Mrs. Merritt, Mrs. Hergenrader and Ms. Hammond’s Fifth- Grade Team Welcome, parents and students!

Team 53 Teachers Mrs. Merritt Mrs. Hergenrader Ms. Hammond Math Science Mrs. Hergenrader Language Arts Social Studies Ms. Hammond MSU “Spartan” Intern

All About Mrs. Merritt My background I am originally from Long Beach, California. I have two daughters and one son. Aubrie is a freshman at Central Michigan University. Jenna is in 8th grade, and Logan starts kindergarten this year. I attended Northern Arizona University for my Bachelor of Science degree and again for my Masters in Educational Leadership. My experience I began teaching in Arizona 16 years ago. I taught first grade for two years, second grade for two years, 5th grade for 9 years and 6th grade for 2 years. I have found my favorite grade! I absolutely love 5th grade and am so excited to begin another year.

All About Mrs. Hergenrader My background I am originally from Middleton, Wisconsin. I have one daughter, Tessa, who is a sophomore at GVSU and is a member of GVSU’s Coed Cheerleading Team. I attended Valparaiso University for my Bachelor of Arts degree and Aquinas College for my Masters in Teaching. My experience I began teaching in Manistee, Michigan 17 years ago. I taught sixth grade for four years, eighth grade for 1 year, and have been in 5th grade at Hope ever since. I love fifth graders and cannot wait to get started!

All About Ms. Hammond My background I am originally from Zanesville, Ohio and have lived in Grand Ledge, Michigan since I was 12. I have two sons and a niece that I take care of. Alex is 14 and a freshman at Grand Ledge, Andy is 9 and starting 4th grade, and Valerye is 7 and will be in 2nd grade this year. I attended Michigan State University and received my Bachelor of Arts this past spring. My experience I tutor students of multiple grade levels in Reading and Mathematics. I have experience working in classrooms ranging from kindergarten through 8th grade. My goal is to get a job teaching in middle school, and I am excited for the opportunity to learn with you this year.

Fifth Grade Curriculum Areas Language Arts Math Science & Health Social Studies Spanish & Art Kinetics (need shoes) Integrated Technology Library-Fridays

Our Goals To give students the academic, social skills, and responsibility needed to progress to sixth grade. To provide a supportive, cooperative, and fun classroom environment. To help students make new friends and discover new interests.

Hope’s Guiding Principles Goal: 100% of students demonstrating these behaviors and upholding these principles 100% of the time in all settings.

Behavior Levels Level 3: Students have 0-3 behavior reminders in a two week period. Level 2: Students have 4-10 behavior reminders. Level 1: Students have 11+ behavior reminders. A copy of our behavior expectations will be on the inside cover of your child’s agenda.

The Parents Role (Part I) Check agendas Monday through Friday. Provide a quiet and comfortable study area for homework completion. Review & Sign the Friday Folder weekly. Please provide us with your email address and check for updates regularly. Attend fall and spring conferences.

The Parents Role (Part II) Make time for reading. Please provide 30 minutes of quiet reading time five times per week. Help provide learning materials. Work with your child on lessons as needed. Help kids plan ahead. Insist that your child eat breakfast at home or at school. Hug your kids 

Breakfast in the Classroom Breakfast is paid out of your child’s account. May eat in the classroom to start the day. Menu and costs are on the back of the lunch menu.

Miscellaneous Homework is your child’s responsibility! It should be written in his/her agenda daily. Supplies Kinetics clothes & shoes Schedule Entering & Exiting Drinks in the classroom Transportation A and B lunch

We’re Going to Have a Great Year!