Mrs. Hill

1. Mrs. Hill • This is my 10th year teaching • Two years in Illinois • Eight years at Westwood View • I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from the University of Kansas- Rock Chalk! • I continued my education at the University of Kansas where I received my Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. • Recently, I received a Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University.

2. Text Reminders

3. Grading ScaleThe grades students earn in 5th grade are: • 97-100%=A+ 94-96%=A 90-93%=A- • 87-89%=B+ 84-86%=B 80-83%=B- • 77-79%=C+ 74-76%=C 70-73%=C- • 67-69%=D+ 64-66%=D 60-63%=D- • Below 59%=F

4. Homework • Assignment Notebooks • Please remember to check your child’s assignment notebook on a nightly basis. • Homework Policy • 50 minutes a night • 10% deduction after 3:10 on due date • If your child is struggling with homework please contact me, or bring your child to my classroom ten minutes before school starts and I will be happy to help him/her with their assignment.

5. Quarterly Progress Reports Quarterly Progress Reports • We will send out district quarterly report cards and mid-quarter progress reports to keep you and your student updated on his or her progress. The reports will list your child’s current grades in each classroom subject. If, at any time, you have questions about your child’s progress, please feel free to call me at 993-5841. I will call you between progress reports if there is something that I need to discuss with you.

6. Book Reports • Usually, I require that students complete one book report and one AR test each month. The form of book reports will vary. Some book reports will consist of completing a written summary while others will consist of creating a project on a book from a particular genre. Students will know at the beginning of each month what type of book report they are expected to turn in.

7. VSP • Monday • The Very Special Python will bring in a few photos to share. Examples of photos to bring in are pictures of their friends, family, pets, special occasions, and vacations. Students should arrange the photos on a poster board with a small explanation about each photo. • Tuesday • The Very Special Python will bring in their favorite book. This book can be one that was recently read, or one that was loved from the past. The student will spend about 5 minutes talking to the class about their favorite book. • Wednesday • The Very Special Python will give a short speech (1-3 minutes) about their favorite hobby or sport. The student will explain to the class why this activity is their favorite. • Thursday • The Very Special Python will bring in a special object and will give a short speech (1-3 minutes) explaining why this object is important. • Friday • Last but not least, the Very Special Python will create a short quiz (3-5 questions) for the class to take. The quiz should contain questions about the information shared during the week.

8. Additional Information • Party Invitations • Unless your child is inviting the whole class to their party, please distribute party invitations outside of school. We no longer allow students to bring treats for their class on their birthday. We also do not allow students to decorate a friend’s locker on their birthday. • Snacks and Water Bottles • I will allow students to bring one healthy snack to school to eat during the school day. Examples of healthy snacks include: fruits, vegetables, crackers, granola bars, cheese sticks, and nuts. I encourage students to bring a water bottle to school. However, I ask that they bring them home each night to be washed.

9. Python Points Python Points are a form of “money” that students may earn for good behavior. Students may have to pay a teacher a Python Point for poor choices made during the school day. On the last Friday of every month, students have the opportunity to participate in our class auction. Students may use Python Points to bid on items they are interested in “buying”. Please feel free to send your child to school with trinkets to be sold in the auction.

10. FYI We do go out for recess all days that the weather permits. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately. We will be ordering from the Scholastic Book orders this year. Book orders will be sent home with students….Please make checks out to Scholastic Book Clubs.

11. What Do You Do In Fifth Grade? Social Studies • American history, focusing on exploration and colonization of America. • American governmental system is emphasized as students study the Declaration of Independence, the framework of the Constitution, and the structure of U.S. government.

12. Reading • Students will read selected stories from the Wonders textbook and a variety of novels from many different genres. • Students will respond to what they read through group discussions and independent projects. • Students will learn how to recognize and explain the meaning of figurative language.

13. Language Arts • Apply the writing process and knowledge of the Six Traits of Effective Writing to write opinion, expository, and narrative pieces, using technology to publish. • Students are expected to demonstrate grade appropriate formal English language conventions, grammar, and usage when writing and speaking.

14. Math • The fifth grade mathematics program focuses on developing fluency with addition and subtraction of fractions. • Develop an understanding of the multiplication and division of fractions, extending division to 2-digit divisors, and integrating decimals into the place value system. • Develop an understanding of operations with decimals to millionths, developing fluency with whole numbers and decimal operations. • Develop an understanding of perimeter and area. • Students illustrate concepts, solve problems and justify reasoning using a variety of strategies, tools, and symbols.

15. Science and Health • Students plan and conduct inquiry investigations as they study the Earth’s cycles and processes including plate tectonics and weather systems, properties of solid earth, the oceans, fresh water and the atmosphere, properties of matter, astronomy and space/time, relationships and transfer of heat energy. • Life science topics include body systems and the effects of HIV/AIDS on the immune system. The results of alcohol, drug, and tobacco use and alternative activities are emphasized.

16. Second Step Westwood View purchased a program to promote skills for social and academic success. Second Step consists of three units: Empathy and Skills for Learning Emotion Management Problem Solving Examples of lesson objectives include; listening with respect, being assertive, disagreeing respectfully, accepting differences, managing anxiety, avoiding assumptions, dealing with gossip, and dealing with peer pressure.

17. Tests District Tests DIBELS: fall, winter, spring Measures of Academic Progress (MAP): fall Kansas Reading Assessment: spring Kansas Math Assessment: spring Weekly Tests Spelling Test Concept Quiz- Math Computation Quiz- Math Unit Tests Reading Social Studies Science

18. Projects • What major projects do you do in 5th Grade? • Heroes • Create a Colony • Cell City • Science Fair • Web Quests • Inquiry Investigations

19. How Can Parents Become Involved? • Field Trips • Classroom Parties • Supplies for Projects • Colonial Day • Educational Support

20. How is 5th Grade Different from 4th Grade? • Bigger Desks! • A little more of everything • More Homework • More Responsibilities • More Opportunities • Student Council • Fun Run • Band and Strings

21. Classroom Rules • Respect yourself • Respect your teachers • Respect your classmates • Respect your classroom • Respect your school

22. Behavior • In fifth grade we do not have students pull tickets. I deal with behavior infractions on a case by case basis. Typically, students will be asked to complete a think sheet. Often times the think sheet will be sent home for a parent’s signature.

23. Smarter than a 5th Grader? By the end of the school year, I hope that your child could win Are You Smarter Than A Fifth-Grader?! Please Don’t Forget… • Sign up for Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences. • Sign up for Field Trips. • Have a great night! Thank you for coming!!