UnityI dreamt I stood in a studio

And watched two sculptors there.The clay they used was a young child’s mind

And they fashioned it with care.One was a teacher – the tools she used

Were books, music, and art.The other, a parent, worked with guiding hand,

And a gentle, loving heart.Day after day, the teacher toiled with touch

That was deft and sure.While the parent labored by her sideAnd polished and smoothed it o’er.

And when at last, their task was doneThey were proud of what they had wrought.For the things they had molded into the child

Could neither be sold or bought.And each agreed they would have failed

If each had worked alone.For behind the teacher stood the school

And behind the parent, the home.

Welcome to 5th Grade

Curriculum NightJuly 2012

Reading• Common Core based curriculum

• Literature studies using chapter books

• Independent reading and journals

Language• Writing process and the 6 +1 traits of good

writing

• Modes of writing: functional, literary response, persuasive, expressive, expository and research

• Writing and grammar mini-lessons

Math

• Common Core based curriculum

• Progress monitoring of students and grouped accordingly

• “Computations” (individualized skill practice)

• State & District objectives include: data analysis, patterns & functions, geometry, fractions & decimals, measurement, and probability

• Students will receive math homework that will reinforce skills taught in class.

Science

• Inquiry, Process Skills, & Science Fair Projects

• Physical Science: Matter (e.g., molecules & atoms), Motion & Forces (e.g., gravity & friction)

• Life Science: Structure & Functions of Living Systems (skeletal, muscular, & nervous systems)

• Earth & Space Science: Earth’s Processes & Systems (e.g., lunar cycle, rotation & revolution), Earth in the Solar System (e.g., planets, motion of sun & stars, space exploration)

Social Studies• Geography

• Economics

• U.S. history from Exploration & Colonization to the Civil War.

• World History

• Government

Communication

Communication: Email is our preferred method, however, we welcome notes and phone calls. Communication occurs outside of instructional time.

Friday Communications: Email sent with important information

In case of an emergency, please call the front office directly.

No Rescue Rule

Homework PolicyStudents should spend not more than 90 minutes per night. This time should be budgeted in the following manner:

15 minutes looking for assignment

11 minutes calling a friend for the assignment

23 minutes explaining why the teacher is mean and just does not like children

8 minutes in the bathroom

10 minutes getting a snack

7 minutes checking the TV guide

6 minutes telling parents that the teacher never explained the assignment

10 minutes sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Mom or Dad to do the assignment

Long Term Assignments

•These are given the night before they are due

•It is a long term commitment to time that begins at 9:30 pm and ends at 11:50 pm or later

•It is important that the whole family is involved in the project. It is imperative that at least one family member races to Wal-Mart/Target for poster board, and that at least one family member ends up in tears (does not have to be the student.)

•One parent needs to stay up and complete the project. The other parent needs to call the school and leave a message that the student is out sick.

•It is not necessary to have the student’s name on the assignment

Before You Leave…Please complete the following in your child’s homeroom in any order before

leaving tonight:

Sign in Fill out email and transportation information See donation and volunteer opportunities, we welcome any and all

assistance Be sure to take your welcome letter and student information papers home.

Please return the student information paper as soon as possible. Teachers will meet the students on the basketball court on Monday.

Please have your child look for their homeroom teacher’s sign.• Monday’s Lunch Menu: The price of lunch this year is $2.50• Chicken Dippers & Harvest Muffin• Spaghetti w/ Mozzarella Cheese Cup• PB&J

Thank you for coming tonight!

Your support and participation makes a world of difference!