1.  Back-t0-School Night 2015-16  Ms. Garza, 5 th Grade  mgarza@spusd.net mgarza@spusd.net  http://avgarza.weebly.com/ http://avgarza.weebly.com/ Please sign in and find your child’s seat. Read the note they have written for you. Write back to them on the index card. Welcome Parents!

2. Welcome to Ms. Garza’s and Mrs. Wahbe’s Classroom Back to School Night 2014-15

3. 21 st 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” “Three-Minute Video Explaining the Common Core State Standards” I choose C

4. To better prepare our students we  Analyze and interpret information, looking for connections  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 5 th 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: Narrative, Informational, Opinion  Social Studies: U.S. History!  Science: Chemistry, Human Body, Space, Biology, Water/Weather

6. Garza/Wahbe Team Teaching  Mrs. Wahbe teaches math, reading, social studies, and writing  Ms. Garza teaches math, reading, social studies, 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. We share a common philosophy and specialize in subjects to provide more depth in the content areas.

7. Procedures  Our classroom management focuses on POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT!  We utilize the school wide 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 – 90-100% 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 on binder, backpack, and desk organization  Check class website and google classroom for updates, reminders, and assignment calendar (weekly at least!)websiteclassroom  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 Tips  Check to see that your child has the necessary books to complete homework before leaving school  Practice the “academic hour” for daily homework  Sign 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 all writing  Assist in assembling final projects

11. Exciting 5 th Grade Activities  State Float Parade (December)  STEM Expo (February)  Outdoor Science School (March 28 th – April 1 st )  Promotion (June 7 th )

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, pretty please. Thank you! Ms. Garza