5th Grade
Information Packet
2015-2016
Parents and Guardians,
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to my class! We are looking forward to
working with your child and I know this will be a wonderful school year! To help us have a great start
to the year, there are a few items to review in this packet. The items in this packet give an overview
of essential components of 5th grade. Please complete, sign, and return the last page of this packet.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!
Sincerely,
5th Grade Team
Curriculum Overview
School Improvement Goals
Literacy: All students will improve reading comprehension across the curriculum.
Math: All students will improve their mathematical problem solving with fewer errors in computations.
Literacy
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Students will be reading a variety of material this year ranging from short stories to a variety of
novels.
A Balanced Literacy approach will be implemented using the guidelines from the Fountas and
Pinnell Continuum of Literacy Learning.
Literacy and writing are integrated throughout the curriculum. Instruction is based on five literacy
core principles:
1. Students learn to read, comprehend, and connect materials of all genres independently.
2. Students learn to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking.
3. Teachers incorporate a balanced approach to teaching literacy including guided reading,
sustained silent reading, writing, and word-building.
4. Literacy instruction is integrated throughout the curriculum and everyday life.
5. Students and teachers utilize all available resources.
Math
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After completing a benchmark assessment, we will begin switching for math on Wednesday!
We will continue teaching using our new, spiraling math program this year, EveryDay Math! Be
sure your child shares their EDM login information with you next week so you can support them
in accessing homework, playing practice games and more!
Social Studies
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Will be based off of the 5th grade Social Studies Indiana Academic standards and 21st
Century Learning Skills.
Primarily projects and activities will be used to allow students to use higher level thinking
strategies (Blooms Taxonomy).
Main concepts that we will cover throughout the year include: Native Americans, explorers,
colony time period, American Revolution, U.S. regions, U.S. government, and economics.
Science
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Will be based off of the 5th grade Science Indiana Academic standards and 21st Century
Learning Skills.
Projects and activities will allow students to use higher level thinking strategies (Blooms
Taxonomy).
Main concepts will cover throughout the year include: space, ecosystems, scientific method,
and the design process.
PBL/Inquiry Based Learning
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Here at Promise Road Elementary, we will teach using the inquiry and problem based
learning model. This is an approach to teaching where students explore real-world problems
and challenges, while at the same developing skills from other subject areas and achieves
mastery of cross-curricular common core standards.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) deals less with the acquisition of basic skills and more with
the application of those skills to real life situations. PBL is open ended; broad questions are
posed to students (or developed by the students themselves), and the goal of the learning
becomes the development of answers and solutions through information gathering,
organization and aggregation of the information, and the synthesis of new information.
Students will work in collaborative groups during the process of completing their projects.
They will utilize their organizational and research skills, develop communication with peers
and adults, and understand real world scenarios.
Evaluations will not only be based on the product, but mostly the process, using mini
assessments, such as quizzes, written response, etc, along the way, and how well students
collaborated, used critical thinking, creativity, and how well they communicated their ideas to
the class.
PBL has many benefits:
o An emphasis on meaning, not just memorization of facts
o Increased self direction and self motivation as students take on more responsibility for
their education
o Higher comprehension and skill development, with a subsequent improvement in the
transferability of those skills to a work environment
o Better interpersonal skills because of the collaborative nature of PBL
o Increased technical skills because of the research and presentation skills requires
Classroom Logistics
Schedule
*Please try to keep any doctor’s appointments to non-academic times of the day!
8:30-8:50
8:50-10:30
10:30-11:15
11:15-12:30
12:30-12:50
12:50-1:20
1:20-1:25
1:25-2:10
2:10-2:50
2:50-3:20
3:20-3:30
Arrival & Morning Work
Literacy
Specials
Math
Recess
Lunch
Restroom
Writing
PBL/Content Area
RTI
Pack-Up & Dismissal
1:1 Classroom (iPad)
What does it look like At-School?
• Each student will have an iPad in our classroom.
• The 4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Critical Thinking
• Differentiated Learning Experiences
• Organization and Workflow
• Linking students with a Global Audience
• Immediate Feedback
• Increase in student engagement
What does it look like At-Home?
• Less paper
• Access to Information
• Additional Responsibility
• Homework Assignments can be Exchanged Electronically
• Open Communication with Teacher and Peers
Benefits
• 24/7 Access to Information
• Supports collaborative learning
• Opens the learning environment beyond the 4 classroom walls
• Students with learning differences are better able to keep pace with classmates because
they can utilize the technology to meet their individual learning needs.
• Increased motivation to take charge of own learning
What do you as parents need to do?
• Parent and student will need to sign a copy of the student technology handbook.
• Come to our special iPad Classroom Night on Monday, August 10th at 6:00 p.m.
• Parents and students need to decide on a consistent method and location to charge iPads
every night.
• Please purchase student ear buds or headphones.
Recess
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Recess is an earned privilege. If your child does not have homework completed, he/she could
lose their recess to complete it.
We will have recess everyday, but we will stay inside if the weather is too cold or rainy.
Specials
 There is a 4-day rotation for specials, daily 9:45-10:25am.
 Our schedule is:
Moore
Haas
Gasser
Penn
Day 1: Technology
Day 1: P.E.
Day 1: Art
Day 1: Music
Day 2: P.E.
Day 2: Music
Day 2: Technology
Day 2: Art
Day 3: Music
Day 3: Art
Day 3: P.E.
Day 3: Technology
Day 4: Art
Day 4: Technology
Day 4: Music
Day 4: P.E.
 Gym shoes are necessary for days that we have P.E. We will encourage students to write
down what special we have the next day in their assignment notebook.
Birthdays
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Effective with the 2012-13 school year, schools may not celebrate birthdays with food items
on school grounds. Instead, teachers may choose to celebrate birthdays with non-food items
or student recognition.
The change follows the council’s mission of promoting healthy lifestyles with a focus on
nutrition and fitness and making wellness a way of life for the community of Noblesville. In
addition, it addresses an increase in food allergies and other health concerns among
students.
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No parties!!! No treats will be permitted this year for birthday celebrations.
Field Trips
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We will be taking a minimum of two field trips that support our curriculum throughout the year.
Dress Code
In accordance with Noblesville Schools Elementary Handbook...
 "There is a direct relationship between dress, grooming, conduct, and the wholesome living
and thinking of boys and girls. Students are expected to dress and groom themselves within
the framework of individual pride, decency, cleanliness, and safety. Students must refrain
from clothing that disrupts the educational process. Students are not permitted to wear hats
or coats in class unless special permission is granted. Parental cooperation is expected to
insure adherence to the above standards."
Water Bottles
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Water bottles allowed but no water flavoring permitted. If students are not being responsible
with their water bottles they may not be allowed to use until they demonstrate more
responsible behavior.
Snacks
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Since we eat lunch late we will allow students to bring in a healthy snack. This is NOT a
second lunch so pleased be mindful of the snack size.
Medications & Doctor Appointments
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All medications need to be brought in from home by an adult to the school nurse.
If your child needs cough drops, a note to the teacher will suffice.
Please try to keep any doctor’s appointments to non-academic times of the day!
Parent Communication
Please keep in mind our first priority during the school day is teaching. If you need to contact your
child’s teacher during the school day email is the most effecting mode, typically if you call you will
get our voicemail which we may not check until after students are dismissed. We will try our best to
employ the 24-Hour Rule; we will contact you within 24 hours upon receiving your email or call.
Folders
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Communication Folders will be sent home each day, and returned to school the following day.
This folder has two sides, with one side labeled, “Bring Back” and the other side labeled,
“Keep at Home.”
Any homework or forms to return to school will be found in the “Bring Back” side. Please put
these papers back in the folder to be returned to school when completed. Graded work will be
found in the “Keep at Home” section of the folder.
Please set aside a time each evening to go through all of your child’s papers.
Assignment Notebooks
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Due to the iPads, students will not have a traditional (paper version) assignment notebook.
We will begin with paper copies of an assignment notebook at first until we transition to using
the iPads.
Homework
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Students should have approximately 40 minutes per night of homework, which includes the
Panther Reading Challenge and Panther Math Challenge. We want to know if it is taking your
child a lot longer than one hour. Either the work is too difficult, or there are attention issues to
discuss.
Make-up work one day for every absent day.
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If your child is having problems with his/her homework, please have them do as much as
possible and bring it back the following day with a parent note. We will go over any homework
problems the following day, instructional time permitting.
Your child may be expected to finish any late assignments during recess and/or for
homework. If needed, working lunches may be given if there are many missing assignments.
Grading
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Most often put a total number correct out of the total number will be written on the assignment,
not a letter grade. This will also be true when assignments are graded one the iPad.
Students will also be self-checking a lot of their own papers for understanding.
Report Cards
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Standards based report cards will be used.
Report card will be sent through email. If you do not have access to email please notify the
front office.
Transportation Changes
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If your child will be taking a different form of transportation home, please send a signed note
with your child with the change to be stamped for approval by the front office (317) 773-7060.
If you need to make a change once your child have left for school, call the front office who will
ensure your child receives the approved change. An email notification is appreciated but
cannot be used as an approved note.
Teacher Contact
Mrs. Molly Haas molly_haas@nobl.k12.in.us
Mrs. Natalie Gasser natalie_gasser@nobl.k12.in.us
Mrs. Jenna Moore jenna_moree@nobl.k12.in.us
Mrs. Wendy Penn wendy_penn@nobl.k12.in.us
Expectations and Leadership Levels
Classroom procedures and expectations are created using the 8 habits from The Leader in Me by
Stephen Covey.
Habit 1 — Be Proactive “You're in Charge”
I am responsible for my own behavior, I think before I act.
Habit 2 — Begin with the End in Mind “Have a Plan”
I plan ahead nad stay focused on my goals.
Habit 3 — Put First Things First “Work First, Then Play”
I work first and then play.
Habit 4 — Think Win-Win “Everyone Can Win”
I have an EVERYONE can win attitude.
Habit 5 — Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood “Listen Before You Talk”
I listen and try to understand others before I speak.
Habit 6 — Synergize “Together Is Better”
I get along with others and work well in a group.
Habit 7 — Sharpen The Saw “Balance Feels Best”
I take care of my mind and body by eating right, exercising, and studying.
Habit 8 — Find Your Voice
I have a special talent and can inspire others.
Leadership Levels
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Freedom levels are a privilege for each student to earn! Throughout the year, your child will
continue to strive for a freedom level of 3 or 4. All students will start on a Level 3 and will be
rewarded with freedoms throughout the school day.
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To help monitor your child’s day-to-day classroom behavior we will use Class Dojo. The
Class Dojo will help build your student’s learning habits and boost classroom engagement.
ClassDojo allows the teacher, students, and parents to track positive behaviors in the
classroom.
One of the great features of ClassDojo is that it allows us to send you a “behavior and skills
report” every Friday by email. Our hope is that this will help you better understanding the
behavior progress of your student on a week-to-week basis.
A letter with more information will be coming home the first week of school including how to
access your child’s account.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Student who
demonstrates major
noncompliant behaviors
and/or commits a serious
offense
Student who struggles to
demonstrate what is
expected, needs many
reminders
Student who mostly
demonstrates what is
expected, may need 1 or
2 reminders
Student who always
demonstrates what is
expected, does not need
reminders
Consequences
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Depending on the severity of the infraction, the teacher may will use their own discretion to
determine the appropriate consequence/s which may include one or more of the following:
 Reminders/Redirection
 Loss of leadership level and/or restricted recess time
 Call home
 Discipline form and office
5th Grade Grading Scale & Academic Key
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
I
93-100%
90-92%
87-89%
83-86%
80-82%
77-79%
73-76%
70-72%
67-69%
63-66%
60-62%
0-59%
Incomplete
1
Student cannot complete the task independently. Student shows
little understanding of the concept or skill.
2
Student shows some understanding. Errors or misunderstandings
sill occur. Reminders, hints, and suggestions are needed for
understanding.
3
Student consistently applies the skill or concept correctly.
5th Grade Information Packet
Verification Slip
2015-2016
Please read/review with your child and return this slip ONLY signed to your child’s teacher by
Friday, August 7th. You may keep this packet to use as a reference throughout the year.
____________________________
___________________________
Parent/s Print Name
Parent/s Signature
____________________________
___________________________
Student Print Name
Student Signature