Mrs. Walters’ Classroom

5th Grade

2017-2018

Welcome to 5th grade!

Expectations:I am a firm believer that parents are the first and most important teachers in their child’s life. My role as an educator is to be part of a team that will facilitate your child’s learning throughout the year. My goal is to meet higher standards, as I want my students to do as well. It is a blessingto be able to teach within the Catholic Faith and I feel honored to be part of the Saint Mary’s community.

Communications: My door is always open, but I would prefer to meet during my conference time. I am also available through phone or Email; provided I do not have a family function or a volunteer commitment. Due to preparations for the school day, mornings and dismissal are difficult times for me to meet with you. However, I am flexible if it is in an emergency. Please understand I may not be able to answer you right away due to scheduling. If an emergency please contact the office.

Respectful Words we will concentrate on: Words to Keep:

Yes/no ma’am, yes/no sir, please, and thank you. Words that we want to throw away: Whatever, yeah, uh-huh, yup, sure, my bad and other slang.

**Since I am a Texan the word y’all is permissible**

Behavior and “Class Ticket” System:As part of a balanced classroom there will be behavioral expectations. There are two main sections to my behavioral plan:

1)Behavior: If your child needs any kind of behavior reminders, they will quietly be given a small “stop sign” for a visual reminder. They will be responsible to self-correct their behavior. I will take the stop sign away once they correct the behavior. If I do not take back the “stop sign,” they will be given a “Behavior Think Sheet” that they are to fill out by themselves and turn in by the end of the day. If the behavior is before recess or lunch and they still have their stop sign they will lose privileges depending on the infraction (lunch detention, missed recess to chat with Mrs. Wyles, or walking for a recess etc). If the behavior occurs after lunch/recess the lost privileges will be the following day if the behavior is not corrected and I do not remove the stop sign. Any lost stop sign will automatically be a “think sheet” and points will be taken off their total conduct grade. I will notify you if your child fills out a “think sheet”. Deductions will appear in their conduct for every think sheet filled out.I will store the reports in their file and you will be able to see upon request.

2)Uniform Infraction: If your child is out of dress code, as outlined in the Parent-Student Handout, they will receive a copy of a dress code violation and you will be notified. For every dress code infraction two points will be taken off their conduct grade.

3)Detention: If your child should ever be sent to detention,your child will receive a deduction of a letter grade from their total conduct grade. This will be in addition to any “think sheet” deductions they may have. Every quarter starts new. Example: Your child will start with a 100% in conduct at the beginning of every quarter. Say they receive a detention; this will bring their grade down to an 80%. In addition earlier in the quarter they also received a “think sheet” (-2), so then their grade will then be a 78%.

4) “Classroom Economy/Ticket System”: For positive reinforcement,we will have a classroom ticket system. Your child will have the opportunity to earn ‘tickets’throughout the day by doing good deeds, following instructions, etc. I will provide a classroom menu for the students to select various “fun” things to do. We will count our tickets on Friday. They will have the option of saving, donating, or spending their class tickets. They will also have the choice to donate to our class Church/community donation box. This will reinforce the charitable side of our education allowing them to collectively share with the class for a class movie with popcorn. This system is not only fun, but also fits into our Texas Essential Knowledge and Skill requirements (TEKS).

Attendance: The SMCS attendance policy is located on the schools site. Your child is responsible for any missed assignments. If you need to make any special arrangements, just let me know. Please communicate with me as needed.

Homework:I will hand out a weekly homework packet on Monday. The homework packet is due Friday morning with a parent’s signature. If the homework is turned in late it is an automatic 0% and the student will not be able to enjoy the privilege of recess until it is complete.

In the event of an emergency or other circumstances, please contact me for incomplete homework.

Student’s homework may vary, so please remind your child to be respectful and tactful to various learning needs. Additional homework may be assigned throughout the week. Please check your child’s planner and my website for daily homework.

Take Home Folders and Planners: Please check your child’s “blue take home folder” and their Planners daily. The blue folder is a folder designed to communicate with you and to hand back graded papers. In addition, the planner will be used daily to record homework assignments and events. There may be things in the blue folder that your child will need to return. It will include graded papers, additional homework, and other important materials/communication concerning your child.It is very important your child remembers their folder daily and planners. Please remind your child to bring both with them to school daily.

Grading:We will follow the grading scale as set forth in the SMCShandbook:

A90%-100%

B80%-89%

C75%-79%

D70%-74%

F69% or below

**How to do class test corrections: Some tests do not apply (ITBS, etc.)

  1. Only items that are incorrect need to be corrected.
  2. Corrected answers must be written out infull sentenceson lined paper.
  3. Ifa question was multiple choice, write theentirequestion stem (the question) +the new answer choice (not just "a", "b", etc.).
  4. Provide a reason in the margin, proving you looked up the correct answer and did not simply guess again.
  5. Put a heading on the corrections page and submititstapled tothe original test. Staple behind the original test.
  6. Students will receive half credit back into their score for each corrected answer. Example: If a student misses 5 they will receive 2.5.

Tests: SEPTEMBER 19-23 IOWA ITBS Testing, DECEMBER 12-15 Semester Exams, SpringACRE Testing, MAY 22-24 Final Exams

There will be semester exams given in the core subjects (Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Religion). Your student will have the opportunity to have class reviews and review sheets to study prior to most exams.

Mass and Special Activities: We are able to celebrate Mass every Friday, Holy Day of Obligation and other special days. Please be early if you are an Altar server, lector or have any other formal participation. BOYS: Please wear a tie with your uniform on Mass days.Girls: Mass uniforms please. Please refer to SMCS handbook.

Service Hours: SMCS has always had a high standard for teaching the importance of service for our Church and community. There will be a “Service Record Log” that will be sent home to record your child’s service hours at the beginning of every quarter. If it is lost there is a template that is available on my website that you can print out. This will count as part of your child’s Religion grade.

Tired Word Wall: Some words get “TIRED” in my classroom. Therefore, your student may be referred to the “tired word wall” when writing or speaking.

Understanding ‘Depth and Complexity’ with reasoning models: As part of my plan to differentiate learning styles in class, we will be using visual reasoning models to explore the student’s ability to think not only concretely but abstractly as well. We will use a variety of thinking skills that will tap into their ability to think logically, reasonably and solve problems.

Memorization: We will be memorizing:

a) The state capitals

b) The preamble to the Constitution

Bits & Pieces:

1) Water bottles: Students may have a clear water bottle with a top that can be closed. Please no ice for condensation reasons. If the bottles become a distraction, the students will lose this privilege.

2) The students may bring a healthy snack to eat during morning recess.

3) Tutoring: If your child is struggling, I am available for tutoring after school on a ‘need-to’ basis. If you have any concerns about your child, please let me know.

ABYDOS Literacy:Formally known as the New Jersey Writing Project, I will be incorporating “Abydos Writing” into the classroom. This is a writing and grammar based teaching style that will require your child to keep a writing journal at school to house their work throughout the year. It is a writing approach to build a community of writers using their own work and ideas to teach Language Art.We will also be doing lots of reading and concentrating on different author’s meaning/writing styles. **Much of the work is kept in journals at school, but anytime upon request you may visit the classroom to look at your child’s journal. Thank you.

Accelerated Reading:As part of a balanced literacy component, your student will be able to participate in Accelerating Reading (AR) this year. Your child will have the opportunity to self-monitor their assessment and observe their growth as a reader by actively monitoring their Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).

I am looking forward to a great year.

Happy learning,

Mrs. Walters

5th Grade Teacher