MR. E
Classroom Booklet
2013-2014
1
Contents
Welcome
3
Meet the Teacher
4
Homework Binders
5
Homework Expectations
6
Classroom Rules
7
Classroom Procedures
8
Classroom Economy
9-11
Grading Scale
12
Parent Permission
13
Parent Involvement
14
Important Dates
15
Classroom Info/Website
16
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Welcome to Fifth Grade! I am looking forward to an exciting,
and productive year working with your child. This school year, our
class will be exploring many different topics. In math, your child
will be learning many different concepts using the Saxon math
program. This program allows students to learn new concepts and
review past concepts learned throughout the year.
In Language Arts/Reading, we will be working on grammar,
reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary and phonics skills. We
will be reading some classic novels such as Tom Sawyer, Little
Women, Secret Garden, Don Quixote, and many more. We will also
be working on writing skills through reports, journals, stories, etc.
while using the Shurley English and Six Traits strategies.
Science topics include electricity, chemistry, plants, cells, from
the core knowledge outline. The students will be participating in
science projects, writing papers, and hopefully developing a science
fair project at the end of the year.
History/geography from the Core Knowledge outline includes
topics such as; lakes, Mesoamerica, European Exploration, Civil
War, and many more. The students will take part in a geography bee
and complete a state report by the end of the year.
As you can tell, fifth grade is full of many interesting topics and
concepts! It will be an excellent year for discovery and building of
knowledge.
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My name is Steve Erickson. This is the beginning of my
9th year as a teacher. I have just recently taught 2 years in the
6th grade and am happy to be back in 5th grade. I graduated
from Utah State University in 2005 in elementary education
and taught my first year in Houston, Texas. I moved back to
Utah in 2006, because my family is closer. I have been at
George Washington Academy since it opened its doors in
the 2006-2007 school year. I also have my Masters in
Administration and Supervision from the University of
Phoenix.
I am married and have four wonderful children. My
hobbies are sports, camping, hiking and playing games with
my family. I enjoy teaching and as well as learning from my
students. I am excited to get the school year started and
know we will have a great year.
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Listed below you will find a description of each section in the Binder.
Please read this section carefully as we will be using the Binder all year long.
Inside front pocket In this pocket, you will find notes from school. All
papers in this pocket need to be removed every
night. If there are any forms, such as field trip
forms, permission slips, etc. which need to be
returned, please sign and place back inside this
pocket.
3 hole pencil pouch This is where the students will keep at least 3
sharpened pencil, big eraser, red pen.
Planner
Sheet Protector 1
Sheet Protector 2
The students will be filling in their assignments
in this planner daily. Please make sure this is
filled out each day.
This will contain each week's spelling list. The
students will have until Thursday to complete the
assignment.
Contains our classroom rules and Economy
system.
Homework Folder
This folder will contain your child’s homework
for each night. After your child completes his/her
homework, please be sure that he/she places it
back into his/her homework folder. This should
be the child’s responsibility, not yours!
Take Home Folder
This folder will contain your child’s completed
work. Please remember to take out all completed
work. You may want to place all work in a safe
place just in case the grade entered is incorrect.
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Rationale for assigning Homework:
Homework is important because it teaches responsibility and helps
students develop good study habits. In addition, homework helps to
reinforce lessons that have been learned in class, and helps prepare students
for upcoming lessons and tests.
Homework Expectations:
Homework should generally take about 1 hour a night. It may take
some children longer. In addition, time should be set aside daily for
independent reading (30 min.), studying spelling, and studying math facts.
Students should study spelling, math facts, and read on a daily basis. This
does not have to take a long time. Just 10 or 15 minutes a day spent reviewing
spelling and math facts can significantly help your child's performance on
tests. Please encourage your child to do his/her best work. Homework should
be neat. Please contact me if your child has any special learning needs
or has an Individualized Education Plan.
When is Homework Assigned?:
Homework is assigned Monday- Thursday. While homework will
not be assigned on most Fridays there will be homework or a project
that will need to be worked on during the weekend. If for some reason
no homework is assigned on a designated homework day, your child
should still spend some time reading or studying.
Expectations for Turning in Homework Late:
If for some reason (sickness, emergencies, etc.) a student is unable
to complete homework, please write a note, and the assignment will be
excused until the next day or longer if needed. However, please don't
write a note asking for more time to complete homework if the reason is
due to lack of materials, or because your child left their homework at
school. Please remember, this will hurt your child in the long run
because it sends the message that it is okay to not pay attention when
we are going over homework. When students face the consequences of
their actions it helps to prepare them to become more responsible,
independent workers in the future. (I know this is hard. Please work
with me on this.)
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General Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Follow directions the first time they are given
Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak
Stay in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
Treat others how you want to be treated
All rules have consequences. In life every action results in a consequence. Take for instance
basketball game. If you hit someone, you may get a foul called on you. What happens when you
get too many fouls? Consequences are not punishments. It is simply what happens when a
person does something. For instance, if I overeat, park in a no parking zone or speed there is a
consequence for each action. Study hard, save money, or show kindness and there is a
consequence for each action as well. If you break a rule you are not being punished. Rather,
you have consciously made a choice to break a rule and accept whatever happens.
Consequences
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Warning
Warning with Action Plan
Parent contact
Parent conference
Student sent to office
There can also be rewards if you follow the rules
Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Praise (daily)
Positive notes home (random)
Whole class FREE time (weekly)
Certificate (monthly)
Party for class
Various other positive perks; treasure box, lunch with teacher (throughout the school
year)
7. The joy of learning (each day of the school year)
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Morning Procedure
 The school day starts at 8:15 am. To avoid any distractions or missed work, please
have your students here on time.
 Place book bags and lunch boxes in designated areas
 Be sure all items needed for class are taken to desk
 Sharpen pencil and put Binders on top of desk
 Begin Warm up work
When I want your attention
I will say “Give Me Five” then you need to go over these five steps:
1. Eyes on the Speaker
2. Quiet
3. Be still
4. Hands free (put things down)
5. Listen
Restroom
1. There are two passes, Girls, Boys. Only during independent work may you use the
restroom. Please do not ask while I am teaching.
2. It should only take a few minutes to use the restroom. Please be quick because others
may need to go too.
Where to find assignments when absent
1. If you are absent I will have a folder ready with all the assignments that were handed out
for the day
2. You will have one extra day for each day you miss to finish the work.
Fire Drill Procedures
 Line up quietly and quickly into one line.
 Last person out of class closes the door.
 Follow Fire Drill Escape Plan.
 No talking in line or outside.
 Re-enter building quietly.
 Resume normal class routine.
End of Day Procedures
 Clean up around desks
 Retrieve bags, coats, and lunch boxes
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Economy:
This year I am setting the classroom up like an economy. Students will apply for certain
jobs and will be paid (classroom money) for their work. The jobs will be switched once a
Trimester and the students will be paid once a month.
Payday:
Pay Day: 1st of each month
Amount: $200
Fines:
Not putting away materials when asked to: $10
Bathroom Break (during class time): $10 (must sign in & sign out)
Not following direction in line: $10
Missing Textbook or Binder: $10
Messy Desk or Homework binder not organized: $10
Tipping back in your chair: $10
Dishonesty of any sort: $50
**This list may be added to during the school year. Prices may also change due to excessive use
(prices go up) or non-excessive use (prices go down).
Earn Bonus Money:
Student may earn extra cash certain things they accomplish.
$25 - Receiving a compliment from another teacher.
$50 - 100% attendance for month (including no tardies).
$100 - 100% on any test in any subject (except Spelling).
What to use the money on:
At the end of the Trimester, the students will have the opportunity to “spend” their Classroom
Cash in the classroom.
Desk Rent
Chair Rent
Supply Fee
Classroom Library Fee
Utilities Fee
Trash and Sewer Fee
Water Service Fee
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE
$50.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$5.00
$5.00
$100.00
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Salary
$200
Job
President
Vice President (1)
Secretary (1)
Accountant (1)
Clerks (2)
Custodians / Lunch Bins (4)
Mailmen or Mailwomen (2)
Rent Collectors (2)
Homework Monitor (1)
Description
Teacher
This person will be the helper to the teacher for anything
the teacher is in need of. The student who applies for this
job must be trustworthy and responsible.
This person will be in charge of marking who is absent on the
attendance form and putting it on Mr. E’s desk. Students who
apply for this job must be here on time each day and
responsible.
This person will be in charge of entering paychecks into the
computer. Students who apply for this job must be
trustworthy and responsible.
These students will hand out and collect papers from each
group. These students will collect fines from students daily
and help hand out bonuses each day. Students who apply for
this job must be trustworthy and responsible.
These students will keep the classroom clean by wiping down
counters and tables. Make sure desks and cubbies are kept
clean (they will inform Mr. E of any student who needs to
clean their desk or cubby. They will erase the whiteboard at
the end of each day. Students who apply for this job must
work well with others and be trustworthy.
These students will put all graded papers into the correct
mailboxes. The mailmen/mailwomen are to tell students when
to pick up their graded papers. Students who apply for this
position must be trustworthy and not share grades with
other students.
These students will be responsible to collect rent once a
month from each student in the classroom and give to the
accountant. They must give a receipt to show that the rent
has been paid. These students are responsible to notify any
student who has not paid rent by the 15 of each month. They
will also charge a late fee for late payments. Students who
apply for this position must be trustworthy and good at math.
– *Students can place their payment in a designated area
in an envelope.
This person will be in charge of writing the daily homework
down on the whiteboard at the end of the day. If a student is
absent, they will collect any necessary papers and put
together an absent folder. Must have neat handwriting and
be able to explain assignments to absent students.
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Floor Managers (2)
Librarian (1)
These students will make sure that the floor around desks
and tables is clean. They will also make sure that materials
are put back in their proper places. They will inform student
who have not put up their chairs at the end of the day. All
students must help the floor managers by keeping their area
neat and free of clutter. Students applying for this job must
be kind to others and helpful.
This student will be in charge of straightening the books on a
daily basis in the classroom library and dusting the shelves.
They will also be responsible for checking out books properly
to students and collecting fines for any lost books. Students
applying for this job must be organized.
Line Leaders (2)
One boy and one girl will lead the class to the designated
locations throughout the school. He /she will let Mr. E know
when the class is ready to go and keep the students quiet in
line. They will also hold the doors for every student.
Students who apply for this job must be trustworthy and
have great communication skills.
Line Enders (2)
One boy and one girl will be at the end of the line to make
sure no one is left behind. They will also turn the lights off
and lock the door as we leave the classroom. They will make
sure everyone is in a straight line and facing forward as we
are walking down the hallway. They will pass out fines to any
student not following the traffic rules. Students applying for
this job must be trustworthy as well as kind and
understanding to others.
*Traffic tickets for students not following the Rules.
Hall cleaners (2)
Equipment Manager (2)
These two workers will use the tennis ball sticks to clean up
any black marks in the hallway. They will clean up to go home
first and then start cleaning in the hallway. Students applying
for this job must be trustworthy as well as being able to get
ready to go home quickly.
These two workers will make sure that any supplies that are
needed are ready and accessible. They will sharpen pencil
each morning and make sure the paper trays are full. They
will straighten each supply bucket and let Mr. E know if
anything is missing or needs to be replaced. They will also
make sure the computers are turned on/off each day. The
student who applies for this job must be on time for school
each day and be trustworthy.
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Fifth Grade Policies
This letter is a copy of the grading procedures and policies for the fifth grade. We will be
compiling all grades on PowerSchool. It is important that you and your child are aware of the
expectations. The following are a few of the procedures and policies that are for the Fifth grade:
Grading Scale*:
93-100
90-92
87-89
83-86
80-82
77-79
A
AB+
B
BC+
73-76
70-72
67-69
63-66
55-62
Below 55
C
CD+
D
DF

Late Work Policy: Students will be given a Homework Planner. Each
student is to fill out what is to be completed for homework for the day.
Students will have until that Friday to complete and turn in any missing
assignment with no loss of points. However, anything not completed by
Friday will receive a zero score.

Redo/Make-up Work: Any assignment can be redone at any time.
Students have a two-day grace period after an absence before the
assignment is due with no loss of points. An assignment which received
a zero cannot be made up.

Book Reports: Students are to complete a book report once a month.
A Book Report assignment will be distributed by teacher the first week of
the month indicating the due date(s). Each student will be responsible
for completing a project.

Weekly Newsletters: A weekly newsletter is provided so parents and
students know what will be required and covered for the week. Parents
should refer to the newsletter for information regarding class instruction.
The newsletter will be emailed to every student and will be posted on
the classroom website.
PowerSchool, the school wide grading system, can be accessed online.
Access numbers and passwords will be sent home shortly. Parents and
students please sign and return this form by Friday August 16th.
______________________________________ _______________________________
Parent Signature
Student Signature
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George Washington Academy
2013-2014 Academic School Year
___Yes ___No
My child’s work may be displayed in his/her classroom.
___Yes ___No
My child’s work may be corrected and recorded by parent volunteers
and/or other.
___Yes ___No
My child may work with parent volunteers on class activities.
___Yes ___No
My child may be photographed participating in class and school activities
to be used in the year book and/or end of the year video.
___Yes ___No
Photographs of my child participating in class activities may be displayed
in his/her classroom.
___Yes ___No
Photograph my child participating in class activities may be displayed in
his/her teacher’s portfolio.
___Yes ___No
Photograph my child participating in class activities may be displayed on
the classroom website.
___Yes ___No
I have been finger-printed or had my background checked for educational
purposes.
Child’s Name:_______________________________________________________
Parent Name(s):_____________________________________________________
Parent Signature:____________________________________________________
Date:____________________
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Dear Parent or Guardian:
Studies show that parental involvement in a child's education is one of the most important
factors in raising student self-esteem and academic achievement. Moreover, most experts agree that
parental involvement should go beyond attendance at teacher conferences and open house. I realize,
however, that each of our families is unique – with its own priorities, needs, talents, and time
constraints -- and so I try to provide as many different kinds of opportunities for parental involvement as
possible. Please review the volunteer opportunities suggested below, and check any you are interested
in -- or tell me what you would like to do. Then return the form to school.
 Room Parent (help organize class parties, contact other parents, etc.)
 Volunteer in classroom or make copies
 Teach a P.E. class
 Manage a classroom project. (Such as Science fair, State fair, Character education, etc.)
 Help with Fall Carnival
 Help with End of year Field day
 Offer to donate books, art materials, musical instruments, games.... the list is endless.
 Correct papers.
 Other ________________________________________________________________________
Please keep in mind that throughout the year I may need additional help that is not on the list
above. I would contact the room parent, who would then contact other parents. I would
appreciate anyone that would volunteer at that time.
Name: _______________________Email___________________________________________
Phone: ________________ When can you be reached at this number? _______________
Please check Yes/No if the room parent can contact you at this number. Yes__________
No_________
Adapted from © 2003 by Education World®. Education World grants users permission to reproduce this page for educational purposes.
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Here is a list of important dates to remember. However, more events will
take place throughout the year, so these dates will be posted in the newsletter
each week and on the website.
August 12 - 1st Day of School
August 13 – Back to School Night
6pm-8pm
August 27-29 – PTC 4 – 7 pm
August 28- School Pictures
Sept.2 - Labor Day
Oct.17-21- Fall Break
October 26- Fall Carnival
Nov. 1- End of 1st Trimester
Nov 11-15- SEPs Minimum Days
Nov. 27- 29 - Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 23 – Jan 1- Winter Break
Jan 20- MLK Day
February 14- End of 2nd Trimester
Feb.17- Washington and Lincoln Day
Feb 24-28- SEPs Minimum Days
March 10-14- Spring Break
April 18-21 – Easter Break
May 21 - Last Day of School – End of Trimester 3
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Teacher Email Address: serickson@gwacademy.org
Classroom Website: http://gwafifthgrade.wordpress.com/
School Website: http://www.gwacademy.org
**YOU DO NOT NEED TO MAKE A COPY OF THIS BOOKLET.**
I will be sending home a hard copy of the pages that need a
signature on the first day of school. Please sign them and send back
by Friday August, 16th.
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