My past students have described me as high-energy, structured, strict, fair, insanely passionate about reading, funny, and caring. I believe that all students can become lifelong learners and lovers of reading. Students will be expected to read often both inside and outside of my class; many of my past students say that they read more books in my class than they ever have in their educational lives, that they never loved books until they had me as a teacher, and that they left my class with the tools that made them better readers. I also aim to grow my students into creative, empathetic, curious thinkers who seek to understand the world and improve it. I have extremely high expectations for my students and care deeply about both their education as well as their personal lives and experiences.
Independent Reading and Homework
5th grade is a very important year in that students have three End of Grade tests for the first time: reading, math, and science. Daily practice in these three areas is absolutely pivotal to your students' growth and success. Every night, your student will have math and science homework practice.
This year your student will also be challenged to read many books at home and at school. Our goal is to help your student develop a lifelong love of reading, and lasting skills in reading, by exposing them to a variety of genres and books. Parents play a huge role in helping students develop their reading habits, and we look forward to working with you throughout the year to develop a love of reading in your student. You can expect that your student will have a library book they bring home each night to read, and homework will consist of independent reading. They should be reading every night for at least 20 minutes.
Class Expectations
It is my priority that our class is a safe environment where students feel empowered to express themselves and to learn in the most focused way possible. It is also my priority as a teacher to work to grow my students into well-rounded, responsible human beings. With these two goals in mind, my classroom expectations are grounded in these five character traits:
5th Grade Chameleons Are Expected to Show….
Consideration: We treat our peers, teachers, and school property with respect.
Self-Control: We follow all directions the first time.
Grit: We persevere and work hard through challenges.
Curiosity: We own our learning. We inquire, imagine, innovate, and inspire. We come prepared.
Optimism: We stay positive in our actions, words, and attitude.
All of your child’s behavior will be tracked using the Class Dojo system. When your child makes a positive choice, they will earn points on Dojo related to the character trait they demonstrated with that choice. When your child makes a wrong choice, they will lose points on Dojo related to the character trait they did not show. Each week on Fridays, your child will receive a printed report from Class Dojo of their behavior for the entire week. We ask that your child take this report home to you, you read over it, sign it, and have your child return it to school on Monday. You can also use the Class Dojo app to keep track of your child’s daily progress in addition to receiving the Friday reports.
Grading Breakdown
Tests, Quizzes, and Projects: 40%
Classwork and Exit Tickets: 40%
Homework: 10%
Participation: 10%
Supply List
-(2) composition notebooks
-(1) 1.5 inch binder
-(2) pocket folders
-(1) pack of pencils
-(1) pair of hand-held scissors
-(2) glue sticks
-(1) pencil pouch or pencil bag
Parent Communication
As always, I seek to have close communication with parents and view you as an important partner in your child’s education. I look forward to getting to know you and your student this year. If you have any questions about our class, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Independent Reading and Homework
5th grade is a very important year in that students have three End of Grade tests for the first time: reading, math, and science. Daily practice in these three areas is absolutely pivotal to your students' growth and success. Every night, your student will have math and science homework practice.
This year your student will also be challenged to read many books at home and at school. Our goal is to help your student develop a lifelong love of reading, and lasting skills in reading, by exposing them to a variety of genres and books. Parents play a huge role in helping students develop their reading habits, and we look forward to working with you throughout the year to develop a love of reading in your student. You can expect that your student will have a library book they bring home each night to read, and homework will consist of independent reading. They should be reading every night for at least 20 minutes.
Class Expectations
It is my priority that our class is a safe environment where students feel empowered to express themselves and to learn in the most focused way possible. It is also my priority as a teacher to work to grow my students into well-rounded, responsible human beings. With these two goals in mind, my classroom expectations are grounded in these five character traits:
5th Grade Chameleons Are Expected to Show….
Consideration: We treat our peers, teachers, and school property with respect.
Self-Control: We follow all directions the first time.
Grit: We persevere and work hard through challenges.
Curiosity: We own our learning. We inquire, imagine, innovate, and inspire. We come prepared.
Optimism: We stay positive in our actions, words, and attitude.
All of your child’s behavior will be tracked using the Class Dojo system. When your child makes a positive choice, they will earn points on Dojo related to the character trait they demonstrated with that choice. When your child makes a wrong choice, they will lose points on Dojo related to the character trait they did not show. Each week on Fridays, your child will receive a printed report from Class Dojo of their behavior for the entire week. We ask that your child take this report home to you, you read over it, sign it, and have your child return it to school on Monday. You can also use the Class Dojo app to keep track of your child’s daily progress in addition to receiving the Friday reports.
Grading Breakdown
Tests, Quizzes, and Projects: 40%
Classwork and Exit Tickets: 40%
Homework: 10%
Participation: 10%
Supply List
-(2) composition notebooks
-(1) 1.5 inch binder
-(2) pocket folders
-(1) pack of pencils
-(1) pair of hand-held scissors
-(2) glue sticks
-(1) pencil pouch or pencil bag
Parent Communication
As always, I seek to have close communication with parents and view you as an important partner in your child’s education. I look forward to getting to know you and your student this year. If you have any questions about our class, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
- Daily: Check and sign your student’s agenda each night for homework information and teacher notes.
- Weekly: Dojo reports will be sent home on Fridays outlining your student’s behavior for the week.
- Monthly: Academic progress report will be sent home detailing strengths, gaps, and how you can offer support at home.
- As needed: We will contact each other through Dojo, phone, or email (your and the teacher’s preference) as issues arise.
*All whole-class notifications will be sent through Class Dojo*