1. Welcome to Back To School Night * Please make sure you sign up for a November conference. Sign-ups are on the table near the back of the room. * Feel free to make a surprise bookmark for your child! Place it in the wire bin on the back table when you are finished. PLEASE put their name on it. * The small index card on your child’s desk is for any questions you may have for me. These too can go in the wire bin when you are done with them.

2. 2 Who is Mrs. Inker? What school did Mrs. Inker graduate from? What is Mrs. Inker’s favorite subject? What is the name of Mrs. Inker’s favorite American?

3. 3 Educational Philosophy –Your children and their success as a person is my top priority for the year. –My hope is that, at the end of the year, your child has grown not only in their knowledge, but also has grown as a responsible person. –Foster and further develop the idea of respect for themselves and others in the school, at home, and in the community.

4. 4 Homework Expectations Approximately 50 minutes per night –Math homework nightly –Reading for at least 30 minutes –Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies as required Please review the homework book nightly You do not need to sign the book each night. I will initial the book so you know that I’ve seen that your child has copied the correct homework. If homework is taking longer to complete than the recommendation, please contact me!

5. Homework Policy This will be reviewed with the students tomorrow –Please sign and return the policy after discussing it with your child tomorrow. –On the report card you will receive: “M”- misses between 0 to 5 homework assignments in ALL subject areas in one marking period “I”- misses more than 5 homework assignments in ALL subject areas in one marking period 5

6. 5 th Grade Curriculum Math –EnVisions –Student book is online –Tailored to differentiate instruction –Students able to review book on their own with personal log-in – www.pearsonsuccessnet.com (works best with Firefox)www.pearsonsuccessnet.com –If an Enrichment page is sent home, it is OPTIONAL extra credit –Cover page to each math test to show the breakdown according to the new report card

7. Curriculum Continued… Science –Microworlds –Mixtures and Solutions –Matter and Chemistry –Ecosystems Social Studies –Geography –Early explorers –Development of America up to the Revolution –(Hopefully) the Revolution (the T ‘s favorite)

8. Curriculum Continued… Language Arts –Use of Journeys (also online!) –Class will be on a five day schedule –Comprehensive program includes Grammar Writing Reading Spelling Vocabulary –Students can log-into their account from home –Hopefully have Therapy Dog visit this year!

9. 9 Home/School Communication Please attach any notes to the homework book if you have any questions or concerns. I will respond to you as quickly as I can. Please feel free to e-mail me at rinker@crsd.org rinker@crsd.org If you need to call during the day, please call the office and I will return your call as soon as possible.

10. Absences Please send a note in with your child when he/she returns to school. Absence notes are able to be submitted electronically on the SFE homepage.

11. Birthday Celebrations We are a nut free and peanut free classroom. If you are sending in treats, please be aware of this. NEW POLICY THIS YEAR! –Fifth grade is requesting that these are the ONLY treats being sent in this year. Soft pretzels Brownies (with list of ingredients) Rice Krispy treats Oreos Popsicles- complete with napkins Summer birthdays will be celebrated during the last few weeks of school. Please be sure to send in napkins or plates if your treat needs them. We have 27 students in our classroom this year.

12. Scholastic Book Clubs The monthly Book Clubs are a wonderful opportunity to encourage your child to read. You only need to write one check (to Scholastic Book Club) regardless of how many clubs you choose from. Additionally you can now order the books online. See our class web-site for more information. Books orders are due one week after the form is first sent home and the books usually arrive within two to three weeks.

13. Final Thoughts I look forward to this coming year and working with your children to further foster their growth as young people. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening!