Attendance

Okay, this is where we begin.  This is also very basic.  I teach during the school week.  I am found in the classroom from 8:00 until about 4:15.  I ask that you learn during the school week.  I ask that you are found in the classroom from 9:00 until 3:40.  If we can make that deal, then I think we will be very successful.  Obviously you have to be at school in order to learn.  I have to be at school to teach.  Those are our jobs.  We do a lot of group work and cooperative learning.  These two things require teamwork.  If you are not at school, you cannot be part of the team.  Please be an attentive part of the team. (Return to top!) 

Homework

After school, I head home to do a couple hours of work . . . grading papers, preparing lesson plans, reading ahead for the next day’s lessons.  I ask that you do the same – maybe not a couple hours, but please prepare for the next day.  Remember, we are a TEAM.  I don’t assign homework to be a pain or to keep you from playing when you get home.  I like to work out or visit with my husband before getting to work on my homework.  I assign homework for you to have some practice on your own and to keep your brain working.  If I do not assign any written homework do not think that you have a free evening.  You should spend at least 30 minutes a night doing some school work.  You will always have spelling words and vocabulary words to be studying.  You can look over your Social Studies and Science notes in order to review for upcoming chapter tests.  If you have done all of this and still haven’t filled your 30 minutes, READ A BOOK!  The homework that I do assign is due when you come into the classroom in the morning.  There is a dresser with one drawer per subject.  I will usually check homework in when you go to specials.  If you have a question that kept you from completing you homework, you must either put a note on it when you turn it in incomplete or ask me about it first thing in the morning.  I will not let you call home to have a parent bring your homework to school – that is your responsibility and the reason you have a binder, assignment notebook, and backpack.  I will not hunt down homework.  If this sounds harsh, remember that you are now in fifth grader and you will be getting more responsibilities.  If you do not turn in your homework on the day that it is due, you will lose recess starting that day and will continue to lose recess until it is turned in.  Your parents will also receive notice in the assignment notebook that you have not completed homework.  NOTE:  This does not apply to illness.  When you are absent, you get one extra day per absence to turn in your homework.  (Return to top!) 

BEE Binder

One of the goals of fifth grade is to learn how to be organized.  In order to help with this, students will be maintaining a B.E.E. Binder.  B.E.E. is an acronym for Bring Everything Every day.  We will organize these on the first day of school.  The binders will have 9 sections.

• Front Pocket – Take home – This pocket will include information from the office, graded papers, etc.  All things in the front pocket should be kept at home.
• Back Pocket – Bring Back – This pocket will include items that need to be returned to school at some point.  It makes the most sense that these things be returned the next day so they are not forgotten.  If for some reason you would be unable to complete and return these things the following day, I would suggest they be left in the pocket.  This helps teach the students that everything has a place and this keeps them organized.  You will also place any lunch money, book order money, notes to me, etc. in this pocket.
• Clear Pocket 1  - This will include things that need to remain in the pocket for an extended period of time.   We will keep a copy of the lunch menu in there and a copy of the current calendar from Dr. Hutcheson. 
• Clear pocket 2 – This is where forms for the reading program will be kept.  I hope that all students will participate in the program.  It is the same as in past years with a couple exceptions.  I have the kids fill out a separate form for each book they read.  I feel that looking at the sheet where they record all 500 pages can be a bit intimidating.  They feel much more successful if they can turn a slip in every time they finish a book.  I keep track of their page numbers and when a student reaches 500 pages, I will ask for his/her shirt to be sent in so it can be sent to Hit ‘N Run.  If a student does not want to purchase a shirt, he/she can still participate in the program and earn the other prizes.  My goal is that all students participate and read lots of books this year!  The more you read, the more you succeed!
• Reading
• Spelling
• Science
• Social Studies
• Math
• (Return to top!) 

Assignment Notebook

Dardenne has provided you each with an assignment notebook.  These are not to be used to keep your table from wobbling or to make you sit higher in your chair.  These are used to write down you assignments for the week.  WHAT A WONDERFUL INVENTION!!!!  During the first semester, I will provide time to go over the assignment notebook and what should be written in there as well.  I will also keep the assignment notebook updated on the class website.  During third quarter, I will still keep the assignment notebook updated on the computer, but the students will be responsible for finding time to fill out the assignment notebook on their own.  There will be time built in – usually called get ready time, but I will not necessarily go over the assignment notebook as a full class.  During 4th quarter, the students will be responsible for completing their assignment notebook on their own and I will no longer keep an updated version online.  If a student is absent, he/she can ask me what to put in his/her assignment notebook.  On the day a student returns after being absent, he/she must fill out the assignment notebook from the day(s) he/she was absent.  Each night a parent must sign your notebook showing that you have completed your homework.  This doesn’t mean that they have to check your homework, but you do need to show them that it is complete.  (Return to top!) 

Book Orders

When I was in elementary school, I did not like to read.  However, when my mom would let me pick a book from the book order, I read the whole book every time.  Therefore, I believe it is important to give you lots of chances to order from book orders.  I will send at least three book orders every month.  All of the book orders that I send are part of the Scholastic Company.  In order to pay for your book order, simply turn in one check or money order made payable to Scholastic.  No cash can be taken for this.  This year you also have the option of ordering books online through our class website.  Go to mrsschwartz.com and click on Book Orders or click here.  This will take you to Scholastics website which is secure and allows you to use a credit or debit card to pay for your books. The user name is mrsschwartz and the password is butterfly. This is also a great way to help out class library grow.  If you do not like to read, let me know.  I am willing to bet that I can find a book that you will like.  (Return to top!)