Information for Parents Moving to 5th Grade Information for Parents

Introduction of the Teachers Teachers in 5th grade: English Language Arts – Mrs. Fragnito, Mrs. Sharp, Ms. Mastrogiovanni Math – Mrs. Aranjo, Ms. Mastrogiovanni, Mrs. Sharp, Mrs. Parker Social Studies – Mrs. Burd Science – Mrs. Furlong

Departmentalized Departmentalization allows the teachers to devote their planning time to one subject Lessons will be more focused on teaching specific skill based standards Students are better exposed to higher order questioning as teachers have a focus on their subject matter They have become the expert in their field

Move to departmentalization… The 5th grade team wanted to utilize a “best practice” approach to instruction. This model allows the following: - Students connect with the homeroom class and teacher 3 times a day. Similar to the elementary school model. - Students switch only for their academic classes. - The teachers are focused on best practices and instruction in a particular subject.

Positive Benefits Students learn organizational skills and responsibility in preparation for Middle School. 5th Grade teachers are still guiding your students through the day to help them learn independent skills. Each teacher is in tune with best practices for their individual subject and can provide a variety of instructional strategies to ensure that learning is engaging. The 5th grade team works closely together to ensure that cross curricular activities exist in the 5th grade. Example: Writing is stressed in Science and Soc. Studies.

Academic Periods 2018-2019 Integrated ELA block with additional time during the HR block for the ELA workshop ELA workshop allows students to complete independent writing and reading assignments with the support of the HR teacher or special education teacher. Allows more time for projects, writing assignments, engaging students in a variety of learning activities, chromebooks and technology integration, class discussions, labs, etc. Teachers can identify students who need support and will have the time to provide that

PLC and Team Meetings and Programs 5th Grade Teachers created a Professional Learning Community focused on the ELA standards across all curricular areas Weekly Team meetings to review lesson plans and scheduling of projects and tests General Education and Special Education teachers working together to support students Other programs – DARE and Health STEAM – Full Year Academic Support – Recess time

Parent Concern over Organizational Skills The 5th grade team developed a plan to ease students into the new schedule Academic teachers will make sure that the homework is posted for students to put into their agenda books Every teacher will post the homework for the evening on their web site Students can double check that they have it in their agenda books as they pack up. Phone #’s for HW buddies

Math Placement 5th Grade Math We use criteria found on the Horizon/Futures Curriculum page of the web site. Students may be placed in the following courses: - Horizon or Accelerated - General Math The students must meet the criteria in the Curriculum Guide in order to be placed in a specific course. Students must demonstrate that they have the developmental aptitude to be placed in Horizon or Accelerated Math. Parents will be notified of placement when the schedule is sent home at the end of August. Your child’s developmental progress will be assessed after the first marking period by the principal and 5th grade math teacher.

5th Graders - Socially This is the year that your student may begin to pull away. Pre-teens are changing both physically and emotionally. Teachers are here to support that change. 5th graders respond best when they know you are in their corner. Monitor cell phone, texting, email, Instagram, etc. It does begin in 5th grade. Some of the nicest kids have gotten caught up in texting about their peers.

5th Graders Socially Your child should know that they can always use you as a way out of a socially uncomfortable situation. 5th grade is a learning year about being kind to others. Cliques and groups begin to form at the end of 4th grade. Speak to your child about the importance of having 1-2 close friends. Ask the teacher for support/advice.

September 2018 Teachers will review schedules with your child on the first day. Teachers will review all procedures and policies. Academic classes will primarily focus on a review of concepts during the first few weeks. Homework and individual responsibility will gradually increase as we get into October. Organization at home…Parents should check the agenda book, binder and folder for overall organization. Even checking once a week will help your child stay on top of what is expected. It can also be quality “bonding” time with your pre-teen. Chromebooks – They will go home.

Back to School Night All parents will receive a schedule for the evening. It will be sent home with your child that day. Teachers will only have time to review the curriculum and class procedures i.e. homework policy, grading, communication, etc. It will give you an overview of the daily routine for your child.

Communication Contact teachers via e-mail Visit teacher web sites Mid-marking period progress Look at test grades to get an idea of how your child is doing. Email the teacher if you have a concern. Ms. Rodrigues is the school counselor and can be of support as well.

Parent/Teacher Conferences The parent/teacher conferences are by invitation only. The team can meet with a parent throughout the year. Contact the principal or homeroom teacher if that is needed. Any questions, begin first with the HR teacher in regards to contact. If you need to speak to the team, you can email Ms. Rodrigues to set up a meeting.

Welcome to 5th grade 5th Grade is an exciting time for your students. The “Big Kids” It is the end of the elementary years. Getting ready for middle school. It went by real fast! You will see your child grow up quite a bit this year. We look forward to working with your child next September.