Lancaster Elementary School “Unlock the Mystery of Learning” Welcome to Open House Lancaster Elementary School 2018-2019 “Unlock the Mystery of Learning”

Team Federico & McGuire Thank you for allowing us to spend the day with your child. It’s already been quite a rewarding experience. Mrs. Federico: product of the St. Tammany Parish Public School System since Kindergarten alum of L.S.U. with a B.S. in Elementary Education previously taught a 1st-3rd grade Gifted class (1 year) spent 12 years teaching 4th grade ELA and social studies entering 14th year teaching-1st year at Lancaster and 1st year in 5th grade-by far, my favorite yet! class site: http://schoolwires.stpsb.org/Domain/3405 email: Joelle.federico@stpsb.org

Team Federico & McGuire Mrs. McGuire: grew up through the St. Tammany School system since 2nd grade graduated in May from Southeastern as the Outstanding Middle School Graduate of my class I’ve taught in many classrooms through SELU’s amazing hands on education program! spent 1 whole school year student teaching 5th grade under Mrs. Swett, now our assistant principal. I’m the third of 8 children, and I have grown up teaching and helping with homework for as long as I can remember. class webpage: http://schoolwires.stpsb.org/Domain/5545 email: bridget.mcguire@stpsb.org

This year, our new counselor is Deanna Desmond. New Faculty This year, our new counselor is Deanna Desmond. We are also fortunate to have a full-time MHP, Ashley Tamboli, along with our School Resource Officer, Deputy Troy White. Feel free to reach out to our counselor and MHP if you have any counseling needs for your child.

Internet Resources Parents have access to JPAMS to check grades and attendance in the student progress center. You will receive a letter from the school board with log in information specific to your child. Please visit lancasterelementary.stpsb.org for updates on events, student handbook, teacher website links, cafeteria menus, etc… We also have a link to My Payments Plus to pay for cafeteria fees and student fees. You can also access Moodle which has a lot of our textbooks online, as well as Typing Agent. **Pass out Moodle Directions from Erin.

At Lancaster we prefer for them to be in the book bag. Cell Phone Policy STPSB has changed the policy on cell phones. Students are allowed to store cell phones in the off position at school. At Lancaster we prefer for them to be in the book bag. Consequences will be given for use of cell phone, and parents will be required to pick the cell phone up at their convenience.

Car Line Reminders Make sure you have your tag displayed where it can be easily read. Use the stacking lanes in the morning and afternoon. Please be courteous to other drivers, buses, and staff members. Refrain from using cell phone. If your child is serving a detention or is attending morning intervention, please arrive early, as kids will be dropped off in the carline. For safety reasons, please do not check your child out after 2:45 pm.

Math Curriculum Updates In review of data over the past few years, math has been identified as an area to be strengthened as a whole school. We are following the STPSB Guaranteed Curriculum which addresses the Louisiana State Standards for math. This year we are incorporating the use of Eureka strategies, along with traditional algorithms and procedures for teaching new math concepts. Parents can visit the Louisiana Believes website to review the state standards, along with access to parent resources. Visit stpsb.org to see sample units and the curriculum we follow. Parents can also view resources on our individual teacher webpages. For example, the parent’s guide to Eureka with videos. If you have questions during homework, please let us know by indicating on the homework assignment.

Math Curriculum Resource https://greatminds.org/ 1. Create a parent account 3. Click “Eureka Basic Curriculum Files” 2. Go to the resources tab 4. Add to dashboard

Math Assessment Breakdown Basic Breakdown: Weekly skills quiz or in class graded assignment Mid-Module Assessment End of Module Assessment

ELA Curriculum Updates State standards and curriculum resources can be accessed through stpsb.org and Louisiana Believes websites. This year we are doing 3 Guidebook units which are based off of a novel study and supporting resources. The Birchbark House “The Making of a Scientist” (The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, book 1) The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Number the Stars Achieve 3000 is a literacy-based program that we are also using. This strengthens our reading of non-fiction articles and written response to text. We will begin the Book It! program soon. Be on the lookout for more information in the coming week. ** Discuss the main novels for your grade level at this point. Third grade: adjust with your curriculum.

ELA Grade Breakdown 1 narrative Each nine weeks, students will be formally assessed as follows: * 2 Achieve 3000 grades – averaged * 2 Guidebooks comprehension tests * 1 Guidebooks cold read comprehension test * 3 writing prompts 1 narrative 1 research simulation 1 literary analysis * 1 language grade Language Spiral Reviews averaged together Mentor Sentences averaged together * 1 misc. writing grade-RACE or summarizing skill This is a grade level plan of assessment. *** 4th-6th grade teachers: Please place the breakdown of the ELA grade here to include spelling, grammar, writing, comprehension, Achieve.

Social Studies Curriculum Updates In review of data in recent years, this is an area that we need to strengthen. We are teaching literacy skills in social studies with the use of primary and secondary sources. DBQ’s (Document Based Questions) will be used to analyze social studies content. *** Explain what this means: DBQ’s

Social Studies Grade Breakdown Each nine weeks, students will be formally assessed as follows: * 2 Achieve 3000 grades – averaged * map test * Map book project * Aztec, Maya, Inca flipbook * Aztec, Maya, Inca test * Mound Builder, Anasazi, Inuit flipbook * Mound Builder, Anasazi, Inuit test * Civilization project * Native American booklet * 1 teacher choice

Science Curriculum Updates We are moving towards investigative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) based science lessons. Our lessons are following the Louisiana State Standards and are incorporating literacy skills, anchor phenomenon, science experiments, and technology.

Science Grade Breakdown Basic Break down: Weekly lab or project grade Topic Tests Elements Project Elements Test Mystery Box Lab Grade States and Properties of Matter Test Mystery Powders Lab Grade Mysteries of a Raisin Lab Grade Chemical and Physical Properties Test

Curriculum Resources As you can see, education today is pulling from a variety of resources to address state standards for each subject. Textbooks are used to reinforce standards, but they are not used as a sole program. At any time if you struggle with the content or resources, please let us know so we can help you.

State-Wide Testing LEAP 2025 Testing Dates: 5th-6th Grade Online Testing: April 1-May 3 3rd-4th Grade Paper-Pencil Testing: April 29-May 3 Please be mindful with student attendance during these dates.

Reminders V.I.P. folders:- C.A.S.E. binders: Chain of Command: -These go home each Wednesday and should be returned by Friday. -Keep all A, B, and C grades; return D and F grades. C.A.S.E. binders: -Please check nightly, especially agendas. -These should be in class daily, along with all school supplies. Chain of Command: Feel free to send us an email or call us anytime. Let’s work together-after all, we need your support to make this a TURTLERIFFIC year! Class Websites: Please check frequently. We post assignments, helpful resources, class wish lists, and calendar updates. **VIP folder reminder here. What day does it go home? Procedures for that to be returned.