Welcome to Finally Fifth Grade Mrs. Leonard Mr. Gasser (Co-teacher 1 st semester)

1. Welcome to Finally FifthGradeMrs. LeonardMr. Gasser (Co-teacher 1st semester) #1. Please find your child’s seat. #2. Make sure you have Autobiopoemdirections #3. Enjoy reading your child’s ABC’s of Me…but do NOT take it home.

2. Our Classroom Schedule & specials – Lunch at 12:45 & PE on Mon. Math in the morning, hurray! Literacy block immediately following and Social Studies in the afternoon Rules: Cardinal Rules and Taking a Closer Look at our Learning! Students have started an economic system called Cardinal’s Cash. (duct tape wallets, anyone interested in making some?) Structure: Predictable & schedule is always posted with the day’s targets for learning Newsletters: Sent home weekly via email at least weekly Materials: THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Much of the tools we use to teach are provided by you…our PTO

3. Assessments/Grades • Benchmark testing for Reading levels – it will be recorded in their Reader’s Notebooks (just right reading level) • ISTEP results from last year – coming September 9th  • Grades are available through Myccs for each nine week grading period – I update them weekly. Gradecards will be sent home electronically for you to print. • Grading – Summative NOT Formative grades are given. • Social Studies: Tests, TFK, periodic online reviews • Reading: Theme tests (counts for a Reading, Words, and Writing Grade separately!) extended responses and sparky responses • Spelling and “morphology” tests • Writing: published writing, grammar exit slips • EXIT slips for any subject “Show What You Know” • Observations & Conferences

4. Homework • See daily assignment planner and teacher website • Spelling words will be given every OTHER Monday with a test on Friday • Children should read from a variety of genres • Math study links and boxes should be completed using the SRB or online tools for Everyday Math on CW homepage • Reading, writing, grammar, or word work activities not completed during Daily 3 independent literacy time will be finished at home – plenty of time if they’re using time wisely • Social Studies text should be reviewed for upcoming tests (TCI online program) learntci.com. • Late Work/Work Habits/Behavior: Their work habits and homework completion grade will be affected. A homework concern will be communicated to you through Cardinal Cash register or email if habitual. Behavior concerns will also be noted on their Cardinal Cash register for you to sign. • Kids feel good about themselves when they learn to assume the responsibility and are successful. Please assist them at home when organizing materials and homework for the next day.Eventually, they’ll be able to do it on their own. 

5. Reading • The children will be involved in various types of reading • “just right” novels each day from a variety of genres • A novel should be read within an “average” two-week time period(referred to the 2-week pledge) • Close Reading/Text Analysis: A strategy for reading that involves looking closely at the text and supporting answers with text details. See the example of the Extended Response we did together as a shared writing. • Small Guided Groups & Individual Reading Conferences where the children set CRAFT goals & recognize their strengths and areas to work on as readers. • Scholastic Books (sent home monthly – send in with check made out to Scholastic Books)

6. Word Study/Grammar/Writing • Leveled “Red, White, and Blue” bi-weekly spelling words/tests on Friday. List is always in their theme resource packet for the two-week theme period. Spelling Choice Menu board and weekly schedule can be found in their Word’s pocket folder in their binder. • Vocabulary words (10 per theme) and academic vocabulary posted on our Spread The Word. • Morphology: Studying the parts of words-bi weekly test-alternates with Spelling • The Writing Process will be implemented throughout the yearfocusing on 3 different purposes (narrative, informative, and persuasive/argumentative) • Writing Conferences to help them learn how to REVISE, because believe me……the first draft isn’t “good to go”! 

7. Social Studies/health and Science • United States History with TCI online review at home (http://www.learntci.com) (Reviewing text and completing the Starred Game always assigned) • Time For Kids magazine subscription this year (worldly events). • “BizTown” is an AWESOME culminating event we do for an economic unit. Look for volunteerism information and more after September. We go November 25th. • Ruth Lilly trip “Life Begins” (May) • Science on a rotating teacher schedule starting the last nine weeks

8. Communication • College Wood’s webpage and class’s are available for general school information & weekly homework www.ccs.k12.in.us • The Assignment Planner will be filled out each day by the student. • Please do NOT email me after 10:00 a.m. if it is relating to something for that day. I check before school, during specials, and again at the end of the day.

9. DONATIONS • Yes, candy is still a motivator! Shhh! • We’ll use this with Behavior Bravo, Cardinal’s Cash, and just as general rewards throughout the year. (Laffy Taffy, candy kisses/hugs, Air Heads, Jolly Ranchers, lollipops, Smartees, small Hershey bars, etc.) • Hand Sanitizers (big and small) • Clorox wipes • Clipboards (old or new) • Post-it Notes • Decorative Duct tape for our wallets

10. Volunteering Opportunities • In the library--- • In the lunchroom--- • At our BizTown field trip----- • Room parent events ----

11. Math • Everyday Math “Workshop” structure with a menu of tasks with more time to work with small groups and individual students. • Assessments: • Exit slips weekly. Helps me to form small groups for extra practice or enrichment for the next day. • Chapter tests (2 study guides will be given in advance with plenty of in-class review) A heads-up will be sent through email of any upcoming tests. Kids can come in the morning of the test for “extra” review. Email the night before, so I can plan accordingly. • Observations/checklists Reminder: Everyday Math is available online through myccs. There are great games, and you can access the SRB (in case they forgot their book or need to print homework!) Access codes are in their responsibility folder.