1. Early? Fill these out while you’re waiting!
Welcome to room 41 
Reminders:
Sign in (lap tops on round table)
Pick your conference time (lap tops on trapizod table)
Check out the classroom wish list
Write your child a happy note for the
first day of school (leave on desk, I will collect and stick in desk for first day )
Early? Fill these out while you’re waiting!
Parent Survey
Emergency Early Dismissal Form
Bike Contract (if applicable)
Food Products Consent Letter
Website consent forms

2. Welcome to the 5th grade!
Mrs. Dahnert
Room 41

3. Fifth Grade is a year of changes: exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Fifth grade expectations are much greater than ever before: student and parents must be up for the challenge! Your child has their foundation... We will continue to build upon existing knowledge and create problem solver and critical thinkers. There is an incredible amount of content to cover so responsibility is great. Fifth graders must come to school each day with a positive, respectful attitude, be prepared to learn, take initiative and be willing to draw outside of the lines. The pace is fast, but by working together as a TEAM we will help each other make incredible gains and grow to be our best selves! I will guide your child through the exciting world of fifth grade and they will leave each day knowing that they are loved, that they were heard, that they are smart and that they can accomplish anything! I will challenge them in ways they never thought possible, I will expect nothing but the best and I will watch them grow into the most incredible 5th graders ever. I will teach them to think, to be proud and to never give up! What you can expect...one AMAZING year!

4. About Mrs. Dahnert
I received a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a concentration in Language Arts from Christopher Newport University
I have a minor in both Leadership and Philosophy
I earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching from CNU
I have taught 3rd and 4th grade
I like to read, travel, and do anything outside (golf, hike, rock climb, snowboard, etc.)
I live in Brunswick, Maryland with my husband Bryce; 4 year old, Finley; 2 year old, Sloane; brand new twins, Aizlynn and Broderick and two playful pups, Jewel and Reesie.

5. Our Curriculum
Reading: nonfiction and fiction texts, story elements (setting, plot, characters, author’s purpose), literary elements (cause/effect, sequencing, inference), novel studies, AR (Accelerated Reader)
Writing: composition, journal entries, writing prompts, parts of speech, editing, punctuation
Science: tools, scientific method, units in earth, life, and physical science
Social Studies: regions of the USA, states and capitals, geography, maps
Math (with Mrs. Bigney place value, decimals, fractions, operations, geometry, variables
These are just some of the topics in our curriculum.

6. Google Classroom
We will use google classroom for many activities (writing assignments, review activities, group projects, sharing information, collaboration between groups/whole class)
Students can access this at school and at home
During the first few days, students will join 3 online classrooms- our homeroom, our science classroom, and Mrs. Bigney’s math classroom
Homework assignments will be posted daily.

7. Technology
Students may (to YOUR discretion!!!) bring a device that will allow them to create content– students may bring their device daily, but I will also notify them ahead of time for specific lessons
Devices that have keyboards and WiFi capability are best – and can connect to LCPS-Open WiFi– preferably 8” screen or bigger
Students will follow the expectations discussed and outlined in the "acceptable use" contract they will sign
Students will receive an LCPS address through Google this year
Parents will receive consent forms for websites not supported by LCPS
For more information, visit the Sycolin Creek website, under the BYOT tab:
As you know, LCPS does not provide insurance coverage for students' or employees' personal property brought to school or work: for example, laptops, iPods, iPads, tablets, smart phones, cameras, etc. that may be damaged, lost, or stolen will not be replaced or paid for by LCPS. This information is published in the LCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook and in the LCPS Employee Handbook.

8. Helpful apps/websites to download
These are found on the Sycolin Creek Website, under Student Launch page. 18
You can also create a link from this page on your child’s desktop.

9. Homework
Homework is the students’ opportunity to both practice and gauge their understanding of a concept.
Homework is given nightly and will be available on our google classroom as well as written in the agenda each day. Homework should be completed independently.
Incomplete or missing assignments will be noted through Classroom Dojo.
Please help your child be successful by paying attention to due dates!
Questions about homework? Let me know!!
Homework will consist of:
Reading (20 minutes)
Math (given at the beginning of each week and due Friday)

10. Agenda
Use it!
Keep student organized
Due dates are important!!!

11. Grading Indicators for progress follow the national rubric:
4= Exceeds Standards
3= Meets Standards
2= Progressing Towards Standard
1= Below Standard
*Students graded assignments will show a # score (1-4) rather than letter grades

12. Report Cards
Students will be graded on their classwork, class projects, oral presentations, and quizzes and tests.
Our school's Parent Vue -> 
County's Phoenix Parent Page (connected from our page too) - > 

15. PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention System)
School wide behavior model
5 Sammy spots: recess, hallway, bathroom, bus, and cafeteria
3 anchors:
Respect Self,
Respect Others,
Respect Property
Students can earn Sammy tickets at any spot from staff members
Individual and class rewards
Look for Sammy stickers on your child if they earn an individual ticket
Class goal = 100 stars and rewards are earned
*Check the school’s webpage for PBS updates!

16. Class Dojo Classroom Behavior Plan for 5th grade
An online behavior management system that we will be using. This app uses an avatar to represent each student and keep track of their daily points
If you connect, (see directions on your child’s desk) you will be notified when your child earns and/or loses points and the reason.
Positive Reinforcement: Students can earn points from teachers and specialists for exceptional responsibilities, collaboration, citizenship, among other behaviors.
Behavior: Students will lose points if they display a behavior that doesn’t align with our school/class expectations.
Monthly, we will have an opportunity for the class as a whole to spend points for a fun class reward.
Twice a year, we will have a class auction where students will have the opportunity to bid on fun items.

17. Highlights of 5th grade DARE Program instructed by Deputy Harding
5th Grade Chorus
5th Grade Student Council
PE Tournaments
Sammy Show
Reading Buddies
Blue and Green Game
Watch Dogs
Running Club
Field Trips (Luray Caverns and middle school)
Safety Patrol
5th Grade End of the Year Graduation/Celebration

18. The Sammy Show
Students will have the opportunity to participate in the Sammy Show (morning announcements) in fifth grade. In order to participate students will have to complete an application and audition for a place on the Sammy Show. If chosen, they will need to be at school by 7:30 each morning.
Being on the Sammy Show is a privilege. If a student is not arriving to school on time, not behaving in class, or has missing assignments they will not be able to participate.

19. Chorus Chorus will meet in the mornings at 7:10 OR right after school.
Chorus will have performances throughout the school year.
Chorus is a great way to improve reading skills and have fun at the same time!

20. SOL This year the fifth grade will be taking 3 SOL tests in May.
Science
Math
Reading
**Our SOL tests will be taken on the computer.

21. Support our school Join the PTA
Submit company labels from food for schools and box tops
Watch Dogs (Orientation on Thursday, Oct. 11th at 5pm)
Volunteer

22. House Keeping
Nutrition Break (keep it healthy!) (we are peanut/tree nut free in this classroom!)
Please notify me of any changes in transportation or contact information
If you need to get in touch with me throughout the day, please me!

23. Questions?