1. 2013-14 Rising to New Challenges

2. Binder Organization We have organized the binders into various subjects. Your child should file each paper, packet, or assignment into the appropriate subject area. You can use the materials in each section to review for tests and quizzes. Your child should bring his or her binder home every evening.

3. Agenda Tests and quizzes will be recorded in the last section. This is a great way to find out about upcoming tests, quizzes, and projects. Agendas need to be kept in students’ binders.

4. Thursday Folders Every Thursday graded work will be sent their Thursday – Take Home Folder. This will allow you to see what we have been working on and how your child is doing. Please sign the signature page that indicates that you have seen the contents of the Thursday folder. If a student receives a grade below a B or a 3, please go over it with your child, sign and return it to school in their Thursday Folders.

5. 5 th Grade Curriculum SOL tests are given in writing, reading, math, and science. The writing SOL test takes place in March. All other SOL tests are given in May. 9 week plans are posted on the 5 th grade Webpage.

6. 5 th Grade Webpage Our webpage is located on the Hillside site under the classrooms tab - then drop down to the Fifth Grade link. On the webpage you will find the following: 9 week plans Email contact information Individual teacher pages -- Mrs. Beaman Newsletters Special classroom/subject information (upcoming projects) Calendar – listing tests, quizzes, events Homework tab – daily homework is posted here

7. Homework Expectations Homework should be completed on a nightly basis Monday-Thursday. Homework is always due the next day unless noted otherwise. If a student is absent or misses class, they have the number of days missed to complete the work. If homework is not turned in when due, it must be completed the next day.

8. Math Guided Math – 4 groups of learning opportunities Teacher lesson Game Computer Independent practice Grouping will be flexible (changeable per unit)

9. Reading Reading fiction and nonfiction selections Improve reading comprehension Reading fluency – reading with expression Reading a variety of genres Power Reading – Can you read 20 books this school year? This is a goal, not necessarily a requirement.  15 minutes of silent reading in every reading class  weekly teacher conferences  daily reading at home

10. Science Sol- Spring May/June Units of Study: Earth, Rocks & Minerals, Matter, Living Systems, Oceans, Light & Sound Interactive Notebooks 5 th grade home page - Outlines and Vocabulary Words Studying

11. Social Studies SOL- none! Units of Study: 6 Regions of the United States Tests & Quizzes: study guides online Map Quizzes- states, capitals, and abbreviations Interactive Notebooks

12. Grading System Check plus, Check, Check minus √+ √ √- You will see these marked on some assessments given throughout the quarter indicating a level of success. A - F You will see letter grades with a number on tests, quizzes, and report card.

13. Grading System A (4)EXCEEDS STANDARD A (3+)MEETS STANDARD / BEGINNING TO EXCEED B (3)MEETING THE STANDARD B (2+)PROGRESSING TOWARD / BEGINNING TO MEET STANDARD C (2)PROGRESSING TOWARD STANDARD 1BELOW THE STANDARD

14. Grading System 4 – Exceeds the standard. In addition to correctly answering most or all of the questions on the assessment, the student demonstrated “Level 4” thinking. This equates to an A in the grade book.

15. Grading System 3 – Meets the standard. Student correctly answered most of the questions on the assignment. This will equate to a B in the grade book. 3+ Beginning to exceed the standard. Student correctly answered most or all of the questions on the assignment. This will equate to a low A in the grade book.

16. Grading System 2 – Progressing toward the standard. The student was close to demonstrating proficiency with the standard. This will equate to a C in the grade book. 2+ - Beginning to meet the standard. This equates to a low B in the grade book.

17. Grading System 1 – Below Standard The student is able to demonstrate understanding with support. You will see the number 1 marked on the assignment. However, it will show up as a D or an F in the grade book.

18. Language Arts Writing SOL – March – writing prompt and multiple choice – 2 separate days Graphic organizers – plan to writing Types of writing –descriptive, narrative (entertain), expository (inform), persuasive Editing and revising – major focus Handwriting – encouraged to write in cursive and print. Spelling Quiz every Friday.

19. Specials PE -- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Music – Wednesday and Thursday Art – Friday Spanish -- Tuesday Library -- Monday The classroom is peanut free at all times. Food treats to celebrate birthdays are discouraged.

20. What’s Next? Conference Sign-up Transportation form Parent information Parent volunteers THANK YOU FOR COMING !