 Dear Parents,
Today begins a brand new school year for all of us! I would like to welcome each of you to my classroom. As always, the start of a new school year holds the promise of new discovery and learning, as well as the prospect of personal growth in all areas. My mission and goal, as your child’s teacher, is to help them reach their fullest potential, raise their self-esteem and prepare for middle school.
I have put together a class handbook to help you and your child become familiar with my expectations for the school year. Please take time to read through this information. The handbook should be placed in your child’s M.O.O.S.E. binder which we will organize the first week of school. The handbook should remain in your child’s binder throughout the school year for your reference. The handbook can also be accessed on our class web page. If you need to contact me, you may email me at shelena.butt@sumnerschools.org, or slingingrits@aol.com. You may also call the school and leave a message (325-8580), my home number is 325-0384 and my cell number is 714-3684. I am always available for you and your child.
I am looking forward to an exciting year with my class. My wish for all of us is that we have a great year together. I want to stress that we are all on the same team working together for a great education. Thank you for your cooperation in getting this year off to a great start!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Shelena Butt
“Ms. B”
Students have the energy, imagination, and intelligence to make a difference in their community. They need only be asked to show what they can do.
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
************************************************************************************************
Ms. B’s Boulevard
Your Road to Success

A
Agendas
All students are issued an agenda which is kept in their M.O.O.S.E binder. Students will use the agenda as a calendar to schedule home and school events, upcoming tests, homefun and project due dates. As students in fifth grade are expected a certain level of independence, I will only check the agendas daily for the first 9 weeks of school. After this, I will only check agendas if requested by parent, student or I may do a surprise check. It is important that students learn responsibility prior to beginning middle school. However, it is still important to check your child’s agenda nightly as it may have a note from me or a reminder of a school event .
Absences
Please send a note from home or a doctor’s note when your child is absent.
Arrival
School starts at 7:40 , however, I will pick the students up by 7:30 every morning to allow them time to unpack and begin any morning work. In addition, those students who are capable of entering the classroom and either reading, studying or beginning their morning work may enter as soon as they arrive at school. If I am here, my door is unlocked and students may enter-even if it is 7:00 a.m. Those students who abuse this privilege will be required to remain in the gym until 7:30.
B
Back to School
The first few weeks of school are spend getting to know each other and learning new routines. I also use this time to become familiar with your child’s learning style and educational needs.
Backpack
Your child should bring a backpack to school everyday. Roller backpacks are not permitted at J.W.W. Girls: Purses are allowed as long as they do not pose a distraction.
Behavior
Naturally, each teacher sets high expectations for their students. In order to guarantee your child and all of his or her fellow classmates receive the excellent learning environment they deserve, it is important that each student understands they are to respect the teaching-learning process.
As a student in my class, I expect them to:
Accept responsibility for their own behavior,
Have all needed materials for class
Follow all directions correctly, and
Bring a positive attitude to class
My classroom is designed to focus on positive behavior versus negative behavior. Please understand that students are sent to the office as a final option, because it removes the student from the classroom setting and denies them the access to information needed for learning.
Therefore, desired positive behaviors are highly encouraged and reinforced. It is in everyone’s best interest that we work together with regards to a quality education. The following rewards/reinforcement strategies will be used:
Praise
Positive notes /telephone calls home
Treats from the Class Box
Class activities/Celebrations
Students with no behavior problems with all homework and class work current will be allowed to eat in the classroom on Friday.
Birthdays
Birthdays are an exciting time for students of all ages! We will gladly celebrate birthdays for your child at your convenience. Please let me know if it’s your child’s birthday and you’d like to bring or send in items for a celebration!!!
Books & Book Orders
I maintain a classroom library. I allow students to check out books and place them in their reading basket. These books are not allowed to go home-they are kept at school unless special permission is granted.
Several times during the year I will send home book orders (Troll, Scholastic, Arrow) that will provide your child with the opportunity to order from book clubs. These orders can be completed online with your debit/credit card. I do not submit orders any other way. I will send login information and passwords home with the first book order. The more books purchased, the more free books we earn for our classroom. Remember these books make great gifts!
C
Change in Transportation
Please send a note or write in your child’s agenda if there is a change in transportation. Without a note I am required to follow their usual daily transportation routine.
Class Meetings
Similar to Paideia “seminar” structure, class meetings occur once a month. This allows each student to discuss any problems or concerns that affect our class. Students are able to submit “new business item” (or topics) to be placed on the agenda. Then, students are allowed to make recommendations on how to fix the problems. Finally, they vote on which strategy would be used. These minutes will be posted on our class web page so that parents can see what concerns their child may have.
Clothing
Students need to wear appropriate, comfortable clothing to school. Please put names on coats, sweaters and book bags. Rubber soled shoes are highly suggests as we will take Walk and Talk breaks whenever the weather permits.
Communication
Communication is a key ingredient in a successful classroom. A weekly newsletter is available on our class web page and sent home every Monday to ensure you stay informed. READ THE NEWSLETTER!!! It is your best resource to staying informed. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to write a note, email or call. As previously mentioned, my website is a great form of communication, and is updated frequently with important reminders, upcoming dates and announcements. If you have online access please check www.Msbsboulevard.com
D
Daily Procedures
There are a multitude of classroom procedures that quickly become routine for many students. These procedures provide classroom ownership for the students and help the day flow more smoothly. Since we essentially follow the same routine every day, students know what to expect, thereby minimizing disruptive behaviors. I feel the two most important routines occur when the students walk in the door and when it is time to leave at the end of the day.
Morning Routine
Make sure that you go to the restroom before reporting to class
Unpack backpacks and hang up coats and backpacks
Turn in lunch money to Ms. B and place snacks at your desk [along with your water bottle]
Turn in homework in the subject coded work pockets
Copy down daily assignments in agenda
Write down Math POD
Begin morning work posted on board
IF MY DOOR IS OPEN-STUDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ENTER. If not, students are to report to the gym where I will pick them up.
Exiting Routine
2:25- The classroom helpers will erase the boards and check the floors to ensure that each student has picked up their work area. They will also put up chairs at the classroom tables and place all trash cans at the door.
2:35- Students are allowed to begin packing up to go home. Once these students are packed, they will return to their seat to await dismissal. When the students are dismissed via the intercom they will put their seat up and calmly leave the room.
Desks
Every student is issued their own desk with an inside compartment, a chair with a chair pocket, and a cubby located on the back classroom wall. Students are expected to maintain their personal learning space in an orderly and neat manner. No messy desks/cubbies/chairs are allowed. It if sticks out-I grab and trash. It is important students learn to take the few seconds it takes to place items in the correct space. Therefore, when those items are needed, they can obtain them immediately. This is especially helpful for middle school. No stuffing papers in desks or in the incorrect binder or folder. Organization is important to ensuring each students education.
Detention
Detention is held every day during the normal recess time. Students from any fifth grade class can be issued a detention if they have exhibited poor behavior or missing homework/class work. The fifth grade teachers take turns providing detention. Students will report to said teachers classroom with work assigned by their classroom teacher.
F
4-H
4-H is mandatory in the classroom per Sumner County guidelines. Therefore the following 4-H projects are mandatory : poster and speech. Many parents are not aware that these projects meet 5th grade curriculum standards as far as public speaking, writing and graphics. I will supply any student with the necessary items needed for these projects if a note is placed in their binder or you can email me at school. In addition, all other projects are extra credit grades. It is my hope that the students understand that if someone is going to be in our classroom for an hour each month preparing something for them, they will respect this person and participate.
G
Grades
Percentages will be placed on all graded papers. As a rule, I do not place letter grades, only percentages. Please note that many assignments are not given grades because they are for practice purposes, not assessment. Therefore, you may view papers with the number missed recorded at the top of the paper without a letter grade. This means it was not a grade-simply practice. A checkmark means I have reviewed the assignment for mastery of skills and understanding of concepts.
All assignments/tests are graded on a 100 point scale. I always stress for students to do their best on EVERY assignment. Therefore, I will grade some class work without notifying the students prior to completion. Many of these grades are independent spelling and vocabulary work. Students are afforded the opportunity to rework assignments to improve their grades. I’m not here to simply provide a grade. I’m here to teach, and therefore any student wishing to improve will be provided ample opportunity. Most times, the student has no choice-they redo their work with me and I will then retest them. All students are considered A students-if they want it-I’ll help them get there.
**During the first 9 weeks of school the students will be continually reminded to make sure their work is neat, include their name [first and last], date and assignment at the time right hand corner of all papers. They are constantly reminded to read all directions thoroughly to ensure proper completion of assignments. Students who miss questions due to lack of following directions will have the opportunity to re-do the assignment correctly and will receive partial credit for correcting their mistakes. Turning in accurate, timely work with his/her best effort is an important life skill. I appreciate your support in this area as we work together to instill a solid work ethic in your child.
Your child will bring home their purple Take Home Folder on most Wednesdays. This folder will contain graded papers and class work. A place for your signature and comments is provided on the left hand side. Please make sure and look at each assignment as some may contain notes to redo/rework an assignment and return to me.
**Grades are accessible through the Sumner County Parent Portal. Information regarding Parent Portal will be provided within the first few weeks of school. Each child will be supplied with their own access code so grades are available to you at any time. This is J.W.W.’s first year using this system so please be patient.
Grading Scale
A 93-100 B 92-85 C 84-75 D 74-70
H
HomeFun Policy
Homework {Homefun} is an important part of your child’s school experience. Supporting good work habits requires a joint effort. I will support your child and encourage good work habits at school. Your child will benefit greatly from your support and encouragement at home.
Time spent on homework for fifth graders should be no longer than 50 minutes per night as per the Sumner County Board of Education. IF your child is spending more time than this completing homework please let me know. Students are given periods of work time throughout the school day where they are able to complete assignments. Any class work that is not completed by the end of the school day becomes homework. This makes is extremely important for students to utilize independent work time responsibly. Please remember, as will I, that the actual time it takes to complete assignments vary depending on the student. Students who use their time wisely are not likely to have large amounts of homework. Please write a note at the top of any homework your child has difficulty completing.
There will be no homework assigned on Wednesdays other than reading or studying. I try to limit homework assigned on Friday. If there is work over the weekend, it is usually studying or make up work. There will be special projects from time to time. However, I will give ample notice so the time spent on these assignments/projects can be spread out.
Unfinished assignments are called “incompletes”. The consequences for an incomplete could result in detention or extra homework. Students will be given a notice specifying any missing assignments on Friday.
The following is a basic homefun schedule we will be using.
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday Math: Students will have a math practice page and a math review
page.
Due by Friday Weekly Paragraph: Beginning the second week of school, students will be required to
write a weekly paragraph(s). The topic/assignment page is
provided on Monday and they are required to have a rough draft
initialed by a parent, along with their final draft on Friday. Information on
this will be provided in a separate booklet.
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday Students should study their spelling and vocabulary words at home on these
days.
Friday As a rule, no homework unless it is make up work or simply studying for an upcoming test.
L
Lunch
Lunch money should be sent to school in an envelope or baggie. Please send it inside your child’s M.O.O.S.E. binder. Please always label the envelope/baggie as follows: Child’s name, Ms. B, lunch money
Learning Targets
Learning targets are what your child is expected to learn and master in the 5th grade. Each morning students will check the Learning Targets chart. We refer to these targets throughout the school day to ensure clarity of what we are learning. Your child may also refer to these as “I can…” statements.
M
Make-up Work
In the event a students misses class time, any missed assignments need to be completed. Make-up work is due three days after the student returns to school. Make-up work will be sent with a list of missed classroom assignments/lessons to be completed at home and school.
If your child is absent more than one day, I encourage you to make arrangements to pick up their work. Please call the office and make this request at your earliest convenience so that I have ample time to compile their books and assignments. This work will be left in the front office for you to retrieve.
Math
Multiplication and division facts are vital for students to master other math concepts. Students will take a timed test during their first week of school and we will build on these results. Depending on their mastery of said skills, they may require additional practice at home.
I also employ the use of math POD’s {Problem of the Day} to help students become better problem solvers. These POD’s are copied each morning and worked during math time. The students are to begin POD’s on Monday and write each days and turn them in on Friday. This is a weekly grade which also teaches students responsibility as they have to keep up with their POD’s until Friday.
I will also provide resource pages for your child to keep in their M.O.O.S.E. binder to refer to for help with Math assignments.
M.O.O.S.E. Binder
Management of Organization Skills Everyday
I want to introduce you to your M.O.O.S.E. binder. This is a very important part of my teaching because it is a means of communication with you! As you may have noticed M.O.O.S.E. is an acronym for Management of Organization Skills Everyday. Your child is required to take this binder home every afternoon and is also responsible for bringing it back to school in the mornings. I will be checking the contents of the binder each morning along with checking for agenda signatures. I ask that you sign your child’s agenda nightly. Some of the items you will find in your child’s M.O.O.S.E. binder are: calendar for the school year and for the current month, daily schedule, lunch/breakfast menu, class list for your personal reference, newsletters, daily reading log, study guides, homework and a purple folder which has one side dedicated for notes/papers that need to be returned to school and the other side for work that can be kept at home. Your child’s agenda will also be in the back of their binder.
The M.O.O.S.E. binder is a great way to keep us all organized and encourage communication. It will also encourage responsibility in the students as they prepare for middle school.
N
Newsletter
A newsletter will be sent home the first day of each school week. It will include important dates pertaining to school and classroom events. In addition, it will contain homefun assignments, upcoming tests and learning targets. The newsletter will be placed in the front of their M.O.O.S.E. binder. Please be sure to read the newsletter each week. In addition, it can be viewed on our class web page.
P
Parking Lot
The students have a “Parking Lot” to post questions for me to answer at a later date. They write their question on a post-it and place it on my parking lot. I will check these daily and answer sometime that week. Many times, students become excited about a subject and we don’t have ample time to answer all questions-especially those that may veer off subject. This allows students to jot down their question before they forget and quietly post it on the parking lot. Many students post questions about middle school, ask for extra help or leave me messages that make my day.
Progress Reports
Progress Reports will be sent home every 4 ½and a half weeks.
R
Reading
In my classroom we follow The Daily 5. This is a structure that helps students develop the daily habits of reading, writing, and working independently that will lead to a lifetime of literacy independence. Based on literacy learning and motivation research, the Daily 5 is a series of literacy tasks which students complete daily while I meet with small groups or confer with individual students. The literacy tasks consist of five components: Read to Self, Word Work, Writing Workshop, Read with Someone and Small group or Literature Circles with the teacher. Writing workshop and literacy centers are utilized on a daily basis in my class. This allows the students to collaborate with others to learn and to move around the classroom. This also instills responsibility which will help bridge the gap to middle school as students are required to self monitor their work.
Explicit modeling, practice and reflecting takes place during the first 9 weeks of school. By the end of the first 9 weeks, students will be reading books of their choice and that interest them (Good Fit Books) for a minimum of 25 minutes. I have seen great student achievement and enjoyment of reading by simply letting students choose books and not relying solely on the county Basal reading series.
Please be aware that I also utilize the current Basal Reader.
Recess
Outdoor recess will be held every day for 15 minutes unless it is raining or muddy. Students are asked to wear play shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Students who break classroom rules and or procedures will be required to walk silently on the track during their loss of recess time.
Report Cards
Report Cards will go home each 9 weeks
S
Science and Social Studies
Students will explore many new interesting concepts this year. In science, we use as many hands on activities as we can to enrich our learning with cells, ecosystems, heredity, the solar system, plate tectonics, matter and energy. Social Studies topics include the three grade divisions of Tennessee, map skills, a review of the first explorers and the 13 colonies, Revolutionary War, The Civil War, Progressive Era, World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, The Civil Rights Movement, Korean War, Vietnam and the war in the Middle East.
Study guides for Science and Social Studies tests/quizzes will be provided. Some of the study guides will be prepared by the students themselves. It is important for the students to write legible and include all details in their note taking.
Snack Time
It is difficult to learn when you are hungry and lunchtime is many minutes or hours away. Students are allowed to bring a morning snack to school. Their snack MUST be healthy (I.e., fruit, cheese, vegetables, breakfast bars, crackers, pretzels, peanut butter, dry cereal). Cookies, chips, brownies and other sweets will not be permitted for snack time. Note: Violation of snack rules result in loss of snack day, so please ask Ms. B if you are not sure you have an appropriate snack. Further, students are allowed to keep water bottles (with twist caps) at their desk throughout the day. Water bottles must be taken home each day. Any bottles left at school will be thrown away during end of day cleaning.
Spelling
Students will have weekly spelling and vocabulary lists. The spelling lists includes 15 regular spelling words, 5 High Frequency Words and 5 Challenge Words. I do not pretest in my classroom so all students will take the spelling test on Friday. Further, all students must attempt the challenge words. If a students misses a challenge word, no points are deducted. If correct, a bonus point for each correct challenge word is awarded to the students final grade on that test.
T
Tardies
If your child is late for school, please sign them in at the office BEFORE sending them to the classroom.
Tests
You will always be provided with a tentative date of upcoming tests and a study guide at least one week prior to the test. Your child should study a little each night to be well prepared. You can find the study guides online.
V
Visitors
J.W.W. has a policy that all guests are required to check in at the school office. The purpose is to eliminate interruptions during classroom activities or instructional time. The office will contact me if your child needs to leave early, come to the office or if you need to speak with me.
Volunteers
As a mother, I enjoyed the involvement I experienced with my children’s elementary school experience. I feel it is important for a child to know that his or her parents support their education. I love and appreciate parental involvement of any type. Please sign the Volunteer form if you can help out in any way whether it be chaperoning field trips, helping with parties, assisting with special projects, sending treats or preparing materials at home.
W
Walk-n-Talks
I provide students with “brain breaks” between large blocks of instructional time. Sometimes we will take a walk outside (walk -n- talks) if weather permits. This allows the students to socialize and chat with friends and get ready for the transition to the next subject.
Website
As previously mentioned, our website provides you and your child with information about their academic journey and weekly school experience. It allows you and your child to download assignments/study guides, spelling and vocabulary words, access grades, homefun information and weekly reminders. I also post snapshots and videos so you can see what your child may forget to tell you he or she did that day. Please check weekly for updates. You can access our website easily by using the web address: www.Msbsboulevard.com or through the school web address.
Weekly Work
Graded papers will be sent home on Wednesday or Thursday of each week. The graded papers will also include any re do assignments and or missing work forms. Missing work must be turned in no later than Friday of that week. Re do assignments are to be corrected and returned no later than Friday of that week. The students will initial the top right corner and write “corrected” so I know why I am receiving said assignment.
Please keep graded papers at home, sign the signature log inside your child’s folder and return the folder to school the next day. Progress reports, which report the halfway average of the 9 weeks grading period, will also be sent home to keep you updated on your child’s progress.
Writing
5th grade students take the State Writing Assessment on February 1st. In order to prepare them for this assessment we write every day . In addition, your child will have weekly homefun involving writing. This is a weekly paragraph assignment. You will be supplied with a letter explaining this program.
In addition, during The Daily 5 students will write together and independently. Students are involved in instruction and modeling of the connection between reading and writing. They learn concepts of how written language works while writing. I provide daily mini lessons regarding writing concepts. We also complete author studies to help students view and learn many different forms of writing.
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Ms. B’s Wish list
Recess toys (jump ropes, balls)
Bubble gum [students are allowed to chew gum during tests as this relieves stress}
Colored Card Stock
Tennis Balls
Post-its - small [student use]
Hard Candy [individually wrapped]
Envelopes
Index Cards
#2 pencils
Cap erasers
Print cartridges HP deskjet D4360
Scrabble
Plain M & M’s
Individually wrapped mints
Colored expo markers [no black]
Highlighters
Erasable pens
Kid movies
DVD School House Rocks
Novels: Because of Winn Dixie, Tale of Desperaux, Hattie Big Sky, Miss Spitfire, Ruby Holler, Elijah of Buxton Place, Becoming Naomi Leon, Love, Ruby Lavender, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Who PUt That Hair in My Toothbrush, Mrs. Firsby and the Rats of Nimh [or a Barnes & Noble gift card]
Today begins a brand new school year for all of us! I would like to welcome each of you to my classroom. As always, the start of a new school year holds the promise of new discovery and learning, as well as the prospect of personal growth in all areas. My mission and goal, as your child’s teacher, is to help them reach their fullest potential, raise their self-esteem and prepare for middle school.
I have put together a class handbook to help you and your child become familiar with my expectations for the school year. Please take time to read through this information. The handbook should be placed in your child’s M.O.O.S.E. binder which we will organize the first week of school. The handbook should remain in your child’s binder throughout the school year for your reference. The handbook can also be accessed on our class web page. If you need to contact me, you may email me at shelena.butt@sumnerschools.org, or slingingrits@aol.com. You may also call the school and leave a message (325-8580), my home number is 325-0384 and my cell number is 714-3684. I am always available for you and your child.
I am looking forward to an exciting year with my class. My wish for all of us is that we have a great year together. I want to stress that we are all on the same team working together for a great education. Thank you for your cooperation in getting this year off to a great start!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Shelena Butt
“Ms. B”
Students have the energy, imagination, and intelligence to make a difference in their community. They need only be asked to show what they can do.
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
************************************************************************************************
Ms. B’s Boulevard
Your Road to Success

A
Agendas
All students are issued an agenda which is kept in their M.O.O.S.E binder. Students will use the agenda as a calendar to schedule home and school events, upcoming tests, homefun and project due dates. As students in fifth grade are expected a certain level of independence, I will only check the agendas daily for the first 9 weeks of school. After this, I will only check agendas if requested by parent, student or I may do a surprise check. It is important that students learn responsibility prior to beginning middle school. However, it is still important to check your child’s agenda nightly as it may have a note from me or a reminder of a school event .
Absences
Please send a note from home or a doctor’s note when your child is absent.
Arrival
School starts at 7:40 , however, I will pick the students up by 7:30 every morning to allow them time to unpack and begin any morning work. In addition, those students who are capable of entering the classroom and either reading, studying or beginning their morning work may enter as soon as they arrive at school. If I am here, my door is unlocked and students may enter-even if it is 7:00 a.m. Those students who abuse this privilege will be required to remain in the gym until 7:30.
B
Back to School
The first few weeks of school are spend getting to know each other and learning new routines. I also use this time to become familiar with your child’s learning style and educational needs.
Backpack
Your child should bring a backpack to school everyday. Roller backpacks are not permitted at J.W.W. Girls: Purses are allowed as long as they do not pose a distraction.
Behavior
Naturally, each teacher sets high expectations for their students. In order to guarantee your child and all of his or her fellow classmates receive the excellent learning environment they deserve, it is important that each student understands they are to respect the teaching-learning process.
As a student in my class, I expect them to:
Accept responsibility for their own behavior,
Have all needed materials for class
Follow all directions correctly, and
Bring a positive attitude to class
My classroom is designed to focus on positive behavior versus negative behavior. Please understand that students are sent to the office as a final option, because it removes the student from the classroom setting and denies them the access to information needed for learning.
Therefore, desired positive behaviors are highly encouraged and reinforced. It is in everyone’s best interest that we work together with regards to a quality education. The following rewards/reinforcement strategies will be used:
Praise
Positive notes /telephone calls home
Treats from the Class Box
Class activities/Celebrations
Students with no behavior problems with all homework and class work current will be allowed to eat in the classroom on Friday.
Birthdays
Birthdays are an exciting time for students of all ages! We will gladly celebrate birthdays for your child at your convenience. Please let me know if it’s your child’s birthday and you’d like to bring or send in items for a celebration!!!
Books & Book Orders
I maintain a classroom library. I allow students to check out books and place them in their reading basket. These books are not allowed to go home-they are kept at school unless special permission is granted.
Several times during the year I will send home book orders (Troll, Scholastic, Arrow) that will provide your child with the opportunity to order from book clubs. These orders can be completed online with your debit/credit card. I do not submit orders any other way. I will send login information and passwords home with the first book order. The more books purchased, the more free books we earn for our classroom. Remember these books make great gifts!
C
Change in Transportation
Please send a note or write in your child’s agenda if there is a change in transportation. Without a note I am required to follow their usual daily transportation routine.
Class Meetings
Similar to Paideia “seminar” structure, class meetings occur once a month. This allows each student to discuss any problems or concerns that affect our class. Students are able to submit “new business item” (or topics) to be placed on the agenda. Then, students are allowed to make recommendations on how to fix the problems. Finally, they vote on which strategy would be used. These minutes will be posted on our class web page so that parents can see what concerns their child may have.
Clothing
Students need to wear appropriate, comfortable clothing to school. Please put names on coats, sweaters and book bags. Rubber soled shoes are highly suggests as we will take Walk and Talk breaks whenever the weather permits.
Communication
Communication is a key ingredient in a successful classroom. A weekly newsletter is available on our class web page and sent home every Monday to ensure you stay informed. READ THE NEWSLETTER!!! It is your best resource to staying informed. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to write a note, email or call. As previously mentioned, my website is a great form of communication, and is updated frequently with important reminders, upcoming dates and announcements. If you have online access please check www.Msbsboulevard.com
D
Daily Procedures
There are a multitude of classroom procedures that quickly become routine for many students. These procedures provide classroom ownership for the students and help the day flow more smoothly. Since we essentially follow the same routine every day, students know what to expect, thereby minimizing disruptive behaviors. I feel the two most important routines occur when the students walk in the door and when it is time to leave at the end of the day.
Morning Routine
Make sure that you go to the restroom before reporting to class
Unpack backpacks and hang up coats and backpacks
Turn in lunch money to Ms. B and place snacks at your desk [along with your water bottle]
Turn in homework in the subject coded work pockets
Copy down daily assignments in agenda
Write down Math POD
Begin morning work posted on board
IF MY DOOR IS OPEN-STUDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ENTER. If not, students are to report to the gym where I will pick them up.
Exiting Routine
2:25- The classroom helpers will erase the boards and check the floors to ensure that each student has picked up their work area. They will also put up chairs at the classroom tables and place all trash cans at the door.
2:35- Students are allowed to begin packing up to go home. Once these students are packed, they will return to their seat to await dismissal. When the students are dismissed via the intercom they will put their seat up and calmly leave the room.
Desks
Every student is issued their own desk with an inside compartment, a chair with a chair pocket, and a cubby located on the back classroom wall. Students are expected to maintain their personal learning space in an orderly and neat manner. No messy desks/cubbies/chairs are allowed. It if sticks out-I grab and trash. It is important students learn to take the few seconds it takes to place items in the correct space. Therefore, when those items are needed, they can obtain them immediately. This is especially helpful for middle school. No stuffing papers in desks or in the incorrect binder or folder. Organization is important to ensuring each students education.
Detention
Detention is held every day during the normal recess time. Students from any fifth grade class can be issued a detention if they have exhibited poor behavior or missing homework/class work. The fifth grade teachers take turns providing detention. Students will report to said teachers classroom with work assigned by their classroom teacher.
F
4-H
4-H is mandatory in the classroom per Sumner County guidelines. Therefore the following 4-H projects are mandatory : poster and speech. Many parents are not aware that these projects meet 5th grade curriculum standards as far as public speaking, writing and graphics. I will supply any student with the necessary items needed for these projects if a note is placed in their binder or you can email me at school. In addition, all other projects are extra credit grades. It is my hope that the students understand that if someone is going to be in our classroom for an hour each month preparing something for them, they will respect this person and participate.
G
Grades
Percentages will be placed on all graded papers. As a rule, I do not place letter grades, only percentages. Please note that many assignments are not given grades because they are for practice purposes, not assessment. Therefore, you may view papers with the number missed recorded at the top of the paper without a letter grade. This means it was not a grade-simply practice. A checkmark means I have reviewed the assignment for mastery of skills and understanding of concepts.
All assignments/tests are graded on a 100 point scale. I always stress for students to do their best on EVERY assignment. Therefore, I will grade some class work without notifying the students prior to completion. Many of these grades are independent spelling and vocabulary work. Students are afforded the opportunity to rework assignments to improve their grades. I’m not here to simply provide a grade. I’m here to teach, and therefore any student wishing to improve will be provided ample opportunity. Most times, the student has no choice-they redo their work with me and I will then retest them. All students are considered A students-if they want it-I’ll help them get there.
**During the first 9 weeks of school the students will be continually reminded to make sure their work is neat, include their name [first and last], date and assignment at the time right hand corner of all papers. They are constantly reminded to read all directions thoroughly to ensure proper completion of assignments. Students who miss questions due to lack of following directions will have the opportunity to re-do the assignment correctly and will receive partial credit for correcting their mistakes. Turning in accurate, timely work with his/her best effort is an important life skill. I appreciate your support in this area as we work together to instill a solid work ethic in your child.
Your child will bring home their purple Take Home Folder on most Wednesdays. This folder will contain graded papers and class work. A place for your signature and comments is provided on the left hand side. Please make sure and look at each assignment as some may contain notes to redo/rework an assignment and return to me.
**Grades are accessible through the Sumner County Parent Portal. Information regarding Parent Portal will be provided within the first few weeks of school. Each child will be supplied with their own access code so grades are available to you at any time. This is J.W.W.’s first year using this system so please be patient.
Grading Scale
A 93-100 B 92-85 C 84-75 D 74-70
H
HomeFun Policy
Homework {Homefun} is an important part of your child’s school experience. Supporting good work habits requires a joint effort. I will support your child and encourage good work habits at school. Your child will benefit greatly from your support and encouragement at home.
Time spent on homework for fifth graders should be no longer than 50 minutes per night as per the Sumner County Board of Education. IF your child is spending more time than this completing homework please let me know. Students are given periods of work time throughout the school day where they are able to complete assignments. Any class work that is not completed by the end of the school day becomes homework. This makes is extremely important for students to utilize independent work time responsibly. Please remember, as will I, that the actual time it takes to complete assignments vary depending on the student. Students who use their time wisely are not likely to have large amounts of homework. Please write a note at the top of any homework your child has difficulty completing.
There will be no homework assigned on Wednesdays other than reading or studying. I try to limit homework assigned on Friday. If there is work over the weekend, it is usually studying or make up work. There will be special projects from time to time. However, I will give ample notice so the time spent on these assignments/projects can be spread out.
Unfinished assignments are called “incompletes”. The consequences for an incomplete could result in detention or extra homework. Students will be given a notice specifying any missing assignments on Friday.
The following is a basic homefun schedule we will be using.
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday Math: Students will have a math practice page and a math review
page.
Due by Friday Weekly Paragraph: Beginning the second week of school, students will be required to
write a weekly paragraph(s). The topic/assignment page is
provided on Monday and they are required to have a rough draft
initialed by a parent, along with their final draft on Friday. Information on
this will be provided in a separate booklet.
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday Students should study their spelling and vocabulary words at home on these
days.
Friday As a rule, no homework unless it is make up work or simply studying for an upcoming test.
L
Lunch
Lunch money should be sent to school in an envelope or baggie. Please send it inside your child’s M.O.O.S.E. binder. Please always label the envelope/baggie as follows: Child’s name, Ms. B, lunch money
Learning Targets
Learning targets are what your child is expected to learn and master in the 5th grade. Each morning students will check the Learning Targets chart. We refer to these targets throughout the school day to ensure clarity of what we are learning. Your child may also refer to these as “I can…” statements.
M
Make-up Work
In the event a students misses class time, any missed assignments need to be completed. Make-up work is due three days after the student returns to school. Make-up work will be sent with a list of missed classroom assignments/lessons to be completed at home and school.
If your child is absent more than one day, I encourage you to make arrangements to pick up their work. Please call the office and make this request at your earliest convenience so that I have ample time to compile their books and assignments. This work will be left in the front office for you to retrieve.
Math
Multiplication and division facts are vital for students to master other math concepts. Students will take a timed test during their first week of school and we will build on these results. Depending on their mastery of said skills, they may require additional practice at home.
I also employ the use of math POD’s {Problem of the Day} to help students become better problem solvers. These POD’s are copied each morning and worked during math time. The students are to begin POD’s on Monday and write each days and turn them in on Friday. This is a weekly grade which also teaches students responsibility as they have to keep up with their POD’s until Friday.
I will also provide resource pages for your child to keep in their M.O.O.S.E. binder to refer to for help with Math assignments.
M.O.O.S.E. Binder
Management of Organization Skills Everyday
I want to introduce you to your M.O.O.S.E. binder. This is a very important part of my teaching because it is a means of communication with you! As you may have noticed M.O.O.S.E. is an acronym for Management of Organization Skills Everyday. Your child is required to take this binder home every afternoon and is also responsible for bringing it back to school in the mornings. I will be checking the contents of the binder each morning along with checking for agenda signatures. I ask that you sign your child’s agenda nightly. Some of the items you will find in your child’s M.O.O.S.E. binder are: calendar for the school year and for the current month, daily schedule, lunch/breakfast menu, class list for your personal reference, newsletters, daily reading log, study guides, homework and a purple folder which has one side dedicated for notes/papers that need to be returned to school and the other side for work that can be kept at home. Your child’s agenda will also be in the back of their binder.
The M.O.O.S.E. binder is a great way to keep us all organized and encourage communication. It will also encourage responsibility in the students as they prepare for middle school.
N
Newsletter
A newsletter will be sent home the first day of each school week. It will include important dates pertaining to school and classroom events. In addition, it will contain homefun assignments, upcoming tests and learning targets. The newsletter will be placed in the front of their M.O.O.S.E. binder. Please be sure to read the newsletter each week. In addition, it can be viewed on our class web page.
P
Parking Lot
The students have a “Parking Lot” to post questions for me to answer at a later date. They write their question on a post-it and place it on my parking lot. I will check these daily and answer sometime that week. Many times, students become excited about a subject and we don’t have ample time to answer all questions-especially those that may veer off subject. This allows students to jot down their question before they forget and quietly post it on the parking lot. Many students post questions about middle school, ask for extra help or leave me messages that make my day.
Progress Reports
Progress Reports will be sent home every 4 ½and a half weeks.
R
Reading
In my classroom we follow The Daily 5. This is a structure that helps students develop the daily habits of reading, writing, and working independently that will lead to a lifetime of literacy independence. Based on literacy learning and motivation research, the Daily 5 is a series of literacy tasks which students complete daily while I meet with small groups or confer with individual students. The literacy tasks consist of five components: Read to Self, Word Work, Writing Workshop, Read with Someone and Small group or Literature Circles with the teacher. Writing workshop and literacy centers are utilized on a daily basis in my class. This allows the students to collaborate with others to learn and to move around the classroom. This also instills responsibility which will help bridge the gap to middle school as students are required to self monitor their work.
Explicit modeling, practice and reflecting takes place during the first 9 weeks of school. By the end of the first 9 weeks, students will be reading books of their choice and that interest them (Good Fit Books) for a minimum of 25 minutes. I have seen great student achievement and enjoyment of reading by simply letting students choose books and not relying solely on the county Basal reading series.
Please be aware that I also utilize the current Basal Reader.
Recess
Outdoor recess will be held every day for 15 minutes unless it is raining or muddy. Students are asked to wear play shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Students who break classroom rules and or procedures will be required to walk silently on the track during their loss of recess time.
Report Cards
Report Cards will go home each 9 weeks
S
Science and Social Studies
Students will explore many new interesting concepts this year. In science, we use as many hands on activities as we can to enrich our learning with cells, ecosystems, heredity, the solar system, plate tectonics, matter and energy. Social Studies topics include the three grade divisions of Tennessee, map skills, a review of the first explorers and the 13 colonies, Revolutionary War, The Civil War, Progressive Era, World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, The Civil Rights Movement, Korean War, Vietnam and the war in the Middle East.
Study guides for Science and Social Studies tests/quizzes will be provided. Some of the study guides will be prepared by the students themselves. It is important for the students to write legible and include all details in their note taking.
Snack Time
It is difficult to learn when you are hungry and lunchtime is many minutes or hours away. Students are allowed to bring a morning snack to school. Their snack MUST be healthy (I.e., fruit, cheese, vegetables, breakfast bars, crackers, pretzels, peanut butter, dry cereal). Cookies, chips, brownies and other sweets will not be permitted for snack time. Note: Violation of snack rules result in loss of snack day, so please ask Ms. B if you are not sure you have an appropriate snack. Further, students are allowed to keep water bottles (with twist caps) at their desk throughout the day. Water bottles must be taken home each day. Any bottles left at school will be thrown away during end of day cleaning.
Spelling
Students will have weekly spelling and vocabulary lists. The spelling lists includes 15 regular spelling words, 5 High Frequency Words and 5 Challenge Words. I do not pretest in my classroom so all students will take the spelling test on Friday. Further, all students must attempt the challenge words. If a students misses a challenge word, no points are deducted. If correct, a bonus point for each correct challenge word is awarded to the students final grade on that test.
T
Tardies
If your child is late for school, please sign them in at the office BEFORE sending them to the classroom.
Tests
You will always be provided with a tentative date of upcoming tests and a study guide at least one week prior to the test. Your child should study a little each night to be well prepared. You can find the study guides online.
V
Visitors
J.W.W. has a policy that all guests are required to check in at the school office. The purpose is to eliminate interruptions during classroom activities or instructional time. The office will contact me if your child needs to leave early, come to the office or if you need to speak with me.
Volunteers
As a mother, I enjoyed the involvement I experienced with my children’s elementary school experience. I feel it is important for a child to know that his or her parents support their education. I love and appreciate parental involvement of any type. Please sign the Volunteer form if you can help out in any way whether it be chaperoning field trips, helping with parties, assisting with special projects, sending treats or preparing materials at home.
W
Walk-n-Talks
I provide students with “brain breaks” between large blocks of instructional time. Sometimes we will take a walk outside (walk -n- talks) if weather permits. This allows the students to socialize and chat with friends and get ready for the transition to the next subject.
Website
As previously mentioned, our website provides you and your child with information about their academic journey and weekly school experience. It allows you and your child to download assignments/study guides, spelling and vocabulary words, access grades, homefun information and weekly reminders. I also post snapshots and videos so you can see what your child may forget to tell you he or she did that day. Please check weekly for updates. You can access our website easily by using the web address: www.Msbsboulevard.com or through the school web address.
Weekly Work
Graded papers will be sent home on Wednesday or Thursday of each week. The graded papers will also include any re do assignments and or missing work forms. Missing work must be turned in no later than Friday of that week. Re do assignments are to be corrected and returned no later than Friday of that week. The students will initial the top right corner and write “corrected” so I know why I am receiving said assignment.
Please keep graded papers at home, sign the signature log inside your child’s folder and return the folder to school the next day. Progress reports, which report the halfway average of the 9 weeks grading period, will also be sent home to keep you updated on your child’s progress.
Writing
5th grade students take the State Writing Assessment on February 1st. In order to prepare them for this assessment we write every day . In addition, your child will have weekly homefun involving writing. This is a weekly paragraph assignment. You will be supplied with a letter explaining this program.
In addition, during The Daily 5 students will write together and independently. Students are involved in instruction and modeling of the connection between reading and writing. They learn concepts of how written language works while writing. I provide daily mini lessons regarding writing concepts. We also complete author studies to help students view and learn many different forms of writing.
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Ms. B’s Wish list
Recess toys (jump ropes, balls)
Bubble gum [students are allowed to chew gum during tests as this relieves stress}
Colored Card Stock
Tennis Balls
Post-its - small [student use]
Hard Candy [individually wrapped]
Envelopes
Index Cards
#2 pencils
Cap erasers
Print cartridges HP deskjet D4360
Scrabble
Plain M & M’s
Individually wrapped mints
Colored expo markers [no black]
Highlighters
Erasable pens
Kid movies
DVD School House Rocks
Novels: Because of Winn Dixie, Tale of Desperaux, Hattie Big Sky, Miss Spitfire, Ruby Holler, Elijah of Buxton Place, Becoming Naomi Leon, Love, Ruby Lavender, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Who PUt That Hair in My Toothbrush, Mrs. Firsby and the Rats of Nimh [or a Barnes & Noble gift card]
