August
Dear Fifth Grade Parents,
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new fifth graders! As always, the start of a new year holds the promise of new discovery and learning, as well as the prospect of personal growth in all areas. We have put together a handbook of information to help you and your child become familiar with some of our expectations for the school year. Please take time to read through this information then sign your name on the last page. Please return the signature page by Friday . We will check each student’s take home folder for all signature pages. This way we can be sure that all parents have seen our class handbook. Please keep the handbook in a special place so that you may refer to it throughout the year. If you need to contact us throughout the year our email addresses are: [email protected] and [email protected]. If you have email, please include your email address at the bottom of the signature page. We check our email regularly and try to respond promptly. If you do not have email, you may call the school and leave a message (887-2110).
Fifth grade is divided into teams. Our team consists of: Ms. Metcalf-Math/Science and Mrs. Strickland-Social Studies/Reading/Language Arts. Our team homerooms often enjoy lunch/recess together. While 5th grade is organized into three separate 5th grade teams, the whole grade level will plan curriculum, field trips, celebrations, and school related functions/activities together.
We are looking forward to an exciting year with our classes! Thank you in advance for all of your support, assistance, and enthusiasm in getting this year off to a great start!
Sincerely,
Jackie Metcalf & Harrow Strickland
****************************************************************
We are always in need of the following items. If you can contribute, please do so! It will be much appreciated (Kleenex, pencils, hand-held pencil sharpeners, and gently used paperback or hardback books donated to the class library). J
Daily/Weekly Reporting to Parents
We have several methods of communication to inform you of your child’s academic and social progress. Each day, your child will bring home his/her planner and RED take-home folder, which includes the leader bucks/check balance sheet. Your child will be responsible for writing down the daily and weekly assignments in this planner. The leader bucks/check balance sheet is an important communication tool as well. If your child has had a behavior infraction, it will be recorded on the leader bucks/check balance sheet and highlighted. Your fifth grader will also earn LeaderBucks for great choices, and these are recorded as well. All entries require a parent signature each night. If your child receives multiple entries for the day you may sign only once and initial the rest. However, ALL highlighted entries MUST HAVE A FULL SIGNATURE. These will be checked periodically. Using this communication tool, you will be kept up to date regarding your child’s assignments and daily conduct at school. Please have a conversation with your fifth grader nightly and have them share their homework with you.
We will send home a weekly packet of graded papers. This will be placed in your child’s RED take home folder. Your signature is only required for the first page and should be returned the following day. The first page of the packet will show your child’s updated averages. Please look over this packet and discuss any concerns with your child. When we work together, this daily/weekly progress report system is extremely effective. In addition to the graded papers, we will send a weekly newsletter via email to share important dates and topics of study.
Behavior Management System Our Leader Bucks reward system is used to provide students with positive behavior rewards. Students will be given LEADER bucks at the beginning of each week. They will have opportunities to earn more throughout the week for positive behavioral and academic choices. Behavioral and organizational infractions will result in a student being fined LEADER bucks. LEADER bucks will also be used to purchase certain privileges in the form of classroom coupons.
Discipline System
1st infraction-verbal warning and possibly a highlighted entry
2nd infraction-10 minute timeout in classroom and highlighted entry
3rd infraction-30 minute timeout in partner classroom and highlighted entry
4th infraction-phone call to parent/guardian and highlighted entry
Homework/classwork In order to help students get any homework assignments done, students will take home their planner each night with their written instruction for items to complete. It is the student’s responsibility to write down all assignments daily.
We expect all homework and classwork to be turned in on time. To help teach responsibility, students will not be allowed to call home if they forget their work. Organization is the key to success! We do understand certain family obligations may arise that may prevent your child from getting their homework done. In these cases, please email, call, or send a note explaining the situation and additional time will be provided. We will not accept extra-curricular activities as an excuse for homework not being completed. Incomplete work will be completed during recess and a working lunch.
A fifth grader should never have more than 20 minutes of homework each night, unless classwork has not been completed during daily instruction. In these cases, your child may have more than 20 minutes of work to hold them accountable for classwork completion. Of course, projects may require more time.
Reading and Language Arts
Fifth grade reading involves a balance of guided and independent reading. Classroom reading instruction will focus on both fluency and comprehension skills using selections from a variety of genres and themes. In addition to our classroom selections, we hope students read independently twenty minutes each night. The overall goal this year is to make reading fun and enjoyable. We want all our students to become life-long readers and learners. In addition, instruction in the areas of grammar /mechanics /writing/speaking/handwriting will be provided as well.
Social Studies
In fifth grade, the Alabama Course of Study for Social Studies is devoted to the study of American History from Native inhabitants of the Americans through the Spanish American War. The study also includes geography and map skills. We will be reading historical accounts from primary sources, textbooks, historical fiction, non-fiction articles, magazines, and biographies.
Math
Students will be engaged in mathematical hands-on activities, modeling, exploring, and problem solving. The goal is to have students apply what we use to solve problems in everyday life. Students need to understand not just the “steps” to do mathematics, but how and why it works in a variety of situations. We will be using the “Envision” series to support and practice math concepts, however, most of our learning will occur by actually manipulating numbers in an engaging way. Students will have access to a variety of online resources to help them this year.
Science
The fifth grade science curriculum will be delivered primarily through the use of hands-on activities that support inquiry based instruction. The NGSS (New Generation Science Standards) will be taught through the use of STEMScopes and AMSTI curriculum. It will cover physical science, life science, and earth/space science. Students will have the opportunity all year to explore and be inquisitive with their interests and curiosities.
Snack Break
Snack time will be held every morning at an appropriate time before lunch. Please send nutritious snacks! Crackers, cheese, yogurt and fruit are acceptable snacks. Students may also have a bottle of WATER to enjoy throughout the day. No CANDY or CHIPS. NO DRINKS WITH DYE- because we eat in the classroom, spills are inevitable with 5th graders- however drinks with red, blue, and purple dye are VERY hard to remove the stains from the carpet. Please send clear or pale liquids. We do serve milk at lunch...and yes...that is also no fun to remove from the carpet! :-)
Birthdays
Pick celebrates birthdays in a variety of ways: students will be recognized in the lunchroom during their birthday month with a special treat, your child will have an opportunity to join the birthday book club, and his/her teachers will make the day special. We ask that you do not send any type of food item in to celebrate your child’s birthday. If you would like to send something in for the class, you can send in a book for the class to enjoy, pencils/school supplies, or a non-food item for your child to share. Thank you for your support as we limit the cupcake and cookie count! ;-)
24+ students x 24 birthdays can add up to a LOT of cupcakes.
Electronic Communication Devices
Please be aware that our ACS School Policy states that ALL electronic communication devices must be OFF and IN THE BACKPACK throughout the school day. This includes cellphones and smart watches. Please help us ensure that this policy is followed.
Signature Sheet to be returned by Friday, August 13th . Thank youJ
I have thoroughly read this handbook and understand the expectations and procedures.
Student Signature ___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________
Parent/Guardian email address ___________________________________
Any questions or concerns? Please make a note here.
Dear Fifth Grade Parents,
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new fifth graders! As always, the start of a new year holds the promise of new discovery and learning, as well as the prospect of personal growth in all areas. We have put together a handbook of information to help you and your child become familiar with some of our expectations for the school year. Please take time to read through this information then sign your name on the last page. Please return the signature page by Friday . We will check each student’s take home folder for all signature pages. This way we can be sure that all parents have seen our class handbook. Please keep the handbook in a special place so that you may refer to it throughout the year. If you need to contact us throughout the year our email addresses are: [email protected] and [email protected]. If you have email, please include your email address at the bottom of the signature page. We check our email regularly and try to respond promptly. If you do not have email, you may call the school and leave a message (887-2110).
Fifth grade is divided into teams. Our team consists of: Ms. Metcalf-Math/Science and Mrs. Strickland-Social Studies/Reading/Language Arts. Our team homerooms often enjoy lunch/recess together. While 5th grade is organized into three separate 5th grade teams, the whole grade level will plan curriculum, field trips, celebrations, and school related functions/activities together.
We are looking forward to an exciting year with our classes! Thank you in advance for all of your support, assistance, and enthusiasm in getting this year off to a great start!
Sincerely,
Jackie Metcalf & Harrow Strickland
****************************************************************
We are always in need of the following items. If you can contribute, please do so! It will be much appreciated (Kleenex, pencils, hand-held pencil sharpeners, and gently used paperback or hardback books donated to the class library). J
Daily/Weekly Reporting to Parents
We have several methods of communication to inform you of your child’s academic and social progress. Each day, your child will bring home his/her planner and RED take-home folder, which includes the leader bucks/check balance sheet. Your child will be responsible for writing down the daily and weekly assignments in this planner. The leader bucks/check balance sheet is an important communication tool as well. If your child has had a behavior infraction, it will be recorded on the leader bucks/check balance sheet and highlighted. Your fifth grader will also earn LeaderBucks for great choices, and these are recorded as well. All entries require a parent signature each night. If your child receives multiple entries for the day you may sign only once and initial the rest. However, ALL highlighted entries MUST HAVE A FULL SIGNATURE. These will be checked periodically. Using this communication tool, you will be kept up to date regarding your child’s assignments and daily conduct at school. Please have a conversation with your fifth grader nightly and have them share their homework with you.
We will send home a weekly packet of graded papers. This will be placed in your child’s RED take home folder. Your signature is only required for the first page and should be returned the following day. The first page of the packet will show your child’s updated averages. Please look over this packet and discuss any concerns with your child. When we work together, this daily/weekly progress report system is extremely effective. In addition to the graded papers, we will send a weekly newsletter via email to share important dates and topics of study.
Behavior Management System Our Leader Bucks reward system is used to provide students with positive behavior rewards. Students will be given LEADER bucks at the beginning of each week. They will have opportunities to earn more throughout the week for positive behavioral and academic choices. Behavioral and organizational infractions will result in a student being fined LEADER bucks. LEADER bucks will also be used to purchase certain privileges in the form of classroom coupons.
Discipline System
1st infraction-verbal warning and possibly a highlighted entry
2nd infraction-10 minute timeout in classroom and highlighted entry
3rd infraction-30 minute timeout in partner classroom and highlighted entry
4th infraction-phone call to parent/guardian and highlighted entry
Homework/classwork In order to help students get any homework assignments done, students will take home their planner each night with their written instruction for items to complete. It is the student’s responsibility to write down all assignments daily.
We expect all homework and classwork to be turned in on time. To help teach responsibility, students will not be allowed to call home if they forget their work. Organization is the key to success! We do understand certain family obligations may arise that may prevent your child from getting their homework done. In these cases, please email, call, or send a note explaining the situation and additional time will be provided. We will not accept extra-curricular activities as an excuse for homework not being completed. Incomplete work will be completed during recess and a working lunch.
A fifth grader should never have more than 20 minutes of homework each night, unless classwork has not been completed during daily instruction. In these cases, your child may have more than 20 minutes of work to hold them accountable for classwork completion. Of course, projects may require more time.
Reading and Language Arts
Fifth grade reading involves a balance of guided and independent reading. Classroom reading instruction will focus on both fluency and comprehension skills using selections from a variety of genres and themes. In addition to our classroom selections, we hope students read independently twenty minutes each night. The overall goal this year is to make reading fun and enjoyable. We want all our students to become life-long readers and learners. In addition, instruction in the areas of grammar /mechanics /writing/speaking/handwriting will be provided as well.
Social Studies
In fifth grade, the Alabama Course of Study for Social Studies is devoted to the study of American History from Native inhabitants of the Americans through the Spanish American War. The study also includes geography and map skills. We will be reading historical accounts from primary sources, textbooks, historical fiction, non-fiction articles, magazines, and biographies.
Math
Students will be engaged in mathematical hands-on activities, modeling, exploring, and problem solving. The goal is to have students apply what we use to solve problems in everyday life. Students need to understand not just the “steps” to do mathematics, but how and why it works in a variety of situations. We will be using the “Envision” series to support and practice math concepts, however, most of our learning will occur by actually manipulating numbers in an engaging way. Students will have access to a variety of online resources to help them this year.
Science
The fifth grade science curriculum will be delivered primarily through the use of hands-on activities that support inquiry based instruction. The NGSS (New Generation Science Standards) will be taught through the use of STEMScopes and AMSTI curriculum. It will cover physical science, life science, and earth/space science. Students will have the opportunity all year to explore and be inquisitive with their interests and curiosities.
Snack Break
Snack time will be held every morning at an appropriate time before lunch. Please send nutritious snacks! Crackers, cheese, yogurt and fruit are acceptable snacks. Students may also have a bottle of WATER to enjoy throughout the day. No CANDY or CHIPS. NO DRINKS WITH DYE- because we eat in the classroom, spills are inevitable with 5th graders- however drinks with red, blue, and purple dye are VERY hard to remove the stains from the carpet. Please send clear or pale liquids. We do serve milk at lunch...and yes...that is also no fun to remove from the carpet! :-)
Birthdays
Pick celebrates birthdays in a variety of ways: students will be recognized in the lunchroom during their birthday month with a special treat, your child will have an opportunity to join the birthday book club, and his/her teachers will make the day special. We ask that you do not send any type of food item in to celebrate your child’s birthday. If you would like to send something in for the class, you can send in a book for the class to enjoy, pencils/school supplies, or a non-food item for your child to share. Thank you for your support as we limit the cupcake and cookie count! ;-)
24+ students x 24 birthdays can add up to a LOT of cupcakes.
Electronic Communication Devices
Please be aware that our ACS School Policy states that ALL electronic communication devices must be OFF and IN THE BACKPACK throughout the school day. This includes cellphones and smart watches. Please help us ensure that this policy is followed.
Signature Sheet to be returned by Friday, August 13th . Thank youJ
I have thoroughly read this handbook and understand the expectations and procedures.
Student Signature ___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________
Parent/Guardian email address ___________________________________
Any questions or concerns? Please make a note here.