Welcome Parents!  Back-t0-School Night 2016-17 Mrs. Diaz mdiaz@spusd.net http://avdiaz.weebly.com/ Mrs. Wahbe (Mrs. Korkunis) kkorkunis@spusd.net

Welcome to Mrs. Diaz’s and Mrs. Wahbe’s Classroom Back to School Night 2014-15

21st Century Teaching/Learning 4 Cs: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity Life and Career Skills Information, Media, and Technology Skills Core Subjects taught through new Common Core standards Videos: “Three-Minute Video Explaining the Common Core State Standards” I choose C

To better prepare our students we Analyze and interpret information Generate alternative solutions and defend them Demonstrate understanding through project based, hands-on learning Create complex products that require persistence, organization, innovation and choice Practice effective communication through classroom discussions that analyze and persuade Write frequently Make oral presentations Utilize technology in all we do!

BIG 5th Grade Topics Math: Fractions and decimals are HUGE! Reading: Fiction and Nonfiction with an emphasis on the latter to better prepare them for middle school and beyond Core Literature Studies will include: Blood on the River, Hatchet, and a variety of historical fiction novels Current events and informational text related to content Writing: Opinion, Informative, Narrative Social Studies: U.S. History! Science: Chemistry, Human Body, Space, Biology, Water/Weather, Robotics

Diaz/Wahbe Team Teaching We share a common philosophy and specialize in subjects to provide more depth in the content areas. Mrs. Wahbe teaches math, reading, writing, and social studies Mrs. Diaz teaches math, reading, writing, and science Our classroom is a combined program. We use flexible grouping between the two classes to allow for maximum student choice and to provide instruction at varied levels.

Procedures Our classroom management focuses on POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT! We utilize a ticket system in both classes Students can earn tickets in two ways – academics and positive behaviors Students are rewarded throughout the year with our classroom store, Success Parties, and auctions (2 per year) We emphasize the Arroyo Vista HIGH 5s and reinforce these values through “tribes” and daily classroom instruction and interaction

Our Classroom Assessment Includes student-led conferences Involves parents and students working together to set and evaluate goals Doesn‘t penalize students for where they begin Requires the collection of work samples for reflection Encourages students to learn from their mistakes Celebrates growth and progress toward goals SPUSD Grade Scale 4 – 90-100% Thorough Understanding 3 – 80-89% Proficient Understanding 2 – 70-79% Approaching Understanding 1 – 0-69% Minimal Understanding

How You can Help! Create a monthly calendar for long-term projects or look ahead in planner Complete weekly checks in binder, backpack, and desk organization Check class website and google classroom for updates, reminders, and assignment calendar (weekly at least!) Remind your child of appropriate technology use and keep their password sheet handy Set up a quiet study area at home Make reading a habit and keep reading log up to date Spend time asking about their day and making connections to what they are studying in school! Help your child develop confidence by praising them for successes 

Homework/Project Tips Check to see that your child has the necessary books to complete homework before leaving school Practice the “academic hour” for daily homework Look at homework planner daily Check all assignments for completion and spot check for accuracy (compare final product to written directions and rubrics) Follow assigned progress dates for long-term projects Review material and help your child study for tests When absent or unsure of assignments check the class website, Google Classroom, or call a classmate Help your child edit their writing Assist in assembling final projects

Exciting 5th Grade Activities State Float Parade (December) STEM Expo (February) Outdoor Science School (March 27th – 31st) Promotion (June 8th)

Other Types of Parent Support Volunteer in our classroom or for Arroyo Vista Weekly Wire and Copies Library Art Career Share Celebrations (cupcake donations) Wish Night donations, thank you in advance! Mrs. Diaz Mrs. Korkunis 