1. Welcome to Fifth Grade!

2. Around the Room… We have an “In” door and an “Out” door. Homework is always posted on our HW board. We have a great library with comfy arm chairs and bean bags in another quiet spot for reading or writing. Lit. Spots! Journal time! Drama Llama (what can I say? they LOVE it!) Procedures and Routines are new and overwhelming but WILL prepare 5 th graders for middle school!

3. Our Goals this Year… Reading We will read about 9 novels this year! Fifth graders will become better readers by: –Reading to find deeper meaning –Making personal connections to literature –Learning to thoughtfully discuss and evaluate literature in a variety of ways, especially with their peers –Learning to read non-fiction as information rather than the truth! –Learning to write based upon what they read! –Learning to develop a love of reading by practicing independent reading at home and in school.

4. Our Goals this Year… Writing Students will become better writers by: –Using their journal at least once a week to respond to literature and to free write on a topic of their choice –Practicing “flash writing” to improve future skills in organization, skills, writing arguments/persuasive essays and reports. –Learning how to write a paragraph with amazing detail! –Learning to write a solid 5 paragraph research essay by the end of the year! –Using proper grammar and language when responding to a classmate and to a text in their daily written work. “UPOQ!”

5. Our Goals this Year Math Students will be successful in math when they: –Raise their hand and participate! –Complete their homework every night (it doesn’t have to be 100% correct!) –Ask when they are confused –Are prepared for a “homework check” aka a pop quiz on the previous night’s homework. –Study for tests and announced quizzes! –Study basic math facts at home! –Stay for extra help!

6. Our Goals this Year Responsibility and Middle School Readiness Grade 5 is about 55% Elementary and 45% Middle School!!!! Use of student planner is mandatory! THE BFF of Grade 5 Students expected to be prepared and will have consequences if not. Communication between you, me and your child is paramount! Responsibility involves checking absent folder, speaking up, talking to the teacher and owning up to mistakes. When your child communicates with me, is the best way I can not only get to know him or her better, but I can help them easier by making a specific plan! Organization is encouraged in all areas- from desk and locker to proper note taking and keeping track of papers. Minimize tattling, letting go of the small stuff, expressing ourselves at “pit and peak” time. Communication is key!

7. Fun Stuff! Community! will be incorporated into the Grade 5 Social Studies curriculum. Field Trips and More: –Plimouth 10/10 –A Christmas Carol 12/4 –Indoor Campout Mystic and Project Oceanology 6/5 (tentative) Saint Andrew Academy’s Expectations: Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe

8. Important Dates Jewelry Party Field Trip Fundraiser Monday, 9/29 @ 5:30 in Grade 2 PTO Can Drives: first Saturday of each month except April (4/11) Panera Night Field Trip Fundraiser Tuesday 10/7 @ 4-8 Fairfield (Next to Trader Joe’s) Trunk or Treat Sat. 10/26

9. Helpful Stuff Sfinik@cathedralcluster.org School Phone: 203-373-1552 Extra Help is on Tuesdays from 2:15-3pm. –An extra help form is required! http://teacherweb.com/CT/SaintAndrew/Mi ssFinik/apt2.aspxhttp://teacherweb.com/CT/SaintAndrew/Mi ssFinik/apt2.aspx –Spelling and Vocabulary tab. –Extra help form –Information and homework!

10. Thanks for Coming!