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Back To School Night2009

LANGUAGE ARTS - grammar - Proofreading, Daily Oral Language / Analogies, and a variety of activities and instruction will be used. Writing - we will focus mostly on expository writing, with some story writing and poetry as time permits. READING - the literature series by Houghton Mifflin has been adopted for 5th grade in Cupertino as the basis for our reading program.

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148 views

Back To School Night2009

LANGUAGE ARTS - grammar - Proofreading, Daily Oral Language / Analogies, and a variety of activities and instruction will be used. Writing - we will focus mostly on expository writing, with some story writing and poetry as time permits. READING - the literature series by Houghton Mifflin has been adopted for 5th grade in Cupertino as the basis for our reading program.

Uploaded by

mrsnguyen12
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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WELCOME

TO BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT!
September 2009
Dear Parents,

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 - Weather and Astronomy


- The Body - 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 on-
time, 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] 408.252.5414x


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