Welcome to Fifth Grade

Dear Parents and Guardians:

We welcome you and your child to the fifth grade.  The fifth grade level is excited to begin the 2008-2009 school year. We look forward to working with you and your child this year.  The purpose of this letter is to inform you of the requirements and policies of fifth grade.  Please feel free to contact the school if you have any questions.

Materials

Binders:  Students will be required to maintain a binder.  The binder should be no smaller than two inches.  The binder should have at least 6 page/subject dividers (one for each subject).  Students should also have a supply of college ruled binder paper.  Binders will be checked.

  Pencils/Pens:  Students will be supplied with two pencils per month.  Students are expected to come to class prepared.  This means two pencils and a red correcting pen.  Students may use pen for assignments except for math.  Pens must be either blue or black ball point.  Students may also find it beneficial to keep a small pencil sharpener at their seats.

Teacher provided materials:  Teachers will maintain a classroom supply of paper, and will distribute a box of crayons, large eraser, red correcting pen, and highlighter pen.  These supplies will be replenished at the beginning of the third quarter in January.  It is the student’s responsibility to replace lost or damaged supplies.

Homework

Homework is a very important part of student’s success in fifth grade.  Agenda’s will be   sent home on the first day of the school week.  The key to the Agenda is at the top; typed in black is seat work, blue type is homework, red is for test and special reminders.  Seat work not completed in class will be considered homework, and due the following day.    Late work will not be credited unless prearranged.  All work turned in without a name will only receive 70% of graded work.

Graded work will be placed in the student’s file cabinet located by the door area.  It is the responsibility of the students to file their work in their binders.  Test will also be placed in the student’s file cabinet; they will also be required to file this into their binders.

Extra Credit will be available throughout the school year.  However, any students missing three (3) or more assignments in a subject area during a quarter are not eligible to receive extra credit.

Late homework is not accepted.  Please help your student be responsible for his/her work.  If your student has an excused absence, he/she will have an extra day per day missed to turn in any homework that has been missed. 

Late seatwork:  Late seatwork will not be accepted.  Any missing seatwork will result in a grade of zero.  If your student has an excused absence, he/she will have an extra day per day missed to make up work.  Assignments without a name will be considered late, students will have the availability to receive 70% of grade if claimed by Friday of the week due, otherwise all work without names will be discarded.

No Name on Paper Work:  If a student forgets to write their name on their homework they may receive 70% of their grade, if they claim the work within the week it is due.  Otherwise it is disposed of and the student receives a zero grade.

Test days will differentiate with subject area.  Always check your children’s agenda for proper test days.  All make up test must be made up by the following week.  The student will need to arrange test taking time with the teacher.  It is the student’s responsibility to report for the test.  If the student fails to arrange a test taking time with the teacher or fails to report to take their test, it will result in a grade of zero, after the following week.

Textbooks are issued to each student at the beginning of each year for their use over the course of the year.  Each student is responsible for the care of their textbook.  If a textbook is lost or damaged, the student will be required to pay for the lost or damaged book.  Some textbooks are on CD, please contact me if you would like to check one out for the year.

Math

Fifth grade has a rigorous math schedule.  We will cover multiplication, division, rounding, time and graphs, geometry, decimals, fractions, measurement, perimeter area, volume, algebraic expression, statistics and probability.  Math grades are determined by test scores, homework, seatwork grades, and performance on timed test.  Fifth grade students must master all math facts.  This means that the facts must be memorized for instant recall, not calculated.  Students are expected to pass all multiplication and division facts each quarter.  Testing for the math facts are one-minute drills. Math facts will account for test scores.

Language Arts: Writing and Grammar

Writing grades are determined by completion of writing assignments based on a writing rubric.  Grammar is also factored into this grade and is determined by performance on grammar assignments and test.  Grammar skills are developed using daily grammar in which students will identify errors and make corrections.  Writing assignments are weekly assignments and should be completed during class time. Writing assignments will range form simple paragraphs to five paragraph essays and poetry.

Language Arts:

We will read short stories from our literature series.  Students will work on comprehension skills including finding facts, strengthening vocabulary skills, and making conclusions.  In addition to our literature series, we will be reading four novels.  Assignments for the novels will vary depending on the novel we are reading for the quarter.  Novels will include Esperanza Rising, The Sign of the Beaver, Holes, and Maniac Magee.  Accelerated Reader (AR) is 10% of each student’s reading grade, Reading Logs need to be initialed by parents on a daily basis.  Students will be responsible for maintaining an accurate reading log.  Grades are determined by completion of AR reading logs and tests, performance on weekly reading and vocabulary test, completion of assignments for the novel, monthly book reports, and completion of theme projects.

Language Arts: Spelling

Spelling grades are determined by test scores, spelling contract grades, and seatwork scores.  The bulk of the grade will come from spelling contracts and spelling tests.  Please study with your child and check spelling contracts for completeness.

Science

In this curriculum area, content focus is on three major science areas.  We will be covering life sciences (systems of living things), earth sciences (weather and space, and physical sciences (energy and matter).  Students will gain knowledge in the scientific process and begin to master the science process skills.  Science process skills include observe, compare, measure, classify/order, predict, infer, and draw conclusions. Students will also gather, record, display, and interpret data. Science grades are determined by the completion of chapter study packets, chapter test, and two science reports from a list of suitable topics.  A science fair project is also required. 

Students will be introduced to the key study skills of note taking and the ability to extract key points and main ideas from their textbook readings.

Behavior

Maintaining an appropriate learning environment is the key to your child’s educational success.  Suburu has implemented a progressive discipline plan.  Please see pages 5-10 in the Parent/Teacher handbook for a complete description.  Classroom rules are clearly posted in the classroom.  The rules for our class include the following:

• Walk quietly into the classroom.
• Don't get up and walk around without first raising your hand and receiving permision.
• Wait to be dismissed
• No running or playing
• Keep your hands and feet to yourself
• No gum, seeds, candy, or food in the classrooms at any time.  Parties are exceptions.
• No caps, hats, hoods or headbands will be worn in the school building. 
• No students in the classroom unless a teacher or adult is present.
• No toys or personal items are allowed.
• No radios, stereos, or other electronic games are allowed at school.  Any personal items taken from students will need to be claimed at school by parents only.  Cell phones are not to be used during school hours.
• Respect those around you and their belongings
• Be responsible for your belongings and assignments
• Respect All school authorities and school property
• Follow all school rules.

A list of rules for the cafeteria can be found on page 9 of the 2008/2009 edition of the Suburu Parent/Teacher Handbook.  In addition to the cafeteria rules, playground rules can be found on pages 9-10.  If your child chooses to violate a school rule or a classroom rule, there will be a consequence.  Students who earn 6 or more referrals during the school year will be ineligible for the end of the year field trip.  Students with good conduct will be recognized.

Recognition for good conduct read page 5 of the Handbook..  Students are also rewarded within the class.

Parent-Teacher Communication

I approach teaching as a team effort between the teacher, students, and parents.  To be a part of the team, you must know what is going on in the classroom.  I have developed several tools to keep you informed.

Telephone System:  We are very lucky to have had a phone system..  It is equipped with voicemail, and you may leave a massage for me at any time.  I will return your call in a prompt manner.  If you have questions regarding homework, you may call in and hear a list of the homework for each day.

Student Agenda:  Every student will complete the student agenda on a daily basis.  This student agenda contains a list of all class work/seatwork that was assigned over the course of each day.  The student agenda needs to be reviewed by the parents daily and initialed.  Please check your child’s student agenda nightly to make sure they have completed all assignments.  Student’s agendas will be turned in on Friday.

Classroom volunteers:  You are always welcome in our room.  I will need volunteers to help grade papers, assist with special activities, and help to prep projects.  If you are unable to volunteer during the day, but would still like to help, please let me know.  Volunteering is a wonderful way to stay in touch with what is going on in the classroom.

Fifth Grade Contract:  Following is the Fifth Grade Contract to be read and signed by parents, students and teacher.

Fifth Grade Contract

Student: 

 I will be a responsible 5^th grade student.  I will complete all work in a timely

fashion.  I understand that if I have a late assignment, I will receive no credit.  If I

forget to put my name on my paper I will only receive 70% of the graded work if

claimed during the week it is due.  I will always use my best manners and treat

others with respect.  I will always do my very best work.

Parent: 

I have read and reviewed the Welcome to 5^th Grade letter.  I am aware of late/no

name assignment policy.  I will check my child’s agenda on a regular basis.  I am

also aware that I may retrieve homework assignments from the voice mail box, and

have the ability to obtain agenda's at the school website.

Teacher: 

I will administer the discipline plan in a fair manner.  I will promptly grade and

return work.  I will update the voice mailbox regularly.  I will maintain an

appropriate focus on the California State Standards and framework.

Student Signature: ________________________   date: _______________

Parent Signature: _________________________   date: _______________

Teacher Signature: _________________________   date: _______________

I am looking forward to a wonderful year.  I hope to see you at Back to School night, August 28, 2008.

Thank you,

Mr. Bailey