This document provides information about fifth grade classes at James Buchanan Elementary School. It outlines the daily schedule, including periods for spelling, science, reading, math, lunch, writing and specials classes like music, art, gym and computer. It describes the mathematics, reading and writing curricula. It also provides policies on homework, book reports, classroom management, supplies needed, birthdays and state exams. The overall summary is that this document orients new fifth grade students and their families to the academic program, schedule and policies for the upcoming school year at James Buchanan Elementary School.
7. SPECIALISTS
Monday- Library (5Z)
Music (5M)
Tuesday- Gym (5Z) 2:30 to 3:15
Computer (5M) Everyday!
Wednesday- Computer (5Z)
Gym (5M)
Thursday- Music (5Z)
Art (5M)
Friday- Art (5Z)
Library (5M)
8. DAILY SCHEDULE
9:00 to 9:30 - Spelling/Grammar
9:30 to 10:30 - Science/Social Studies
10:15 to 11:15 - Reading
11:15 to 11:35 - Recess
11:35 to 12:45 - Math
12:45 to 1:15 - Lunch
1:20 to 2:30- Writing
2:30 to 3:15- Specials
9. MATHEMATICS
In fifth grade we use the
Investigations program in
conjunction with a traditional math
book to learn about math and
problem solving. We will be using
a variety of manipulatives such as;
blocks, dice, spinners, and
geometric shape pieces to guide us
through the problems to the
solutions. We will work with
groups and use computers to help
with these tasks. Some of the
topics we will cover are;
Multiplying and Dividing Fractions
and Decimals, Geometry,
Measurement, and Probability.
10. READING
This year your child will be
reading a variety of texts
including realistic, historical,
and nonfiction stories. They
will be working with the
whole class as we read from
our anthology as well as with
small groups reading in
literature circles.
Vocabulary, grammar, and
spelling lessons will be
integrated into each thematic
unit of study.
11. BOOKREPORTS
What, I don’t
have to read 25
Students will perform books, reading
at least one oral IS fun!!!
bookreport each
quarter.
Reports should be
from different
genres.
12. WRITING
This year we will be working
on a number of different
types of writing. We will be
studying how authors make
their writing interesting to
read, and we will practice
and refine our proofreading
skills. We will be writing
responses to literature,
narrative accounts,
procedures, persuasive
essays, and reports. A
portion of our writing
prompts will be done in
conjunction with our reading
program.
13. SCIENCE
Our focus on Science this
year is “Health and the
Human Body”. We will
learn about the different
systems of the body and
and how to keep those
systems healthy. We will
also learn about solar
energy and explore
variables through our
F.O.S.S. science kits.
14. HOMEWORK
Homework is usually given every night.
Homework is written down in the student planner (or study
chart). It is your child’s responsibility to write it down.
If homework is not completed, a Blue Homework Alert is sent
home to be signed. After two alerts in the same subject,
you will be contacted by phone. Further missed work results
in a principal referral.
Homework is 15-20% of the student’s final grade.
15. Remind me to check my
assignment book, I don’t want
ANY blue slips!
16. Incomplete or missing homework
will result in incomplete or missing
recess.
Trust me,
you don’t want
to miss recess!
17. ADDITIONAL HOMEWORK
In addition to the daily
assignments, your child
will be responsible for
reading at home. This
should be done five times
a week in approximaitely
20 minute intervals. Your
child’s reading
accomplishments should
be listed on his/her
bookmark. The bookmark
must be handed in each
Friday and a parent’s
signature is required for
credit.
18. PSSA STATE EXAMS
The PSSA is a set of 3
comprehensive standard-based We will be
exams of student knowledge given ready!
during the second semester.
Testing Windows: March 14- April 1
(Reading/Math/Writing)
Plan vacations accordingly!
The PSSA tests students on
mathematics/problem solving skills,
reading/writing knowledge, and
writing skills.
20. Each child entering 5th grade starts with a clean slate.
It is up to them to make wise choices about how they behave
and perform academically.
Encourage them to take advantage of this opportunity!
21. Classroom Management
Let’s hope no
one takes home
Classroom rules are the same a pink slip!
for 5M & 5Z
Classroom misbehavior will
result in a Pink Parent Alert.
Misbehavior outside of the
classroom is directed to Ms.
Moran as Code of Conduct.
22. Classroom Management Plan
Expected Behaviors:
Be Respectful
Sounds easy! Be Kind
Be Honest
Be Ready
Be Responsible
23. Consequences
Listen and
follow directions,
and this won’t be a
problem!
1) Verbal warning
2) Student-Teacher
Conference
3) Detention (recess)
4) Pink Slip Sent Home
5) Code of Conduct
24. CHARACTER EDUCATION
1. Focus on your child’s strengths.
Whenever they come up short,
remind them of their past
accomplishments. It also helps to
share with your child a time when
you experienced a shortcoming, but
learned a valuable lesson from the
situation.
2. Encourage your child to try new
activities that will benefit them.
Again, share with them an
experience in which you were
hesitant to take a risk, but were
eventually successful.
25. CHARACTER EDUCATION
Give a boost to
my self esteem!
3. “What do you
think?” By asking this
question, you show your
child that you care and
respect their thoughts
and opinions.
4. Have your child think
of the consequences of
his/her decision before
acting.
26. SUPPLIES
It’s easier to
concentrate when
Three Spiral Notebooks I’m prepared.
Colored Pencils
Glue
Plenty of pencils
27. You may send a simple,
nutritious snack each
day with your child.
Good ideas to send for Yummy!
a snack would be fruit
or veggies, cheese
sticks, or crackers.
Please, no candy.
Your child should be
able to eat his/her
snack in about 10
minutes during morning
break. It is not
mandatory for students
to bring a snack, but
fifth grade lunch is at
12:45.
28. STUDENT BIRTHDAYS
Please send a note a few days in
advance so that we can include it in
our daily schedule.
Please provide individual
servings/treats, rather than
something that must be cut and
served.
If you choose to send drinks with the
treats, please send juice boxes.
To avoid hurt feelings, please do not send private birthday invitations to school. Students
will not be allowed to pass them out in class or deliver them to other classrooms.
Addressing envelopes is a great learning experience and everyone likes to get mail!
