Parent Orientation 2018-2019

Communication The daily agenda is for students to jot down upcoming events, tests, quizzes, and other important dates for school. It has been ordered and should be here in September.  Class Dojo is a daily communicator of behavior so make sure you sign up to receive that tool. You may also message through Class Dojo.   Weekly test papers and behavior reports will come home for you to review with your child on Wednesday of each week. Please return the Weekly test sheet by Friday!!! My email is Jessica.Stephan@dcsms.org

Communication Please access my website at http://oes.desotocountyschools.org Your student can use my website to find PowerPoint presentations of the vocabulary units that we are studying in class. My email address is misty.siadak@dcsms.org

Classroom Management To encourage students to be responsible, ready and respectful, I will use Class Dojo. Class Dojo points may be spent on coupons or passes. These are earned by following the expectations we have discussed. Mustang Dollars may be earned and spent at the Mustang Corral. Those are for students going above and beyond expectations. IF your child chooses to break a rule, the following steps will be taken: 1st time Class Dojo note and a deduction of point(s) 2nd time 10 minutes of recess 3rd time Silent Lunch/Think Sheet 4th time Parent Contact

Math Math homework will consist of a spiral review of skills. The homework sheet is given on Monday. The homework sheet needs to be returned completed on Friday for full credit. Every nine weeks the math homework grade starts as a 100. 10 points is deducted if the homework, is not returned is incomplete, not legible, or several questions are missed. However, if the homework is returned Monday completed, then only 5 points will be deducted. Homework is posted online if you need it.  Multiplication timed tests started Tuesday, September 4. Fifth grade expectations are 100 problems in 5 minutes. IXL

Science We have a new science curriculum this year.

Social Studies Social studies will be learning the 50 states. Study the flashcards we make in class. The parent message on dojo will tell you what we are studying and when the test will be given. Extra practice sheets are provided in class. Timeline of Studies: 1st Nine Weeks- Southeast and Southwest Regions 2nd Nine Weeks-Northeast Region 3rd Nine Weeks-Midwest Region 4th Nine Weeks-Western Region and the Complete United States   Assessments: Southwest Packet Quiz 1 Match the name of the state to its abbreviation. Quiz 2 Match the name of the capital to the name of the state. Quiz A Match the state to its location within the region with a word bank. Quiz B Match the state to its location within the region without a word bank. Quiz C Match the state to its location within the region without a word bank, write the capital (word bank provided, and the abbreviation. Quiz D Match the state to its location on a full size map without a word bank.

Quizlet My website is found at Overpark Elementary, Teacher Websites. https://quizlet.com/StephanE4Purple My website is found at Overpark Elementary, Teacher Websites. http://oes.desotocountyschools.org/?PageName=Teacher Page&Page=2&StaffID=191325&iSection=Teachers&Corr espondingID=191325

schedules Class Schedule 8:05 Homeroom 8:30 Tardy 8:35-9:20 Activity 9:20-11:45 1st Block 11:45-12:05 2nd Block 12:10-12:35 Lunch 12:40-1:00 2nd Block 1:00-1:25 Recess 1:25-3:15 2nd Block 3:15-3:25 Pack Up/ Dismissal Mrs. Stephan’s Activity Schedule Monday- Art Tuesday- Computer Wednesday- Library Thursday- Music Friday- PE Mrs. Siadak’s Activity Schedule Monday- PE Tuesday- Music Wednesday- Computer Thursday- Art Friday- Library

ELA Just like any sport, the best way to improve is to practice! Read with your child, ask questions while reading. Inferring is so hard for students, so practice practice practice! 30 Book Challenge- Students should be working on the 30 book challenge following the genre requirements. Students have a folder that contains their reading log. Reader’s Spotlight- This is just to highlight the reader side of your student. This replaces the typical “student of the week” poster that is common in lower elementary school. This allows students to share what they enjoy and to practice speaking in front of a crowd.

ELA Writing Grammar I teach specific grammar skills to the entire class. I use students’ writing to identify grammatical weaknesses and I reteach those skills in small groups. Independent Writing Students are learning to write a variety of genres for extended periods of time Conferences I meet with your child during independent writing to discover their interests, strengths, and weaknesses as writers Being a Writer This is our writing curriculum

ELA Reading Independent Reading Your child reads in class daily. Students are allowed to check-out books from the classroom and school libraries. Students may also bring books from home. Please encourage your child to read for a minimum of 20 minutes daily at home. Conferences I meet with your child every two week to listen to your child read. We discuss the books that are being selected and we discuss plans for future reading. Making Meaning This is our curriculum that I use to teach reading skills to your child. Vocabulary Students receive vocabulary notes on Monday and they complete the vocabulary assessment on Friday.

Wish List Mrs. Stephan Mrs. Siadak Aluminum foil Decks of Playing Cards Board Games (needed for indoor recess days): Sorry, Uno, Scrabble, Battleship, Connect 4 White Cardstock Colored Copy Paper Fun Stickers Envelopes