5th Grade Mr. Baxter Ms. Newcomb Mrs. Kreissig Mrs. Gretz Mrs. Sienkiewicz

Back to School Night Essential Questions What instructional components will be present in our rigorous 5th grade curriculum? How can we work together to benefit all our students?

Schedule

Homework Policy Homework and projects are extensions of school instruction are therefore an integral part of your child’s education.

Grading Policy Class work, assessments, homework and projects are all components of a student’s grade in each subject area. Grades on projects or extended activities are based on rubrics developed for the specific project and both parents and students are made aware ahead of time of the requirements for the activity.

Grading Policy At the end of each quarter, grades for projects, class work, homework and assessments will be used to determine a final grade. Mid Quarter reports will also keep you up-to-date with your child’s progress. Learning Skills will be communicated on a weekly basis as well as on the report card. Report Cards will be distributed on: November 11 & 12 (conferences) February 3 April 14 June 23 (snail mail)

Learning Skills We observe patterns and trends of students’ work, effort, and behavior to determine and improve learning skills. The report card will coded “I, L, F, R, NI” I= Independent L=Limited prompting F=Frequent prompting R=Rarely demonstrates NI= Not enough Information

Agendas All homework assignments will be recorded as assigned. A responsible caregiver is expected to review all completed homework assignments and then initial the student’s agenda daily. Parents can also use the agenda book to communicate with CGES staff.

Got Attitude! Positive Reward System Positive Behavior Reward System A student receives one (1) “Got Attitude” Sticker for demonstrating respectful behaviors. Each sticker a student earns is recorded on the Go for the Green monthly calendar (provided) with a designation of a star. Once a student has received one (1) sticker, they receive one (1) ticket. Two tickets may be redeemed immediately for a freeze pop. Or, if that student chooses, they may enter their name into a drawing for a chance to win a larger reward. Students may have their name added to the drawing for every 2 tickets they earn. The drawings will be held every quarter.

Go for Green Consequence Chart Incident Penalty 1st Warning 2nd Yellow 3rd Red: min of 10 min timeout, reflection form, and conference with teacher 4th Remain on Red: 15 min loss of recess, reflection form, conference with teacher, and note home 3 Reds in one week Office Referral

College Gardens Standards of Communication Communication Folders Daily use folder for notes to and from school Graded materials and learning skills sheets will be sent home in this folder on Thursdays Blue papers indicate importance for instruction and should be saved as reference for families and student to review at home. Newsletters PYP newsletters will now include language arts and grade level information Math newsletters from MCPS will go home on day one of each unit on white paper. Math review letters will be sent home two weeks prior to assessment on blue paper. Keeping in contact Understanding that time is limited and valued, staff should respond within one to two school days.

Reading Goals Students are expected to read 25 grade appropriate books over the course of the year. A personal record of books read by each student will be kept in the classroom. We ask that your child reads for at least 20 minutes each night. Students will need to complete a summary for each book read. To accomplish the 25 book goal with summary students will need to complete approximately 6 books and summaries per quarter. Teachers will check quarterly on their progress.

Reading Novels William and Mary Junior Great Books Invitations To Literacy Variety of Informational Text We will use a variety of group sizes and materials to meet individual needs. There will be focus lessons on the concepts all students need to learn. We will use small groups of three or more for meeting the special needs of all students. We will use cooperative groups or partners for completing a common task.

Writing Writing as a process: Students are expected to respond to a writing prompt in organized and well-developed paragraphs focusing on ideas and content, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, and conventions. Students will also develop brief constructed responses to questions in all subjects. Some of the writing modes that will be covered are: Descriptive Expressive Informative Narrative Persuasive

Words Their Way Spelling/Vocabulary program Differentiated by stages of spelling Inquiry-based, cooperative learning approach Sorting: students sort words in columns, noticing spelling/sound patterns (badge vs. page) Hunting: students hunt for words in text that follow the weekly pattern Spelling/meaning connection: Greek/Latin roots Games!

Math Students will be taught concepts that are covered in the following six strands: Algebra/Patterns/Functions Geometry Measurement Statistics Probability Number Relationships and Computation Textbooks used will be Harcourt and Glencoe

Primary Years Programme Community Students Transdisciplinary Skills Units of Inquiry IB Learner Profile PYP Concepts Action PYP Attitudes

Where We Are in Place and Time How We Express Ourselves Theme Who We Are Where We Are in Place and Time How We Express Ourselves How the World Works How We Organize Ourselves How We Share the Planet Description of the Transdisciplinary Theme An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human. An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives. An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic. An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment. An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment. An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution. Fifth Grade Units of Inquiry Learning From the Past Central Idea: Reading historical fiction impacts our knowledge and understanding of the past Lines of Inquiry: -the characteristics elements of historical fiction -individuals and Scientific Discoveries Central Idea: The study and application of scientific understanding throughout time -the study of energy -the impact of scientific discoveries -technological advancements People Revolt Central Idea:. People revolt to cause change. -the causes of revolution -peaceful and non-peaceful ways people revolt -the consequences of revolution -impact of geographical characteristics of places and regions Matter of Fact! Central Idea: Our continuously changing world impacts its inhabitants -matter and its physical properties -changes of state - the impact of matter in environments around the world So, Who is in Charge Mankind functions under all different forms of governing bodies -functions of government -purpose of government -what makes a society work 5th grade Exhibition 2008-2009 Central Idea: We have a responsibility to protect the Earth’s environment for our benefit and the benefit of future generations. Topics Included: Agriculture Climate Change Global Warming Waste & Recycling Energy  

Sign Up Sign up for a conference Classroom volunteers November 11th & 12th Classroom volunteers

We look forward to a great year!

3-2-1 Summarizer 3 Important things that you will take back with you 2 Things you want to know more about 1 Thing you will work with your student to make him/her successful