This page contains answers to commonly-asked questions by students and
parents.
- Math-Related Questions, Including Extra Help
- Math Tables
- Spelling-Related Questions
- Science-Related Questions
- Reading-Related Questions
- Study Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Homework
- Vacation/Tests
- Tests
- Changing Classes
- Signed and Returned Tests and Quizzes
- How Can Parents Contact Me?
- Detention
Math-Related Questions, Including Extra Help
Math homework should take between 30-40 minutes. An average of
10-20 problems are given each night. At times, a study guide is
provided to help reinforce concepts. Students should refer to it
when they are experiencing difficulty with their homework. If it
takes longer than 40 minutes, the student should stop. A parent
or guardian should write a brief note to explain the area of
difficulty.
All homework will count toward one test grade. Ten points will
be deducted for each assignment that is not turned in the
following day. (This is an easy way to score 100 on a test if the
homework is done and brought to class.)
Tests are usually given once a week.
EXTRA HELP is only for math and is on Tuesday afternoons from
2:20-3:20 p.m. Your child can only attend if I receive a note
from you on the day extra help is offered. Please do not call the
office.
Math Tables
MATH FACTS - Each student is expected to know addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division tables extremely well.
Reinforcement at home is greatly appreciated. There are many
websites to practice these tables. See Math Links above. Also,
there will be a math Face-off, which is similar to a spelling
bee, the first Wednesday of each month to reinforce these facts.
The names of the winners will be posted in my room each month.
At the end of the year, there will be a Face-off between the
fifth and sixth grade students.
Spelling-Related Questions
Spelling class meets three times a week. The following is a
schedule of class work and homework.
5B - Monday 5A - Tuesday
Class
1. Color code the spelling words in the SORT.
2. Write the words in the SORT by syllables.
3. Begin the assigned pages in the text.
Homework
1. Finish the pages in the text.
5B - Wednesday 5A - Thursday
Class
1. Correct the pages in the text.
2. Do Take a Closer Look.
Homework
1. Write the LIST WORDS only in sentences.
(There is a handout with specific requirements and
an explanation how the assignment will be graded.
The sentences count as a TEST GRADE. If the
assignment is not turned in the next day, it will be
counted as a ZERO. This will take effect the first
week in October.)
5B & 5A - FRIDAY
Class
1. Collect sentences.
2. Weekly test on the LIST WORDS & CHALLENGE WORDS.
3. Spelling Bee.
Science-Related Questions
Tests are usually every 1 1/2 - 2 weeks. There are usually two
tests per chapter based on Lessons 1 & 2 and 3 & 4. The material
comes from notes taken in class, the text, handouts, and
experiments. Occasionally, a study guide is provided. Usually at
least one week's notice is given prior to a test to prepare for
studying. This will be posted on the homework web page and on the
white board in the classroom.
*There isn't any extra help for science after school. A review
for the test is done the day before the test in the form of a
Jeopardy game.
Class work and experiments usually count collectively as a quiz.
If the assignment is late, ten points will be deducted per day.
Projects may count as a quiz or test depending on the project.
The final science grade is weighted.
An endangered specie book/project will begin in November and
counts 50% of the second term grade. Details will follow when
the project is begun.
Reading-Related Questions
The first term is dedicated to teaching reading skills. These
skills can be practiced on the sites in the Reading Skills * web
link. During the remainder of the year, these skills are
reinforced with stories from the text and Scholastic News
Magazine, which is a weekly compilation of current events.
Scholastic News Magazine is purchased by the students at the
beginning of the year. It is an excellent way of keeping abreast
of what is going on in the world.
Study Skills
A strong emphasis is made toward learning how to study. Each
student is given tips how to study math, spelling, and science.
These tips can be found on the first page in each respective
section in your child's notebook. These tips will be reinforced
throughout the year.
Organizational Skills
Another emphasis is organization. All materials are to be kept
in the binders in the correct sequence. This includes notes,
handouts, homework, experiments, and so forth. Students will be
shown how to manage their binders. The binders worked very well
in previous years.
(Students should not pull the rings to open the binders because
this causes them to break easily.)
Homework
Assignments are written on the white board daily and are
explained in detail. Time is given throughout the day to write
the assignments in the planners. There isn't any excuse for not
writing down the assignments or forgetting to bring home books or
assignments. Students are responsible for bringing homework to
school and having it in their binders. Also, homework is posted
daily on the Homework page (above).
Homework should not take longer than 1 1/2 hours. If your child
is experiencing difficulty, please write me a note and do not
have him/her attempt to do the remainder of the homework. I will
take a look at your child's work and meet individually with your
child and reteach it.
Vacation/Tests
If a student is on vacation when a test is given, the student
will not be permitted to make up the test. The student will NOT
receive a grade and will NOT be penalized. Also, please do not
ask for homework assignments for your child to do during
vacation. (This is the school policy.)
Tests
I make an attempt to have tests returned within a few days after
they have been taken. However, if a student is absent, I will
hold all the tests until the student makes up the test. However,
students will be allowed to see their grades.
Changing Classes
Each student is responsible for bringing the correct materials,
including homework to class. If a student forgets or brings the
incorrect assignment, the student will not be allowed to get it.
The assignment will count as a zero even if it is left in the
student's desk. All work should be kept in the binder.
*This will take effect on October 1st. By that time, all
students should be acclimated to the routine.
Signed and Returned Tests and Quizzes
I will post the day a test/quiz is returned on the Homework
page (above), so you will be aware a test will be coming home
that day. If a grade is below 70, you can sign and return the
test to me if you like, so I am aware you have seen it. However,
this is not mandatory. I am not going to keep a record of signed
and returned tests.
How Can Parents Contact Me?
I prefer writing a quick note rather than using email. (It is a
lot faster.) If you have any questions, please write me a note,
and I will attempt to get back to you either the same day or the
following one. You may write a brief note in your child's
planner, but it is your child's responsibility to show it to me.
Please check your child's planner every night. If I need to
write you a short note, it will be written in the planner, or you
can expect a note in a sealed envelope. Please write a note back
to me to indicate you have read my message.
Detention
Detention will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from
2:20 - 3:20 p.m. A one day notice prior to detention will be
given. The detention slip must be signed by a parent. The
parent/guardian is responsible for pick-up promptly at 3:20 p.m.
If a student receives three check marks during a course of a
week, a detention notice will be given. Usual offenses are:
1. Talking in the class or halls.
2. Speaking out in class.
3. Three tardy slips within a term. (School policy)