Fifth Grade

Handbook
Ms. Schnellenberger

Welcome!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Contents
Cover page
Table of contents
Welcome letter
Supply List
Lockers
Schedules
Grading
Agendas
Homework
Homework passes
Absences/Tardies
Early Dismissial
Conduct & Work Habits
Classroom Behavior Rules
Behavior Management
Work Study Rules
Work Study Codes
Progress Reports/Report Cards
Field Trips
Birthdays
Electronics
Scholastic Orders
Subjects
Subjects continued
Student Information
Handbook Contract

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Dear Fifth Grade Family Members,

I hope you have had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to
the start of a new school year! I would like to take this opportunity to
introduce myself as your childs fifth grade teacher. I am originally from
Louisville, Kentucky and attended Campbellsville University where I earned
my bachelors degree in elementary education. I have also completed my
masters degree in Reading and Writing Intervention through The University
of the Cumberlands. This will be my sixth year teaching at Carter Traditional
Elementary. Teaching is truly my passion and I am really excited to engage
in a wonderful experience with you this year!
This year in the 5th grade we will be reading and exploring a variety of
texts, strengthening and deepening math skills, creating projects,
researching, presenting, and much more. It is very important for us to form
a partnership. The fifth grade summer reading project is due August 19th
and is available on the Carter webpage. Also, shortly after the year starts,
fifth grade will be offering an Extended Response Question (ERQ) workshop
for parents and students to attend together.
I believe open communication is vital to student success. Please do
not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. You may call the
school and leave a message, send me an email, or send a note with your
child to reach me. All contact will be returned within 48 hours. I do not
check email or phone messages on the weekends. Thank you for all that you
do! I am looking forward to a great year!
Sincerely,
Ms. Amy Schnellenberger

Ways to Contact Me
Phone: 502-485-8225

School Email:
[email protected].
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Remind 101
Text: @msscte to: 81010
Email:
[email protected]

us
Website:
www.carterschnellenberger.weebly.com

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Carter Traditional Elementary

5th Grade Supply List
2015-2016
1 backpackno wheels
glue sticks
2
8 pencils
4
1 box 24 crayons
1 box 8 washable markers
7 notebooks:
2 ruled composition notebooks
2 gridded composition notebooks any color
that you can find
3 of your choice
1 pencil box or pencil pouch
5 two pocket folders
1 pair of scissors
2 ink pens of your choice
1 pack loose leaf paper, wide-ruled
*There will be some community headphones for your child to use when
going to computer lab, but if you would like your child to have their own pair
to keep in their locker then that is up to you. It would also be a good idea
for your student to keep an extra belt in their locker in case they forget
theirs one day.
*SCHOOL SUPPLY MATERIALS SHOULD BE REPLINISHED BY THE
STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR!*

LOCKERS
Each student has been assigned a locker. They should never leave
valuable items in the lockers. Do not bring iPods, cell phones, or
electronic games to school. We are asking students not to bring
combination locks as using those takes away from class time. Students are
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welcome to keep a combination lock at home to practice using for middle

school.

Mrs. Schnellenbergers Class

Schedule
(subject to change)

9:00-10:35
Workshop

Morning Work/Reading

10:35-11:25

Special Area

11:25-12:55

Number Talks/Math Workshop

1:00-1:25

Lunch

1:25-2:30

Social Studies/Science

2:30-3:10

Writing

3:10-3:25

School Wide Reading Time

3:25-3:40

Wellness

3:45

Dismissal

Special Area (50 minutes- 10:35-11:25 daily)

Monday
Tuesday

(will rotate every 9 weeks)

1st-Computer, 2nd- Library, 3rd- PE, 4th- Music
Art
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Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Library
PE
Music

GRADING
Student grades come from Student Engagement (20%) which includes
participation and group work, Student Progression (30%) which includes
homework and class assignments, and Student Mastery (50%) which
includes assessments and projects. The grading scale for Jefferson County
Public Schools is as follows:
A
B
C
D
U

90100%
8089%
7579%
7074%
Below 70%

If a student has an excused absence (a note from the parent or a

doctor) he/she must make up any work and homework that was missed.
Any work missed during an excused absence must be made up within the
number of days the student has been out plus one day or the student will
receive a zero in the grade book. If the assignment cannot be made up
(because it was group work or an experiment), he/she will receive an ex
for excused absence in the grade book, which will not affect his/her final
grade. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT WHILE WORK CAN BE MADE UP THE
EXPERIENCE AND CLASSROOM CONVERSATION IS AN OPPORTUNITY THAT
THE STUDENT WILL NEVER GET.
Any test with a grade of 74% D or lower needs to be signed and returned by
the students parents. Papers turned in with no name will be placed on a
No Name board in the classroom for students to claim on their own. When
a student claims a no name paper, I will remove the zero in my grade book
and give the student one letter grade lower than they originally received on
the assignment.
Late class assignments, projects, and homework will not be
accepted unless the student has an excused absence. We have found
that students are better prepared for middle school when this expectation is
in place. If your student has received anything below a C on the report card
you will be contacted to set up an in person or phone conference about your
childs progress.

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AGENDAS
Students will write the days homework assignments, and upcoming
tests, activities, and projects in their agendas every day. This helps
students to stay organized and informs parents about what their child is
learning in school. Parent and teacher questions and concerns may be
written in the agenda. Students behavior grade for the day will also be
stamped daily in the agenda. Parents need to sign the agenda nightly.
A mark will be placed over each parent initial/signature. I will initial over any
notes written by the parent to confirm that I have received the message.

HOMEWORK
Students will receive homework assignments every night except Friday.
Homework is to be done BY THE STUDENT ONLY, homework
completed by anyone other than the student will become a
permanent zero in the gradebook. Homework assignments will cover
skills that have been taught in the classroom. Homework assignments will
come from the students textbooks and from copied worksheets. Students
may receive additional homework based on need and/or areas of concern.
Assignments include work in reading, spelling/writing, math, social studies,
and science. On Fridays (except during four-day weeks) students will have a
spelling test. Students are expected to study their spelling words every
night. In addition, students need to read for twenty minutes each night. This
reading will consist of teacher-assigned books and books chosen by the
students. The average student should spend one to one and a half hours on
homework per night. This includes twenty minutes of reading, studying
spelling words, reviewing/ learning to prepare for tests, and written
homework assignments. Note: While there is not written homework
assignments on Fridays, occasionally students may need to finish classwork
assignments or review for a test during the weekend (this includes days
when there is no school).

HOMEWORK PASSES
Occasionally students will receive homework passes. These passes are
not allowed to be used on in class assignments, study guides, projects, or
any homework that is assigned for multiple nights. Each pass can be used
for ONE assignment/worksheet or one night on a reading log. Homework
passes must be stapled to the worksheet/assignment, or stapled to a blank
sheet of paper that is headed correctly for that assignment. Lost homework
passes will not be replaced.
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ABSENCES AND TARDIES

If your child is absent from school, please write a note (not in the
agenda) the day he/she returns to school explaining the reason for his/her
absence. The note will be sent to the office and attached to our attendance
records to receive an excused absence.
Please remember that your childs attendance determines how
successful he/she will be in school. Any work missed during an excused
absence must be made up within the number of days the student has been
out plus one day. Work will not be accepted after this time.
In the event that your child is tardy, he/she will need to check in at the
office for a tardy slip before coming to class.
Being present and on time helps to set the stage for a good day. This gives
time for the student to get organized, copy homework, turn in the previous
nights homework, and properly mentally and physically prepare for the day.

EARLY DISMISSAL
Equally important is the end of the day. At this time, the day is
evaluated by reviewing what we have done and relating it to prior
knowledge. We will have our Check-In Meetings at the end of the day and it
is important that your child participates. Homework is also explained. Please
help us help your child by allowing them to remain in school until the bell for
dismissal at 3:45 pm.
Important Notice: It is Jefferson County Public Schools policy that all
early dismissals be counted as tardies/partial absences.
*** Any notes pertaining to transportation changes should:
Be on a separate sheet of paper (not in the agenda)
Include the childs full name
Include the date
Include my name
Include clear instructions

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CONDUCT & WORK HABITS

The Fifth Grade classroom rules of conduct and expected work habits
are attached to this packet. Students are expected to follow the schoolwide Carter Way to Behave and our classroom rules. Students who
receive a behavior grade of 3 or lower will have note explaining/listing the
issues of the day. Students who receive a 1 or lower for the day will
complete a behavior plan to be signed by the parent. Should a student
receive a zero for the day the parent will be contacted by phone and the
behavior will be logged on the JCPS portal. Repeated or excessive behaviors
may merit loss of privileges, removal from the classroom, a referral, in
school suspension, or suspension from school.
There are several reward systems for positive behavior. The class will
earn chain links for each compliment they receive for their conduct and/or
work habits as a group. Once the chain reaches the ground, we will vote on
an activity or prize. Students will earn special tickets for being a role model
in the school and classroom. Students may also earn special tickets for
scoring a 6 or a 7 on the behavior chart each day. Students will be able to
use these tickets to purchase special rewards in the classroom. Lost
tickets will not be replaced.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR RULES

1) Show respect in all situations
(3Ms= manners, materials, movement)
2) Follow all class procedures and
directions the first time they are given.
3) Move with a purpose (quickest and quietest route)
4) THINK before you speak**
5) Be responsible for your actions and words.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
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Behavior is managed in the classroom by using a clip chart. There are

eight levels on the chart, seen to the right. Each day every student will start
at 5. They have the ability to move up the chart with excellent behavior or
down with unacceptable behaviors. Each day I will stamp the number,
corresponding to their level, at the bottom of their agenda. Below is an
explanation of every level on the behavior chart. Every time a student ends
the day on 6 they will receive a special ticket, they will receive 2 special
tickets for ending on a 7.
7
Student has shown exemplary behavior throughout the day
6
Student has had an excellent day
5
***Student has followed all directions throughout the day***
4
Student needed a reminder to follow class rules
3
Student needed two reminders to follow class rules (5 minute selfreflection
during recess)
2
Student needed three reminders to follow class rules (10 minute selfreflection during recess)
1
Student needed four reminders to follow class rules; student lied,
cheated,
or stole (15 minute self-reflection during recess; student completes
behavior contract and reflects with teacher during recess)
0
Student needed five or more reminders to follow class rules; student
violently injured another individual (complete loss of recess, behavior
contract is completed, behavior is logged on JCPS portal, student may
be
removed from classroom, student will reflect with faculty immediately
or
with the teacher during recess, a parent will be notified via phone,
referral
may be written, etc.)
Why I believe in this system: This is a system that intrinsically
motivates students. Students become proud of themselves and their
ranking in the class rather than of the reward they receive. Students teach
themselves, and their peers, to better character. Overall, it is used as a
positive behavior system.

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WORK STUDY RULES

Turn in all class work, homework, and forms on time

Have agenda signed nightly
Stay on task at all times
Be in uniform, be prepared, and have materials ready
(Use materials in the correct way, and at appropriate times they are
tools NOT TOYS)

WORK STUDY CODES

NP
NA
NS
NT
MA
NH

Be prepared (uniform/supplies) for school each day.

Complete agenda daily at school and take home to be signed by a
parent and returned the following day.
Return papers that require a parent signature to school the next day.
Stay on task.
Complete and turn in daily assignments on time.
Complete and turn in homework assignments on time.

PROGRESS REPORTS/REPORT CARDS

This year you will be able to monitor your childs grades online using
the infinite campus parent portal. Please be aware that all assignments are
not equal. Also keep in mind that missing even one point on a low weighted
assignment will portray an ugly percentage. That one point may not be a
big deal when averaged with other grades. In the interest of respecting
everyones time, if a low grade is posted, please give a few days for other
grades to be entered before assuming the worst about your childs progress.
Grading periods will last for 9 weeks. Progress slips will be sent home to
remind you to check your childs grades online, parents will be required to
sign the slip stating that they are aware of their childs progress. Parents
who do not have access to the internet will need to check the box on the
slip which will notify the teacher to send home a paper copy. The report card
will be sent home at the end of the grading period. THERE WILL ONLY BE
FOUR REPORT CARDS THIS YEAR. The actual report card is yours to
keep, however, the report card envelope is to be signed and returned within
two school days.
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FIELD TRIPS
Chaperones are adults who attend a field trip to assist the teacher in
keeping an eye on the students. Due to the fact that chaperones will
be responsible for students, other children/siblings (under the age
of 18) are not welcome to attend. Chaperones for field trips will be first
come, first serve, based on back-ground checked parents who have paid,
and can provide their own transportation. ONLY parents who have
completed a background check will be considered. Parents who DO NOT
PASS a background check may be denied if there is a limit to the number of
chaperones allowed for the trip. If an abundance of background completed
and passed parents respond and pay on the same day, numbers will be
drawn. Parents who are not selected will have their money/check returned.
**Field trips are learning experiences that happen outside of the school
building. If a student struggles with following directions inside our school
building, they may be denied the privilege of an out of building trip. This
will be decided by the teacher and administration. A parent will be notified if
the student will not be attending with the class. In some cases a parent may
be required to attend the field trip with the student if space is available for
an additional parent (as an alternative to the student staying at school).
**Parents who cancel after the money has been turned into the
office may or may not receive a refund, depending on if the check
to the field trip facility has already been written, and/or if there is
no one to fill the spot. Finally, all students must ride the bus to and from
the trip. Any parent wishing to take their student home after a field trip
must return to the school and personally sign the student out. This will be
counted as an unexcused tardy unless the student returns with a doctors
note. Missed work may not be made up.

BIRTHDAYS
Our SBDM policy at this school states that sweet treats (donuts, cupcakes,
etc.) are not allowed to be brought in by parents. Please note that balloons,
stuffed animals, flowers etc. are not welcome in the classroom. Should these
be delivered they will remain in the office until the end of the day (balloons
are also a hazard on the bus, and are therefore frowned upon). Birthdays
will be celebrated on the last Friday of the month. We will recognize all of
the students for that month. Our classroom will not be celebrating with
any kind of food. However, if you would like to donate, pencils, erasers,
small items (that are beneficial to our classroom learning), OR donate a
book to our classroom library; our class would be more than happy to accept
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it honor of your child. (If your childs birthday is during the summer we will
recognize your student in their half birthday month. June= Dec, July=Jan)
ELECTRONICS

SCHOLASTIC ORDERS
Scholastic order forms will come home monthly. Scholastic does not accept
cash, and Ms. Schnellenberger will not accept checks. All orders must be
placed and paid for online. Ordering and paying online ensures that there
will be no holds on the classroom account. Ordering online also earns extra
points which can be used to buy books or materials which will benefit our
classroom. OUR CLASSROOM CODE: JBFXG

FIFTH GRADE SUBJECTS

READING
Students will be practicing strategies to
improve their reading fluency and comprehension.
Instruction will consist of shared reading, small
guided reading groups, book clubs and individual
practice. Homework will be given from chapter
books, a workbook, and from copied worksheets.
Students will also learn how to proficiently answer
Multiple Choice Questions (MC), Short Answer
Questions (SA), and Extended Response Questions
(ERQ).
Grades will come from the following:
Classwork
Homework
MC/ORQ
Projects/Book Reports
Quizzes/Tests

MATH
Students will be using multiple math resources
including Math Envisions and Eureka Math.
Homework will be given from a workbook and from
copied worksheets. Any unfinished classwork must
be finished for homework. Math notebooks and
textbooks may be used to help with completing
homework but they need to be brought back to
school the following day. Students will also learn
how to proficiently answer Multiple Choice
Questions (MC), Short Answer Questions (SA), and
Extended Response Questions (ERQ).
Grades will come from the following:
Classwork
Homework
Quizzes/Tests
Projects

SOCIAL STUDIES

SPELLING

Students will study geography, U.S. history, civics,

government, and economics. Homework will be
given from textbooks, a workbook, and from copied
worksheets. Any unfinished classwork must be
finished for homework. Social studies notebooks
and social studies textbooks may be used to help
with completing homework but they need to be
brought back to school the following day. Students
will also learn how to proficiently answer Multiple
Choice Questions (MC) and Extended Response
Questions (ERQ).

Homework assignments will be given each

week and should be turned in the day after they are
assigned. Students should study spelling words
every night. Many of the tests contain core content
vocabulary and students will be required to learn
the definition and spelling of the word. Directions
will be clearly written on each weekly spelling list
and homework assignments (some spelling work
may be required in cursive). Spelling tests will be
given on Fridays (during full 5-day weeks only).

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Grades will come from the following:

Classwork
Homework
Quizzes/Tests
Projects
WRITING
Students will complete the following pieces:
Narrative
Informative
Opinion
Literary Analysis
Writing to Learn
Writing to Demonstrate Learning
On-Demand
Students will analyze samples of professional author
and student writings. They will be taught strategies
on prewriting, developing rough drafts, revising
writings, proofreading, and editing their writings.
Throughout the year, I will conference with students
on their writing pieces. Students will also
conference with their classmates. Through teacher
and peer conferences, the student is able to
develop ideas, add details, organize their writing,
and paint a picture with their words. There may be
times when students take their pieces home to
conference with family members as well. Each piece
will be reviewed throughout the school year and
sent to middle school with your child. Students will
also learn On-Demand writing skills. In this type of
writing they will be given a prompt and will write a
response to the situation it describes. Students
have a time limit to complete on demand writing
and are not allowed to conference or complete
multiple drafts.

Grades will come from the following:

Homework
Tests
Extra Credit

SCIENCE
We will be using the Science textbook along with
other resources for science instruction. Homework
will be given from the textbook, workbook, and from
copied worksheets. Any unfinished classwork must
be finished for homework. Science notebooks and
science textbooks may be used to help with
completing homework but they need to be brought
back to school the following day.
Grades will come from the following:
Classwork
Homework

Grades will come from the following:

Editing
On-Demand Pieces
Classwork
Homework

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STUDENT INFORMATION
Please fill out the front and back of this page. Return ONLY this page to school. Please
keep the handbook at home to reference throughout the year.
Students Name________________________________________________
Student Goes By: _______________________________________________
(1)Parents Name _________________________________________________________________
Parents Phone Number ________________________________________________________
Parents Email___________________________________________________________________
Parents Address ________________________________________________________________
(2)Parents Name __________________________________________________________________
Parents Phone Number _________________________________________________________
Parents Email____________________________________________________________________
Parents Address _________________________________________________________________

Child primarily lives with:

________________________________________________________________
Known allergies of the child _____________________________________________________________
Any information you feel I should know about your child (special needs, sensitive subjects,
preferred learning styles):

____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

Handbook Contract:
I have thoroughly read, and discussed all parts of the third grade handbook
with my student, and other parents or guardians of my student. As a parent
who has chosen the option of the traditional program, I will support the
expectations and discipline of my childs teacher and the administration
here at Carter Traditional Elementary. I will keep in mind that Ms.
Schnellenberger and I share a common goal which focuses on what is best
for my child. Additionally, I will strive to remember that Ms. Schnellenberger
will also constantly be considering what is in the best interest for all
students in the class.

Student Name/Signature:
__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

(1)

Parent Name: ___________________________________________________

Parent Signature: _____________________________________________________

(2)

Parent Name: ___________________________________________________

Parent Signature: _____________________________________________________

(3)

Parent Name: ___________________________________________________

Parent Signature: _____________________________________________________

(4)

Parent Name: ___________________________________________________

Parent Signature: _____________________________________________________

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