Dear Parents of Incoming Fifth-Graders, We, Mr. Snyder and Mr. Olmsted, the fifth grade teachers at Pioneer, are looking forward to working with your child as part of the fifth grade class of 2008. Between the two of us, your child will be the beneficiary of almost 30 years of teaching experience. That experience has taught us a great deal about how elementary school should prepare its students for middle school and beyond. With that in mind, we have set up a modified middle school system for your child to learn in and grow with. One of the ways we try to simulate middle school is by actually having periods during the school day where your child will have Mr. Olmsted for math and science and Mr. Snyder for Communications and social studies. We will both teach reading and literature. For some subjects the students will be mixed differently than in their "homeroom" class and others will be using the homeroom grouping. So don't think so much of your child having a certain teacher all day for the year. Rather, he/she will spend time with both us! This year we will be stressing organization and responsibility. Your child will be given a planner the first week of school and they will be expected to keep it up to date on a daily basis throughout the year. We will monitor the planner each week to help students develop this important organization skill. There will also be weekly homework that will focus on spelling, math practice, and cursive writing. In addition, there will be one or two nightly math assignments and a series of weekly reading and note-taking assignments for social studies. Of course, there will be a few long-term projects throughout the year as well. Your child will be expected to always turn their neat and completed work in on time. We will expect independent reading to continue in fifth grade; specifically, at least one AR (Accelerated Reader) book and one nonfiction book to be read each month. See "Reading" page on this web site for more information regarding independent reading. We will use a computer record system to generate an overview of your child's work. Points will be given for homework, class work, notes, planners, quizzes, and tests. A report will be sent home periodically to help keep your child and you apprised of their progress in these areas. We believe that all students deserve a classroom experience free from unnecessary disruptions or rude behaviors. When necessary, a daily instruction time will be held during recess. This period is called "Manners Class". During this time we will instruct students who need a lesson in cooperation, attitude, or self-control; i.e. manners. You will be informed by note if your child needs more than two Manners classes to change their behavior. Mr. Woods, our principal, will deal with chronic or more serious problems. Please take some time to discuss the importance of these expectations with your child. It will be time well spent. Sincerely, Mr. Snyder and Mr. Olmsted