Welcome to Fifth Grade

1. Welcome to Fifth Grade Mrs. Diaz Room 416 Mrs. Beck Room 417 Mrs. Nichols Room 418 Mrs. Bautista Room 419

2. All About Me • I grew up in New York, then moved to Oregon, where I met my husband, and we moved to Arizona almost 10 years ago. • I have 2 amazing kids- Logan, who is 15 and goes to O’Conner, and Emma, who is 12 and goes to school here. • When I am not at work I like to read, hike with my family, go to movies, and spend time with friends. I also really enjoy doing “crafty” things .

3. More about me…. • This will be my fifth year teaching. It is my third year teaching 5th graders. • I have taught 3rd grade, and 2nd grade as well. • I did my student teaching right here at Stetson Hills with Mrs. Hatcher in 4th grade.

4. Classroom Rules • Be respectful, responsible and trustworthy. • Come to class ready to learn. • Listen and follow directions. • Always do your personal best!

5. Consequences • A warning will typically given to help student get back on track. • If poor behavior continues a note will be placed in the behavior calendar and the date will be highlighted. • Consequences may include, but are not limited to, loss of privileges, loss of recess time, behavior reflection sheet, detention, buddy room referral or loss of reward. • Serious disruptions may result in an office referral.

6. Rewards • “Snack Shack” tickets • “Fun Friday” time • Table point treats • End of quarter rewards

7. Behavior Calendars These go home each Friday. If a student has a highlighted date, it must be signed by a parent or guardian over the weekend. Calendars should come back to school on Monday morning.

8. Homework • Assignments should be written in planner- this is student’s responsibility • Up to 50 minutes a night, Monday through Thursday • Reading logs-must be signed, due Friday • Practice of skills learned during the school day • Parents should review to check for understanding and assure “personal best” work of child. • Incomplete or missing homework will be noted on behavior calendar and student will be expected to complete it. • If homework is too difficult, or student does not understand a concept, please circle the problem(s) and write me a note.

9. Grading • Standards Based Grading • What does it all mean? Standard Based Grading (SBG) reflects what a student knows and can do, as outlined in the Arizona State Standards. • SBG focuses solely on proficiency.

10. Grading continued…

11. Snacks We have a late lunch, so please consider sending your child a healthy snack to eat each morning. Some ideas: • Granola bars • Fruit such as apples or bananas • Pretzels • Crackers • String cheese • Fruit snacks **Please send only water for your child to drink in class. Sports drinks, juices and soda may not be consumed in the classroom.

12. Math • Envision Math • www.pearsonsuccessnet.com • Student user names and passwords • What do we cover? Arizona State Standards for fifth grade math, including: • Number and operations • Data analysis, probability and discrete mathematics • Patterns and algebra • Geometry and measurement • Structure and logic • Math journals- used daily, should be used to review and assist students with homework

13. Reading • Harcourt Trophies Series • Students read selections from trade publications, working on reading strategies, comprehension skills, fluency, and inferences. • We supplement with quality novels at the fifth grade level. Some books your child may be reading this year are Island of the Blue Dolphins, Tale of Despereaux, Hatchet, Number the Stars, The Rats of Nimh, or James and the Giant Peach.

14. Writing • Write from the Beginning • Students plan their writing with a graphic organizer, and develop organizational skills to enable them to create cohesive, high quality writing. • We work on basics for the first half of the year, and as the students become proficient, we work on higher writing skills and devices that create exciting pieces.

15. Science • Hands on learning • Interactive • We encourage critical thinking skills and discovery as we explore science in our classrooms. • Some topics covered are: Space, The Human Body, Mixtures and Solutions, Simple Machines, and Our Environment.

16. Social Studies • Geography, American History, World History, Civics, Economics • Social Studies is taught using our textbook, interactive learning, Weekly Readers, and supplementary materials. • Junior Achievement- volunteer needed!

17. Band • When a student misses class to attend band instruction, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain the missing assignments and turn them in the following day. • Band is a graded subject. • Before signing up, you and your child should discuss the need for setting aside additional study time for completing assignments missed while at band practice.

18. Classroom Library/Book Orders • All books in the classroom library are my personal property. • Students are encouraged to borrow books to read, but they must remain in the classroom. • Book club orders will be sent home approximately once a month. Purchasing your books from the school book order allows you to get great books at an inexpensive price and also allows our classroom to earn free books to help build our classroom library. • Please write a check to Scholastic Books for book orders. We cannot send in cash.

19. Parties and Fun! • Homeroom Mom- April Gibbs • Help needed for parties, buddy activities, and special events • Fall Party, Winter Celebration, and Valentines Day Party • Our buddy class- Mrs. Eddleman’s 2nd grade class • Buddy activities

20. Thank you for coming! Questions? Please come see me. I am here until 7:00 pm and I am happy to answer questions!