1. Lancaster Elementary School “Unlock the Mystery of Learning”
Welcome to Open House
Lancaster Elementary School
“Unlock the Mystery of Learning”

2. Gina Inman & Retta Fenerty
5th grade team teachers
Gina Inman & Retta Fenerty
Inman teaches ELA
Fenerty teaches Math and Science
Both teach Social Studies to each of our homeroom classes

3. This year, our new counselor is Deanna Desmond.
New Faculty
This year, our new counselor is Deanna Desmond.
We are also fortunate to have a full-time MHP, Ashley Tamboli, along with our School Resource Officer, Deputy Troy White.
Feel free to reach out to our counselor and MHP if you have any counseling needs for your child.

4. Internet Resources
Parents have access to JPAMS to check grades and attendance in the student progress center. You will receive a letter from the school board with log in information specific to your child.
Please visit lancasterelementary.stpsb.org for updates on events, student handbook, teacher website links, cafeteria menus, etc…
We also have a link to My Payments Plus to pay for cafeteria fees and student fees.
You can also access Moodle which has a lot of our textbooks
online, as well as Typing Agent.
**Pass out Moodle Directions from Erin.

5. At Lancaster we prefer for them to be in the book bag.
Cell Phone Policy
STPSB has changed the policy on cell phones. Students are allowed to store cell phones in the off position at school.
At Lancaster we prefer for them to be in the book bag.
Consequences will be given for use of cell phone, and parents will be required to pick the cell phone up at their convenience.

6. Car Line Reminders
Make sure you have your tag displayed where it can be easily read.
Use the stacking lanes in the morning and afternoon. Please be courteous to other drivers, buses, and staff members.
Refrain from using cell phone.
If your child is serving a detention or is attending morning intervention, please arrive early, as kids will be dropped off in the carline.
For safety reasons, please do not check your child out after 2:45 pm.

7. Math Curriculum Updates
In review of data over the past few years, math has been identified as an area to be strengthened as a whole school.
We are following the STPSB Guaranteed Curriculum which addresses the Louisiana State Standards for math.
This year we are incorporating the use of Eureka strategies, along with traditional algorithms and procedures for teaching new math concepts.
Parents can visit the Louisiana Believes website to review the state standards, along with access to parent resources.
Visit stpsb.org to see sample units and the curriculum we follow.
Parents can also view resources on our individual teacher webpages. For example, the parent’s guide to Eureka with videos.
If you have questions during homework, please let us know by indicating on the homework assignment.

8. Math Assessment Breakdown
Math test will typically be given weekly on Fridays.
Math take home tests are given on Mondays and are due on Fridays. These will be averaged as one test grade.

9. ELA Curriculum Updates
State standards and curriculum resources can be accessed through stpsb.org and Louisiana Believes websites.
This year we are doing 3 Guidebook units which are based off of a novel study and supporting resources.
Achieve 3000 is a literacy-based program that we are also using. This strengthens our reading of non-fiction articles and written response to text.
** Discuss the main novels for your grade level at this point. Third grade: adjust with your curriculum.

10. ELA Grade Breakdown
ELA is now one grade on the report card and in jpams.
Reading and Language are combined for one grade.
The grades for ELA will be reading comprehension, writing skills, and grammar.
*** 4th-6th grade teachers: Please place the breakdown of the ELA grade here to include spelling, grammar, writing, comprehension, Achieve.

11. Social Studies Curriculum Updates
In review of data in recent years, this is an area that we need to strengthen.
We are teaching literacy skills in social studies with the use of primary and secondary sources.
DBQ’s (Document Based Questions) will be used to analyze social studies content.
*** Explain what this means: DBQ’s

12. Social Studies Grade Breakdown
Social Studies grades will consist of tests, projects, DBQ’s, and Achieve articles.

13. Science Curriculum Updates
We are moving towards investigative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) based science lessons.
Our lessons are following the Louisiana State Standards and are incorporating literacy skills, anchor phenomenon, science experiments, and technology.

14. Science Grade Breakdown
Chapter tests or tests on several lessons (study guides will be given prior to the test)
Investigations
Current Events

15. Curriculum Resources
As you can see, education today is pulling from a variety of resources to address state standards for each subject.
Textbooks are used to reinforce standards, but they are not used as a sole program.
At any time if you struggle with the content or resources, please let us know so we can help you.

16. State-Wide Testing LEAP 2025 Testing Dates:
5th-6th Grade Online Testing: April 1-May 3
3rd-4th Grade Paper-Pencil Testing: April 29-May 3
Please be mindful with student attendance during these dates.

17. Class Reminders Remember to please:
Check agendas daily & sign after homework is completed
Test folders go home on Wednesday to be signed and returned
Check our websites – math includes helpful links
**VIP folder reminder here. What day does it go home? Procedures for that to be returned.