Below you will find information on what is going on in our classroom. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. More information can be found on my contact page!
Daily Schedule
Below is a button that links to our daily schedule.
|
Math Content Standards vs. Math Practices
Throughout math, not only will students receive responsibility and performance grades, but they will also be assessed daily on Math Content Standards and Math Practices. To know the difference, please read below to educate yourselves.
Math Content Standards identify specific areas that are separated by bands. These bands are -Operations and Algebraic Thinking -Number and Operations in Base Ten -Number and Operations- Fractions -Measurement and Data -Geometry Within each band there are detailed standards which specifically address what students in fifth grade are to understand; these content standards are a balance of procedure and understanding. On the other hand, Math Practices are practices in which a student at any math level should seek to be empowered in. They are practices students should become fluent in. Math Practices allow students to be engaged and empowered throughout their entire journey as a math student. Not only that, but these practices go beyond the math classroom as well. The Math Practices include: -Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. -Reason abstractly and quantitatively. -Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. -Model with Mathematics. -Use appropriate tools strategically. -Attend to Precision. -Look for and make use of structure. -Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. New Math Curriculum:
|
GradingIn 5th grade, students will not be earning traditional letter grades, but will be receiving proficiency scores based on their achievement level. Proficiency scores are as follows:
PRO = Proficient – meeting 5th grade expectations DEV = Developing – approaching grade level expectations BEG = Beginning – making improvement Not all daily work will be scored, but students must show they have done the work. It is important that your child looks at mistakes made on their daily work. This will help them improve their achievement. Teachers will use daily work, projects, reports, quizzes, and tests to determine proficiency scores. Classroom OrganizationThe ability to get and stay organized is an important life skill. I am going to emphasize organization during the year, because I feel this will help students: keep track of their work, improve the home/school connection, build self-esteem, and prepare for sixth grade.
Students will use their Clay Lamberton green PTO Cougar Folder for papers that should be RETURNED TO SCHOOL or KEPT AT HOME. We ask all parents/guardians to look in the green Cougar Folder each and every night. Each student will write down daily work in their agendas. Student leaders will review their classmates agenda and initial the agenda to confirm that the student has filled out their agenda accurately. I do encourage students to get their agenda initialed on a nightly basis. This is also a great place to write brief notes to me. Please make sure your child shows the note(s) to me. Occasionally, I will attach a label with upcoming events/important announcements in the agenda. |
The Cougar WayLifelong success depends on self-discipline, and we have developed a school wide management plan which gives each student guidance in making good decisions about his/her behavior. This plan will also provide the type of secure environment in which students will have the opportunity to learn to the best of their abilities. Not only does your child deserve the most positive educational climate possible for his/her growth, but also to be rewarded for the positive behaviors he/she is demonstrating. By working together, I will help your student have a rewarding school year. I will continue using the Cougar Way as a way to encourage positive behaviors that I see in the classroom and throughout the school year.
Severe misbehavior such as fighting, vandalism, defying a teacher, or stopping the class from functioning will result in being sent immediately to the principal. Severe misbehavior may result in a detention or suspension. Math HomeworkOn occasion, students may bring home math homework. We are limiting the amount of homework being sent home as there will be time given in class. Plus, with our new math curriculum, Bridges, students will be given Home Connections pages once the class is proficient on concepts.
It is strongly encouraged that students complete the Home Connection page(s) on an individual basis while at home. However, if your child is finding difficulty in completing the problems on their Home Connection page(s) and it is causing them a ton of frustration, please place the uncompleted page back in their backpack and Mrs. Judas will assist him/her. HomeworkHomework is a great way to reinforce skills being taught in the classroom. However, something that we find just as important as homework is family time. Often times, homework can prohibit authentic family time.
Throughout the school year, students will have homework, however, it is up to them to decide if their homework will truly turn into homework. In all academic areas, time is provided so that students can productively finish their homework. Fifth graders are still being held to a high standard even though they may not regularly be bringing homework home. Consider this: if your child is not bringing homework home on a regular basis, he/she is being responsible by productively managing their time at school, and by persistently persevering on their homework. By providing class time for completion of homework, students will… 1) receive support on a task/problem in which they are unsure of, 2) use resources readily available in the classroom, 3) minimize stressful struggles outside of the classroom, and 4) be allotted more time for family after school. If your child managed to complete their homework at school, please take time as a family to do something together! Some suggestions are (but not limited to):
Thank you for your support; it’s appreciated! (Yes, our homework reflects the Texas teacher’s homework policy that went viral; we admire her vulnerability to take this approach). |