Back to School Night
Elysian Charter School
John’s Class – Fifth Grade
Dear Parents, Friends and Family of Fifth Graders,
Welcome to Back to School Night and also the beginning of a new year at Elysian!!
Please use this as a guide tonight for Back to School Night. Please make sure to complete the family survey and return to me with your child in the next few days. Note that the last section is to be used for any specific questions you may have.
Teachers here at Elysian believe in the importance of teamwork, and Emily and I work collaboratively to model cooperative learning to our students. We believe in collaboration, yet we also value our differences and diversity. Each child and teacher is unique and contributes his/her strengths for the benefit of everyone.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD
Since the first day of school my goal has been to get to know each student. I accomplish this by talking with each student, reading with them and giving them interest surveys and questionnaires to fill out. In terms of academics, I have several different assessments that help me gauge where they are presently working (i.e. strengths and areas of concern).
I will address the concepts and skills outlined in the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards as well as the emergent curriculum I embrace at Elysian. The philosophy behind an emergent curriculum implies that when I see an interest sparked by a student, I use this interest as a jumping off point for further study. This is a natural way to lead into hands-on, meaningful learning as well as placing value on what a student is interested in. Inquiry, research, integrated studies, hands-on experience, meaningful work, respect for ideas and differences, and a strong focus on the value of the arts and community are all employed both in and out of our classroom.
WRITING
In fifth grade we write using a variety of genres ranging from poetry to informative research reports. Students will learn to move independently through the steps of the writing process. Each student has their own writer’s notebook which is used as a way to generate ideas for their writing. We’ll generate several types of writing from the initial idea stage to final draft. To celebrate these accomplishments we’ll have Publishing Parties! Sometimes we’ll even invite to share in the excitement!
READING
Reading will be covered through a variety of ways with an emphasis placed on building fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. I build upon their reading skills and love of books through a variety of ways (group read-aloud, book buddies, small groups and independent reading) that are developmentally appropriate and reflect the individualized needs and interests of each student. I have a select group of books in our class library for the students to choose from for in-class reading. The books range in interest and level so that each student is able to find a book that is “Just Right” for them. Reading is also a nightly requirement for homework. I ask that each student read for a minimum of 30 minutes each school night. I will keep track of their reading through the use of a reading notebook. This notebook is a way for me and the student to communicate about their reading.
I address the New Jersey math standards in the same manner as other subjects in an effort to provide appropriate scope and sequence for each child. I teach math through small group work, whole class discussions and activities that reinforce a given concept we are currently working on. Using the TERC math series as a guide, I cover all areas of mathematics.
SCIENCE
Our science program is based on the inquiry method of learning. Operations such as observing, measuring, classifying, predicting and experimenting are the core of the science program. We provide students with hands on opportunities to explore interesting problems that extend their knowledge and insight. The curriculum draws on biology (life cycles and living things), earth studies (specifically rivers), and physics (Newton’s Laws of Motion).
HEALTH
Healthy living is a big part of what we do throughout the year. Our focus is on finding a balance between food and physical activity. One fun and effective way is to participate in the Fruit and Vegetable Challenge. Our class has been challenged to eat 500 servings of fruits and vegetables in one month’s time. This goal of this challenge is for students to choose healthier snacks on a more consistent basis.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The fifth grade will be studying a number of topics in Social Studies this year. This subject is the driving force of our emergent curriculum. We break the year into three parts (Hudson River, 50 states and explorers). We study the Hudson River and its role in regards to jobs, culture, economy and people. For our 50 states study we focus on our government and its agencies and purpose, elections, citizenship and civic issues. We bring this major study to a conclusion with an independent research project based around the 50 States. In the spring we turn our attention to the idea of exploration. We’ll focus our attention towards explorers who had an impact on North America. This study concludes, working with a partner, on a research project. We’ll also look into the life of Henry Hudson more in-depth. Study skills will be developed including note taking, outlining and conducting research during all topics.
TECHNOLOGY
The class will have access to our four (two of which are brand new!) fully functional computers as often as possible. Through the use of these resources students develop internet research skills as well as word processing and keyboarding skills. Students will learn to organize, manipulate, graph and display information that they gather.
HOMEWORK
Homework augments the classroom instruction by providing practice for skills taught. Its purpose is to help children learn and grow as well as to develop responsibility. Homework is assigned on a nightly basis and should take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete depending on the student and the day, with 30 of those minutes spent reading. Both long and short-term homework assignments are given. Students will be responsible for copying into their journals the homework assignments. A homework folder should travel with the student each day to and from school. All notices, forms and information for you will be sent home in the folder.
I manage the class in a variety of fun and challenging ways in which the individual student and the whole class find ways to succeed. One such way is through the use of coupons called Caught Being Goods. These are a way for me to catch a student doing the right thing; showing good manners, helping a friend, following class rules, etc. I distribute these coupons throughout the day. Once earned the student puts their name on the back of the coupon and drops it into our Caught Being Good jar. At the end of the week I randomly draw three names from the jar. The three students chosen are rewarded in some manner (homework pass, special class privilege, pizza with me for lunch, small prize, etc.). I find this to be very effective and the students really enjoy the challenge of collecting Caught Being Goods.
**Please let me know if you have any donations you would like to make towards the reward pool. I’ll accept anything!!
SPECIALS SCHEDULE
Monday – P.E.
Tuesday – Spanish and Small Group Music
Wednesday – Library and Art
Thursday – Spanish and Small Group Art
OVERNIGHT TRIPS
YMCA Camp – Nov. 7th – 9th
Mystic, CT – June 4th – 6th
WISH LIST
I appreciate all of your generous donations thus far. As a class we give out daily snacks. You do not need to send in individual snacks. Please see the newsletter each week for needed classroom items.
Earlean McCants and Pat Kelly have volunteered to be our class parents for the year. They’ll be coordinating the class phone chain and will help me communicate with you throughout the year.
COMMUNICATION
Communication between home and school is a critical element of a successful year. Please feel free to contact me at school or through e-mail at johnrutledge88@aol.com if you have any questions or concerns. I am available for conferences at any point during the year.
It’s been great getting to know each and every student! I am excited about the months to come and look forward to a great year!
Thanks,
John Rutledge