1. Welcome to Mrs. Powell’s Social Studies and Writing class
Tomball Intermediate
5th grade

2. Social Studies—American History, Geography, and Government
Social Studies INB with notes, foldables, etc. to study for the tests. INB will be a 1-2 daily grades each 9 weeks for NEATNESS and COMPLETENESS.
Not typically homework in Social Studies other than market, finishing projects begun in school and STUDYING!!
Alternative assessments graded on a rubric. Checkpoints given every 3-4 weeks.
Document based queries (DBQ’s)
Skits, news broadcasts, museums, simulations and much, much more!!!
Sometimes complex concepts—Attendance is important!

3. Writing
Many times the writing we do will be through the Social Studies content. For example, we may write a piece of persuasive writing urging someone to escape on the Underground Railroad.
Still opportunities for students to write about personal experiences and interests!
These pieces will be graded for the proper writing structure and grammar/mechanics.

4. Spelling For now, spelling words and tests will be given every week.
Lists will typically be given on Mondays. At this point, no spelling homework. Our test grades will decide is homework needs to be implemented.
Tests will be Fridays.
Average of the tests for the 9 weeks will be a major grade in writing.
Spelling will not be given on short weeks (weeks with student holidays).

5. How will you know about tests and projects??
Students are required to write in their planners every day. They should have notification of projects and tests in their planners several days in advance.
Please keep your updated with the office. I will send out fairly detailed notification of projects and tests through the listed on our grade book program.

6. Free Enterprise Economic Market—Part of our Social Studies program
Market—on early dismissal day or the day or two before holidays, each 9 weeks. First market—Oct. 6th. Each student will provide a service or goods. Items not allowed—glass, replicas of weapons, confetti eggs, colored hair spray, food or drinks including candy, stress balls, and slime.
Auction or Activity rooms—Last week of school

7. Mrs. Powell’s website http://www.tomballisd.net/
At the top, choose Tomball Int. from the drop-down box.
Click on “About Us”
“Staff Directory”
“Powell”

8. Contact info
Phone—(281) X4321