Fifth Grade 2013-2014 Core Subject Teachers:

1. Fifth Grade 2013-2014Core Subject Teachers: Jessica Porterfield: ELA and Social Studies Becky Sharpe: Math Elizabeth Mize: Science

2. What will the schedule be like? • 7:40 (tardy bell 7:50) – 8:00: Classwork • 8:00 – 8:45: Guided reading groups • 8:45 – 9:45: Block 1 • 9:45 – 10:45: Block 2 • 10:45 – 11:45: Block 3 • 11:45 – 12:15: Recess and Classwork • 12:15 – 12:45: Intervention or Enrichment • Lunch (Mize 12:50; Porterfield 12:55; Sharpe 1:00) • 1:30: Specials • 2:30: Dismissal

3. What is the big change in 5th grade? Planners! Responsibility! • Students are expected to write down their homework daily in the planner. • Any infractions will be listed in the planner each day. When you check daily, you will know how your child is behaving and what the homework expectations are. Sign the planner once a week! • Consequences for infractions are listed on the inside back cover of the planner.

4. Behavior PlanCheck the planner daily! Your child’s homework and behavior will be recorded daily in the planner. This planner is very similar to the one used in middle school, and is a great tool for responsibility and accountability. You (parent) are required to sign the planner once per week. Students who have seven out of nine weeks with a “clean slate” will have a planner party each nine weeks.

5. Consequences • First infraction: warning/informal talk with teacher • Second infraction: silent lunch • Third infraction: team meeting and/or behavior plan completed • Fourth infraction: office, parent conference, loss of privileges, and/or any combination of the above • More infractions: discretion of the administration

6. Rewards Students who have a “clear slate” (no infractions for both homework and behavior) are treated to a Planner Party each nine weeks.

7. Friday Folders Parents will be expected to sign and return tests. The Friday folder will have a section for papers to keep at home. This will include classwork, signed tests, returned homework, etc. There will also be a section of papers for parents to sign and return. This will include notes from the teacher, tests, and any information from the office requiring a signature. Students who do not return their Friday folders (with no parent note of explanation) will incur an infraction.

8. Online Expectations Fifth grade students will be expected to use computers for research and homework. If you do not have access at your house, then you will need to arrange for your child to visit a relative, neighbor or May Memorial Library to complete assignments online as needed.

9. School Expectations • Attendance and tardies: Please send a note for our files, even if we have also heard from you via email regarding your child’s absence. We appreciate a call to the office to let us know when your child is sick. • Educational trip absences will not be excused unless a request is submitted to Mrs. Hancock one week in advance and strong evidence that the trip will reinforce the curriculum is required. Evidence must also be provided after the trip with a journal to submit to Mrs. Hancock before an excuse is granted. • Please make doctor appointments during the afternoon, when your child will not miss key instruction. • Limit adults in the hallways: ALWAYS sign in at the office after being admitted.

10. Lunchtime: Check your child’s schedule. Please don’t bring in food from other restaurants to our cafeteria. • Anote is needed for any change in transportation in the afternoon. No note, no change (a safety issue). Please do not make phone calls to the school about a transportation change except in the case of a real emergency. • Birthday invitations: Please do not send invitations to school unless you include one for everyone in the class. • Birthday treats: We are very short on time, and will not be able to supply birthday treats until 2:15 because of our specials schedule. Unfortunately, due to a state law, we are not allowed to serve any treats before lunch

11. Building Security Please be aware that after 3:30 the office will be closed and there will be no one unlocking the door. If you have a conference with a teacher, then the teacher will meet you at the door or send someone to let you in. This means that your child must learn to be responsible and remember whatever he or she needs for homework completion.

12. Car Rider Cards Please complete the car rider card for your windshield with a black permanent marker printed neatly and in large letters. Thank you! Example:

13. Perfect Attendance What is different about this policy this year? It really has to be perfect! To receive a perfect attendance certificate, children must be present all 180 school days with 3 or less excused tardies and no unexcused tardies. A student is tardy if he/she arrives after 7:50 or leaves before dismissal.

14. What is SAIL? SAIL is a school-wide positive behavior intervention and support initiative that will be rolled out for students later in the year. Students will: Show Respect Act Responsibly Inspire Others Listen and Learn This will be particularly helpful in common areas such as bus, bathroom, playground, hall, etc.

15. Tardies adding up? School policy states that students who accumulate tardies will take home a note from administration. If more tardies occur, then a conference will be requested. Until the parent comes in for the conference, the student will have silent lunch. The administration is very serious about students arriving on time. We begin work at 7:40 when the students begin arriving. At 7:50 announcements are made and instruction begins.

16. Smith Seabee Online Store Smith attire is for sale via the school website. Proceeds go toward 5th grade functions.

17. Handbook Policies All Smith policies (behavior, bus information, emergency information, dress codes, cafeteria rules, etc) are in the handbook, which appears in the front of the planner as well as on the Smith School website.

18. Online grades Be on the lookout for more information regarding online grades, which will be regularly posted.

19. Field Trips? We will go to Salter Path, NC for an overnight ecology field trip called “Sound to Sea” in March. More information will be coming about this exciting and new trip.

20. How can I help the teachers’ efforts? • Check the planner every day! • Homework • Support the teacher! • Reading daily • Classroom help • Supplies

21. Where is the webpage? • Go to MBSmith elementary school mse@abss.k12.nc.us School phone number: 336-570-6140 • Look for the tab for classroom teachers • Click on your child’s teachers’ names • Addresses for emails: elizabeth_mize@abss.k12.nc.us jessica_porterfield@abss.k12.nc.us rebecca_sharpe@abss.k12.nc.us

22. Thank you for sharing your children with us! We are looking forward to a productive, busy year. Fifth grade is a year of transition. By the end of the year, the students will be ready for middle school. Fifth grade participates in DARE, goes on an overnight field trip, produces a morning show, helps with safety patrol, and has opportunities to engage in many other activities that make this last year in elementary school special.