Mrs. Astfalk Please read the story, Circle of Gold, while you wait. Welcome to Fifth Grade Mrs. Astfalk Please read the story, Circle of Gold, while you wait.

Communication I value the importance of communication between home and school. Communication may include: Corrected work Tests and quizzes Website/newsletters Email is the best way to contact me with the quickest response time: kastfalk@rtmsd.org

Conferences November 23 & 24 Student-led: March 9 & 10 Family Communication Conferences November 23 & 24 Student-led: March 9 & 10

Volunteering Tools for Success 9:15-10:15 Working with students during writing, reading, or math Busy work/miscellaneous

Washington, DC Trip 1 Chaperone per student on bus $50 adult, less for student, thank you PTG! June 1 6:30 – 5:30

Homeroom Parents Mrs. Kurcon Please sign the Permission to be Included on Classroom Email form in our room tonight.

Language Arts Lucy Calkins Units of Study for Reading and Writing Workshop’s Approach to Literacy Instruction Reading and Writing Workshops both begin with a mini-lesson, then students are given time to read and write and practice all the strategies we’ve taught. Teachers spend time conferencing with students, and students are taught to talk together about their reading and writing. Approach relies on research that shows kids need to read a lot of texts, with high comprehension, in order to move up levels of text complexity. Workshop allows 30 mins. of reading every day in school.

Reading Research shows a relationship between time spent reading and reading achievement. Research also supports notion that students should read texts independently with at least 96% fluency, accuracy, and comprehension. We use informal running records 3 or more times each year to monitor students. Circle of Gold Please visit the link on my website

Writing Students spend time each day writing which leads to greater fluency and proficiency. Students are taught to brainstorm, draft, revise, edit, and publish works. Students will publish a Narrative, Persuasive, and an Informational piece Text Dependent Analysis – question, students research, taught to complete an essay

Grammar and Word Study Words Their Way: Students are taught spelling patterns based on their spelling stage. Students use word sorts, computer based games, and small group instruction. Grammar will be taught and transferred to their writing.

Social Studies Textbook reading Interactive Student Notebook which is completed mostly in pairs Experiential simulations Will cover Native Americans to the Constitution 14 chapters

Science Science is hands on, data collection, data analysis Constructivist approach – learning occurs as learners are actively involved in a process of knowledge construction All units are about catastrophic events - storms, earthquakes, and volcanoes Science Fair – students are encouraged to develop their own experiment. Spring

Testing PSSAs English Language Arts – April 11-15, 2016 Mathematics – April 18-22, 2016 Teacher’s College Reading Assessments Advanced notice for math, science, and social studies

Grading Everything counts – tests, quizzes, projects, homework, and class work. Homework is counted for being complete and on time. We will hold an in-class review before tests. Upcoming tests will be announced on website and through communication home. Grading system: EE – Excedes expectations ME – Meets expectations BE – Below expectations

Homework At the end of each day, we and review the homework for the night. Students are expected to take home necessary materials. Reading – log 30 and write 3 Post-it Notes Math Writing – see packet Kidbiz/Khan/Unraavel Unfinished business

Classroom Community Glenwood Goals: Be Ready – improve organizational skills Respectful – show kindness to all Responsible – self-reliance & active learning Love and value learning

Class Rules & Discipline Behavior Clip Chart All students start on green Students have the opportunity to move up during the day End below the green, loss of recess, call home, or principal

Closing Thoughts Our goals for the children: solve their own problems believe in themselves work with others grow academically, socially, and emotionally set and attain their own goals try their best

Thank you! I am so excited to be working with you and your children this year and look forward to a year of learning, growth, and collaboration.