1. Welcome To Curriculum Night
Mrs. Johnson’s Fifth Grade
Language Arts & Social Studies

2. A very quick introduction
I have been teaching for 20 years at various levels. The majority of my experience is at the intermediate level (16 years), and the majority of that is at the fifth grade level (12 years).
I just moved from Michigan and I am delighted by the weather and the foliage!!!
My husband and dog plan to move here in October, if not sooner!

3. Remind 101
Take out your cell phones! This is a way for me to send group text messages for reminders and announcements. To join, send a text to with the message: Morning Afternoon A note will go home in their agenda as to whether you received my first message tomorrow night. Please circle yes or no.

5. FSA testing
Both the language arts and writing tests are online. This means we need your help with students’ keyboarding skills!!! Any chance you have at home to help your child hone these skills would be appreciated!
The writing test will be administered the week of February 29.
The language arts test will be administered the week of April 11.
A great resource for parents and students: fsassessments.org
Look at the training test and Frequently Asked Questions

6. AR and Lexile levels
We require one AR test to be taken every other week.
If your child is reading a longer chapter book, it’s okay that it takes a month to complete. We suggest he/she read a shorter nonfiction book and take a quiz during that month to meet the requirements.
I will check student progress with AR every Friday.
Students who earn 100 points get their AR shirt!
Once iReady testing is completed, students will have their Lexile range. While this isn’t exactly set in stone, it is a good gauge for books that will be a good fit for your child. Lexile.com is a great resource when choosing books.

7. IReady
The book used in the classroom is the same for everyone and covers fifth grade learning standards. Everyone is getting the same information.
Specific skills are taught and we get important feedback as to whether your child is mastering the skill or needs extra support.
The learning path (on the computer) is catered to your child’s needs and progress. We do not grade their computer performance, but we do track their work and progress.
There will be some time given at school for students to complete their learning path work, but they will also have to do some work at home. The district requires students to complete 90 minutes per week total for both reading and math.

8. Social studies We study U.S. history.
Social studies will be integrated with reading. The social studies text will be used for some of the reading subject area.
Social studies worksheets and tests will be graded.

9. Online access to textbooks
The rollover for the new school year is not quite complete.
When it is, students will have a sticker in their agenda with the website address and their login information for both the social studies textbook and the Reading Street text.

10. Grading in focus
Grades will be entered, at the very least, every other week.
Reading: iReady book work (specific skills), Reading Street weekly tests, and vocabulary worksheets. Scavenger hunts in their notebooks to make sure they are taking notes and actively involved in direct instruction.
Writing: essay scores based on the writing rubric and grammar sheets.
Social Studies: worksheets and tests from the textbook.
Extra credit work will not be given. We focus on skill mastery, and their scores give us that information. Grades that are given as a result of extra credit work are misleading. We will, however, offer extra support as needed for students to progress and master skills.

11. Homework
If students have an extra folder, it is suggested that one be used for homework and general notes sent home.
Students will be required to read each night and complete a letter to me once a week.
They must choose 5 questions each week and answer them in paragraph form. Each answer (paragraph) will require a topic sentence and supporting details. A letter giving specific instructions will be sent home, and students will practice this in class before completing this at home.
Students are also required to work on their iReady learning path and keyboarding skills, as well.

12. Some more ideas
If you find yourselves bored at home, here are some other important skills your child will need to master in order to be ready for sixth grade and do well on the FSAs.
Prefixes, suffixes, and Greek and Latin roots.
Cursive handwriting
I will be able to find additional activities for “family time” as the year progresses!!!

13. Thank you!
Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to meet with the fifth grade team. I look forward to working with you and your child this year!
A huge thank you to all of you who took the time to fill out the Parent Inventory for your child. Your insight will be a great help this year!
For those of you who have immediate concerns or requests, please sign up for a time to speak with me on the conference sign-up sheet. Otherwise, I plan on meeting with all of you to discuss your child’s progress and goals in about six weeks.
If you have questions, please join us in the media center!