Back To School Night2009

WELCOME TO BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT! Dear Parents,

September 2009

What follows is the curriculum your student will be responsible for during their fifth grade year. LANGUAGE ARTS – Grammar - Proofreading, Daily Oral Language/Analogies, and a variety of activities and instruction will be used to improve children's grammar usage, mechanics and understanding of word relationships. Writing – We use the district approved Step Up to Writing program with emphasis on organizing to write. We will focus mostly on expository writing, with some story writing and poetry as time permits. When appropriate, we will work on handwriting (cursive) to ensure competence and neatness. Oral Language - Students will have instruction in preparing for and giving presentations. Ample opportunity for practice will include a variety of short speeches, poetry, reports and topical presentations. Vocabulary – Every other week, students will receive instruction regarding the origin and roots of words including the word meaning, affixes and prefixes the study of Greek and Latin prefixes. Tests occur on Friday. Vocabulary contracts are assigned Monday and due Friday. Spelling – Every other week, there is a regular spelling list and a challenge list. Students who miss three or fewer questions on the pre-test (regular list) on Monday are responsible for learning the challenge list. Tests happen on Friday. Spelling contracts are assigned Monday and due Friday. READING - Textbook – The literature series by Houghton Mifflin has been adopted for 5th grade in Cupertino as the basis for our reading program. We will be using the text plus numerous other materials to achieve our goal of enjoyment and comprehension of literature. We will examine original literature as well as short pieces. Reading skills, concepts, and strategies will be taught. The core literature books this year will include: Mixed up Files, Sign of the Beaver, and Bridge to Terabithia. Outside Reading - This is a major part of our reading program and will be factored into our overall student assessments throughout the year. It is meant to encourage recreational reading. The children in 5th grade are expected to read ~ 1000 pages during the trimester (12 weeks). All of the pages read will also be used in our class participation reading activities. Children whose first language is not English are encouraged to read at least two books a trimester in their first language.

S.S.R (Sustained Silent Reading) – When time permits, I will allow students to read silently for 15-20 minutes during class time. Students should always have a book to read at their desk. Homework - Unfinished class work is to be completed as homework. Children are expected to read at least 30 minutes each night. Math - The Math series by Houghton Mifflin has been adopted for 5th grade in Cupertino as the basis for our Mathematics program. The Cupertino Mathematics Curriculum encourages development of problem solving skills and the ability to clearly communicate mathematical thinking in addition to basic computational skills. Our program supports the California Mathematics Standards that cover the following areas in 5th grade; number and number theory (including decimals, fractions and percentage), measurement and geometry, patterns and functions, probability statistics, logic and algebra. Students will have an opportunity to develop a personal understanding of math concepts through the use of a variety of math tools (manipulatives, journals, mental math, calculators, and computers). There is practice every day in computational skills and homework every night except Friday. Technology – I will be working with students to ensure they have basic computing skills (keyboarding) as well as providing instruction and activities with Internet based research. I will provide instruction on using Microsoft Word © and PowerPoint © during the year. I will expect the students to prepare documents and presentations using these programs as part of our project work throughout the year. If you have these programs available at home, I would like you to encourage your child to use them as much as possible. P.E. - This occurs on Mondays and Tuesdays for 45 minutes. Appropriate shoes and dress are required. If a child is not to participate for any reason a note is required. ART & MUSIC - Art and Music are taught across the curriculum. Our music specialist, Melanie Zhao, teaches Music each Thursday. Spectra Art is every other Friday, run by our parent volunteer, Suchi. We are very luck to have such an experienced teacher, having held the position of SPECTRA Art Coordinator in previous years. SCIENCE - The curriculum for the year revolves around the California State Standards and our preparation for Science School at Marin Headlands. Mrs. Lawson teaches science. Topics include: - Living Systems - The Body

- Weather and Astronomy - Mixtures and Solutions

A Science School information meeting will be scheduled for an evening in September. Please plan to attend this meeting, as it will provide you with all of the information necessary for planning a successful science trip for your child. Please note: We need parent volunteers each year in order to make this special trip happen. Please think about volunteering during the next few weeks, and be prepared to sign up at the meeting. SOCIAL STUDIES - We will be studying U.S. History in 5th grade. The subject covers early Native Americans to the Westward Movement (~ 1850). Mr. Rosenberg and Ms. Alwell teach Social Studies. Topics include: - Geography - Native Americans - Explorers - Colonial Times - The Revolutionary War - Building of America - The Westward Movement Units will include hands-on activities, group work, individual homework, individual projects and reports. ENRICHMENT - We will be studying a variety of topics in this class. These provide both support and enrichment in the areas of Science and Social Studies, as well as encompassing separate 5th Grade California Content Standards such as health and wellness. Taught by Ms. Schwinge. Topics include: - Research Reports - Marin Headlands Prep - Human Growth & Development - Tobacco/Drug Awareness - Classification of Plants & Animals - Geography

HOMEWORK - Each child has been given a Student Planner for his or her binder. Please encourage your child to use the planner and then check to see that the lessons are done each night. Send a note to us if there is some reason your child cannot complete an assignment - no other excuse will be accepted. I expect all homework to be completed carefully and ontime, everyday. Fifth graders should generally have ~45-60 minutes of homework plus 30 minutes of reading (unfinished class-work will require additional time) each night except Friday. Let me know if the burden is too much for your child. Good organization, a quiet place to study, parental observations, and perhaps a little assistance are helpful when doing homework. RESEARCH AND GROUP PROJECTS – Specific formats for projects and reports will be assigned and students must follow formats, including a proper bibliography when required. Reports should be typed in 12-point Times Roman or legibly written in blue or black INK. At least one rough draft and/or notes must be included with the final report. No plagiarism. Time in class will be given for working on group projects. Students will receive feedback on content, as well as participation and cooperative skills.

GRADING PROCEDURES- The Cupertino Union School District uses a standards-based report card. Grading will be based on the degree to which the student is attaining grade level standards in each area of the 5th grade program. The “CUSD 6 Point Grading Rubric” is attached for your reference. Report cards are sent home three times a year at the end of each trimester. COMMUNICATION - Part of our communication will be the Green Gator Folder, which may contain communication from the school or from the fifth grade team. The majority of information will be posted on the 5th grade teachers’ websites and/or will be e-mailed to the address you have provided. A tri-weekly assignment sheet listing recent assignments and grades will go home for you to peruse and sign. The corresponding work will accompany this sheet. Additionally, the Parent Communication Folder, which goes home each Friday, is a way for your child to explain their work and progress and a place for you to provide feedback and support. Please sign and return each Tuesday. CLASSROOM WEBSITE- Please visit the classroom website on a weekly basis to check for updates. Among other things you will find the weekly spelling lists, science camp information, and my monthly newsletter. Here you may also listen to weekly podcasts from Room 13 students pertaining to their past week of school. Bookmark this important site today! http://www.cupertino.k12.ca.us/ggteachers/MsSchwinge/classwebsite/Welcome.html Please feel free to contact me at anytime if you have questions related to your student or their work. I appreciate your attendance this evening and look forward to meeting with you and your child at conference time. Best, Ms. Sarah Schwinge

[email protected] 213

408.252.5414x