Welcome to Mrs. Beaman’s Back to School Night

1. Welcome to Mrs. Beaman’sBack to School Night 2013-14 Rising to New Challenges

2. Binder Organization • We have organized the binders into various subjects. • Your child should file each paper, packet, or assignment into the appropriate subject area. • You can use the materials in each section to review for tests and quizzes. • Your child should bring his or her binder home every evening.

3. Agenda • Tests and quizzes will be recorded in the last section. • This is a great way to find out about upcoming tests, quizzes, and projects. • Agendas need to be kept in students’ binders.

4. Thursday Folders • Every Thursday graded work will be sent their Thursday – Take Home Folder. • This will allow you to see what we have been working on and how your child is doing. • Please sign the signature page that indicates that you have seen the contents of the Thursday folder. • If a student receives a grade below a B or a 3, please go over it with your child, sign and return it to school in their Thursday Folders.

5. 5th Grade Curriculum • SOL tests are given in writing, reading, math, and science. • The writing SOL test takes place in March. • All other SOL tests are given in May. • 9 week plans are posted on the 5th grade Webpage.

6. 5th Grade Webpage • Our webpage is located on the Hillside site under the classrooms tab - then drop down to the Fifth Grade link. • On the webpage you will find the following: • 9 week plans • Email contact information • Individual teacher pages -- Mrs. Beaman • Newsletters • Special classroom/subject information (upcoming projects) • Calendar – listing tests, quizzes, events • Homework tab – daily homework is posted here

7. Homework Expectations • Homework should be completed on a nightly basis Monday-Thursday. • Homework is always due the next day unless noted otherwise. • If a student is absent or misses class, they have the number of days missed to complete the work. • If homework is not turned in when due, it must be completed the next day.

8. Math • Guided Math – 4 groups of learning opportunities • Teacher lesson • Game • Computer • Independent practice • Grouping will be flexible (changeable per unit)

9. Reading • Reading fiction and nonfiction selections • Improve reading comprehension • Reading fluency – reading with expression • Reading a variety of genres • Power Reading – Can you read 20 books this school year? This is a goal, not necessarily a requirement. • 15 minutes of silent reading in every reading class • weekly teacher conferences • daily reading at home

10. Science • Sol- Spring May/June • Units of Study: Earth, Rocks & Minerals, Matter, Living Systems, Oceans, Light & Sound • Interactive Notebooks • 5th grade home page - Outlines and Vocabulary Words • Studying

11. Social Studies • SOL- none! • Units of Study: 6 Regions of the United States • Tests & Quizzes: study guides online • Map Quizzes- states, capitals, and abbreviations • Interactive Notebooks

12. Grading System Check plus, Check, Check minus √+ √ √- You will see these marked on some assessments given throughout the quarter indicating a level of success. A - F You will see letter grades with a number on tests, quizzes, and report card.

13. Grading System A (4) EXCEEDS STANDARD A (3+) MEETS STANDARD / BEGINNING TO EXCEED B (3) MEETING THE STANDARD B (2+) PROGRESSING TOWARD / BEGINNING TO MEET STANDARD C (2) PROGRESSING TOWARD STANDARD 1 BELOW THE STANDARD

14. Grading System 4 – Exceeds the standard. In addition to correctly answering most or all of the questions on the assessment, the student demonstrated “Level 4” thinking. This equates to an A in the grade book.

15. Grading System 3 – Meets the standard. Student correctly answered most of the questions on the assignment. This will equate to a B in the grade book. 3+ Beginning to exceed the standard. Student correctly answered most or all of the questions on the assignment. This will equate to a low A in the grade book.

16. Grading System 2 – Progressing toward the standard. The student was close to demonstrating proficiency with the standard. This will equate to a C in the grade book. 2+ - Beginning to meet the standard. This equates to a low B in the grade book.

17. Grading System 1 – Below Standard The student is able to demonstrate understanding with support. You will see the number 1 marked on the assignment. However, it will show up as a D or an F in the grade book.

18. Language Arts • Writing SOL – March – writing prompt and multiple choice – 2 separate days • Graphic organizers – plan to writing • Types of writing –descriptive, narrative (entertain), expository (inform), persuasive • Editing and revising – major focus • Handwriting – encouraged to write in cursive and print. • Spelling Quiz every Friday.

19. Extra Information Specials PE -- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Music – Wednesday and Thursday Art – Friday Spanish -- Tuesday Library -- Monday The classroom is peanut free at all times. Food treats to celebrate birthdays are discouraged.

20. What’s Next? • Conference Sign-up • Transportation form • Parent information • Parent volunteers • THANK YOU FOR COMING !