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Welcome to Mr. Ferguson’s Back to School Night. 2014-2015. About Me.
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About Me • First, I would like to introduce myself. This is my fourth year teaching in Loudoun County and at Hillside Elementary. Before teaching 5th grade, I worked as an assistant for two years in a Positive Behavioral Reinforcement Program for a 3rd through 5th grade Special Ed. classroom in Roanoke County, Virginia. Before that, I substituted for 4 years in Franklin County, Virginia for all elementary grades. I am very excited to be teaching 5th grade again this year. I believe students in this age range are some of the most amazing and enjoyable learners to have.
About me (cont.) • I enjoyed my summer as I visited Mexico for the first time. It was an amazing learning experience! I also spent time with friends and family, and am in the middle of buying my first home, which closes in one week. I have a lot of interests and passions including music, sports, movies, history, and good books. I also have 2 crazy cats (Mr. Norris and Ziggy) that have kept me company for 10 years now.
Binder Organization • We have organized the binders into various subjects. • Your child should file each paper, packet, or assignment into the appropriate area. • You can use the materials in each section to review for tests and quizzes. • Your child should bring his or her binder home every evening.
Homework Agenda • Please initial at the bottom of the agenda every day. • The bottom non-subject row is a great place to find out about upcoming tests, quizzes, and projects. • Agendas need to be kept in students’ binders.
Thursday Folders • Every Thursday I will send home graded work in their Thursday Folder. • This will allow you to see what we have been working on and how your child is doing. • Please sign and return the half sheet to school on Friday. • If a student receives a grade of C (2) or below, please go over it with your child, sign and return it to school in their Thursday Folders.
5th Grade Curriculum • SOL tests are given in reading, math, and science. • All SOL tests are given in May. • 9 week plans are posted on the 5th grade Webpage.
5th Grade Webpage • Our webpage is located on the Hillside site under the classrooms tab – then drop down to Fifth Grade link. • On our page you will find the following: • 9 week plans/Study Guides • Email contact information • Individual teacher pages • Newsletters • Special classroom/subject information (upcoming projects)
Homework Expectations • Homework should be completed on a nightly basis Monday-Thursday. • Homework is always due the next day unless noted otherwise. • If a student is absent or misses class, they have the number of days out to complete the work. • If homework is not turned in when due, it must be completed the next day.
Math • SOL – May. • We will not be switching for Math classes this year. Instead, my class will go to Mr. Fortunato’s class for Math and his class will come to mine for Science/Social Studies. • Focus on preparing students for middle school. • Focus on problem solving and critical thinking.
Science • Sol- Spring May • Units of Study: Earth, Rocks & Minerals, Matter, Living Systems, Oceans, Light & Sound • Interactive Notebooks • Website: Outlines and Vocabulary Words • Studying
Social Studies • SOL- none! • Units of Study: 6 Regions of the United States • Tests & Quizzes: study guides online • Map Quizzes- states, capitals, and abbreviations • Interactive Notebooks
Writing • Writing Process • Graphic organizers – plan to writing • Types of writing –descriptive, narrative (entertain), expository (inform), persuasive • Editing and revising – major focus • Handwriting – encouraged to write in cursive and print. • Spelling Quizzes on Fridays.
Reading • Reading fiction and nonfiction selections • Improve reading comprehension • Reading fluency – reading with expression • Reading a variety of genres • Power Reading – Can you read 20 books this school year? This is a goal, not necessarily a requirement. • 15 – 20 minutes of silent reading in every reading class • daily reading at home
Management • Students will receive behavioral reminders from teacher. • 3 reminders and student loses time off extra recess. • If repeated, a note or email will be sent home. • Great behavior = tickets! • Tickets can be used for various activities or prizes.
Donations • Bean bags • Books • ?
What’s Next? • Specials • Report Card • Conference Sign-up • Student Transportation Information • Volunteer Information • Contact Information • THANK YOU FOR COMING !