GRADE FIVE

SURVIVAL HANDBOOK

This is _________________________’s

one and ONLY copy.

DIRECTIONS FOR WRITING YOUR

HEADING ON YOUR PAPER

Unless otherwise directed,

for all written assignments you will use the

upper right-hand corner.

1.      Write your first and last names followed by 5-B or 5-M.

2.      Write the date: month/day/year.

3.      Write the subject and topic.

Example:

Orlando Bloom  5-B

September 5, 2006

Math: p 24, #1-12

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

When your assignment is a chart, map, illustration, or diagram you are required to print your first and last names followed by

5-B or 5-M in the lower right-hand corner.

CREED

Our goal is to exceed all academic and behavioral expectations.

1.    We commit to a standard of excellence in all areas of our life.

2.    We communicate thoughtfully, clearly and completely.

3.    We deeply respect:

Ourselves by focusing on our responsibilities, and exhibiting positive, appropriate behavior.

Others by treating them as we wish to be treated.

Property by being careful with materials, furniture, the school and campus.

4.  We recognize that we are citizens of our      planet dedicated to reduce, reuse, recycle resources, and to protect our environment.

Getting Along with Others

1.    THINK before you act or speak:

• Be considerate of others’ feelings.

• Actively listen to others.

• Do not tease or pick-on others,

• Encourage and compliment others.

• Make others feel valued and included.

• Learn the difference between debatable issues and arguing, and then don’t argue.

• Do not verbalize every thought you have.

2.    Focus on your goals and responsibilities:

• Ignore negative remarks others may make about you.

• Act on your many unique and positive qualities so others will see your true self.

• Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully.

• Ask for help when you need it.

• Keep the corners of your mouth turned up.

Treat others as you wish to be treated.

Getting Along with

Ms. Belanger and Mr. MacDonald

1. Be prepared for class: Always bring a pencil, your agenda, and other requested materials.
2. Attend to lessons: Ignore distractions and do not create distractions.
3. Follow directions the first time.
4. Strive for excellence with every assignment.
5. Complete and hand-in assignments on time.
6. Use the time we give you to write assignments and to get organized to carefully record all assignments in your agenda and organize your materials.
7. Show your agenda to your parent(s) each day and get it signed.
8. Ask for clarification and help when you need it.
9. Use materials carefully: Do not waste, put away properly, and don’t lose assignments/handouts.

10.Do not argue: If you feel strongly about a rule, an

an incident, or an assignment; politely request an

appropriate time to discuss the issue with your

teachers.

11. If you’re walking- anywhere in the building, you should not be talking.

12 Be a team player that values contributing and sharing more than winning.

3

Ms. Belanger’s and Mr. MacDonald’s

Teacher Commandments

We will always try to:

1.    Provide a safe and respectful learning environment.

2.    Set challenging yet realistic learning goals.

3.    Clearly communicate expectations.

4.    Be prepared to provide instruction.

5.    Use objective assessment tools based on students’ performance.

6.     Be willing to discuss issues or ideas at appropriate times.

7.    Provide help and clarification.

8.    Stay current in academic practices.

9.    Be flexible and adapt to on-going needs.

10. See each day as a new beginning.

4

Mathematics

Academic Expectations

You will develop an awareness and appreciation of mathematic applications in the real world through identifying patterns and problems, and establishing a repertoire of problem solving skills and techniques.

IN CLASS

• Review and Discuss the “Problem of the Day.”
• Use homework to review previous lessons.
• Engage in the lesson presented each day.
• Work individually and within group settings.
• Weekly test or quiz on current material.

AT HOME

• Take the time necessary to complete homework accurately, and strive to understand the material. This is your time to practice skills taught during the lesson and master the material.

• Challenge yourself to use your math skills whenever possible.

MAKE-UP POLICY: Missing homework that is unexcused will be completed that day at recess.

Each trimester you will be allowed one Make-up of any test/quiz with a score of 70 or below, and one Do-over of any test or quiz with any score.

Make-up = original score averaged with new score.

Do-over = new score replaces original score.

(One shot each. Make it count!)

Science

Academic Expectations

You will develop your scientific literacy and  explore the scientific processes including observation skills, measurement, analysis, testing, hypothesizing, predicting, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication.  You will gain an understanding of and engage in the scientific method.

IN CLASS

• Contribute to class discussions.
• Share your predictions and findings with your classmates.
• Function as a young scientist, both individually and as part of a group.
• Maintain a well-organized notebook and folder.

AT HOME

• Complete all assigned homework and projects.

• Study for tests and quizzes.

MAKE-UP POLICY:

No make-ups for tests and quizzes unless specified by your teacher.

Assignments are expected on their due dates.  You will have one week to turn in late assignments. There will be points deducted for late assignments unless excused for absence or illness.  Assignments not turned in a week after due date will be scored as a zero.

Social Studies

Academic Expectations

You will develop skills necessary to research, analyze, and understand the history of the United States.  You will acquire map skills, note taking techniques, and the ability to interpret current events.

IN CLASS

• Maintain a well-organized notebook and folder.
• Contribute to class discussions.
• Complete section reviews as they occur in the reading of the textbook.
• Research and present projects both individually and as part of a group.

AT HOME

• Complete one current event paper per week.

• Complete all assigned homework and projects.

• Study for tests and quizzes.

MAKE-UP POLICY:

No make-ups for tests and quizzes unless specified by your teacher.

Assignments are expected on their due dates.  You will have one week to turn in late assignments. There will be points deducted for late assignments unless excused for absence or illness.  Assignments not turned in a week after due date will be scored as a zero.

Reading

Academic Expectations

You will develop your Literary Life using books, and other reading materials, to expand your knowledge of yourself, other, events, and other times.

IN CLASS

1. • Respond to literature.
   • Analyze and summarize non-fiction.
   • Present one “Book Talk” each month.
   • Present one book project each month.
   • Organize and maintain Reading Notebook.
   • Contribute to class discussions.
   • Read to yourself, others and your teacher.

AT HOME

1. • Read and review a minimum of 25 books this school year.
   • Create 10 Book Projects: One per month
   • Read 30 minutes each day.
   • Submit monthly Reading Record.
   • Prepare one “Book Talk” each month.

MAKE-UP POLICY: Assignments are expected on their due dates.  You will have one week to turn in late assignments. Points may be deducted.

Writing

Academic Expectations

You will discover yourself and the world you live through writing.

IN CLASS

• Actively participate in Writing Workshop.

• Produce a minimum of five pages of writing each week.

• Publish a writing piece at least once a month.

• Contribute to class discussions.

• Share your work.

• Listen and give feedback to classmates.

• Maintain and organize Writing Notebook.

• Generate ideas/topics.

• Develop a personalized note-taking system.

• Organize your research.

• Publish at least one non-fiction piece each trimester.

AT HOME

• Complete assigned packets.

• Write “Challenge Words” sentences.

• Work on drafts of class assignments as needed.

MAKE-UP POLICY: Assignments are expected on their due dates.  You will have one week to turn in late assignments. Points may be deducted.

Spelling

Academic Expectations

Your  focus will be on patterns, origins, and forms of words.  Weekly challenge words from various sources will be included to expand your vocabulary.

IN CLASS

• Pretest and lesson to introduce word list.

• Carefully record word list in agenda.

• Record meanings of Challenge Words.

• Complete assignments based on word list.

• Weekly quiz on word list.

AT HOME

• Study for weekly quiz.

• Write a strong, fifth grade sentence for each Challenge Word.

• Take a practice test that your parent signs and corrects. You hand it in.

• Complete any additional assignments.

MAKE-UP POLICY: Retakes for quizzes are held most Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. There is a limit of one retake each Wednesday.

Assignments are expected on their due dates.  You will have one week to turn in late assignments. Points may be deducted.

Interdisciplinary Projects

Academic Expectations

Fifth grade students are required to complete three interdisciplinary projects.                   You will develop one project each trimester.

The projects will develop your researching, note taking, composing, and presentation skills, as well as allowing you to delve into a specified topic.

You have the opportunity to become the class “expert” on your topic.

A Note about M.C.A.S.

As part of the federal “No Child Left Behind” policy, the Massachusetts Department of Education requires students to take M.C.A.S. tests. Fifth grade students are assessed in Reading, Mathematics, Science/Engineering/Technology, and Social Studies.

Ms. Belanger and Mr. MacDonald will do their best to prepare you for these tests. As a student, your job is to focus during lessons and to carefully complete assignments throughout the school year. When M.C.A.S. are scheduled, you need to be well rested, and prepared to do your best on each test.

Table of Contents

TOPIC                                                                             PAGE

Creed………………………………………………… 1

Getting Along with Others……………………..2

Getting Along with Ms. B. and Mr. M. ………..3

Teachers’ Commandments…………………….4

Math Expectations……………………………….5

Science Expectations……………………………6

Social Studies Expectations……………………7

Reading Expectations……………………………8

Writing Expectations…………………………….9

Spelling Expectations…………………………..10

Interdisciplinary Projects………………………11

A Note about M.C.A.S. …………………………12

Parents’ Page…………………………………….13

How to Write Your Heading…………back cover

Parents’ Page

• Read over and sign your child’s agenda each school day.
• Encourage your child to strive for excellence on all assignments.
• Provide a time and place for your child to do assignments.
• Check over assignments.
• Assist your child  with organization of backpack, and other school materials.
• Be sure your child gets 9-11 hours of sleep each night.
• Limit screen time.
• Be sure your child gets fresh air and exercise each day.
• Praise your child for good effort.