Curriculum NightMrs. Rafa

2014

Before coming to Walker, I taught 4 years in two other districts.

I taught 6th grade at Walker for 12 years. This is my 2nd year teaching 5th grade at

Walker. I have a BA degree from the University of

Illinois at Champaign/Urbana. I have a Master’s degree from Governors

State University. Forty-two hours in additional graduate work

New vocab words introduced at beginning of story/chapter and assessed after reading of text.

Silent reading and read aloud daily Assessment on each story may be a project or test STAR testing in reading and math during Fall, Winter, and

Spring 1 accelerated reader book each quarter RTI three times a week to reinforce skills In reading we will work, of course, on reading, but also on

writing, listening, poetry, and fluency skills. The text includes all types of reading genres. We will also read a variety of novels throughout the year. Students will participate in Guided Reading, Independent

Reading, Oral Reading, and other activities in class. Students will learn to use various reading strategies in

order to better develop comprehension skills.

Students will learn grammar and writing. We will be organizing English notes very thoroughly

including a table of contents for each unit. Students can use class notes on quizzes & tests. Students will study grammar units and incorporate

grammar skills into writing. Students will be reading, analyzing, and writing

poetry. Students will keep a writing folder at school.

Past computation skills will be reviewed, and students will be encouraged to think mathematically to solve authentic problems using their math skills.

Math spiral required as note taking occurs daily. Notes taken in class can be used to review for tests & quizzes, so many examples are given!

Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, decimals, and fractions

Homework each night, quizzes throughout each chapter, and test at the end of each chapter. Review in class to reinforce skills before each test!

Morning math review (7:35 am) on day of quiz or test Tests of a D or F must be signed and returned the next day. Pencil only!!!!! Students will be required to show work! All students need a calculator for class.

Students will be required to take notes. We will practice map skills throughout the year. There is a test or project after each chapter. Any test of a D or F must be signed and returned the next

day. There will be a review to reinforce skills in class before

each test. There might not be homework each day. We have a lot of

discussion and note taking during class. We also watch video segments pertaining to the subject area.

Topics include Colonization and the American Revolution Class is very vocabulary intensive. Please review terms

nightly. I will show several short films in social studies to help build

background for the students.

Students will be required to take notes. 5th Grade Science Rotation: Light, Sound Earth’s Changing Surface Electricity and Magnetism Animals Students will be exposed to labs and learn

how to write a lab report. Notes taken daily.

Students will have an opportunity to check out books from Hilda Walker Library on Thursday.

Students may also check out books from my personal library collection in the room.

All students are required to have a book to read.

Students have PE three times a week. Music two times a week for the first

semester. Art two times a week for the second

semester. The academic schedule was sent home and

is posted on the web page.

A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79 D 60-69 F 59-below

We will observe this scale for tests, quizzes and assignments to which the scale can be applied.

Some assignments are designed for practice of a skill and will not be given a percentage grade.

Students will be responsible for completing any incomplete/missing assignment.

Parents will be informed of any incomplete/missing work through a Walker Missing/Incomplete Homework Notice. Students will be sent to study hall during lunch to complete work. The signed Homework Notice and completed work are due the next day.

Assignments turned in two days late will receive a 10% grade reduction.

Refer to my classroom handout for full policy.

Detentions are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until 3:55 P.M.

Academic Assistance is held Monday-Friday until 3:55 P.M.

Please be aware that there are no activity buses this year!

Please follow the traffic pattern for pick-up when coming to get your student.

“The Walker Way” –BE RESPECTFUL, BE RESPONSIBLE, & BE SAFE

Purpose: To create a safe learning environment allowing everyone to reach their potential as a learner. Following these procedures/rules fosters a positive learning environment both in and out of the classroom.

We will treat each other with respect regardless of our differences:

Disagree respectfully and solve conflicts calmly.

Work together. Remain quiet when others are speaking. Raise you hand and wait patiently for the

teacher’s assistance.

We will each be responsible for our own learning:

Sit up. Tune in. Ask/answer questions. Respond to directions. Complete work and write all assignments in

your assignment notebook.

We will each be responsible for our actions that affect people around us:

On task Noise awareness Movement around the classroom

We will keep learning fun & safe:

Foster a sense of humor. Approach assignments & tasks with a

positive attitude / always giving 100%. Keep classroom floor clear of books,

backpacks, boxes, etc. Keep hands, feet, & objects to yourself.

Rewards: verbal praise, PAW tickets, extra privilege earned, positive note/phone call

Consequences: warning, loss of intramurals, detention, phone call, seat change, parent conference, and/or referral to office

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on November 24th and 25th.

November 25th Conferences are scheduled from 10:00 A.M. to 7:55 P.M.

November 26th Conferences are 8:30-11:25 A.M.

Please sign up for a conference time tonight.

This classroom is peanut free.

Walker Office 815-464-2285 E-Mail address: nrafa@summithill.org District Web Page www.summithill.org I post upcoming test and quiz dates in all

subject areas. Any long-term project dates in all subjects

will also be posted. I have posted several cool links your child

may want to try out.

6:30-6:40 P.M. Short presentation in gym 6:45-7:30 P.M. Homeroom Mrs. Rafa 7: 30-7:45 P.M. Special/Resources teachers

I am looking forward to a great year and partnership.

Thank you for coming to Curriculum and Expectation Night at Hilda Walker School.

Mrs. Rafa