We had a phenomenal turn out at last night's Open House! Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to come and learn about your child's fifth grade class! As promised, I've posted all the critical information right here on the blog!
If you were not able to attend Open House, please make sure to read the following posts to get caught up on how we do things in Ms. Harris and Mr. Sofferin's classes. And remember, most notices about upcoming events, tests, projects, and anything else will be posted EXCLUSIVELY to this blog!
Follow the links to the posts:
Curriculum Overview, Contact Info, and Procedures
Class Economy and Classroom Management System
If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail or call either Ms. Harris or Mr. Sofferin!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Curriculum Overview
FIFTH GRADE CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Social Studies
Students will be learning about a variety of topics this year in social studies. The main focus of social studies instruction in fifth grade is American History. We will occasionally be reading from our textbooks, but the bulk of our social studies time will be spent on large and small group discussions, debates, reenactments, simulations, and projects. Throughout the entire year, beginning with the first day of school, students will be engaged in a wide-reaching economics project in which they will learn to earn, save, and spend money wisely. SEE POST DETAILING THE CLASS ECONOMY for more details.
Science
You can’t learn science by simply reading about it! You have to experience it first hand, which is why the bulk of our science time will be spent on demonstrations, experimentation, modeling, and group work. This year students will learn about some of the most intriguing scientific concepts, including the properties of matter, biology and ecosystems, energy and motion. As we have in past years, we will also be holding a science fair at the school during the last nine weeks. In fifth grade these will be individual or paired projects. Details on this project will come sometime in March.
Mathematics
Duval County Public Schools uses the mathematics program, Math Investigations. The program has a heavy emphasis on practical applications, problems solving, and multiple strategies for finding solutions to problems. I have had enormous success with teaching through this philosophy over the last six years. It is a style of teaching that addresses children as individuals with different strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. I will also be supplementing the program with daily skills practice with the newly adopted Everyday Counts math program. .
CHECK STUDENTS’ BINDERS FOR PARENT PACKETS AT THE START OF EACH UNIT. These will provide you with an overview of what your child will be learning in each unit, as well as tips for helping your child with homework.
Reading
Students will learn and practice a wide variety of reading comprehension strategies to make them better readers and thinkers. But it is most important that students develop joy, passion, and excitement for reading. Children will experience a wide variety of reading during the year, including fantasy, realistic fiction, mystery, drama, and nonfiction. To reach their 25 Book Reading Goal set by the district, students will need to simply log each book in their Reading Log (located in their planners) and inform Ms. Harris. It’s as simple as that! In addition, however, we will be using Accelerated Reader computer tests as an incentive program. Students will be able to earn a lot of “Bonus Money” by reading and taking tests on AR books. SEE POST ABOUT ECONOMIC PLAN FOR MORE DETAILS.
Writing
This year students will further refine and develop their writing skills within the five main genres to which they should be quite accustomed at this point: Narrative, Report, Procedural, Responding to Literature, and Persuasive writing.
PARENT COMMUNICATION
It is very important to me to form a strong home/school connection. To do this successfully, you need to be kept up to speed continually on what is happening in the classroom and how your child is doing socially, emotionally, and academically. There are many ways for you to stay informed on what is going on in school.
Assignment Notebook
The most frequent and most reliable daily communication comes in the form of the assignment notebook. Everyday, we will record what we did in school in each academic area, what was homework, and any important notices that you need to know. It is the responsibility of each student to fill out their planner, take it home, and have you read and sign it so you are kept informed. I will then check each morning that the planners have been signed by a parent or guardian. In addition, I will be posting all daily homework assignments on the class blog: www.sofferin.blogspot.com
How to Contact Us
There are several ways to reach us. Whatever method you choose we will do my best to respond within 48 hours. Please keep in mind that Mr. Sofferin works extended day five days a week, so he may not be able to return phone calls during those times.
* Notes – Either in assignment book or on separate paper. Most reliable and efficient method. But it is the child’s responsibility to give us the note!
* E-Mail – Checked daily, but often not until afternoon hours. This is the best method if you don’t need an immediate response. sofferinj@duvalschools.org harrisk@duvalschools.org
* Mr. Sofferin’s Personal Cell Phone – Cannot answer during school hours. Leave a message (including phone #) if there is no answer. I will call back as soon as I can.
(904)-608-8687
* School Voicemail – Will not usually be checked until after school each day. Mr. Sofferin would really prefer you call his cell phone if you need to speak with him.
* Message with the Secretary – Mostly for transportation changes and anything you need me to know before the end of the school day. (904)-739-5226
HOMEWORK POLICIES
Homework will be given most days on Monday through Thursday, and almost never on the weekend. Every day, your child will bring home their binder, including important notes, homework, and their planner. Homework will always be clipped in the binder with the planner. The planner is expected to be read and signed by parents every day and returned to school with the binder. It is also expected that each student completes his/her homework and returns it to school the next day (unless otherwise noted in the planner). In the event that your child CANNOT complete the assignments due to family obligations/emergencies, please send a brief note explaining this. If your child fails to take responsibility for completing their homework, they will be issued a fine of $50, which will double each consecutive day that the homework is not returned. (SEE POST ABOUT CLASS ECONOMY AND BEHAVIOR PLAN FOR MORE DETAILS).
Typical Homework Schedule:
Ø Math – Almost daily (MTWR)
Ø Social Studies and Science – Varies, more frequent just before a test
Ø Reading – Review weekly anthology story – test on Friday, 30 – 60 minutes of sustained reading (MTWR)
Ø Writing – Varies – There may be times when you are asked to help proofread your child’s work at home.
Ø Spelling – Writing sentences for spelling words on Monday and Tuesday
Also, keep in mind that often work that is not finished in class may be brought home for completion. This may happen in any of the subjects as necessary.
Weekly Tests/Quizzes
· Spelling – Every Friday
· Reading – Every Friday
· Math Skills – Every Thursday
· Additional Science, Math, and Social Studies Tests and Quizzes – Varies (see blog for all upcoming tests/quizzes)
What to do if your child misses school:
Ø When your child is absent for one day, they will receive any work that they missed the next day. You do not need to request assignments for that day.
Ø When your child is absent for more than one day, please call me before 8:00 AM on the day you want to pick up the schoolwork, or call the office if it is after 8:00 AM.
Ø If your child is going to be absent for an extended period of time due to a planned event or medical situation, please let me know as soon as possible, so that I can prepare assignments that need to be made up.
SNACKS AND DRINKS
Since we have a very late lunch (1:00), we have no problem with a child bringing a light, healthy snack that they can eat during the morning while they work. We encourage ALL students to bring a water bottle everyday. Either one of these privileges, however, can be revoked if the snack or bottle become distractions.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
It is very important to us to recognize each child’s birthday at school with a little celebration. Please feel free to drop off or have a child bring in a treat for 26 students on or around your child’s birthday. Please let us know in advance if you plan to send in a treat so that we can be sure to work in time on the schedule.
THE EXTRAS
Field Trips
We will have a few field trips throughout the school year. One of the highlights is a trip to the Marine Science Center. Fifth graders love this field trip and they always learn so much! This field trip is currently scheduled for the end of September. Of course, it is the school’s tradition to take an end of the year trip an amusement park! The grade level is also working on planning at least one other educationally-based field trip. More information will come when it is available.
Monthly Pay Day
On the last Friday of each month, we will have Pay Day. During this time, students will receive their monthly pay check, deposit it in the class bank, and pay their rent on their desk. After that, we will hold an auction at lunch, during which students can use extra left-over monies to bid on school supplies, prizes, and other cool stuff. As they’ll find out, it pays to save your money, as the monthly auction items will improve as the year goes by.
Monthly Luncheons and Parties
At the end of each month, both classes will be having a luncheon in the classroom. All parents are welcome to join us for the luncheons and are encouraged to help out by bringing in or sending something in for the luncheons! We will also have a few parties throughout the year. One just before the winter holidays, another after FCAT, and then a whole bunch of them at the end of the year!
Projects
There will be two big fifth grade projects this year. The first one will be the Live Wax Museum, in which each fifth grader will research a famous person and present a short oral report about the person. The second one will be their science fair project in the spring. More information about these will come out when we get closer.
Social Studies
Students will be learning about a variety of topics this year in social studies. The main focus of social studies instruction in fifth grade is American History. We will occasionally be reading from our textbooks, but the bulk of our social studies time will be spent on large and small group discussions, debates, reenactments, simulations, and projects. Throughout the entire year, beginning with the first day of school, students will be engaged in a wide-reaching economics project in which they will learn to earn, save, and spend money wisely. SEE POST DETAILING THE CLASS ECONOMY for more details.
Science
You can’t learn science by simply reading about it! You have to experience it first hand, which is why the bulk of our science time will be spent on demonstrations, experimentation, modeling, and group work. This year students will learn about some of the most intriguing scientific concepts, including the properties of matter, biology and ecosystems, energy and motion. As we have in past years, we will also be holding a science fair at the school during the last nine weeks. In fifth grade these will be individual or paired projects. Details on this project will come sometime in March.
Mathematics
Duval County Public Schools uses the mathematics program, Math Investigations. The program has a heavy emphasis on practical applications, problems solving, and multiple strategies for finding solutions to problems. I have had enormous success with teaching through this philosophy over the last six years. It is a style of teaching that addresses children as individuals with different strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. I will also be supplementing the program with daily skills practice with the newly adopted Everyday Counts math program. .
CHECK STUDENTS’ BINDERS FOR PARENT PACKETS AT THE START OF EACH UNIT. These will provide you with an overview of what your child will be learning in each unit, as well as tips for helping your child with homework.
Reading
Students will learn and practice a wide variety of reading comprehension strategies to make them better readers and thinkers. But it is most important that students develop joy, passion, and excitement for reading. Children will experience a wide variety of reading during the year, including fantasy, realistic fiction, mystery, drama, and nonfiction. To reach their 25 Book Reading Goal set by the district, students will need to simply log each book in their Reading Log (located in their planners) and inform Ms. Harris. It’s as simple as that! In addition, however, we will be using Accelerated Reader computer tests as an incentive program. Students will be able to earn a lot of “Bonus Money” by reading and taking tests on AR books. SEE POST ABOUT ECONOMIC PLAN FOR MORE DETAILS.
Writing
This year students will further refine and develop their writing skills within the five main genres to which they should be quite accustomed at this point: Narrative, Report, Procedural, Responding to Literature, and Persuasive writing.
PARENT COMMUNICATION
It is very important to me to form a strong home/school connection. To do this successfully, you need to be kept up to speed continually on what is happening in the classroom and how your child is doing socially, emotionally, and academically. There are many ways for you to stay informed on what is going on in school.
Assignment Notebook
The most frequent and most reliable daily communication comes in the form of the assignment notebook. Everyday, we will record what we did in school in each academic area, what was homework, and any important notices that you need to know. It is the responsibility of each student to fill out their planner, take it home, and have you read and sign it so you are kept informed. I will then check each morning that the planners have been signed by a parent or guardian. In addition, I will be posting all daily homework assignments on the class blog: www.sofferin.blogspot.com
How to Contact Us
There are several ways to reach us. Whatever method you choose we will do my best to respond within 48 hours. Please keep in mind that Mr. Sofferin works extended day five days a week, so he may not be able to return phone calls during those times.
* Notes – Either in assignment book or on separate paper. Most reliable and efficient method. But it is the child’s responsibility to give us the note!
* E-Mail – Checked daily, but often not until afternoon hours. This is the best method if you don’t need an immediate response. sofferinj@duvalschools.org harrisk@duvalschools.org
* Mr. Sofferin’s Personal Cell Phone – Cannot answer during school hours. Leave a message (including phone #) if there is no answer. I will call back as soon as I can.
(904)-608-8687
* School Voicemail – Will not usually be checked until after school each day. Mr. Sofferin would really prefer you call his cell phone if you need to speak with him.
* Message with the Secretary – Mostly for transportation changes and anything you need me to know before the end of the school day. (904)-739-5226
HOMEWORK POLICIES
Homework will be given most days on Monday through Thursday, and almost never on the weekend. Every day, your child will bring home their binder, including important notes, homework, and their planner. Homework will always be clipped in the binder with the planner. The planner is expected to be read and signed by parents every day and returned to school with the binder. It is also expected that each student completes his/her homework and returns it to school the next day (unless otherwise noted in the planner). In the event that your child CANNOT complete the assignments due to family obligations/emergencies, please send a brief note explaining this. If your child fails to take responsibility for completing their homework, they will be issued a fine of $50, which will double each consecutive day that the homework is not returned. (SEE POST ABOUT CLASS ECONOMY AND BEHAVIOR PLAN FOR MORE DETAILS).
Typical Homework Schedule:
Ø Math – Almost daily (MTWR)
Ø Social Studies and Science – Varies, more frequent just before a test
Ø Reading – Review weekly anthology story – test on Friday, 30 – 60 minutes of sustained reading (MTWR)
Ø Writing – Varies – There may be times when you are asked to help proofread your child’s work at home.
Ø Spelling – Writing sentences for spelling words on Monday and Tuesday
Also, keep in mind that often work that is not finished in class may be brought home for completion. This may happen in any of the subjects as necessary.
Weekly Tests/Quizzes
· Spelling – Every Friday
· Reading – Every Friday
· Math Skills – Every Thursday
· Additional Science, Math, and Social Studies Tests and Quizzes – Varies (see blog for all upcoming tests/quizzes)
What to do if your child misses school:
Ø When your child is absent for one day, they will receive any work that they missed the next day. You do not need to request assignments for that day.
Ø When your child is absent for more than one day, please call me before 8:00 AM on the day you want to pick up the schoolwork, or call the office if it is after 8:00 AM.
Ø If your child is going to be absent for an extended period of time due to a planned event or medical situation, please let me know as soon as possible, so that I can prepare assignments that need to be made up.
SNACKS AND DRINKS
Since we have a very late lunch (1:00), we have no problem with a child bringing a light, healthy snack that they can eat during the morning while they work. We encourage ALL students to bring a water bottle everyday. Either one of these privileges, however, can be revoked if the snack or bottle become distractions.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
It is very important to us to recognize each child’s birthday at school with a little celebration. Please feel free to drop off or have a child bring in a treat for 26 students on or around your child’s birthday. Please let us know in advance if you plan to send in a treat so that we can be sure to work in time on the schedule.
THE EXTRAS
Field Trips
We will have a few field trips throughout the school year. One of the highlights is a trip to the Marine Science Center. Fifth graders love this field trip and they always learn so much! This field trip is currently scheduled for the end of September. Of course, it is the school’s tradition to take an end of the year trip an amusement park! The grade level is also working on planning at least one other educationally-based field trip. More information will come when it is available.
Monthly Pay Day
On the last Friday of each month, we will have Pay Day. During this time, students will receive their monthly pay check, deposit it in the class bank, and pay their rent on their desk. After that, we will hold an auction at lunch, during which students can use extra left-over monies to bid on school supplies, prizes, and other cool stuff. As they’ll find out, it pays to save your money, as the monthly auction items will improve as the year goes by.
Monthly Luncheons and Parties
At the end of each month, both classes will be having a luncheon in the classroom. All parents are welcome to join us for the luncheons and are encouraged to help out by bringing in or sending something in for the luncheons! We will also have a few parties throughout the year. One just before the winter holidays, another after FCAT, and then a whole bunch of them at the end of the year!
Projects
There will be two big fifth grade projects this year. The first one will be the Live Wax Museum, in which each fifth grader will research a famous person and present a short oral report about the person. The second one will be their science fair project in the spring. More information about these will come out when we get closer.
Class Economy
Real Life Economics
A Realistic Approach to Classroom Management
The best way to learn any skill is not through reading about it or talking about it, but through experiencing it. This year, students in room 70 will have a unique opportunity to learn about real economics. Through the course of the year students will learn, through experience, about scarcity, opportunity cost, delayed gratification, economic responsibility, the benefits of owning over renting, and how to manage their finances and balance a checking account. Here’s how the program will work.
Students have already selected and applied for jobs within the classroom. Through those jobs, students will earn a monthly salary (in Beauclerc Bucks), which they will need to use to help pay the rent on their desks. Yes, each student will have to pay rent on their desk. However, by saving up enough money for three months worth of rent, they can buy their own desk and no longer have to pay any rent. If they are so ambitious, they can even buy other students’ desks and charge them rent! While the monthly salaries are not enough to pay for rent alone, students can also earn “Bonus Money,” through a variety of tasks.
| Perfect Spelling Test | $50 |
| Perfect Math Facts Test | $50 |
| Accelerated Reader Tests | $50 x AR Points x Test Score |
| 80% on any other Test | $50 |
| 100% on any other Test | $200 |
| Monthly Perfect Attendance | $100 |
| Monthly Perfect HW Record | $100 |
| Joining Chorus, ORFF, Student Council, Patrols, or Broadcast | $100 |
| Participation in Nutcracker or American Grandstand | $100 |
| Compliment by a teacher | $200 |
| Answering Bonus Money Questions | Various |
At the end of each month, students will receive their paycheck and will be responsible for depositing it in the bank and paying their rent, along with any unsettled fees. Then, we will hold an auction in which I will offer up school supplies and other cool prizes for students to bid on with any extra money they have. Wise students will quickly figure out that it’s often best to hold off on buying anything until they have saved up enough to buy their desk. Through this experience, children will learn about delayed gratification and to make wise choices with their money, a skill most of us had to struggle through learning on our own.
A Realistic Approach to Classroom Management
I’m sure your child has been in a classroom that used colored cards that were flipped with each rule infraction. The punishment after a certain number of cards turned was to miss recess. I’m sorry to say that I had used this method of classroom management for six years of my teaching, until I discovered this much more realistic approach. And I’m also sorry to say that I actually thought it was a good strategy. Fortunately, I’ve realized that it is not as effective as it appears. Students are given the same consequence for any and all rule violations, which doesn’t seem to make sense. Rarely do the consequences fit the crimes. And the biggest problem is that children miss out on recess, which is an enormously valuable time for physical activity and socialization.
This year, room 70 is taking a more realistic approach to classroom management. Like in the real world, when a student breaks a rule they will pay a fine. The amount of the fines will vary based on the seriousness of the offense and some will increase with subsequent offenses. A police officer within the classroom (that’s one of the classroom jobs) will be responsible for issuing tickets and collecting fines. Through this, students will learn real life consequences to making poor choices. If poor choices continue, students will not be able to save enough money to spend at the auctions, buy his/her desk, and possibly even pay their rent.
Each time a student receives a ticket, the student will need to get the ticket signed by a parent/guardian and return it to school with the necessary amount of money. Students are encouraged to pay their fees as they come, but have until the end of the month to pay any outstanding fines. Here is a breakdown of offenses and fines:
| Infraction | Fine |
| No name on homework | $10 |
| Missing Homework | $50 (doubles with consecutive offenses) |
| Rudeness/Disrespect | $50 |
| Not Following Directions | $50 |
| Teasing/Harassing | $100 |
| Messy Desk (discovered in periodic police raids) | $100 |
| Reprimand by another teacher | $200 |
| Dishonesty | $500 |
You’ll notice that the stiffest penalty by far is for dishonesty. This is an important part of character building. Students will learn that I value honesty above most other qualities. I would much rather a student breaks a rule and is truthful with me when confronted than for him to lie to try to avoid punishment. Trust is vitally important to me and there are tough penalties for breaking that trust.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Native American Research
We did some research on the computers today, finding information about several different Native American tribal regions. You can continue the research on your own and find out more about the other regions that you didn't research, by clicking here!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Congrats to Our Student Council Reps
We had our Student Council election yesterday! After giving some great speeches, Isabel and Jasmine were elected to represent our class this year!
-- Post From My iPhone
-- Post From My iPhone
Reminders!
Reminder - Tomorrow is Open House! Please make sure you come to find out all about what your child has to look forward to in fifth grade. Open House begins at 7:00, and we'll be done before 8:00. Students, remember that there's $200 in Bonus Money for anyone whose parents or guardians attend Open House! So, make sure to bug your parents to come tomorrow!
This Friday is Picture Day! Comb your hair, put on your nicest clothes, and bring a smile! You may not be able to look as good as Mr. Sofferin or Ms. Harris, but you should try your best anyway! :)
Book Fair starts next Tuesday! Students will have time to browse the Book Fair next week. Read and Feed will be the following Tuesday, September 15th. Come have an Olive Garden dinner at school and then head to the Book Fair! Or just come to the Book Fair and skip the food!
This Friday is Picture Day! Comb your hair, put on your nicest clothes, and bring a smile! You may not be able to look as good as Mr. Sofferin or Ms. Harris, but you should try your best anyway! :)
Book Fair starts next Tuesday! Students will have time to browse the Book Fair next week. Read and Feed will be the following Tuesday, September 15th. Come have an Olive Garden dinner at school and then head to the Book Fair! Or just come to the Book Fair and skip the food!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Curriculum Overview
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FIFTH GRADE CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Social Studies
Students will be learning about a variety of topics this year in social studies. The main focus of social studies instruction in fifth grade is American History. We will occasionally be reading from our textbooks, but the bulk of our social studies time will be spent on large and small group discussions, debates, reenactments, simulations, and projects. Throughout the entire year, beginning with the first day of school, students will be engaged in a wide-reaching economics project in which they will learn to earn, save, and spend money wisely. SEE POST DETAILING THE CLASS ECONOMY for more details.
Science
You can’t learn science by simply reading about it! You have to experience it first hand, which is why the bulk of our science time will be spent on demonstrations, experimentation, modeling, and group work. This year students will learn about some of the most intriguing scientific concepts, including the properties of matter, biology and ecosystems, energy and motion. As we have in past years, we will also be holding a science fair at the school during the last nine weeks. In fifth grade these will be individual or paired projects. Details on this project will come sometime in March.
Mathematics
Duval County Public Schools uses the mathematics program, Math Investigations. The program has a heavy emphasis on practical applications, problems solving, and multiple strategies for finding solutions to problems. I have had enormous success with teaching through this philosophy over the last six years. It is a style of teaching that addresses children as individuals with different strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. I will also be supplementing the program with daily skills practice with the newly adopted Everyday Counts math program. .
CHECK STUDENTS’ BINDERS FOR PARENT PACKETS AT THE START OF EACH UNIT. These will provide you with an overview of what your child will be learning in each unit, as well as tips for helping your child with homework.
Reading
Students will learn and practice a wide variety of reading comprehension strategies to make them better readers and thinkers. But it is most important that students develop joy, passion, and excitement for reading. Children will experience a wide variety of reading during the year, including fantasy, realistic fiction, mystery, drama, and nonfiction. To reach their 25 Book Reading Goal set by the district, students will need to simply log each book in their Reading Log (located in their planners) and inform Ms. Harris. It’s as simple as that! In addition, however, we will be using Accelerated Reader computer tests as an incentive program. Students will be able to earn a lot of “Bonus Money” by reading and taking tests on AR books. SEE POST ABOUT ECONOMIC PLAN FOR MORE DETAILS.
Writing
This year students will further refine and develop their writing skills within the five main genres to which they should be quite accustomed at this point: Narrative, Report, Procedural, Responding to Literature, and Persuasive writing.
PARENT COMMUNICATION
It is very important to me to form a strong home/school connection. To do this successfully, you need to be kept up to speed continually on what is happening in the classroom and how your child is doing socially, emotionally, and academically. There are many ways for you to stay informed on what is going on in school.
Assignment Notebook
The most frequent and most reliable daily communication comes in the form of the assignment notebook. Everyday, we will record what we did in school in each academic area, what was homework, and any important notices that you need to know. It is the responsibility of each student to fill out their planner, take it home, and have you read and sign it so you are kept informed. I will then check each morning that the planners have been signed by a parent or guardian. In addition, I will be posting all daily homework assignments on the class blog: www.sofferin.blogspot.com
How to Contact Us
There are several ways to reach us. Whatever method you choose we will do my best to respond within 48 hours. Please keep in mind that Mr. Sofferin works extended day five days a week, so he may not be able to return phone calls during those times.
- Notes – Either in assignment book or on separate paper. Most reliable and efficient method. But it is the child’s responsibility to give us the note!
- E-Mail – Checked daily, but often not until afternoon hours. This is the best method if you don’t need an immediate response. sofferinj@duvalschools.org harrisk@duvalschools.org
- Mr. Sofferin’s Personal Cell Phone – Cannot answer during school hours. Leave a message (including phone #) if there is no answer. I will call back as soon as I can.
(904)-608-8687
- School Voicemail – Will not usually be checked until after school each day. Mr. Sofferin would really prefer you call his cell phone if you need to speak with him.
- Message with the Secretary – Mostly for transportation changes and anything you need me to know before the end of the school day. (904)-739-5226
HOMEWORK POLICIES
Homework will be given most days on Monday through Thursday, and almost never on the weekend. Every day, your child will bring home their binder, including important notes, homework, and their planner. Homework will always be clipped in the binder with the planner. The planner is expected to be read and signed by parents every day and returned to school with the binder. It is also expected that each student completes his/her homework and returns it to school the next day (unless otherwise noted in the planner). In the event that your child CANNOT complete the assignments due to family obligations/emergencies, please send a brief note explaining this. If your child fails to take responsibility for completing their homework, they will be issued a fine of $50, which will double each consecutive day that the homework is not returned. (SEE POST ABOUT CLASS ECONOMY AND BEHAVIOR PLAN FOR MORE DETAILS).
Typical Homework Schedule:
Ø Math – Almost daily (MTWR)
Ø Social Studies and Science – Varies, more frequent just before a test
Ø Reading – Review weekly anthology story – test on Friday, 30 – 60 minutes of sustained reading (MTWR)
Ø Writing – Varies – There may be times when you are asked to help proofread your child’s work at home.
Ø Spelling – Writing sentences for spelling words on Monday and Tuesday
Also, keep in mind that often work that is not finished in class may be brought home for completion. This may happen in any of the subjects as necessary.
Weekly Tests/Quizzes
· Spelling – Every Friday
· Reading – Every Friday
· Math Skills – Every Thursday
· Additional Science, Math, and Social Studies Tests and Quizzes – Varies (see blog for all upcoming tests/quizzes)
What to do if your child misses school:
Ø When your child is absent for one day, they will receive any work that they missed the next day. You do not need to request assignments for that day.
Ø When your child is absent for more than one day, please call me before 8:00 AM on the day you want to pick up the schoolwork, or call the office if it is after 8:00 AM.
Ø If your child is going to be absent for an extended period of time due to a planned event or medical situation, please let me know as soon as possible, so that I can prepare assignments that need to be made up.
SNACKS AND DRINKS
Since we have a very late lunch (1:00), we have no problem with a child bringing a light, healthy snack that they can eat during the morning while they work. We encourage ALL students to bring a water bottle everyday. Either one of these privileges, however, can be revoked if the snack or bottle become distractions.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
It is very important to us to recognize each child’s birthday at school with a little celebration. Please feel free to drop off or have a child bring in a treat for 26 students on or around your child’s birthday. Please let us know in advance if you plan to send in a treat so that we can be sure to work in time on the schedule.
THE EXTRAS
Field Trips
We will have a few field trips throughout the school year. One of the highlights is a trip to the Marine Science Center. Fifth graders love this field trip and they always learn so much! This field trip is currently scheduled for the end of September. Of course, it is the school’s tradition to take an end of the year trip an amusement park! The grade level is also working on planning at least one other educationally-based field trip. More information will come when it is available.
Monthly Pay Day
On the last Friday of each month, we will have Pay Day. During this time, students will receive their monthly pay check, deposit it in the class bank, and pay their rent on their desk. After that, we will hold an auction at lunch, during which students can use extra left-over monies to bid on school supplies, prizes, and other cool stuff. As they’ll find out, it pays to save your money, as the monthly auction items will improve as the year goes by.
Monthly Luncheons and Parties
At the end of each month, both classes will be having a luncheon in the classroom. All parents are welcome to join us for the luncheons and are encouraged to help out by bringing in or sending something in for the luncheons! We will also have a few parties throughout the year. One just before the winter holidays, another after FCAT, and then a whole bunch of them at the end of the year!
Projects
There will be two big fifth grade projects this year. The first one will be the Live Wax Museum, in which each fifth grader will research a famous person and present a short oral report about the person. The second one will be their science fair project in the spring. More information about these will come out when we get closer.
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