Fifth Grade Orientation Please visit the website

Who are The Fifth Grade Teachers? Mrs. Landwehr- Math, Science, Social Studies Mrs. Wilson-Math, Science, Social Studies Mrs. Pogue-Reading, Language, Writing Mrs. Brown –Reading, Language, Writing Ms. Sumner-Reading, Language, Writing

Welcome to Fifth Grade! I am so excited to have you here!! Fifth Graders! WOW!! At the top of the elementary! Can you believe it?!!

An exciting year lies ahead!!! We are going to be learning such amazing things, AND as the oldest in the elementary, fifth graders are given many special perks, such as:

Fifth grade switched classes Choosing your own Special Areas Biztown Fieldtrip Honor’s Society Applying for a classroom job LIT CIRCLES K- Reading BUDDIES PASS OUT PROGRAMS PowerPoint Projects Restroom Privileges More mature reading Tables verses desks COOL !!

WHOA! Pretty awesome, but with privilege comes responsibility. Younger students are watching you, so it is very important that you make wise choices, both academically and personally. It is even more important that you make these wise choices for your own sake, as they will help you to lay the foundation for a happy and successful future. It is my sincere hope that this is a challenge you are ready to accept.

Because Fifth Grade is the last year before you move down to Middle School, two of our most important goals for the year are for you:  To accept responsibility for your own learning  To be well-organized

Following directions the first time asked Handing in work on time and in the correct place Using work time wisely-having a great book you enjoy to read when you finish work, add on to your writing, work stations Having the necessary materials for class Keeping a neat desk and locker Working independently, yet asking questions when needed Participating in groups with great speaking and listening skills Having papers done neatly and in cursive Following classroom procedures; Being respectful of yourself and of others Accepting the consequences of your actions Keep parents informed by showing them ALL WORK and talking about what we do in class These are the signs of a responsible, well-organized student. Developing these positive habits will ensure not only success in school, but success in life, as well.

Positive Reinforcement Verbal Praise- There is no substitute for a good, old-fashioned "Good job!“ Competence -The ultimate result of good behavior and strong study habits is competence. More important than free time, snack, note home and verbal praise, the real reward for being "good" is learning new things! Choice Seating Lunch in the room w/ the teacher Snack/Gum Positive note, phone call, to parent

Negative Reinforcement Unfortunately, positive reinforcement is not always successful. When students don't respond to the above strategies, the following steps are taken: Verbal or non-verbal warning Conference outside or note on desk Remove from room for a short period of time either to the hall or another class Student calls parent to explain their behavior Office referral

Our classroom is like a community, and just like in a community, we, in this classroom, take care of each other. We are respectful and kind and honest and forgiving at all times, and we always try our very best. We recognize that we are all special, and that we all have been blessed with certain strengths and talents. No one of these is better than the other; all are important and valued. Yes, our classroom is a community, and as in all communities, there are rules to ensure that we get along and that everyone feels safe.

CLASSROOM RULES  Respect yourself, others, and the world around you.  Always, do your very best. Set goals and work hard to achieve them.  Be honest  Accept personal responsibility for your actions and your learning.

Anti-Bullying Pledge -I will not watch or take part in bullying. -I will help people who are being bullied by telling someone who can help. (family, teachers, friends) -I will be a friend to those who are being bullied. -I will not keep quiet about bullying. - I will not use my hands or my words for hurting myself or others.

How to Handle Bullies If You Are Bullied Talk about it. Tell an adult, a close friend or a sibling. Stay in a group. You may not be as easy a target. Stand up for yourself. Don't fight or bully back. If it feels safe, calmly tell the bully to stop, then walk away. Join a club. You'll make friends. If You See Someone Being Bullied Report it to an adult. Give your support. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just be a friend. Stand up to the bully. If you feel safe, tell the kid that bullying is wrong and to stop. Get friends to support you. When bullies see that other kids don't think their actions are cool, they are more likely to stop.

CURRICULUM READING (all genres)- Reading book, class set novels, Book Clubs, journals, book reports, table conversations, TCAP Test and quizzes LANGUAGE- 8 parts of speech, grammar, mechanics, sentence structure SPELLING WRITING-Expository and Narrative, should be able to write a minimum of 5 paragraphs that stay on topic, w/ detail, 5 th grade vocabulary and figurative language We average one paper each two weeks that has a rough draft w/ editing, revising, and a final copy SPECIALS: LIBRARY, ART, PE, MUSIC, GUIDANCE, DARE, BAND

Book Reports and Due Dates

GRADING SCALE A B C D 69 F GRADES Letter grades will be based on: Points given for Daily Work In-class activities Special Projects Tests / Quizzes Observations No Extra Credit will be given. It is important to do your best the first time, every time. There will be opportunities for Bonus Points to be earned on some assignments.

How Can I Help? Ask you child what they learned each day or what they are writing or reading about. Read the same book that your child is reading so you can chat about the book. Go to portaportal.com-guest jsumner and view what skills we work on. Read our weekly newsletters and discuss w/ your child. Keep our card handy and call during our planning or when you have concerns our questions

School Supplies 5th Grade Supply List All items are COMMUNITY (for everyone’s use)! 3 boxes of pencils (love to have pre-sharpened) 1 roll of paper towels 1 box tissue Lysol wipes or spray 3 packs of notebook paper 1 pack of dry erase markers 6 folders w/ prongs (2 yellow, 2 red, 2 blue) 3 one subject spiral notebooks (1 yellow, 1 red, 1 blue) Pens (black or blue ink only) Construction Paper 1 box of cap erasers Old t-shirt for art class Backpack *Other supplies such as protractors and compasses will need to be purchased later in the year. We do not use these items until the end of the year, so I find it makes more sense to purchase them when they are needed. *This is a general school supply list for each grade. Individual teachers may ask for additional items for his/her particular classroom needs.

Standard School Attire Shirts Collars or turtle necks Emblems must be smaller than 2 inches Any color polo style shirt Pants –Black, Navy, Khaki –Skirts/Jumpers Shorts underneath recommended –No cargo style –No jeans or jean material Belts are required for 5 th graders Jackets –Can be fleece, sports jacket, or cardigan. –Must be our school colors. * No hoods worn inside, otherwise jackets must be kept in lockers. * More information available at

Schedule Breakfast/Lunch 7:30-8:00 Breakfast/$1.25 7:45-8:15 Homeroom Lunch/ $2. 00 Specials 2:50-3:00 Homeroom/Dismissal

Absences Excused Absences 5 Tardies will prevent you from receiving perfect attendance 5 or more unexcused absences and you will receive a note from the attendance officer Fever free for 24 hours Make up work-student is responsible for checking the daily agenda notebook and make up the work within 3 days

We’re Going to Have a Great 5 th Grade Year!!!