Please see below for basics on learning, behavior expectations, communication, our schedule and curriculum.
LearningNew Common Core Standards and State Testing
The subjects of Math, Reading, and Science will be tested in the 5th grade. Exact dates as to when are to be determined. We will be teaching the new common core standards in Math and Language Arts (reading/writing/grammar). The state test will continue to be the OAKS test for Science only. In Math and Language Arts, the new Smarter Balanced test will be given to test proficiency at the state level of these new common core standards. Please click this link for a handy parent guide that introduces the basics of the common core standards for fifth graders: Parents' Guide to Student Success Grading: Grades will be based on whether or not students are proficient at the standards taught across all subject areas: 4 ADVANCED: Work at this level exceeds the standard. 3 PROFICIENT: Work at this level meets the standard. 2 DEVELOPING: Work at this level shows basic, but some mastery. 1 BEGINNING: Work at this level needs considerable development before reflecting the proficient level of performance. Technology in the ClassroomThe fifth grade team participated in Tigard Tualatin's Digital Learning Collaborative for the last two years. While the official action research is over, we still get to use our class sets of Macbook Airs. These will be used across the curriculum to enhance learning and to strengthen technology skills.
To learn more about the grant, please visit: http://www.ttsdschools.org/pages/ttsd/District/Curriculum_Instruction and click on the Digital Learning Collaborative in the content menu. |
Behavior ExpectationsAll students have signed the class contract outlining my behavior expectations and the possible consequences that come with both appropriate and inappropriate behavior. I expect students to behave in a way that is safe, respectful, and responsible in all school settings. I expect students to treat one another with kindness. I expect students to do their best always. In our classroom, you are made aware of weekly behavior and work completion through my Weekly Report, which comes home each Friday. Students with inappropriate behavior often find themselves filling out a “Plan for Success,” working by themselves instead of with a group, or taking a trip to the office for further discipline. I have a firm, but fair approach and want my students to solve and work out their own problems whenever possible.
CommunicationI highly value open parent/teacher communication. It is important for us to stay in touch and communicate about your child’s progress at school. The best way to reach me is by email. I check my school email regularly. If you would like to speak with me about anything, please feel free to call. I typically keep my ringer off during the school day, and am more available to chat before and after school. If you need to get a hold of me right away or need to leave a message for your child, please call the office.
Mary Woodward Office: (503) 431-4700 My Classroom: (503) 431-4740 My email: [email protected] Planners: Please note upcoming assignments in the Planner. Monthly Newsletters: Each month I send home an electronic newsletter with information about big events and what we are learning in my class. Please read these with your child. You may receive a paper version if need be. |
Basic Curriculum Information
Reading: Students will be in our homeroom classroom for a portion of Reading, where we read the weekly selection form the Journeys textbook. We will learn vocabulary words, reading and comprehension skills in this setting. Then students travel to their “Walk to Read” class, a flexible grouping to help students further apply the skills they are learning in reading homeroom. Book Reports will be assigned periodically.
Writing: A thoughtful reader becomes a meaningful writer. Students will develop their skills through a variety of writing experiences. They will be using Macbook Airs to facilitate and enhance the writing process, including using spreadsheets, presentations, documents, and learning research skills.
Math: Concepts will be taught through simulations, direct instruction, and problem solving based on common core state standards.
Social Studies: The emphasis of study for fifth grade is the United States. The students will study geography, exploration, settlement, conflicts, and government of the United States. Students will develop their research and presentation skills.
Science: 5th grade topics include earth in space, weather and climate, gravity, friction and magnetism, ecology and scientific inquiry.
Health: Our health curriculum is entitled The Great Body Shop. In it we will cover the following topics: First Aid, The Nervous System, Nutrition, The Respiratory System, Emotions, Growing Up, The Danger of Drugs, The Skeletal and Muscular System, and Communicable Diseases.
Second Step/Stop Walk Talk: Second Step is a part of our social skills education. Through regularly taught lessons students learn about empathy, problem-solving, and anger management. Stop Walk Talk is a bully prevention program.
Writing: A thoughtful reader becomes a meaningful writer. Students will develop their skills through a variety of writing experiences. They will be using Macbook Airs to facilitate and enhance the writing process, including using spreadsheets, presentations, documents, and learning research skills.
Math: Concepts will be taught through simulations, direct instruction, and problem solving based on common core state standards.
Social Studies: The emphasis of study for fifth grade is the United States. The students will study geography, exploration, settlement, conflicts, and government of the United States. Students will develop their research and presentation skills.
Science: 5th grade topics include earth in space, weather and climate, gravity, friction and magnetism, ecology and scientific inquiry.
Health: Our health curriculum is entitled The Great Body Shop. In it we will cover the following topics: First Aid, The Nervous System, Nutrition, The Respiratory System, Emotions, Growing Up, The Danger of Drugs, The Skeletal and Muscular System, and Communicable Diseases.
Second Step/Stop Walk Talk: Second Step is a part of our social skills education. Through regularly taught lessons students learn about empathy, problem-solving, and anger management. Stop Walk Talk is a bully prevention program.