January 22, 2011
Dear Parents:
Last week we had our room parents come in and help create the Huckleberry Bash donation, which I think will be an awesome addition to any home. The kids and I had a great time creating it, so thank you to all who contributed time, energy, and pictures for the project.
Also, the kids are so excited about purchasing a class pet. I believe that they have narrowed it down to some lizard, but it cannot happen without everyone’s help. Pet Managers, Tommy and Katy, are hoping to get some voluntary donations. I mentioned to them that whoever contributes has the option of a drawing/auction for the critter at the end of the year.
This week is full, so please make sure that your child is getting plenty of sleep, managing time, completing assignments by writing in agenda and checking blog for learning resources, and doing his/her part to make learning fun for all J.
Math: We are working on fractions and probability. Last week the kids created fraction books, which you can catch a glimpse on the blog. This Wednesday, January 26, we will have a common assessment on fractions and probability.
Social Studies: We forge ahead in the social studies textbook as we prepare for our upcoming planner on migration. This week our focus is Chapter 11 with a test on Thursday, January 27. Your child is expected to complete a review guide to ensure success for the test.
Science: This week we will be focusing on sound and light energy. We are expected to have a Science Rotation on Friday, January 28 where your child will rotate through each fifth grade classroom and teacher learning about physical science topics, such as light, sound, electricity, motion, and heat.
Reading: This week we are in LDC completing a IIM Research Report on Types of Energy. Your child is to write a persuasive speech on two forms of energy. By comparing and contrasting two forms of energy, he/she should be able to explain why one energy source is better than the other. Please make sure that your child is following the rubric/timeline in his/her LDC folder as LDC ends on Thursday this coming week due to Science Rotations. I have uploaded many resources on the class blog such as websites, videos, and links to aid them in their research. In addition, your child has a log in for PearsonSuccess.net (first and last name all lowercase, no spaces) with the password zhicks5. Here on this website, he/she has access to Reading Basal, Science Readers (on physical science and energy) as well as their Math Envision Textbook and resources. This Monday, January 24, at least 14 notefacts are due.
Language Arts: This week our quiz on r sounds with vowels and on present, future, past tense verbs will be on Tuesday, January 25. The next focus for spelling will be –en, -an, -el, -le, -il. as well as main/helping verbs as well as subject-verb agreement.
Other:
o Graded Work Binders go home on Tuesday, January 26 J
o Monday Madness and Thursday Throwdown continues this week as well as Tuesday Science Spectacular.
Thank you again for all you do!
Ana
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October 18, 2010
Dear Parents,
Thank you all for responding with mason jars and confirmations for parent conferences this week. By Tuesday p.m. all grades should be in Gradespeed, so you can get a sneak peak at report cards probably by Wednesday.
This week:
Math: We will be working on estimation, rounding, and open sentences for problem solving with addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
Science: We will be working on ecosystems, food chains, food webs, and adaptations. Thank you to Ms. Dunn who will be assisting our guest speaker talk about biodiversity at 1:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Reading: We are working in LDC on creating a “research” report on the Hippo Dilemma. Ms. Gee has generously given the children until Monday to finish these reports. Please make sure that your child is working on these and not procrastinating until Sunday night. I will be posting some websites for additional research on our class blog. Please make sure that your child does not stray from these Mrs. Z-Hicks approved sites.
Social Studies: We are working on way towards learning about the start of our nation. The kids who brought in their mottos today earned extra points on their Social Studies research paper. We did vote on all of them and the winner is …..check the class blog ☺
Language Arts: We continue with spelling and more grammar. Please check class blog for our study guide.
Special Reminders for this busy week!
o Our class party coordinated by our room parents, Kerry Schacter and Lara Powers, is this Tuesday from 5:30-7:00. Thank you to all who will be contributing with snacks and/or children.
o Field Trip is Wednesday, please have your child bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and a white t-shirt.
o Friday is report card day and early dismissal.
o Saturday is Spooky Spaghetti- we are in co-charge of cake walk. All children who bring a contribution will be the recepients of 20 tickets. Thanks to the Lux’s for coordinating what Ben promises to be the best cake walk ever. ☺
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October 11, 2010
Hello all,
This is our last week to enter grades for the nine weeks. I strongly recommend that you all check GradeSpeed to see where your children are at coming into the week. I have several activities planned for the week to give the children opportunities to keep up the great work and/or improve some averages. I encourage you all to have conversations with your children about the importance of this nine weeks report card as it goes off with middle school applications.
As always, when children do not turn in work or do not take time to complete tasks in an efficient manner, grades do tend to suffer. Your child saying, “I have no homework today” is red flag that some major something will be due soon or a test is coming up.” What can you do to ensure they are doing their work? The agenda is always a great source, but what if the agenda is blank? My telling them to write in the agenda does not always guarantee something is written and with 24 children, I may not “catch” everyone not writing. Please, please, please check the homework blog if you wonder what is coming up with major projects, tests, daily homework.
This week:
Math: Please check out the math projects from last week on the blog slideshows. The children worked so hard and they looked amazing! This Tuesday we have a multiplication math quiz. I have uploaded a video and some websites to support learning. We begin Unit 2 of Everyday Math and Envision with estimation, as well as algorithms/methods for addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
Next week, I start Math Enrichment classes after school from 3:00-4:00 on Mondays for those children who, I believe, would benefit from some extra math time. Please check your child’s Tuesday folder for an invitation tomorrow.
Science: We begin with the life science part of our unit of inquiry. Last week, I asked for some help with mason jars and would love to thank all of those who brought in jars for their children. An extra shout out to Kerry Schachter, who brought in 12 new mason jars today, and Marguerite Dunn who volunteered to help out as well. So far, we have 19 jars and need about 6 more.
Language Arts: This Thursday, we will have a grammar and spelling test. Please check the blog for the study guide as well as the handout that will go out tomorrow.
Reading: Thank you to all who came out on Friday to see the presentations. We had a great turnout and, I know that it meant a lot to the chidren to have you attend. This week we have a Reading Common Assessment over all skills reviewed in LDC, Reader’s Notebook, Science Reading, and Literature Circles, such as summarizing, theme, setting, inferencing, cause/effect and fact/opinion. We also return to LDC reading, the WOW magazine that delves into the topic of biodiversity. You can check the blog for the LDC homework. Ms. Gee said today no less than 1 page long and no longer than 2 paragraphs for journaling.
Social Studies: Hurricane Projects are due this Wednesday. As they took up our Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts last week, I will get 5 grades for these projects.
1. Notefacts (turning in index cards that are properly formatted. (Social Studies)
2. Rough draft- (Social Studies)
3. Final Copy- (Social Studies) documented sources within text
4. Final Copy – (Language arts) (Grammar, spelling)
5. Visual that enchances the Written Portion (Science Grade)
Reminder: Brazos Bend is next Wednesday, so if you have not paid for field trip, please do so. If the cost of $12.50 is a problem, please do not hesitate to contact me so that I can ask PTO for assistance.
Thanks again,
Ana
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October 4, 2010
Wow! What an interesting last week. Progress Reports went out and the kids had a great time at Camp. Needless to say, coming to work was just not the same without their company . We left some projects pending, so this week we will be busy.
Math:
Last week we had a math common assessment, as we are finishing up both units in Everyday Math and Envision. Also as a summative assessment, will be working on a number project this week. Expect to see more information this week on this class project.
Science:
We will continue studying Earth’s systems and cycles and will be focusing on the biosphere this week. This means biomes, ecosystems, habitats, food chains, and food webs. I am asking for some parent volunteers to help out with donations of mason jars (24) so that we can create water/land ecosystems towards the end of the week beginning of next week.
Reading:
The children are finishing up reading their chapter books this week and will be working on a final written part and presentations. You all are invited on Friday at 1:30 to see them present a component of their book. I hear conversations of murals and plays and cannot wait to see what they have planned . All of the expectations for this project have been given to them and are on the class blog. Somewhere in all of this week (Thursday) the children will be taking a reading common assessment on the skills that we have worked on thus far, such as inferences, summarization, cause/effect, theme and setting as well as fact/opinion.
Language Arts:
We start up again with spelling, grammar and vocabulary this week. I will create a podcast to help with mastery of these skills.
Social Studies:
This is the week that all research will be complete on hurricanes. I am more than happy that the children did this collaboratively as there are many components to effective research, and they have had each other to learn from and learn with along this process.
Other:
We had an interesting conversation on Friday about what it means to have a Positive Classroom, sit in Positive Tables at Lunch, and play on a Positive Playground. Along the way, we had a great conversation about standing up for oneself and each other when bullying takes place. The children had great insight and much to share on the subject. Expect to hear more about the school’s initiative on Positive Works in the coming weeks.
Thank you again for all that you do!
Ana
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September 26, 2010
Dear Parents,
Thank you to all that attended the Camp Meeting on Friday, September 24. This will be a short week of course, so here is what to expect.
Monday:
Business as usual, please make sure that you have turned in your Camp Permission Slip and Medical Forms. Also, progress reports will go out this day. ALL of you should have gotten your PIEMS number and Student ID to log on to GradeSpeed. On Thursday, I gave each child their information necessary to create an account and walked them through the process and had them write it down on their information sheet.
Just as an FYI- in the event you see a 50 for a grade- this assignment may not have been turned in at all. I try to ask, ask, ask for all assignments, but do not always get them. It is up to your child to ensure that each of their assignments is turned in and ask if they can turn any/all late. I do deduct 10 pts. daily for late assignments, but something is better than a 50 ☺. For each classroom assignment I ALWAYS give time in class, even for homework☺.
Tuesday:
We leave for camp and everyone is invited to send their babies off. We are leaving approximately 9ish. Pictures are highly encouraged. Students who are not going to camp will be taken to another teacher. Teachers will arrive at camp at about 12:00 and head right back to school with an exception of the one spending the night, who will stay until Wed. morning. Children who are staying will be picked up by teacher in time for dismissal.
Wednesday:
Children are at camp having fun! Teachers are at school rotating those children who are staying for meaningful lessons. As of now, we have about 5-7 children (total in 5th grade) who will not attending. Dismissal as usual. Teacher #2 spends the night at camp and stays until Thursday.
Thursday:
We pick up your children. Children who are staying will go stay with teacher. We get back at about 2:30.
Friday:
School as usual.
Camp Reminders
o No duffle bags ☺
o All items in a pillowcase (woobies and stuffed animals allowed)
o Place pillowcase in a garbage bag labeled with your child’s name
o No bathing suit necessary
o No toys (trading cards, PSP’s, I-Pods)
o No food
o Flip-flops for showering encouraged
o Cameras (disposable labeled) allowed – last year some brought home digital cameras
o Bring a jacket just in case…
o Bring at least 4 changes of clothes…one being pants.
o Bring a ziplock bag extra to put in clothes that might get wet
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September 20, 2010
Dear Parents,
Thank you all who attended Open House last week and held out for the 40 minutes waiting for me to take a breath ☺. We all deserved that relaxing three-day weekend! This week we have early dismissal on Friday as well as our 5th grade group picture.
You can expect this week:
Math:
We are working on Unit 1 in Envision and Unit 1 in Everyday Math. As a grade level, we will have a common assessment this week on both units. My class will be working on this on Friday and it will cover factors, divisibility rules, prime/composite numbers, and place value. Your child’s math journal (composition notebook) is always the #1 source for what we will be tested on Friday. Thank you for working on multiplication facts with your child as this unit was so dependent on the recall of multiplication facts.
Social Studies:
Our hurricane research is underway and the children are enjoying this group project, as well as mastering the Independent Investigation Method, which has 7 steps to research from start to finish. We expect to finish next week on this research project.
Science:
We continue with earth science and this week we compare Earth, Sun, and Moon as well as learn about the hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere.
Language Arts:
Mondays are usually days of assessment, but this week it will be on Tuesday. This week’s quiz will cover only spelling, homonyms, and the use of the almanac.
Reading:
We have been working on cause/effect, inferences, summarizing, and theme/setting. The children are applying these skills during their morning independent reading time and during their literature circles. We are working on Hoot, Who Killed Cock Robin, Whale Song, My Side of the Mountain, Green Book, and Hoot, which all deal with the theme of biodiversity. You can check the class blog for the literature circle jobs that are rotated daily between each student in a group. The children will finish these groups on October 3rd.
Progress Reports
The official progress report will go home on Friday, September 24th. Gradespeed (Parent Connect) has been updated and you should be able to check your child’s current average. I have also input pending assignments so that you are aware that more assessments (formative and summative) will be taking place this week if you do not like what you see. Currently we have 9 out of our 23 parents that have created usernames and passwords to access this information. If you need help logging on, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Class Field Trip
Please do not forget that next week we attend Brazos Bend. The cost of this trip is $12.50.
Class Party
The room parents are working on a date and information is forthcoming.
Thank you all for your support,
Ana
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September 13, 2010
Dear Parents,
This week is another short week compacted with learning. Last week your child should have brought home their Graded Work Binder with a couple of grades, which are all on Gradespeed.
This week the graded work binders go home again with a few more grades on Tuesday. The turn around for these is always two days to give you a chance to discuss any/all documents with your child.
This week:
Math:
We continue with numeration: factors, divisibility, prime and composite numbers. We are also working on place value and problem solving. Please make sure that your child continues to practice multiplication flashcards so that these skills such as what numbers multiplied give the product of 40…is not a lengthy thinking process to figure out factors.
Science:
We will be reading about Earth in the Science Textbook as we learn to take notes using main idea. We will have a test on Tuesday, Sept. 14th, over scientific method and lab safety.
Social Studies:
We are hoping to start our research project (a component of social studies is learning how to research ☺) on Hurricanes, but with the short week, this might also extend into next week.
Language Arts:
Part of our language arts component this week will be research-based, while the other half is grammar, vocabulary, and spelling words. Check for podcasts on these on the class website to help you study.
Reading:
This week we will be breaking up into reading groups. We will be working on novels that align with our lexile and fluency level. We will also be working on a, Talking Earth, project with our Renzulli Product Groups.
Reminders:
o Do not forget to submit your PTO Membership Form
o Do not forget to submit class directory information to room parents☺
o $5 for TFK if you have submitted already
o Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 14 @ 7:00 p.m.
o (FYI- My son also has Open House at 6:00, so I will be there right at 7:00 that night)
o No school on Friday due to Fall Holiday
Thanks again,
Ana
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September 7, 2010
Hello Parents,
Last week was a bit more getting into the routines of the classroom and homework. Also, Initial Reading Comprehension, Reading Fluency, and Math benchmarks were given last week and are officially over…for a couple of weeks. I thank the children for the bottom of my heart for being patient while these were administered. These tests will be used to measure where children are academically at the beginning of fifth grade and will not be for a grade.
The big news this week is that it is our turn host morning announcements, which are now being taped in the media center in the event you want to stop by in the morning.
This week:
Math:
We will be working on factors, prime and composite numbers, prime factorization. Please make sure that your child is reviewing their multiplication facts either on the blog or with their flashcards.
Science:
We have reviewed safety, scientific method, and in the science lab the children will be working on scientific tools. Our first Science Test covering this information will be next Tuesday, September 14t. This week we begin our six-week study of, “How the World Works” with our unit of inquiry. If any one of you would like to volunteer to come in and talk to the children about a topic that relates to this study, please, by all means, let me know.
Central idea: Biodiversity depends on environmental cycles and systems
Lines of inquiry:
· Interaction of Earth’s cycles, systems, and relationships
· Significance of biodiversity
· Impact of humans on the environment
This week we will be learning about Earth’s Spheres (systems) and begin learning about the exosphere or what is outside of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Reading:
We continue with LDC and the novel, “Talking Earth.” This book ties in with the lines of inquiry of our unit of inquiry. We will also continue with reading skills, such as cause and effect as we analyze this book as well as other fiction and non-fiction that deal with biodiversity. Please encourage your child to use the study hall time of 2:50-3:00 to lessen the reading load for homework. (2-5 pages read in class ☺ means less for home).
Social Studies:
The kids did an amazing job last week making their own countries as we reviewed geographic terminology. This week our focus turns to research skills as we begin learning about the Independent Investigation Method. It is my hope that the children begin a weather research project in the coming weeks.
Language Arts:
The children will be receiving spelling and vocabulary words each week with a sprinkle of grammar. Please expect that next Monday, September 10th the children will be quizzed over this information.
Other:
Discipline/Grading Policy forms should be turned in by Tuesday, Sept. 7th.
All Forms in Manila Envelope for beginning of school need to be turned in by Wednesday, September 8th.
Time for Kids payment of $5.00 should be turned in as soon before Open House, September 14th.
Brazos Bend Field Trip Permission Slips will go home on Tuesday and $12.00 will be needed by September 28th.
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September 2, 2010
Dear Parents of Mrs. Zamarripa-Hicks’s Class,
This letter is to outline the fifth grade grading policy as well to outline the fifth grade discipline policy. Please return the bottom portion of this policy no later than Tuesday, September 7, 2010
5th grading policy 2010-2011
50%: Formative: Classwork, Quizzes
50%: Summative: Tests, Projects
• On the day grades are sent home in the graded work binder, you may also check Parent Connect for averages
• A Progress Report will be given to each child mid-way through grading cycle (4th-5th week into the cycle)
• Please note that no child will receive any grade lower than a 50 in the gradebook.
• At least one week will be given in advance of a test.
• A rubric will be given for all projects and grading criteria will be outlined for all assignments.
• For any given grading cycle, a subject will have between 9-18 grades.
5th grade discipline policy 2010-2011
A warning or warnings will be given before any child receives a conduct cut. In the event your child does receive a conduct cut, it will be noted in agenda and must be signed by a parent/guardian on the day of the infraction.
• 0-1 conduct cuts= (E) Excellent
• 2-4 conduct cuts= (S) Satisfactory
• 5-6 conduct cuts= (U) Unsatisfactory
• 7+ conduct cuts =(P) poor
A child will receive conduct cuts for the following behaviors and will walk one lap for each infraction:
• OT (off-task)
• R (lack of respect)
• T (excessive talking)
• H (inappropriate hallway behavior)
• S (failure to get signatures on required documents, such as Tuesday folder and graded work)
Per 5th grade teachers, please note that your child will receive conduct cuts for failure to do homework. Your child will not have to walk laps for incomplete homework, but all conduct cuts will be noted on weekly agenda cut as:
• MW: Math Work
• SSW: Social Studies Work
• SW: Science Work
• RW: Reading Work
• LW: Language Work
For example, Bobby gets 2 off task conduct cuts and 4 homework cuts. That week he walks 2 laps, but receives 6 conduct cuts. His weekly conduct is a “U”. This will be in the green folder and must be signed by parents on Tuesday.
Please read, cut, and return signed and dated.
I have read the above grading policy and discipline policy for fifth grade.
Student Name: __________________________ Student Signature: _____________________Date: __________
Parent(s) Name: _________________________ Parent Signature: ______________________Date: __________
(Please fill in one or two boxes)
o In the event my child does not complete his/her homework on a certain day note in agenda, and I will sign the agenda.
o In the event my child does not complete his/her homework on a certain day have my child complete his/her homework during recess.
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From Mr. Baker!
In order to ensure a safe and orderly dismissal and so that we can account for every child, we respectfully ask all children in grades 1 through 5 be picked up from the cafeteria only. Kindergarten parents may pick up at the classroom at 2:45. If you arrive at school before 2:45, you must get a visitors’ badge from the front office and wait for your children in the cafeteria, front rotunda, or outside unless you are going to Kindergarten at 2:45.
This will ensure that teachers know the whereabouts of all children at all times. Thank you for helping us keep your children safe.
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August 30, 2010
Dear Parents,
WOW! I have had such a great week getting to know your kids. I know that this is going to a fantastic school year. I apologize for all the “reading” about what is going on, but I truly believe in communicating classroom management.
Here is what we worked on last week and what you can expect this following week.
Agendas: After much thought and consideration, agendas do not have to be signed daily for homework purposes unless you feel that your child needs that kind of reinforcement. You know your child best! I do expect that children do write in them and failure to do so when asked can result in an off-task mark. I explained to the children about random agenda checks. The homework blog is a back-up/second-checking system for you to use at your discretion. AGENDAS DO HAVE TO BE SIGNED WHEN YOUR CHILD DOES GET A CONDUCT CUT AS KNOWING WHEN THEY HAPPEN AND WHY DEMONSTRATES HAVING INTEGRITY on your child’s part, WHICH IS ONE OF OUR CLASSROOM ESSENTIAL AGREEMENTS (CLASS RULES).
Math: We begin with Everyday Math Unit 1 and will continue with reviewing multiplication facts, factors, divisibility, and prime and composite numbers.
Science: We begin studying about the nature of science with lab safety and scientific processes and tools this next week.
Reading: We will working on our Daily 3, which means that the children will be rotating 3 times daily during reading instruction. They will be reading independently, reading to someone, and then conferring with me as they learn a reading comprehension skill. We will write about our reading with our Readers Notebook when we are not in LDC. This notebook ensures that we are reading a variety of reading genres and reflecting on what we read so that we become more analytical readers, while reading what we like.
LDC: We will be going to LDC beginning, August 30th. We will be reading, Talking Earth. Check Ms. Gee’s blog for the schedule and guiding questions.
Language Arts: For the beginning of the year, we will be working on using a dictionary and thesaurus, as well as research skills. I am excited that we will be using the Independent Investigation Method to research at Mark Twain.
Social Studies: We are working on mapping skills, as well as learning about the oceans and continents. Please expect our first quiz next Thursday over these skills. Your child will have to know where the oceans and continents are as well as how to spell them:).
Grading Policy: Please check Tuesday’s folder for a letter that outlines the fifth grade grading policy that must be signed and returned by Friday, September 3rd.
Graded Work Binder: Thank you to all for purchasing a binder for the graded work. Here you can find sections for each subject with a table of contents for an itemized list of all graded items that make up your child’s average for each nine weeks. Expect this binder to go home on the 3rd Tuesday after school starts for the first time.
School Supplies: Thank you for purchasing the fifth grade packet. I guarantee that all supplies will be used, and your children are very appreciative of your providing all they need to start the school year.
For your child’s comfort: Your child is given time during the day to enjoy a healthy snack as our lunch is at 11: 20. Also, given the wonderful Houston weather, it can get hot outside. I highly encourage your child to bring a bottle of water, which can be refilled during the day. In addition, your child can bring a small and comfy pillow to rest on, as chairs can get hard, as well as the carpet after a long school day.
Parent Conferences: If you would like to schedule a parent conference, please feel free to email me. My conference time is from 8:20-9:05 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Otherwise, I will have a sign up sheet on Open House.
Thank you again for all your support thus far, and I am looking forward to our collaboration in ensuring success for your child this year!
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Mrs. Ana Delia Zamarripa-Hicks
Class Website: http://web.me.com/azam_hicks
Parent Conferences: MTWF @ 8:20 a.m.
WELCOME TO 5TH GRADE
I am excited to begin my fourth year at Mark Twain as your child's fifth grade teacher. This year marks my 12th year in education, having taught everything from PK-5th. In addition, I have served as a coordinator for reading instruction and parent volunteers. I also have coordinated the IB program, where I helped create curriculum for grades PK-6th. Needless to say, I most enjoy being in the classroom and working with children of all ages.
GRADES & SCORING
Each nine weeks your child will receive grades in Math, Science, Language Arts, Reading, and Social Studies. The averages will consist of the following categories
• Quizzes
• Class Assignments
• Tests
Midway through each grading cycle, all students will receive a progress report. If your child's academic performance is not desirable, this is the most appropriate time to request a conference as there is still time for improvement. I strongly urge you to utilize Parent Connect, the online grading system HISD where parents can view their child’s grades online. If you need assistance with logging into the system, please contact me and I will gladly walk you through the process.
TESTS & QUIZZES
Every measure should be taken to ensure that your child does his/her best on class tests. In preparation for tests, your child is required to take notes and/or keep a journal of classroom lectures/discussions. A review guide, either student or teacher-generated, will always precede an exam. Quizzes will be given either ahead of time or randomly, in which case your child will be able to use his/her notes. We will be using several note taking systems, such as the Cornell Method, sentence notes, outlines, and webs. Your child’s notes can serve as study guides and/or documentation of what we are learning in class. A master schedule of upcoming tests will be posted on the blog at least one week in advance. The schedule for tests is the following:
• Language Arts- Monday
• Science -Tuesday
• Social Studies & IB Summatives- Wednesday
• Reading-Thursday
• Math-Friday
HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is a review of the skills that have been taught in class, and 90% of the time it is checked in class the very next day. Therefore, your child is required to write all homework assignments and upcoming tests in his her agenda each day. It is both the child’s and the parents’ responsibility to ensure that the agenda is signed daily. As a secondary system, a class homework blog found at http://zhicks20102011.blogspot.com/ has been created to ensure that your child completes all assignments. This will also serve as a method of communication between students for homework purposes.
A ticket system, or a positive reinforcement system, will be implemented to reward children for their hard work. It is a fifth grade expectation that homework be completed on a daily basis.
CONDUCT MARKS/TARDINESS
Each Tuesday, the brown folder will be accompanied with a conduct chart. It is your child's responsibility to ensure that this is signed and returned the following day. The following is the conduct rubric:
• (E) Excellent=-1 conduct mark
• (S) Satisfactory=2-4 conduct marks
• (P) Poor= 5-6 conduct marks
• (U) Unsatisfactory= +7 conduct marks
Some examples of conduct marks are: excessive talking (t), off-task behavior (ot), inappropriate hallway behavior (h), being disrespectful (r), failure to get signatures on agenda, graded work, conduct, and parent letters (s). For each conduct mark, your child will be expected to complete a set number of laps around the playground at recess for that day. You will be made aware of a daily conduct mark and weekly conduct average via the agenda.
I value instruction and will use every minute I possibly can to ensure your child has academic success. With that being said, please ensure that your child is in class on time each and every day.
STUDENT & PARENT EXPECTATIONS
In fifth grade it is our goal to work together to prepare your child for middle school. As a classroom teacher, it is my expectation that all of us (parents, student, and teacher):
• display the IB attitudes and embody the IB learner profile at all times.
• know that part of becoming a better person means making mistakes and learning from them.
• realize that commitment and dedication yield external and internal rewards
• be organized and responsible for all work
Please know that I am here to help your child at all times and please understand that any decisions that are made about your child are made with the best intentions. With your support, we can make this a memorable last year at Mark Twain Elementary for your child.
I have created a class website http://web.me.com/azam_hicks so that you may have resources for your child for each subject, as well as to inform you of what is happening in the classroom this year. You can visit the blog for weekly updates. Also, please feel fee to send in pictures of your child taken during school functions so that we can share them with the rest of our classroom community. We will also have a class photo site where you can download and upload pictures. In the first week of school, you will get access to the username and password.
For more information on what your child is expected to learn this year, you can visit the Texas Education Agency for the fifth grade curriculum, as well as to view released TAKS test at http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/teks/grade/Fifth_Grade.pdf.
Looking forward to a great year,
Mrs. Zamarripa-Hicks
August 23, 2010
Dear parents,
HELP! My classroom library has diminished over the years with all the reading that has been taking place. It is my hope that this year for our reading instruction each child will have a collection of at least eight reading materials (magazines, picture books, and chapter books.) We will change these out consistently so we need to replenish the classroom library.
What can you do to help?
Please keep our class in mind when you are cleaning out bookshelves at home. Also keep your eyes open as you visit local thrift shops or garage sales so that our classroom library can flourish. According to research in the, The Daily 5: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades, “children in classrooms with the most books consistently outperform their peers who in classrooms with little or no library.”
Where will we put each child’s collection?
In order to recycle, save money, and be creative, your child will need to decorate a cereal box (18 oz. is great size). Before he/she does, please cut one of the longer sides so that we can slip in the reading collection. I have a sample of one outside my classroom. ☺
What magazines other than Highlights, Cricket, Stone Soup, Sports Illustrated for Kids, are age appropriate?
I am glad you asked! I have ordered each child a subscription for the “Time for Kids” magazine. Each month we read articles from this magazine and discuss current events from the magazine. If you could please send in $5.00 for the cost of the yearly subscription, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Mrs. Zamarripa-Hicks
