Welcome to Mrs. LeBlanc’s 4 th /5 th Grade Class!

1. Welcome to Mrs. LeBlanc’s 4th /5th Grade Class! General Philosophy: • Teach a standards-based curriculum, while providing an exciting, enriching, and safe learning environment • Meet the needs of each individual learner • Motivate children to become a part of their learning • Teach skills that promote life-long learning • Model positive and respectful behaviors in both the classroom and playground settings

2. Meadow Park Mustangs Know theRespect Oneself Property Each other School “The essence of respect is to show solemn regard for the worth of people including yourself.” -Zona Hutson

3. Classroom Management • ROPES coupons • Student of the Day • Reward tickets- positive reinforcement • “Respect” cards

4. How are students selected for placement in combination classes? • Student has demonstrated academic success • Student displays responsibility and independence with learning • Student works cooperatively and respectfully with others

5. What and How are Children Taught in the Combination Classroom? • Instruction is based on the state standards for each grade level • Collaboration among grade level teams • Credentialed instructional assistant • Strategic scheduling (music, P.E., etc.) • Variety of instructional strategies • whole class & small group instruction, projects, cooperative groups, peer mentoring, etc.

6. How Can Parents Support Their Student? • Exhibit a positive attitude about your child’s placement • Visit our classroom to become familiar with our instructional program • Encourage students to participate in unique opportunities available only to students in a combination class • Encourage children to develop new friendships with others in the class

7. Curriculum • Please visit the California Department of Education’s website for specific information on the 4th and 5th grade state standards: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/

8. Language Arts • 4th and 5th graders participate in RTI Reading groups across their own grade level • Weekly Grammar and Spelling lessons are directly taught to each individual grade level • 4th and 5th grade writing lessons are taught separately, with follow-up assignments given using grade-appropriate materials

9. Mathematics • Small group instruction • Whole class instruction *Example: Array and Area • Follow-up activities with grade-appropriate materials • Ongoing assessment to determine need for challenge/reteaching

10. Science and Social Studies • Students receive direct instruction by individual grade level in Social Studies • Follow-up activities and/or projects are assigned whole class with grade-appropriate materials • Science instruction occurs by individual grade level with the help of teachers who specialize in this area

11. Homework • 4th and 5th grade homework will be consistent with each corresponding grade level • Nightly: • Math • One additional assignment (language, science, etc.) • 30 minutes of reading (4th grade weekly book log & 5th grade monthly book log) • Weekly: • Personal Word Quiz (PWQ) • Some long-term assignments • Student’s responsibility: • Write in planner daily • Bring home all materials necessary to complete the assignments • Ask Mrs. LeBlanc questions • Homework due at 8:10 a.m. • Weekly Reports sent home every Friday.

12. Learning Resources • Math Journal- Each student will have a spiral notebook designated to take daily notes. This notebook should be used for reference on homework and in preparation for assessments. • Grammar Journal- Students will take weekly notes in a composition book. These notes should be used for Grammar homework and to prepare for assessments. • Study Guides- Students will complete a study guide for all Unit/Chapter Tests (not quizzes).

13. Grading • Achievement – A,B,C,D,F • Percentages • Effort – O, S, N • Check +, Check, Check - • Complete/Incomplete • Teacher Comments

14. Communication • Weekly Folder • school announcements and student work • signed and returned each Friday • Weekly Report: Blue Slip or Green Mustang • E-mail updates, Mustang Express, and school website • Homework Planner - review • Progress Report as needed • Report Card • Goal Setting Conference - Child Attends • E-mail • Phone Calls/Voice Mail

15. School Policies • arrival 7:55/leave campus 2:39 • playground and equipment are reserved for Meadow Park students from 7:55-2:39, other children are not permitted on the playground • no parents parking or dropping off in parking lot • tardy students – sign-in • volunteers must register, sign in at the front office, and wear a badge while on campus • parents may not bring late assignments/instruments • late lunches can be left in the container in the office

16. Meadow Park Foundation Mission: To enhance our children’s education through technology. Whowe are: Meadow Park parents Whatwe do: Organize and run fundraising activities throughout the year to support technology related purchases for Meadow Park. Wherethe funds come from: Primarily from Meadow Park parents, corporate donors and other foundations. Why we do it: To supplement funds Meadow Park receives from IUSD. When we meet: The second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm in the school library. Please join us. How you can help: By donating to the Meadow Park Foundation. All proceeds go directly to Meadow Park Elementary for the benefit of our children. All donations are tax deductible because we’re a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. *For more information, please visit www.meadowparkfoundation.org

17. Thank you for attending! I am looking forward to a wonderful year! *Please sign-up to volunteer and for a goal-setting conference on your way out.