Newsletter
Current SubjectsMath - After the multiplication of decimals, we will focus on division of whole numbers and decimals.
Science - Force, motion, and simple machines are our current focus in science. Reading - After finishing our unit on interpreting themes across different books and media, we will begin an intensive study of reading nonfiction. Writing - We are currently writing some fantastic, detailed expository research papers, and will start on a unit focusing on argumentative writing after winter break. Social Studies - We are currently studying the exploration and settlement of America. HomeworkWe will have a standing, nightly homework assignment this year of reading an on-level book for 20 minutes a night. This assignment comes out to 100 minutes per week, which can be arranged into the week however works best for your student. We will also frequently have other assignments that will accompany particular lessons. These other assignments will have differing due dates that will be noted in your students assignment notebook.
Assignment NotebooksAssignment notebooks will remain an important part of our day-to-day operations all year. They will be used for taking attendance each day, and are a reliable, regular method of communication between the classroom and home. The office has assignment notebooks available for $5.00. These are helpful and great for organization, but a regular spiral notebook also has worked just as well in the past for many of my students.
Welcome!Welcome to 5th grade, students and parents! I am so excited to begin this year, and look forward to guiding your child along in their educational journey in our time together. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns at all.
Please check back here frequently, as I will try to update this section when appropriate. The mobile version of this site works pretty smoothly, so that option might be helpful for those who have smart phones. |
Upcoming Events
12/23/15 - 1/4/16 -- Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
Precision ErrorsOn our last mathematics assessment, precision errors (sometimes referred to as simple mistakes) were a huge detriment to several members of our class. Our average score, if not for precision errors, would have been 97.7%! As it turned out, however, we ended up with a class average of 84% which is still quite strong. Please have a word with your student about what measures they are taking to avoid simple, clerical mistakes in their math and elsewhere in their schoolwork as we have discussed improving in this area. I am really proud of the hard work and reflection that has been taking place this year! We have already grown a lot and should only continue to do so!
Continuous Classroom Improvement (CCI)This year, in previous years, my class will be using Wright City's version of the Continuous Classroom Improvement model. This has gone by many names, including PDSA, Continuous Classroom Improvement, Classroom Learning System, and Baldrige. All of these refer to the idea of bringing the Baldrige Criteria for Excellence into the classroom and using them as a foundation for a classroom environment that is reflective for both student and teacher. I have pamphlets available if you would like a brief overview, and would be happy to discuss Baldrige further through the contact page on this site or in person when the occasion arrises. Basically, we will be tracking students' classroom and district assessment scores in individual notebooks while conferencing about goals for achievement, and also having regular whole-class roundtable discussions about achievement and progress. I look forward to another year of reflective classroom discussions and responsibility for our learning.
Snack TimeWe have instituted classroom snack time due to our late lunch. If your student wishes to bring a snack, please make sure they are somewhat healthy so as to promote a successful remainder of the school day. (Basically, I would just prefer no candy for a snack.) They should also be in an amount that is consumable in roughly 10 minutes. Students can also keep a water bottle on their desk all day, so long as it is filled with water and does not become a distraction.
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