1. BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT 2015-2016

2. MEET THE TEACHERS Mrs. Lauren Collins B.A. Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Psychology from Hofstra University M.S. Ed. Reading/Writing/Literacy from University of Pennsylvania Mrs. Cindy Hoagland B.A. Elementary Education and Teacher of the Handicapped from Rowan University

3. OUR PHILOSOPHY Our classroom is designed around a belief in mutual respect, with a strong focus on collaboration, perseverance, and positivity. We are here to support and challenge your children throughout this fifth grade journey. We have high expectations with regard to both their academic performance and their social interactions. That being said, we are here to guide them toward meeting these expectations. We strongly believe that effective parent-teacher communication is one of the greatest keys to student success and welcome your observations, questions, and feedback.

4. CLASS RULES AND EXPECTATIONS Class Rules 1.Speak kindly. 2.Listen attentively. 3.Follow directions quickly. 4.Treat others and your environment with respect. 5.Try your best in all things. Behavior Chart All students begin the day at the “Ready to Learn” level and can be moved up or down based on behavior choices. Reward coupons are earned for students who reach the “Smart Choices” level five times or the “Super Student” level.

5. STANDARDS-BASED GRADING This year Harker will be making the transition to Standards-Based Grading. Although it will take some time for us all to adjust to the new format, this approach allows us as teachers to better design our instruction around your child’s individuals strengths and needs. It also allows us to report on your child’s progress with a specific focus on the learning they are demonstrating in the classroom. Dr. O’Neil will be hosting a Parent Night to further explain Standards- Based Grading and how it will impact us here in SWSD. Monday, October 5, 2015 Standards-Based Grading Parent Academy Harker School 6:30 – 8:30 pm

6. DATA BINDER We will no longer be inputting “grades” for student assignments into an online system. Instead, we will be utilizing Data Binders to report on student progress and achievement in our classroom. The information collected will then be used on the new report card model which will look very different from the report cards of the past. On Fridays, tests and assessments will be sent home in the Data Binder for review. Please sign and return all assessments each week. Do not remove items from the binder unless directed otherwise.

7. READING/LANGUAGE ARTS Program: Reading Wonders Students will be working on their annotation and close reading skills with each selection. They will also work on citing evidence from the text to support their written and oral responses to comprehension questions.

8. DAILY 5 The Daily 5 is a framework for structuring literacy time so students develop lifelong habits of reading, writing and working independently. Students select from five authentic reading and writing choices, working independently toward personalized goals, while the teacher meets individual needs through whole-group and small-group instruction, as well as one-on-one conferring. These choices include: Read to Self Work on Writing Read to Someone Listen to Reading Word Work

9. WRITING Program: Being a Writer  Focus on building a writing community  Styles of Writing:  Personal Narrative  Opinion  Expository  Fiction  Poetry

10. MATH Program: My Math Focus on:  Place Value  Multiplication  Division  Fractions  Decimals  Measurement  Geometry  Order of Operations and Evaluating Expressions

11. DAILY 3 Very similar to the Daily 5, but with three choices: Math by Myself Math with Someone Math Writing

12. REFLEX MATH Our class has been selected to pilot a web-based math fact fluency program through a grant. Goal: to increase math fact fluency so that recall becomes as routine as stating one’s own name Student requirements: 3 days/week for 20-30 minutes Reflex will be incorporated into our weekly instructional routine, but any additional practice done at home will only prove to be more beneficial.

13. SOCIAL STUDIES AND SCIENCE Split during each trimester: ½ trimester for Science, ½ trimester for Social Studies Textbooks are available online. See “Students” tab on district website for links and log-in information. Students will not only be learning the subject matter, but also how to interact with informational texts, various forms of note-taking, and study skills.

14. SOCIAL STUDIES AND SCIENCE Social Studies Chapters 3-8 Explorers Jamestown Plymouth Formation of the 13 Colonies Revolutionary War Science Chapters 2-3, 11-12 Cells Body Systems Matter Chemical and Physical Changes

15. SNACKS Peanut/ Tree Nut Free Environment Snacks are allowed in class since lunch is not until 12:45. Please try to make sure that they are peanut/ tree nut free snacks. Please note, birthday treats are no longer allowed to be sent in.

16. WEBSITE There is a great deal of information currently available on my website, and I will be adding to it as the year progresses. Check the “Updates and Reminders” tab frequently as this is where I communicate not only school-wide information, but also information relevant to our class only.

17. CONTACT INFORMATION Mrs. Lauren Collins lcollins@swedesboro-woolwich.com Mrs. Cindy Hoagland choagland@swedesboro-woolwich.com (856) 241-1552 ext. 4305 Please allow 24 hours for a response. Please note that any calls placed during the school day will be sent directly to voicemail.