Math, some shorter than others, starting with number concepts. The program does a wonderful job hitting skills several times throughout the year, so children have the opportunity to practice these important skills many times throughout the year. Students will be given the chance to practice some skills through fun learning games. Family letters explain the general content and vocabulary for each of the twelve units. The letters also give the answers to the study link pages, which are assigned as homework. Please use this when helping your child

with homework or to answer questions they may have.

PBIS Positive Behavior Incentive Supports

As a classroom we have been discussing expectations in our classroom and around Shuler Elementary. Students are expected to be safe, caring, respectful, and responsible. Students will receive individual and classroom reinforcement for following classroom and Shuler expectations. Students will be rewarded with praise, positive notes sent home, small rewards, and other special privileges. We have also discussed the meaning of consequences, both positive and negative. Students have brainstormed consequences in class together upon which we all agree to. Positive reinforcement is essential in the classroom to promote positive choices. We will continue to revisit expectations and consequences throughout the year.

Other Important Information

One factor of high student achievement is school attendance. As you may guess, students who miss little school achieve higher. We understand from time to time all students must miss school due to illness. If your child is sick, they need to stay home in order to get well. Your child’s make-up work will be ready by the end of the day if you would like to pick it up, or have it sent home with a sibling or friend. Students have two days for every day absent to make up missed work due to illness or vacation. If your child is absent for a vacation or trip, their work will be ready for them when they return to school. Homework will not be prepared for students in advance. Please be sure to call the attendance line to notify the school if your child is going to be late or absent. This number is open for messages, even during the early morning hours.

Classroom and/or building newsletters will be emailed home on most Fridays. These newsletters contain important information to keep you up-to-date on the current events in the building and happenings in the classroom as well.

Doors open to let students in at 8:40 AM. No supervision is provided before 8:40 AM.

The tardy bell rings at 8:50 AM, and students are expected to be in their classrooms by the bell. Dismissal is at 3:40 PM.

Book orders: We will send book orders home throughout the school year. Please remember to send a check. Scholastic does not accept cash. If you are ordering from more than one book order, you only need to write out one check for the total of the book orders.

Supplies: Students go through supplies quickly as they are used up or worn out. Please ask your child often if he or she has everything he or she needs for school. Also look for “needed supplies” notes from your child’s teacher in the assignment book. We do expect students to have everything they need for school throughout the year.

Birthday Treats: Please follow the district guidelines regarding birthday treats. We have many different types of allergies here at Shuler and we want to be sensitive to these students and their needs. If we become aware of any specific allergies we will send a note home. Your child may choose to bring or not to bring birthday treats. If you choose to send cookie cakes or any items that need to be cut, please bring a knife to school or notify your teacher ahead of time so she can do so.

Treasures Needed: Near our classroom doors we have posted gems that state items we need. If you would like to donate any of the items, please take the gem off the wall and return it with the item. All contributions are voluntary. Thank you for considering this opportunity.

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