Welcome to 5th Grade

Mrs. Dann’s class

Who is Mrs. Dann?

I am new to LTE and new to Texas. I was born and raised in the Santa Barbara Area, completed my undergraduate at San Diego State University and graduate work at National University. I have a beautiful black lab named Lexi, a cat named Kitty and a wonderful husband. At my old school, Columbia Middle School, I taught a variety of subjects, such as WEB leadership, Advanced Drama, Social Studies, and ELA; and I was chosen by my staff as the 2013-2014 “Teacher of the Year”. We have a wonderful year ahead as we work together as a team to make sure your student achieves his/her personal best and has a safe and happy experience at Lake Travis Elementary.

Class Schedule 7:55-8:55 Math 8:55-10:10 Science 10:10-11:10 Language Arts 11:10-12:10 Refine/Enrich 12:10-12:15 Go Noodle/Dance Break 12:15-12:45 Lunch/Recess (Table 7A) 12:45-1:30 Social Studies 1:30-1:50 Recess 1:50-2:40 Specials *Library – Thursdays 10:00-10:30

Specials ScheduleGroups A

DayB

DayC

DayD

Day 

Red 

Music 

PE 

Art 

PE 

Blue 

PE 

Art 

PE 

Music 

Yellow 

PE 

Music 

PE 

Art

 Green

 Art

 PE

 Music

 PE

What group is your child in?

BlueZoeRyderEmilieTroyIvan

GreenBradenTeresaBrysonMarie 

RedLiaThomasAlexanderDevynNatalieCooperLaneKaelZachary

Yellow 

LindseyMalloryBraxtonLoganAustin

Overview of 5th grade year Track and Field Fall Fun Run Geo Bee Science Fair projects Winter Party Valentine’s party Spring Carnival End of year Party Kinder Buddies End of Year Field Trip Ropes Course

STAAR Testing

Reading: March 31st

Math: March 30th

Science: April 22nd

Lake TravisCampus Expectations

Campus RulesI am RespectfulI am ResponsibleI am Safe

Implementing PBIS this year on our campus-Positive Behavior Support.

Clear expectations for every student (LTE Behavior Matrix). We are also implementing Character Counts- 6 pillards of Character-

Trustworthiness,

And to always live by the golden rule, “Treat others the way you would like to be treated.”

5th grade classroom expectationsPlease read the student handbook for school wide expectations!

Specific areas to pay attention to are lunchroom rules, bathroom behavior, hallway rules, and dress code.

5th grade classroom expectations:1. Follow directions2. Come to class prepared for work3. Keep hands, feet, and objects to self4. Treat others how you want to be treated5. Speak with permission and ask permission to leave

seat and room6. Microphone Rule

Discipline SR^2: Safety, Respect, and Responsibility Incentives Routines Consequences

Student

Teacher Guardian

Academic Success

Rewards

Individual RewardsVerbal praise!!!Raffle tickets: every other week, I will raffle off 7 prizes.

Whole Class25 compliments a semester= a class compliment party

5th grade classroom consequences

Behavior consequences1. Warning2. Warning; sign behavior book3. Parent contact and fill out behavior Assignment4. Office referral

Persistent infractions If a third repeated offense of the same infraction occurs on the same day, a student will receive an office referral.

Note: Students may be sent to the office immediately in the case of a severe disruption. (Fighting, refusing to work, damaging property, extreme disrespect, or any behavior that keeps the classroom from functioning.)

Weighting of Infractions

Minor infractions Interrupting…lose 1 point Distracting behavior…lose 1 point

Responsibility Infractions Forgetting homework…lose 1 point Not prepared for class…lose 1 point

Respect Infractions talking back…lose 5 points inappropriate language…lose 5 points displaying physical aggression…lose 5 points destruction of property…lose 5 points

How will my child be accountable for their behavior?

● Campus Expectations-PBIS● Stop & Think Reflection (Campus Wide)● Conduct Folder/Tuesday Folder/Citizenship grade

on report card

● Behavior Feedback

What if my child is absent or tardy?

* Students have one day for every day absent to complete their missed work.* Please notify the teacher by 9:00 a.m. if you want work sent home. * Absence and tardy policies were sent home during the first week of school.* All students are required to bring a note to school after an absence in order for it to be excused.* Please have your child at school by 7:45.

Absences/Make Up WorkIf your son or daughter is absent:●Missed assignments will be provided to the student upon their return.●Student should check the online agenda to see what was covered that day.●I will try to honor absent work emails as best I can.

What if I want to volunteer in the class?

● Please sign in at the office.

● Please get a visitors pass from the office and wear it on your shirt.

● The room moms will coordinate a schedule for class volunteers.

How will my child celebrate his or her birthday?

• Birthday Celebrations are held on the last Friday of the month. We will celebrate in class/outside at approx. 1:20pm. We have recess beginning at 1:30.

• Students may ONLY distribute invitations at school if every student in the class is invited.

• No flowers or balloons please. • Please note allergy restrictions.

How will my child keep track of their daily work?

● Take Home Expandable Folder/Daily Agenda● Please encourage your 5th grader to take

responsibility for keeping their take home folder organized.

● Designated place for turning in work ● Journals (Students may bring these home at any time

if you'd like to view them.)

● Teacher's Online Agenda (posted weekly)

Assignment Books/Planners

1. ALL students will be asked to keep track of each day’s assignments in their assignment books. Students are required to use their assignment books given to them in class.

2. PLEASE check your student’s assignment book each night to see what your student is responsible for each night, as well as project due dates, test dates, and/or reminders of need supplies or special events.

3. The assignment book is our daily communication with you. Please be sure to check not only assignments but any quick notes we may have recorded or attached. Feel free to write a quick note to us as well.

What about homework?

Self-Selected Reading/Book Clubs- nightly reading 20 minutes

Math activities/practice Spelling/Grammar Digital Learning Experiences (Math and Science) No more than 50 minutes each night (10 minutes

per grade level).

Homework cont…1. Assigned homework may include such activities as completing

assignments begun in class, practicing concepts previously taught, or extending learning through projects and application activities.

2. Please help your student be able to successfully complete their assignments by providing a place to work. Some students find that the kitchen table works well, others prefer a study area in their rooms. Students will need materials available to them so they can complete their work. Try putting the following items in an inexpensive bucket, plastic bin, or basket: pencils, paper, stapler, colored pencils, highlighters, glue sticks, scissors. Reserve these portable supplies for homework time only! Please try to remove all technology that might be a distraction.

3. Help your child establish the habit of completing the work assigned and then immediately putting it in the backpack so the work can be turned in the next day.

Homework assignment policy

If an assignment is not turned in on time, the student will sign the conduct book and a “no homework” slip will be sent home (attached to the assignment book). The assignment, due the next day with the parent signature, will lose 10 points from the grade.

After 2 days, another note and/or a phone call will be made. (I usually have the students call a parent themselves!) Students will again sign the conduct book and lose 20 points from the grade

After 3 days, a zero will be given for incomplete work.

What will my child be learning?

ReadingThe fifth grade reading program uses a variety of

materials and formats to cover the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for 5th grade as well as prepare our students for success on the STAAR test.

We will be using our Journeys books to read assigned stories and develop specific reading skills.

DOL (Daily Oral Language) Students will read class novels and complete reading projects to enhance learning. Daily reading logs Students are required to read at least 20 minutes a night!

Reading Log # __ First and Last Name ______________

I verify that my child read the stated amount below:

Parent/Guardian Signature x____________________________________ Date ____________

Please write 2 detailed sentences about what you read: ___________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Please write 2 detailed sentences about what you read: ___________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Please write 2 detailed sentences about what you read:

Monday Ti Minutes Read # of Pages # of Pages of Read Genr Genre

20

Tuesday Ti Minutes Read # of Pages # of Pages of Read Genr Genre

20

Wednesday Ti Minutes Read # of Pages # of Pages of Read Genr Genre

20

What will my child learn this year in Writing?

● How to incorporate daily journal writing into their lives

● How to live and think like writers● Narrative, Expository, Poetry, and Memoir● 6+ Traits of Writing

o Ideas, Organization, Sentence Fluency, Conventions, Word Choice, Voice

● They CAN be successful in writing!● Writing will be incorporated into all

subjects.

What “Writer’s Secrets” will my child learn this year?

● Capitalization Rules● Punctuation Rules● Sentence Structure● Word Choice● Text Organization● Editing and Revision● Spelling

MathOur primary goal is to encourage mathematical power for all students. The

goal of the 5th grade math program is to not only cover the TEKS, but to prepare the students to apply these skills to real life situations.

Some of the things you might see your child doing this year:1. Computation tests: (basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, &

division facts)2. Brainteasers/problem solvers (given on Mondays/due on Fridays)3. Lone Star Math- activities that reinforce skills4. assignments that support the curriculum5. hands on projects6. math games7. Students will experience quizzes, tests, and a few projects.

A very important part of our math curriculum is homework. Students need the opportunity to struggle with math that is challenging to them. Please support your child in these struggles and victories as they learn and perfect these critical skills.

Social StudiesSocial Studies in fifth grade, as our text title The United States

suggests, consists of an overview of American History. Therefore, our study begins with a look into the lives of the earliest Americans and spans all the way to the more current events of the twenty-first century.

Students will be spending a minimum of thirty minutes daily in social studies. Homework assignments will typically consist of work begun in class or application of skills/concepts taught in class. Students will continue to develop the academic habit of studying for unit tests, and projects may be assigned occasionally.

Some of the things you may see your students doing:GROW quizzes ( given every three weeks)map skillscurrent eventsWeekly Readersreading assignmentsportfolios (a notebook of a unit’s work)testsprojects

ScienceOne of the major focuses of fifth grade students

in learning and applying the Scientific Method.

1. All students will participate in the science fair this fall. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to investigate and problem solve as a scientist.

2. In addition to the science fair, students will be involved in a variety of activities in class, such as investigations, experiments, demonstrations, and learning to read a technical textbook. We anticipate that our students will broaden their scientific vocabulary and understand the world they live in.

How will my child be graded this year?

5th Grade Grading Policy● First and foremost, we want all students to be

successful, both now and in the future.

● Student grade below a 70:● Conference with teacher● Re-teach● Re-assess

The adjusted grade for the assignment or assessment

cannot be higher than a 75.

Morning Assembly Rules Students may enter the gym after 7:20 in the morning. Students must go directly to the classroom except on

Fridays when they will sit on the bleachers in the gym.

Students may not get back up, run around or leave the gym after entering.

If a student needs to use the bathroom or go eat breakfast, he/she must get permission from a staff member on duty before leaving the gym.

Students will stand, get quiet and salute when instructed to stand for the pledge.

All students and staff with no religious or political objections, must participate in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the Texas Flag.

Students will listen attentively to weekly announcements and participate in the school cheer.

Following the school cheer, students will follow their teachers in a quiet line out of the gym to their classrooms.

Report Cards

Report Cards will come home every

nine weeks.

How will I be updated on my child’s progress?

● District Progress Reporto (average grades of 74 or below only)

● Teacher Feedback & Communication● Report Card● Grades on Portal (TxGradebook)

o Please contact Jennifer Griffin in the office if you don't know how to access the portal.

Hallway Rules Students must always walk in the hallways. (no

running) When walking with their classes, students will

walk in a straight line on the right side of the hallway. (To give other classes room to walk in the hallway.)

Students will walk quietly in the hallway so as to not interrupt the learning of students in their classrooms.

Teachers will use redirection and positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate hallway behavior.

When going to the restroom, students will go quietly directly to and from the restroom and return without playing in the restroom or the hallway.

Playground Rules Play fair and use good sportsmanship in all games. Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself. No rough play or play fighting. A whistle means Stop, Look, and Listen. Keep your shoes on. Do not pick up stones, rocks, sand or mulch. Please keep food and drink away from play area &

throw trash away in trashcans because of ants and bees.

Do not jump off of any equipment or platform (do not jump to bars).

Stay within the playground area or on the field. Stay out of the garden area at the top of the field

during recess.

Swings One person only – no pushing - swing

at safe speeds. No spinning or twisting. No jumping out of the swing. Line up in front of the swing you are

waiting for. There is a three-minute limit when

someone is waiting to swing. No standing in swings

Slides Go down the slides- Do not go

up. Do not climb on slides. Slide feet first only.

Playfield Report any equipment that goes over

the fence to the teacher or monitor. No one goes outside any fenced area

or outside of the walking track without permission.

Do not climb on any fence, tree or play equipment.

No tackling during games, or playing games with physical contact.

Basketball/Blacktops Games

1. Basketballs are to remain on black top. 2. No physical contact. 3. Share the balls and other equipment.

Jump Ropes & Hula Hoops 1. Only to be used for 1 person. (unless

using an extra long jump rope)

2. No tying together jump ropes, no roping, no lassoing, and no whipping.

3. No dragging friends around inside hula hoops.

Lunchroom Rules 1. Wash your hands or use

antibacterial liquid before eating.

2. Students in 1st-5th grade must memorize their lunch numbers a.s.a.p..

3. Students buying their lunch at school will wait in line in an orderly fashion, pick out their lunch items, and give the cashier their lunch number or lunch money.

4. Students will eat at assigned lunch table with their class.

5. Once seated with their lunch, students must raise their hands to get permission to get up again.

6. No throwing food. 7. Students must listen to and

comply with monitor’s requests. 8. If a student has a peanut

allergy, he/she must sit at the “peanut free” table. Students with peanut allergies may take one friend to sit with them at the peanut free table (as long as they do not have any peanut products in their lunch).

9. No sharing or trading food with other students.

10. There is a table for late lunches

Other items:

Sign up for conference times (everyone) Please stop and visit the special area

teachers Please register your child online

The End I am excited to have each of you in my class

and we are going to have a GREAT year!!!!

Thank you for coming!!!

Mrs. Dann