Classroom Rules & Expectations
Morning Bell
When students arrive in the morning, they first enter the classroom to make their lunch selection and then head to their desk to unpack their belongings. Once they unpack their materials, they head to their lockers to put their jackets and backpacks away. This allows me to know who is absent and who is having hot lunch that day. Each morning on their desk, students will have a sheet of morning work. I utilize this time to have students practice math concepts they have learned in the past. This helps reinforce previous taught material and also helps students stay fresh on the many math standards they will learn in 5th grade.
Grades
This year Lakeview School District will continue to use the standard based grading system. (1s, 2s ,3s & 4s)
1: 96%-100% (Advanced/Exceeds Grade level Expectations)
2: 80%-95% (Proficient/Meets Grade Level Expectations)
3: 68%-79% (Partially Proficient/Progressing Towards Grade Level Expectations)
4: 67% (Not Proficient/Does Not Meet Grade Level Expectations)
Spelling
This year, we’ll continue to use the spelling program Words Their Way .WTW is a developmental spelling program which has students work with level-appropriate word sorts in order to improve their understanding of the written language. Word sorts are simply a set of words which fall into certain spelling, sound, or semantic categories. WTW is a foundational program that helps students develop those foundational skills targeted in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The depth of word knowledge developed through the WTW approach to word study also supports the Common Core’s emphasis on students’ reading more complex literary and informational texts. Since we are in a hybrid system, spellings assessments will always take place when students are in class; therefore, the testing days will be different for both groups. Students will receive their new words each week and then will be assessed the following week.
Math
The math series we’ll be using this year will is Math Expressions. Based on our trend data, this program has been a major success. Through the use of manipulatives, drawings, conceptual language and real world examples, this series will help students make sense of mathematics. This program also allows students an opportunity to actively participate in Math Talk, which encourages students to share their methods orally and through proof drawings. Students will have math homework nightly. After every few lessons, students will be given a quick-quiz in class. The quizzes will guide my instruction by allowing me to know whether or not the students are grasping and understanding the concepts being taught. Some key topics students will be learning in math are: developing fluency with addition and subtraction of fractions, developing understanding of the multiplication of fractions and of division of fractions, extending division to 2-digit divisors, understanding the relationship between fractions and decimals and lastly developing an understanding of volume. Students must know their multiplication facts. Students, who know their facts fluently, will be setup for success! Please review their facts with them nightly.
ELA - English Language Arts
In the afternoon, we will focus all of our time on ELA. Our ELA block with consist of the reading & writing strategies, genre units, spelling, TIME for Kids, journal and publishing writing pieces. To help guide our instruction, we will be using the MAISA Reading & Writing units. This will be Lakeview’s sixth year implementing the MAISA Reading & Writing units. Students will learn how to effectively use the 6+1 traits of writing. New federal standards are putting an emphasis on informational reading and writing. In fifth grade, we will be writing & publishing personal narratives, literary essays, persuasive papers, and research papers. The students will also be participating in classroom debates.
Science
I will be teaching science to both 5th grade classes. Michigan has adopted new K-12 Science Standards and this will be our third year implementing them. I will be covering five major areas in science: The Scientific Method (inquiry), Structures and Properties of Matter & Energy, Earth Systems, Space Systems and Engineering Designs. We’ll be using a new program we adopted last year called the Building Blocks of Science to help teach the new standards. Throughout the year, we will also be participating in inquiry based classroom experiments. Your child is going to have a blast in science!
Social Studies
Mrs. Ciegotura will be teaching social studies to my 5th grade class. Students will begin the year reviewing essential map skills. They will then transition to learning about American Indians living in North America before the European exploration. They will then study American history until the end of the Revolution in 1783. The students will expand their knowledge on American Indians living in Michigan and the concept of regions from previous grades. They will continue by learning concepts of government and economics to further understand the development of colonial settlements. The students will finish up by studying the American Revolution and learn what ultimately led to us breaking away from Britain and becoming an independent nation. The American Revolution is a fascinating topic for students to learn about!
Water Bottle
Students are strongly encouraged to bring a water bottle to school each morning to sit on their desk. If need be, students will be allowed to refill their bottle during bathroom breaks and at lunch. Water bottles must be taken home each and every night. Students are only allowed to bring in water.
Snack
Students may have their snack at any time of the day. I strongly encourage a healthy snack; however, I know families may not always have a healthy snack in the house to pack for their child. Our lunch will begin at 12:12 this year. Students will eat lunch first and then have recess.
Bathrom
Our class has two bathroom passes (mini baseball bats). Students will be able to use the pass at anytime throughout the day.
Classroom Rules
I have adopted three simple yet very important rules. The rules are: Be Focused, Be Responsible & Be Respectful. I believe all rules fall under these three. My goal is to make it as straight to the point as possible. As a school, we are continuing to participate in PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) and will continue to do our monthly ICE awards that focus on Instruction, Character and Excellence inside the classroom/school setting. Students who excel throughout the week with their behavior and academics will be able to participate in Friday Fiesta which is an extended recess that will take place on Friday afternoons.
Agendas
At the end of each day, students will be responsible for copying down their agenda. I require all students to get their agenda signed nightly. In their agenda, students will circle, highlight or underline anything they have for homework and/or items that need to be turned in to me or the office. The agendas allow students to reflect on their day with their parents. There will also be an agenda each day for students who are remote posted onto Schoology so students will know what is expected of them for them on that day.
Home Folders / Bounce Back Folders
Each night, students will be taking their Bounce Back Folders home with them. Their homework each night will be in their Bounce Back Folder along with any other important information from our class or from the office. Have your child show you their folder nightly and encourage your child to keep their Bounce Back Folder organized. This will help your child have a successful school year and prepare them for middle school. Students will also be having assignments assigned to them for their remote days. In beginning, much of the work will be paper and pencil; however, as we progress throughout the school year, we will slowly add more to Schoology. The purpose of this is prepare for worst case scenario of going full virtual. This is all new to us and I promise to work closely with you and your child to make this process very manageable.
Missing Work Policy
During the first week of school, students were given six Oops Passes. These passes allow students to receive an additional day to turn in their homework. If a student runs out of Oops Passes, their homework assignment will be marked down 20% after the first day. After two days of being late, that student will be marked down 50%. If your child is getting behind in their work, I will contact you so you will know what they need to make up. Missing work will result in missing their recess privilege and possibly Friday Fiesta.
Absences
When a student is absent, they will be given one day for each day that they are absent to make up their missing work. Any missing work for your child can be picked up at the end of the day in my classroom or can be picked up by them when they return to class.
Newsletters/Class Information
I will be sending newsletters/classroom updates home via email. Since some people do not get their emails on their phones, I will send out Remind Texts to your cell phone to have you check your home email. In these newsletters, you will find out what's happening inside our classroom. You will also get a preview of what's on deck. Please let me know if you do not have access to email. I will be more than happy to send this information home to you in paper form.
Field Trips
Due to the current health pandemic, all field trips as of now will not be taking place. We will continue to reassess the situation monthly and make our decisions based on the current guidelines from the Macomb County Health Department. The MCHD is continuously changing protocols based on direction from the state and more specifically based on our numbers here in Macomb County.
When students arrive in the morning, they first enter the classroom to make their lunch selection and then head to their desk to unpack their belongings. Once they unpack their materials, they head to their lockers to put their jackets and backpacks away. This allows me to know who is absent and who is having hot lunch that day. Each morning on their desk, students will have a sheet of morning work. I utilize this time to have students practice math concepts they have learned in the past. This helps reinforce previous taught material and also helps students stay fresh on the many math standards they will learn in 5th grade.
Grades
This year Lakeview School District will continue to use the standard based grading system. (1s, 2s ,3s & 4s)
1: 96%-100% (Advanced/Exceeds Grade level Expectations)
2: 80%-95% (Proficient/Meets Grade Level Expectations)
3: 68%-79% (Partially Proficient/Progressing Towards Grade Level Expectations)
4: 67% (Not Proficient/Does Not Meet Grade Level Expectations)
Spelling
This year, we’ll continue to use the spelling program Words Their Way .WTW is a developmental spelling program which has students work with level-appropriate word sorts in order to improve their understanding of the written language. Word sorts are simply a set of words which fall into certain spelling, sound, or semantic categories. WTW is a foundational program that helps students develop those foundational skills targeted in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The depth of word knowledge developed through the WTW approach to word study also supports the Common Core’s emphasis on students’ reading more complex literary and informational texts. Since we are in a hybrid system, spellings assessments will always take place when students are in class; therefore, the testing days will be different for both groups. Students will receive their new words each week and then will be assessed the following week.
Math
The math series we’ll be using this year will is Math Expressions. Based on our trend data, this program has been a major success. Through the use of manipulatives, drawings, conceptual language and real world examples, this series will help students make sense of mathematics. This program also allows students an opportunity to actively participate in Math Talk, which encourages students to share their methods orally and through proof drawings. Students will have math homework nightly. After every few lessons, students will be given a quick-quiz in class. The quizzes will guide my instruction by allowing me to know whether or not the students are grasping and understanding the concepts being taught. Some key topics students will be learning in math are: developing fluency with addition and subtraction of fractions, developing understanding of the multiplication of fractions and of division of fractions, extending division to 2-digit divisors, understanding the relationship between fractions and decimals and lastly developing an understanding of volume. Students must know their multiplication facts. Students, who know their facts fluently, will be setup for success! Please review their facts with them nightly.
ELA - English Language Arts
In the afternoon, we will focus all of our time on ELA. Our ELA block with consist of the reading & writing strategies, genre units, spelling, TIME for Kids, journal and publishing writing pieces. To help guide our instruction, we will be using the MAISA Reading & Writing units. This will be Lakeview’s sixth year implementing the MAISA Reading & Writing units. Students will learn how to effectively use the 6+1 traits of writing. New federal standards are putting an emphasis on informational reading and writing. In fifth grade, we will be writing & publishing personal narratives, literary essays, persuasive papers, and research papers. The students will also be participating in classroom debates.
Science
I will be teaching science to both 5th grade classes. Michigan has adopted new K-12 Science Standards and this will be our third year implementing them. I will be covering five major areas in science: The Scientific Method (inquiry), Structures and Properties of Matter & Energy, Earth Systems, Space Systems and Engineering Designs. We’ll be using a new program we adopted last year called the Building Blocks of Science to help teach the new standards. Throughout the year, we will also be participating in inquiry based classroom experiments. Your child is going to have a blast in science!
Social Studies
Mrs. Ciegotura will be teaching social studies to my 5th grade class. Students will begin the year reviewing essential map skills. They will then transition to learning about American Indians living in North America before the European exploration. They will then study American history until the end of the Revolution in 1783. The students will expand their knowledge on American Indians living in Michigan and the concept of regions from previous grades. They will continue by learning concepts of government and economics to further understand the development of colonial settlements. The students will finish up by studying the American Revolution and learn what ultimately led to us breaking away from Britain and becoming an independent nation. The American Revolution is a fascinating topic for students to learn about!
Water Bottle
Students are strongly encouraged to bring a water bottle to school each morning to sit on their desk. If need be, students will be allowed to refill their bottle during bathroom breaks and at lunch. Water bottles must be taken home each and every night. Students are only allowed to bring in water.
Snack
Students may have their snack at any time of the day. I strongly encourage a healthy snack; however, I know families may not always have a healthy snack in the house to pack for their child. Our lunch will begin at 12:12 this year. Students will eat lunch first and then have recess.
Bathrom
Our class has two bathroom passes (mini baseball bats). Students will be able to use the pass at anytime throughout the day.
Classroom Rules
I have adopted three simple yet very important rules. The rules are: Be Focused, Be Responsible & Be Respectful. I believe all rules fall under these three. My goal is to make it as straight to the point as possible. As a school, we are continuing to participate in PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) and will continue to do our monthly ICE awards that focus on Instruction, Character and Excellence inside the classroom/school setting. Students who excel throughout the week with their behavior and academics will be able to participate in Friday Fiesta which is an extended recess that will take place on Friday afternoons.
Agendas
At the end of each day, students will be responsible for copying down their agenda. I require all students to get their agenda signed nightly. In their agenda, students will circle, highlight or underline anything they have for homework and/or items that need to be turned in to me or the office. The agendas allow students to reflect on their day with their parents. There will also be an agenda each day for students who are remote posted onto Schoology so students will know what is expected of them for them on that day.
Home Folders / Bounce Back Folders
Each night, students will be taking their Bounce Back Folders home with them. Their homework each night will be in their Bounce Back Folder along with any other important information from our class or from the office. Have your child show you their folder nightly and encourage your child to keep their Bounce Back Folder organized. This will help your child have a successful school year and prepare them for middle school. Students will also be having assignments assigned to them for their remote days. In beginning, much of the work will be paper and pencil; however, as we progress throughout the school year, we will slowly add more to Schoology. The purpose of this is prepare for worst case scenario of going full virtual. This is all new to us and I promise to work closely with you and your child to make this process very manageable.
Missing Work Policy
During the first week of school, students were given six Oops Passes. These passes allow students to receive an additional day to turn in their homework. If a student runs out of Oops Passes, their homework assignment will be marked down 20% after the first day. After two days of being late, that student will be marked down 50%. If your child is getting behind in their work, I will contact you so you will know what they need to make up. Missing work will result in missing their recess privilege and possibly Friday Fiesta.
Absences
When a student is absent, they will be given one day for each day that they are absent to make up their missing work. Any missing work for your child can be picked up at the end of the day in my classroom or can be picked up by them when they return to class.
Newsletters/Class Information
I will be sending newsletters/classroom updates home via email. Since some people do not get their emails on their phones, I will send out Remind Texts to your cell phone to have you check your home email. In these newsletters, you will find out what's happening inside our classroom. You will also get a preview of what's on deck. Please let me know if you do not have access to email. I will be more than happy to send this information home to you in paper form.
Field Trips
Due to the current health pandemic, all field trips as of now will not be taking place. We will continue to reassess the situation monthly and make our decisions based on the current guidelines from the Macomb County Health Department. The MCHD is continuously changing protocols based on direction from the state and more specifically based on our numbers here in Macomb County.