Curriculum Night 2013-14

1. Curriculum Night 2013-14 What will my child learn in each subject? How can I check on my child’s grades? What can I do to ensure his/her success?

2. Subjects Reading, Grammar, Writing: Mrs. Porterfield Math: Mrs. Sharpe Science: Mrs. Mize Guided Reading (small groups): Fifth grade teachers, Mrs. Vaughn, Mrs. Isley, Mrs. Vickers, and Mrs. Smith Social Studies: Fifth grade teachers and integrated through writing and Guided Reading

3. Social Studies Social Studies will be taught in the first block on Mondays for 20 minutes. Assignments for independent or partner work will be made for students to complete during the week (at school). This work will be turned in on Friday during homeroom, when each student will receive a quiz to be completed that morning. Students will be allowed to refer to textbooks, resource materials, and notes for this quiz.

4. Social Studies Content Students will study US culture, past and present. There will be special emphasis on regions, colonization, and government. Much of our Social Studies will be taught through Reading and Writing classes. Small guided reading groups are taught daily from 8:00-8:45; many of the texts students read will be Social Studies content, non-fiction.

5. Science Topics: • Ecosystems • Human Body Systems • Force and Motion • Matter and Energy • Weather

6. Vocabulary The biggest hindrance I see to success is vocabulary. Many students are not working hard to learn the vocabulary. They need to be able to apply the word in graphic organizers, written assignments, content reading, and questions. Please help your child with the vocabulary. There are links on my website for their assistance as well.

7. Grading Quizzes are administered frequently so that we know who needs more work, and who is ready to move on. Tests carry more weight than quizzes, and are considered a final evaluation of a student’s grasp of the current topic. Projects (both in class and home) carry more weight than tests, since application of learned material in a creative and/or collaborative way is a powerful opportunity to show true comprehension.

8. Checking on Grades Last summer you received a letter regarding login information to PowerSchools, our new grading program. If you have misplaced that letter or need the login information, please let Mrs. Baughn in the office know. You may also give your child’s teacher your request. Your teacher will tell Mrs. Baughn, who will make a copy of this information for you. We will send it home in the bookbag.

9. Science Fair The Science Fair is coming up quickly. Be on the lookout for information coming soon. Forms will be available on the school website, but we will send a Friday folder letter about how to access that.

10. Fifth Grade Field Trip March 17-19 Pick up paperwork from Mr. Sasscer (Mrs. Mize’s room on Curriculum Night). Those who do not come to Curriculum Night, look for the packet of paper in the Friday folder on Oct. 4. It is important to note that there will be a detailed power point meeting later on, but that the first payment of $30 is due ON (not before or later) October 18th so that we can finalize the number of students attending.This first payment is non-refundable, but the balance is refundable if something unforeseen should occur. The total cost is $250, but it can be paid in increments. Please pay attention to the payment schedule. Money will only be accepted on those dates. Three chaperones will be chosen by drawing names out of a hat; we may pick three from each classroom. Let Mr. Sasscer know by Oct. 18 if you want to be part of that drawing.

11. Literacy Our Literacy block will consist of grammar, writing, and reading. Social Studies mini lessons will occur on Mondays during the first portion of the block. Monday: Social Studies/Grammar Tuesday: Reading Wednesday: Writing Thursday: Reading Friday: Grammar Check, Writing Wrap Up

12. Literacy Grading Students will be given several classwork assignments throughout the week focusing on the week’s lessons. At the end of the week, these assignments will be graded and averaged together as one grade for that concept. For instance, if we have 4 classwork assignments focusing on context clues, your child’s grades will be averaged and their report will show one grade for context clues classwork.

13. Literacy Grading Weekly, students will be given a quiz to assess whether or not they retained the content taught. Students will also be given monthly writing assignments that are graded as projects because they are detailed and in depth.

14. Math Math will consist of 20-30 minutes of whole group instruction and two small groups. Whole Group Math • Check and review homework from the night before • Teach new material with a whole group activity

15. Small Group Math • Activities are based on the Common Core and should be a review. • Activities are based on the needs of the students. • Groups are flexible and also based on the needs of the students. • Guided Math also occurs during this time allowing me to work with each group 2-3 times a week.

16. Math Grading Students will receive a grade for each classwork assignment they complete from a station. Stations take about two weeks to complete. Students will also receive quizzes weekly and tests at the end of the unit.