· Organization will be taught, graded, and frequently discussed in class.
· Please encourage your student to keep their notebook and desk organized.
· Please further support these habits by encouraging your student to keep their workspace at home organized.
Homework Time
· Please set aside a specific homework time each night.
· It is recommended that fifth graders complete approximately 50 minutes of homework a night.
· This includes finishing class assignments, completing the 20 required minutes of reading per night, or practicing a band instrument.
· If there is still time left, encourage your student to complete another academic activity. This includes, but is not limited to: correcting low score assignments, practicing math facts, practicing cursive writing, practicing typing skills, writing in a journal, reading the newspaper, or practicing map skills.
· In fifth grade, the teachers strive to provide the students with as many differentiation opportunities as possible.
· Differentiation gives students the opportunity to challenge themselves at their ability level.
· Differentiation may occur through the instruction, assignment choices, or how an assignment is completed.
· Please encourage your student to always do their best and challenge themselves. This will allow them to take full advantage of the differentiation opportunities that are available to them.
· Each day the class will fill out their calendars together. A star (P) on the calendar indicates that we completed work in class in that subject and that there is no homework. A slash (/) indicates that we did not do that subject that day.
· For all subjects that had homework, please check the assignment for completion. It should be located behind the appropriate divider in your student’s notebook.
· Once each assignment has been checked, please sign the calendar.
Redoing assignments
· Students are allowed to redo any assignments that fall below 80% or a “3” grade.
· Test grades cannot be changed.
· I encourage students to redo assignments as soon as possible. This allows the students to see their mistakes and correctly solidify the concept before it is assessed.
· There are two ways to redo an assignment: 1) If your student has the original assignment, they take a new piece of paper, put a complete heading, redo the problems they missed, staple it to the original paper, and turn it in, 2) If you student does not have the original assignment, they need to redo the whole assignment.
· This is one reason why it is encouraged to keep all graded assignments until the end of the trimester.
· Please encourage your student that if they are not sure how to correct an assignment or need help to see me.
Progress Reviews
· The Progress Review system lets parents/guardians and students know exactly what scores have been earned on given assignments.
· All pertinent assignments are listed on a computer printout with the student’s percentage and grade.
· Students will be given their progress reviews at mid-trimester.
· All assignments that are either missing or fall below 80% accuracy will need correction or completion.
· It is the student's responsibility to gather the needed materials or let me know if they need additional instruction. This step really does encourage responsibility.
· All assignments from a Progress Review will be due on a date clearly listed on the Progress Review. Students are allowed to turn in Progress Reviews early, if all the items are completed and they are properly signed and dated.
· I strongly recommend that all parents/guardians request that their child complete all the low or missing assignment items, for this will be their last chance to improve those grades.
· Some students may not have any assignments to correct or complete. However, the Progress Review still needs to be signed so I know our communication is working.
· Late Progress Reviews are unacceptable and will receive no score adjustments. There are no exceptions to this rule.
· When a student completes late assignments to at least 80% accuracy they will receive a flat 80%. Students who were absent may earn full credit. If students do not complete or correct an assignment on the Progress Review the grade will remain as it is listed on the printout. Test scores and quizzes remain as graded.
· To insure our communication, I require that the assignments be stapled to the printout and that this packet is signed by the parents or legal guardian by the deadline. I do appreciate the effort this whole process requires
Studying for Tests
· Please encourage your student to study for upcoming tests.
· The teacher will make every effort to make students aware of upcoming tests, when appropriate.
· The teacher will also discuss with the class various methods that can be used to study, such as: flashcards, extra problems, review questions, what material will be covered, etc.
· Conferences will be held in October for all students and March on a need basis.
· We look forward to the opportunity to discuss your student’s progress with you!