Welcome to Grade Five Classroom A!

1. Welcome to Grade Five Classroom A! .

2. May God Bless Us God of this year, we are walking into mystery. We face the future, not knowing what the days and months will bring to us. Be love in us as we journey. Deepen our faith to see all of life through your eyes. Fill us with hope and trust in your presence amidst all our joys and sorrows. Thank you for the gift of being able to rise each day with the assurance of your walking with us as we see these children through the school year. God of this new year, we praise you!

3. Mrs. Mary“T”alevich • Has loved teaching at SLS since 1990, both in second and in fifth grades. • Graduated from OLF, HNA, and Gonzaga, receiving fifth year and M.Ed from Seattle U and City U. • Three sons, are SLS graduates. Pete is a second year lawyer in Seattle; Daniel is teaching middle school on O’ahu; Andrew is a recent WSU working as assistant communications director for the national headquarters on his fraternity in Indiana. • Lives in North Bend with husband, Tim, who works on the Costco Connection and Cookbook. • Favorite things include teaching at SLS, kids, books, bikes, hikes and friends.

4. Faith/Religion: Our Identity • The Basic Catholic Beliefs • Sunday Mass attendance: Eucharist is our heart • Seven Sacraments • The Mass • Church Seasons, Holy Days, Saints and Heroes • Prayer, Bible, and Celebrations • (Catholic School Mass, January 26 -27) • Family Life please talk with your child before March. • Service Projects: NPH godson, Juan. Juan-Wednesdays

5. Math enVision Mathematics • Three heterogeneous classes • Common Core standards divided into 5 domains. Much work in number operations of fraction and decimals. • Necessary to be fluent in basic skills and operations and to communicate mathematical thinking. Graded on Tests, quizzes, HW, basic skills which include anything taught in previous years. Next year ability grouping begins. • Website access for online coming soon.

6. Literature, Language, Spelling • Houghton Mifflin Total Language Arts & Novels • Fluency silent and oral (“Authentic” practice) • Monthly book log (must be signed and totaled) and book report beginning in October. • Assessments include quizzes, journals, projects, discussions • Writing Process using the six + one traits model • Rubrics and rough drafts turned in with final. • Spelling/Grammar count! Spelling and vocab quiz most Fridays.

7. Social Studies: US History History from Ancient Peoples of North America to the founding of our country. Alternating “book-work” with projects: • memorization of preambles to our founding documents, original colonies, states & capitals • StoryPath recreating events in pre-revolutionary Boston • Living Voices presentation and role play • History-Maker Scrapbook and Halls of Fame integrated with science • Pioneer Farm

8. Science with Mr. Fuerte • Science -Inquiry Method • 5 E’s • Engage • Explore • Explain • Extend • Evaluate • FOSS : Mixtures and Solutions has four investigations (with 4 parts each) that introduce students to the fundamental ideas in chemistry. • FOSS: Diversity of Life introduces students to the big picture of life on Earth, emphasizing the use of knowledge and evidence to construct explanations for the structures and functions of living organisms. • Science Showcase and Mercer Slough field trip

9. Behavior Plan for a Peaceful Classroom • Class Constitution • Personal responsibility • Consequences • Stop Think Write (orange slips) / Action Plan Parents are asked to sign reflection journal if child has a consequence. • Class celebrations • Conferences

10. Organization/HW • Planner begin with check-off daily parent initialing first two weeks. Random checks. • Organized binders!!! File each night. • 3 Folders: Homework, To-Be-Filed, Other • Parent letter every other weekend with self- assessment to be printed and turned in signed by parent and child by Tuesday. • Written work in cursive with pen; pencil for math. See standards for written work. • Assignments may be typed, 14 pt., legible, black font…extra points. Please print at home.

11. Organization/HW cont. • Nightly homework. • Amount of time varies, should approximate 1 hour – 1 ½ with additional time for study and recreational reading. • Turn-In drawers. • School policy for absent work. • Late work • Texting/emails trouble for 5th graders! Keep eye on screen.

12. Parent Involvement: A HUGE Factor in Student Achievement • Share your positive, problem-solving attitude • Look at child’s work often in the binder and discuss learning, projects, books…… Ask child to read you his/her planner each evening. • Check our Website with your child. • Consult on homework, when needed; quiz your child before tests • Communicate difficulties with teacher • Let your child know you are praying for him/her and the class. • Stop by room and have your child show you around. • Help out in class. You are always welcome!

13. Field Trips, Parties, Activities • Pioneer Farm: May 16 - 17 • Patrol Celebrations • Living Voices and Theater Arts • 2-A Buddies • Halloween, Valentine, Advent parties • Weekly Star • Birthdays , 26 students no nuts, please • Flavorful Friday Treat sales every other month. Need a 24 pack of pop/water from each child.

14. Thank you! • With God beside us, we will have a STELLAR year! • Little needs for our new room: • Step stools that are sturdy. • Extra 3-hole punches