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Back To School Night. Mr. O’Brien’s Class 2013-2014. Welcome! While you are waiting for the presentation to begin: Make sure you sign in by the door You may take this moment to inspect your child’s textbooks and complete the two forms. . Personal Background. Undergraduate Degree
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Back To School Night Mr. O’Brien’s Class 2013-2014 • Welcome! • While you are waiting for the presentation to begin: • Make sure you sign in by the door • You may take this moment to inspect your child’s textbooks and complete the two forms.
Personal Background • Undergraduate Degree • Graduate Degree • Classroom Experience • Personal items
Standards of Learning • Virginia Standards of Learning are the framework for our curriculum. • I do teach students the required information, and consequently they usually do well on the tests in the Spring. • Fifth Grade SOL tests include: Reading, Math, Science, and Writing
Reading • Comprehension is the goal! • Focus on strategies and understanding how we read. • From Learning to Read => Reading to Learn • Good Readers can access and learn anything they want. • Electronic readers are acceptable. • Reading should be fun! (See 7 Keys to Comprehension in handout.)
Writing • Students take a writing SOL in early March • It is two day test (one day multiple choice/one day writing to a prompt) • We do A LOT of writing, including practice prompts and free writing • Writing Workshop will be a focus this year.
Math • Students are pre-tested each chapter/unit • Students are grouped based on strengths and weaknesses of individual skills. • Math Text is Available Online • More on the Middle School math selection process in the spring.
Science • We will focus on the scientific method • We will use the scientific method to explore all of the content we need to cover • Topics include: • Geology • Oceanography • Living Systems • Matter • Light • Sound • The SOL test covers 4th and 5th grade material • We review all of 4th grade material in preparation.
Social Studies • Our curriculum has county standards, but no state standards • We learn about the regions of the US • Students learn what makes the different areas of our county unique • Students will learn all to identify all 50 states on a map, and memorize the name of each state’s capital.
Middle School Preparation • We will be building skills they need to succeed next year: • Independence • Self Advocacy • Organization • Middle School Course Selection • Will take place in the spring. • You will be provided with plenty of information
Grading • Not all assignments are graded • Assignments may be marked with a number and/or a letter grade • Scores: • 1 – Below the Standard • 2 – Progressing towards the Standard • 3 – Meeting the Standard • 4 – Exceeding the Standard • Scores are based on this criteria, not on the number correct out of a total number. Missing assignments severely affect student grades
CLARITY Parent Portal • Still up and running • For more information go to the CLARITY tab on the Horizon website
Homework • Reading • Read a total of 100 minutes/week • Track Reading • See Parent Dos and Don’ts in handout • Word Study • Consistent week to week • Math • Will be assigned most nights – may be different depending on each group’s progress. • Long Term Projects – no due dates • Other small assignments as needed • Please sign the planner every night
Classroom Management • Focus on Positive Reinforcement • Safety is the number on priority • Focus on Positive Interactions between students • Focus on natural/appropriate consequences • Anti-Bully PBIS – Courageous Comets • Compliments • Blue Tickets • Lunch Room Flowers
Daily Routines • Beginning of the day • Morning Work • Working Snack • Tests usually in the morning • Recess is moveable
Additionals • FUTURA • Conferences • Drop off – out front vs. Kiss and go • Red folders • DARE/FLE • All About Me • Attendance
Nice to Haves • Flashdrive • Personal headphones • Sweater/sweatshirt • Antibacterial wipes/liquid
Contacting Mr. O’Brien • Email is the best • stephen.obrien@lcps.org • Please review the email guidelines in your handout • Check my website • Will try to update regularly • Monthly projects and rubrics posted • Call the school • Will call back during planning time or after school • May take until the next morning to return calls. Remember that for success we have to work together this year!
Volunteering • I can use volunteers for a variety of activities • All Subject Areas • Organizing Celebrations • Help with PTA activities • There will be other activities that I may need help with. I will send out an email when those times come up.
Thank you for taking the time to attend Back To School Night