1. Welcome Parents!  Back-t0-School Night 2016-17
Mrs. Diaz
Mrs. Wahbe (Mrs. Korkunis)

2. Welcome to Mrs. Diaz’s and Mrs. Wahbe’s Classroom
Back to School Night

3. 21st Century Teaching/Learning
4 Cs:
Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity
Life and Career Skills
Information, Media, and Technology Skills
Core Subjects taught through new Common Core standards
Videos:
“Three-Minute Video Explaining the Common Core State Standards”
I choose C

4. To better prepare our students we
Analyze and interpret information
Generate alternative solutions and defend them
Demonstrate understanding through project based, hands-on learning
Create complex products that require persistence, organization, innovation and choice
Practice effective communication through classroom discussions that analyze and persuade
Write frequently
Make oral presentations
Utilize technology in all we do!

5. BIG 5th Grade Topics Math: Fractions and decimals are HUGE!
Reading: Fiction and Nonfiction with an emphasis on the latter to better prepare them for middle school and beyond
Core Literature Studies will include: Blood on the River, Hatchet, and a variety of historical fiction novels
Current events and informational text related to content
Writing: Opinion, Informative, Narrative
Social Studies: U.S. History!
Science: Chemistry, Human Body, Space, Biology, Water/Weather, Robotics

6. Diaz/Wahbe Team Teaching
We share a common philosophy and specialize in subjects to provide more depth in the content areas.
Mrs. Wahbe teaches math, reading, writing, and social studies
Mrs. Diaz teaches math, reading, writing, and science
Our classroom is a combined program. We use flexible grouping between the two classes to allow for maximum student choice and to provide instruction at varied levels.

7. Procedures Our classroom management focuses on POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT!
We utilize a ticket system in both classes
Students can earn tickets in two ways – academics and positive behaviors
Students are rewarded throughout the year with our classroom store, Success Parties, and auctions (2 per year)
We emphasize the Arroyo Vista HIGH 5s and reinforce these values through “tribes” and daily classroom instruction and interaction

8. Our Classroom Assessment
Includes student-led conferences
Involves parents and students working together to set and evaluate goals
Doesn‘t penalize students for where they begin
Requires the collection of work samples for reflection
Encourages students to
learn from their mistakes
Celebrates growth and progress toward goals
SPUSD Grade Scale
4 – % Thorough Understanding
3 – 80-89% Proficient Understanding
2 – 70-79% Approaching Understanding
1 – 0-69% Minimal Understanding

9. How You can Help!
Create a monthly calendar for long-term projects or look ahead in planner
Complete weekly checks in binder, backpack, and desk organization
Check class website and google classroom for updates, reminders, and assignment calendar (weekly at least!)
Remind your child of appropriate technology use and keep their password sheet handy
Set up a quiet study area at home
Make reading a habit and keep reading log up to date
Spend time asking about their day and making connections to what they are studying in school!
Help your child develop confidence by praising them for successes 

10. Homework/Project Tips
Check to see that your child has the necessary books to complete homework before leaving school
Practice the “academic hour” for daily homework
Look at homework planner daily
Check all assignments for completion and spot check for accuracy (compare final product to written directions and rubrics)
Follow assigned progress dates for long-term projects
Review material and help your child study for tests
When absent or unsure of assignments check the class website, Google Classroom, or call a classmate
Help your child edit their writing
Assist in assembling final projects

11. Exciting 5th Grade Activities
State Float Parade (December)
STEM Expo (February)
Outdoor Science School (March 27th – 31st)
Promotion (June 8th)

12. Other Types of Parent Support
Volunteer in our classroom or for Arroyo Vista
Weekly Wire and Copies
Library
Art
Career Share
Celebrations (cupcake donations)
Wish Night donations, thank you in advance!
Mrs. Diaz Mrs. Korkunis 