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Welcome!! Ms. Solmen’s Class Back to School Night 2017-2018

A community dedicated to inspiring lifelong learners! Swedesboro-Woolwich School District Mission Statement: A community dedicated to inspiring lifelong learners!

What do you need to know about 5th grade?! Back-to-School Presentation on teacher website Ms. Solmen's Website Class updates and reminders posted on ClassDojo Friday Folders ClassDojo

Who is Ms. Solmen?

5th Grade Goals Make your child more independent Acquire organization strategies Develop problem solving skills and strategies Progress as a reader and writer Be prepared for 6th grade Learn study skills and time management Use chromebooks in various subjects HAVE FUN!

Class Rules and Expectations This classroom will be focused around positivity and collaboration. In order to meet new challenges this year, all you need to do is LEARN: Listen to instructions the first time. Enter and exit positive and prepared. Always learn from your mistakes. Respect and be kind to yourself and others. Never give up or stop working hard.

ClassDojo Class Dojo will be utilized in the classroom. Class Dojo is an online behavior management system that provides real-time feedback to both students and parents about behaviors that are occurring in the classroom. **Consequences** A negative action will result in losing a point on Class Dojo, communication to the parents, and possible office writeup. **Rewards** Once a student receives 25 points they will be able to select a reward. (soft pretzel coupon, positive emails, lunch with a buddy, slippers, etc.) Once the class receives 500 points collectively we will have a class reward.

Grading Harker is continuing to follow the standards-based grading model for report cards This approach allows us as teachers to better design our instruction around your child’s individuals strengths and needs. It allows us to report on your child’s progress with a specific focus on the learning they are demonstrating in the classroom. You will notice that the learning scales indicating how students earn 1s, 2s, 3s, or 4s have been updated this year. They will be available to view on the school’s website. They will also be in your child’s Google Classroom.

Reading Reading Wonders program Grade level novels Students will read text more closely to deepen their understanding of the text. Students will work on citing evidence from the text to support their responses. Daily 5 Structure Use higher level thinking skills Apply knowledge and skills

Daily 5 Read to Self Read to Someone Listen to Reading Word Work Work on Writing Students engage in reading and writing to build stamina and independence Students gain accountability for staying on task Students work on skills and strategies they’ve been taught Teacher meets with small groups or conference 1:1 Daily 5

Writing Being a Writer Focus on building a writing community Focus on revision of writing Use chromebooks Will also receive additional instruction from Ms. Casella Styles of Writing Personal Narratives Opinion Expository Fiction Poetry

Social Studies Textbooks are available online (see Student’s section on district website for link and login information) Chapters 3-8 Topics covered are Explorers, Jamestown, Plymouth, Formation of 13 Colonies, Revolutionary War Focus on note taking and study skills Research and projects Incorporated into reading and writing

Chromebooks We are excited to continue with this initiative! Please make sure all permission forms are turned in by Wednesday, September 20th. Assembly on 9/18 to review procedures and expectations. We will begin to use Chromebooks on Friday, September 22nd.

Introducing Comet Co-horts NEW… Introducing Comet Co-horts Meets twice a cycle on A and B days Participate in STEAM enrichment activities See attached Google Slides presentation for more information Comet Co-hort Information

Snacks Peanut / Tree Nut free environment Healthy snacks are allowed in class since lunch is not until 12:45. Please try to make sure snacks are nut free. Please note, birthday treats are no longer allowed to be sent in.

Contact Information The best way to contact me is via email: msolmen@swsdk6.com 856-241-1552 x4507 Please allow 24 hours for a response. Please note that any calls placed during the school day will be sent directly to voicemail.

I am looking forward to a great year!! Questions?? Thank you for coming!! I am looking forward to a great year!!