Curriculum Night Mrs. Rafa 2014

 Before coming to Walker, I taught 4 years in two other districts.  I taught 6 th grade at Walker for 12 years.  This is my 2 nd year teaching 5 th grade at Walker.  I have a BA degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana.  I have a Master’s degree from Governors State University.  Forty-two hours in additional graduate work

 New vocab words introduced at beginning of story/chapter and assessed after reading of text.  Silent reading and read aloud daily  Assessment on each story may be a project or test  STAR testing in reading and math during Fall, Winter, and Spring  1 accelerated reader book each quarter  RTI three times a week to reinforce skills  In reading we will work, of course, on reading, but also on writing, listening, poetry, and fluency skills.  The text includes all types of reading genres.  We will also read a variety of novels throughout the year.  Students will participate in Guided Reading, Independent Reading, Oral Reading, and other activities in class.  Students will learn to use various reading strategies in order to better develop comprehension skills.

 Students will learn grammar and writing.  We will be organizing English notes very thoroughly including a table of contents for each unit.  Students can use class notes on quizzes & tests.  Students will study grammar units and incorporate grammar skills into writing.  Students will be reading, analyzing, and writing poetry.  Students will keep a writing folder at school.

 Past computation skills will be reviewed, and students will be encouraged to think mathematically to solve authentic problems using their math skills.  Math spiral required as note taking occurs daily. Notes taken in class can be used to review for tests & quizzes, so many examples are given!  Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, decimals, and fractions  Homework each night, quizzes throughout each chapter, and test at the end of each chapter. Review in class to reinforce skills before each test!  Morning math review (7:35 am) on day of quiz or test  Tests of a D or F must be signed and returned the next day.  Pencil only!!!!!  Students will be required to show work!  All students need a calculator for class.

 Students will be required to take notes.  We will practice map skills throughout the year.  There is a test or project after each chapter.  Any test of a D or F must be signed and returned the next day.  There will be a review to reinforce skills in class before each test.  There might not be homework each day. We have a lot of discussion and note taking during class. We also watch video segments pertaining to the subject area.  Topics include Colonization and the American Revolution  Class is very vocabulary intensive. Please review terms nightly.  I will show several short films in social studies to help build background for the students.

 Students will be required to take notes.  5 th Grade Science Rotation:  Light, Sound  Earth’s Changing Surface  Electricity and Magnetism  Animals  Students will be exposed to labs and learn how to write a lab report.  Notes taken daily.

 Students will have an opportunity to check out books from Hilda Walker Library on Thursday.  Students may also check out books from my personal library collection in the room.  All students are required to have a book to read.

 Students have PE three times a week.  Music two times a week for the first semester.  Art two times a week for the second semester.  The academic schedule was sent home and is posted on the web page.

 A  B80-89  C70-79  D60-69  F59-below

 We will observe this scale for tests, quizzes and assignments to which the scale can be applied.  Some assignments are designed for practice of a skill and will not be given a percentage grade.

 Students will be responsible for completing any incomplete/missing assignment.  Parents will be informed of any incomplete/missing work through a Walker Missing/Incomplete Homework Notice. Students will be sent to study hall during lunch to complete work. The signed Homework Notice and completed work are due the next day.  Assignments turned in two days late will receive a 10% grade reduction.  Refer to my classroom handout for full policy.

 Detentions are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until 3:55 P.M.  Academic Assistance is held Monday- Friday until 3:55 P.M.  Please be aware that there are no activity buses this year!  Please follow the traffic pattern for pick-up when coming to get your student.

 “The Walker Way” –BE RESPECTFUL, BE RESPONSIBLE, & BE SAFE  Purpose: To create a safe learning environment allowing everyone to reach their potential as a learner. Following these procedures/rules fosters a positive learning environment both in and out of the classroom.

We will treat each other with respect regardless of our differences:  Disagree respectfully and solve conflicts calmly.  Work together.  Remain quiet when others are speaking.  Raise you hand and wait patiently for the teacher’s assistance.

We will each be responsible for our own learning:  Sit up.  Tune in.  Ask/answer questions.  Respond to directions.  Complete work and write all assignments in your assignment notebook. We will each be responsible for our actions that affect people around us:  On task  Noise awareness  Movement around the classroom

We will keep learning fun & safe:  Foster a sense of humor.  Approach assignments & tasks with a positive attitude / always giving 100%.  Keep classroom floor clear of books, backpacks, boxes, etc.  Keep hands, feet, & objects to yourself.

 Rewards: verbal praise, PAW tickets, extra privilege earned, positive note/phone call  Consequences: warning, loss of intramurals, detention, phone call, seat change, parent conference, and/or referral to office

 Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on November 24th and 25th.  November 25th Conferences are scheduled from 10:00 A.M. to 7:55 P.M.  November 26th Conferences are 8:30-11:25 A.M.  Please sign up for a conference time tonight.

 This classroom is peanut free.

 Walker Office  address:  District Web Page  I post upcoming test and quiz dates in all subject areas.  Any long-term project dates in all subjects will also be posted.  I have posted several cool links your child may want to try out.

 6:30-6:40 P.M. Short presentation in gym  6:45-7:30 P.M. Homeroom Mrs. Rafa  7: 30-7:45 P.M. Special/Resources teachers

 I am looking forward to a great year and partnership.  Thank you for coming to Curriculum and Expectation Night at Hilda Walker School.  Mrs. Rafa