1. Curriculum Night 2009-2010 Welcome to 5 th Grade

2. Switching Classes and Schedule 7:35 1 st Bell 7:45 Tardy Bell 7:55-8:45 Specials 8:45-10:45 Mrs. Choppy Reading/LA Mr. Norvell Math/Science Mr. Norvell Math/Science 10:45-12:45 Mrs. Choppy Reading/LA Mr. Norvell Math/Science Mr. Norvell Math/Science 12:45-1:15 Lunch 1:15-1:45 Recess 1:45- 2:40 US History 2:40-2:45 Pack Up

3. Math Emphasis on the four main operations including adding and subtracting both whole numbers and decimals.Emphasis on the four main operations including adding and subtracting both whole numbers and decimals. Fractions and ProbabilityFractions and Probability GeometryGeometry GraphingGraphing An undercurrent of problem solving and critical thinking will accompany all units.An undercurrent of problem solving and critical thinking will accompany all units.

4. Science This year’s Science curriculum is based upon summing up all of the students’ Science skills from past years and extending that knowledge in depth. There will also be new concepts such as: ElectricityElectricity SoundSound The Rock CycleThe Rock Cycle Through each of these units the scientific method will be the vehicle for learning concepts.

5. Social Studies Geography States and Capitals ExplorersRevolutionConstitution Branches of Government Major Wars and Events up to the present Quizzes count 1 grade Tests are 2 History Alive Program US Studies Weekly

6. Reading Reading Certificates Reading logs 100 minutes a week 100 minutes a week Due Fridays Due Fridays Count as one test grade per 9 weeks Count as one test grade per 9 weeks Uses a variety of high interest text including magazines and nonfiction. Making connects with S.S. and Science concepts. Goal- is to develop high level readers who interact with the text.

7. Language Arts SpellingSpelling -Tests every week 20 words Writing will appear most often through journal entries, creative writing, and content writing.Writing will appear most often through journal entries, creative writing, and content writing. Grammar LessonsGrammar Lessons

8. Homework Parents Role- Homework is a student responsibility. It is the parent’s role to make sure their students are doing their homework and if they need help, to discuss problem areas. Homework is given on an as needed basis in Math and Science. Reading- 100 minutes per week Planners- Planners are filled out every day. It is important that you check your student’s planner on a regular basis. Monday Folders- These go home every Monday and starting on the week of August 31st, will have to be signed every week. Spot checks will occur randomly throughout the year. It is important that your students get home information that is being passed out to them.

9. Study Hall Study Hall is a time set aside during the recess period for students who are experiencing trouble with a given concept to receive additional time and instruction from a teacher. This is not a punishment.

10. Extracurricular Activities There are plenty of ways to get involved:There are plenty of ways to get involved: FAST FAST KGES KGES Safety Patrol Safety Patrol Student Council Student Council Choir Choir Bank Bank

11. TAKS Test Dates -TAKS Math April 6th * -TAKS Reading April 7 th* -TAKS Science April 29 th * Denotes a test that is part of SSI (Student Success Initiative).

12. Attendance/Make Up Work It is important to be at school every day. If possible try to schedule appointments outside of school hours.It is important to be at school every day. If possible try to schedule appointments outside of school hours. Please send a note or call the office in the event that your students cannot attend.Please send a note or call the office in the event that your students cannot attend. Make up Work- For every day absent, the student will receive an additional day to complete make up work.Make up Work- For every day absent, the student will receive an additional day to complete make up work. Make up work will be sent home in a “While you are out folder”.Make up work will be sent home in a “While you are out folder”.

13. Classroom Management Behavior BookBehavior Book Fun FridayFun Friday Rachel’s ChallengeRachel’s Challenge

14. Contact information Conference time 7:55-8:45. If you would like to meet with us, please email or call to schedule a time 48 hours prior. This helps us to be better prepared to answer any questions that you may have for us. Our fifth grade webpage can be found through the school website at Our fifth grade webpage can be found through the school website at http://www.gcisd- k12.org/schools/ges/Contact The best way to contact us is through email. Our email addresses are david.norvell@gcisd.net or jana.choppy@gcisd.net I david.norvell@gcisd.netjana.choppy@gcisd.netdavid.norvell@gcisd.netjana.choppy@gcisd.net

15. Grading Policy Grades online- Sign up in the front office -Encourage your students to look online with you. Progress Reports and Report Cards -Reports will be given out on the third week only if a student is failing or has had a significant drop in their grade in a subject area. -All students will receive a report on the sixth week. -All report cards go home on the ninth week.

16. Further Important Information FAST News- Sign up for district updates at www.gcisd-k12.org.FAST News- Sign up for district updates at www.gcisd-k12.org. www.gcisd-k12.org Cell Phones- All cell phones must be turned off and out of sight if they are brought to school. If you need to contact your student, please leave a message through the front office. This goes for other electrical devices as well.Cell Phones- All cell phones must be turned off and out of sight if they are brought to school. If you need to contact your student, please leave a message through the front office. This goes for other electrical devices as well.

17. Further Important Information Snacks- Please prepare snacks that are considered healthy for your student throughout the year. Snacks such as cupcakes, cookies, chips are things that can be placed in lunches, but are not considered healthy snacks.Snacks- Please prepare snacks that are considered healthy for your student throughout the year. Snacks such as cupcakes, cookies, chips are things that can be placed in lunches, but are not considered healthy snacks. Lunch Visitation- This year a separate table will be available for parents visiting their students.Lunch Visitation- This year a separate table will be available for parents visiting their students.

18. Further Important Information BirthdaysBirthdays Visitor Sign-inVisitor Sign-in