5th Grade Team

Attendance/Tardies: Students are expected to be in the classroom, getting ready for the day by 7:45.   Attendance is very important.  When your child is absent, it is district policy that the student brings a written note when returning to school.  It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to collect his or her make up work and complete it in a timely manner.  Students have time equal to the time they were absent to make up their work.  (ex: if a student is absent 2 days, he or she will have 2 days to complete work after returning to school)

Homework:  You can expect homework each week.  Homework is designed to extend students’ learning of concepts studied in class.    Although homework will change at the teacher’s discretion, the following can be expected:

• Home Reading : students will complete a bi-weekly reading log that must be signed by a parent
• Math problem-solving practice
• Science vocabulary and TAKS review questions
• Weekly Spelling & Vocabulary

Work that is assigned at school, but not completed in class is also homework and due the next day.  Students should record and highlight this in their planners.  Students are expected to be responsible for their learning and turn in assignments when they are due.  If students have questions regarding their homework, they should discuss their concerns with their teacher as soon as possible.  We understand that things come up from time to time; however, excuses from students and parents for incomplete work are not accepted, except in case of emergency. 

Study Hall:  Study hall will be held during recess.  Students will attend if they have group work to complete, make-up work from being absent, make-up tests, or teacher tutoring.  Study Hall is NOT a place to do homework.   

Grading:  Generally, tests and major projects count twice and daily assignments count once.  Tests and major projects that earn grades less than 70% can be signed by a parent and redone to raise the grade up to a 70%.  Students may be asked to make corrections or retake a test at the teacher’s discretion.  All corrections and retakes must be completed within 1 week from the time the assignment is returned.  Students must take responsibility for earning and raising their grades. 

Late work policy: Work turned in late will result in a 10-point per day reduction from the grade.  If work is not turned in after 3 days, a grade of zero will be given.  It is the student’s responsibility to stay on top of due dates and assignments.  We understand that things happen and are willing to work with students who take initiative and discuss possible extensions in advance.

5th Grade Planner:   The fifth grade planner is a tool designed to keep students organized.  Students will write down their daily assignments and highlight their homework.   It is also the best way to keep parents informed about activities, assignments, and behavior at school.  Parents, please take time to review the booklet with your child and sign each evening. 

Take Home Folders: Weekly folders will go home each Wednesday.  Folders are divided into “Graded Papers” and “Notes Home.”  Please return the folder on Thursday.  Graded Papers should stay home unless they require a parent signature and corrections.  You can fill out any forms or notes and return inside the folder for the teacher.

Lunch Tickets: Parents may add money to lunch accounts on Monday from 7:30-7:50. The cost of a student lunch is $2.05 a day. Students may purchase extra milk any time.  Extra milk is $.50.  Breakfast is served daily.  The cost of breakfast is $1.35.  Fifth graders will eat between 11:46 and 12:27.  You may join your child for lunch during this time.  The cost of an adult lunch is $2.50. 

Snack:  Children are welcome to bring a snack to munch on throughout the day.   We encourage that each child bring a healthy snack along with a water bottle to help keep their brains functioning.  A healthy snack may include, but is not limited to; fruit, vegetables, cheese, and crackers.  We discourage bringing chips, cookies, and junk food in general, as it does not have much nutritional value. 

Dress Code: For detailed information on the Anderson Mill dress code, please see the Student Handbook. Here are a few reminders to help keep the focus on learning: 

• Please check length of shorts and skirts- they must be at least fingertip length 
• Be aware of the length of shirts- they should fully cover the stomach
•  Spaghetti straps are prohibited and sleeveless shirts must be three fingers in width
• Tennis shoes or other closed toed shoes that allow students to run and play safely are required
• Hats, caps, bandanas, or any other head covering are prohibited

Cell Phones: We understand that your child’s safety is important; therefore your child may have a cell phone for that purpose.  However, during school hours your child’s cell phone must to be turned off, stored in their backpack, and should only be brought out when away from the school campus.  Should you need to contact your child during school hours please call the classroom directly.  Please note that cell phones must either be left at home or stored in the office on days of TAKS tests.

Mini Mall:  5^th graders participate in an incentive program called Mini Mall.  All students apply for classroom jobs and earn a weekly salary.  They may also earn fines and bonuses for classroom activities.  They keep track of their money with a Banking Log similar to a checkbook register.  From time to time, teachers will offer students the opportunity to purchase reward coupons with their Mini Mall money.  In addition, approximately once every nine weeks, students will participate in the Mini Mall.  Students can bring goods from home or provide a service to sell to their classmates.  This is a fun way for students to participate in a real world situation of earning and spending money and learn about the basics of economics.