Unity I dreamt I stood in a studio And watched two sculptors there. The clay they used was a young child’s mind And they fashioned it with care. One was a teacher – the tools she used Were books, music, and art. The other, a parent, worked with guiding hand, And a gentle, loving heart. Day after day, the teacher toiled with touch That was deft and sure. While the parent labored by her side And polished and smoothed it o’er. And when at last, their task was done They were proud of what they had wrought. For the things they had molded into the child Could neither be sold or bought. And each agreed they would have failed If each had worked alone. For behind the teacher stood the school And behind the parent, the home.

Welcome to 5 th Grade Curriculum Night July 2012

Reading Common Core based curriculum Literature studies using chapter books Independent reading and journals

Language Writing process and the 6 +1 traits of good writing Modes of writing: functional, literary response, persuasive, expressive, expository and research Writing and grammar mini-lessons

Math Common Core based curriculum Talent by Topic: As part of new district curriculum and goals, students will be continually progress monitored “Computations” (individualized skill practice) State & District objectives include: data analysis, patterns & functions, geometry, fractions & decimals, measurement, and probability Students will receive math homework that will reinforce skills taught in class.

Science Inquiry, Process Skills, & Science Fair Projects Physical Science: Matter (e.g., molecules & atoms), Motion & Forces (e.g., gravity & friction) Life Science: Structure & Functions of Living Systems (skeletal, muscular, & nervous systems) Earth & Space Science: Earth’s Processes & Systems (e.g., lunar cycle, rotation & revolution), Earth in the Solar System (e.g., planets, motion of sun & stars, space exploration)

Social Studies Geography Economics U.S. history from Exploration & Colonization to the Civil War. World History Government

Communication Communication: is our preferred method, however, we welcome notes and phone calls. Communication generally occurs outside of instructional time. Friday Communications: sent with important information. In case of an emergency, please call the front office directly. Responsibility Pillar -No Rescue Rule

Homework Policy Students should spend not more than 90 minutes per night. This time should be budgeted in the following manner: 15 minutes looking for assignment 11 minutes calling a friend for the assignment 23 minutes explaining why the teacher is mean and just does not like children 8 minutes in the bathroom 10 minutes getting a snack 7 minutes checking the TV guide 6 minutes telling parents that the teacher never explained the assignment 10 minutes sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Mom or Dad to do the assignment

Long Term Assignments These are given the night before they are due It is a long term commitment to time that begins at 9:30 pm and ends at 11:50 pm or later It is important that the whole family is involved in the project. It is imperative that at least one family member races to Wal-Mart/Target for poster board, and that at least one family member ends up in tears (does not have to be the student.) One parent needs to stay up and complete the project. The other parent needs to call the school and leave a message that the student is out sick. It is not necessary to have the student’s name on the assignment

Art Masterpiece This program is a national art enrichment program that is taught at Hull Elementary on an entirely volunteer basis.  Volunteer Art Guides do not have to have a background in art, and most do not. The lessons cover a wide range of artists and art styles in order to promote art literacy. Hull has a dedicated art classroom to teach these lessons!  Check out the Art Classroom Today – Room #28

Art Masterpiece Please consider volunteering for your child’s classroom and helping your teacher! The students LOVE LOVE LOVE the art classes and always have a fun time. All lessons are prepared for you ahead of time and we provide multiple trainings on how to teach lessons and use the media. We encourage more than one volunteer per class. Sign up today with your teacher!  Contact Sara Mercill at for more

Before You Leave… Please complete the following in your child’s homeroom in any order before leaving tonight:  See donation and volunteer opportunities on the side counter, we welcome any and all assistance.  Be sure to take your welcome letter and student information papers home. Please return the student information paper as soon as possible.  Teachers will meet the students on the basketball court on Monday. Please have your child look for their homeroom teacher’s sign. Monday’s Lunch Menu: The price of lunch this year is $2.50  Chicken Dippers & Harvest Muffin  Spaghetti w/ Mozzarella Cheese Cup  PB&J

Thank you for coming tonight! Your support and participation makes a world of difference!