Mrs. Tabor's class handbook 2017-2018

Mrs. Tabor’s

Classroom Handbook

Harmony Elementary

5^th Grade

2016-17

Contact Me:

E-Mail: sherilyn.tabor@oldham.kyschools.us

School Phone: (502) 228-2228

Website: http://mrstaborsblog.blogsot.com/ (my webpage)

www.oldham.kyschools.us/Harmony (Harmony’s webpage)

Welcome to fifth grade! I am expecting a memorable year for your child, full of engaging learning, social and emotional growth, and fun!  Below, you will find a brief description of the curriculum, schedules and expectations for your child. 

How You Can Help….                          

·         Initial the agenda every evening

·         Check your child’s homework

·         Write in your child’s reflection journal

·         Pack a healthy snack

·         Check the website once a week

·         Collect box tops (The money goes to classroom use)

·         Come and have lunch with your child every now and then

·         Put lunch money with child’s name and number on the check in an envelope

·         Volunteer when you are able to help

·         Ask your child questions about their learning

·         Contact me with concerns not matter how big or small!

 Daily Schedule

7:25-7:40...Unpack, Lunch Choice, Agenda, & Morning Work:

At this time, students demonstrate responsibility by turning in notes, choosing their lunch, putting away their backpacks, hanging up their coats, completing the planner message and any morning work.  It is helpful if your child arrives at school at 7:25 so they have time to complete their morning work, which is an opportunity to review and practice previous learned concepts.  This is also the perfect time to check out books from the library.  Arriving at school at 7:25 allows your child time to settle in and not feel rushed.  Breakfast is only served from 7:25 to 7:40.

7:40-7:50 Pledge of Allegiance, Morning Meeting, and Calendar:

We begin our day by saying the Pledge of Allegiance and then move on to our morning meeting.  We start each meeting with a “greeting” on the carpet. Then we do an activity to work on our social/leadership skills. Our mayor will announce any news and talk about our day ahead.  We then conduct calendar activities to reinforce math concepts and calendar skills. We will finish our meeting after Related Arts

7:50 – 8:45… Related Arts:

Art, Physical Education, Technology and Music are on a five-day rotation at Harmony Elementary.  Teachers specializing in each area provide services.

Music Teacher:  Mr. Albritton

P.E. Teacher:  Mr.Gitlewski

Art Teachers:  Mrs. Connell

Technology: Mrs. Hagood

Library: Mrs. Clark/Mrs. Hope

9:00-10:00… Math Workshop:

Math Workshop includes multi-level instruction, skill development, and practice in mathematics.  Students will participate in mini lessons both whole group and small group, and they will frequently work and learn cooperatively with hands-on activities. To meet students’ particular instructional needs in math, students are pre-assessed in each unit and grouped accordingly.  All fifth grade students will have the opportunity to change classrooms to meet with a teacher that has prepared lessons to meet their needs

10:00 – 11:00…Science/Leader in Me/Social Studies:  For the first few weeks, we will be learning about the 7 Habits of Happy Kids.  Areas of scientific study include structures and properties of matter, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, Earth’s systems and the solar system. In fifth grade, Social Studies themes have strong ties to U.S. history and Kentucky history.  Students will learn about government, culture, economics, geography and U.S. History.

11:00-11:20…Read Aloud

11:20-11:40...Recess

11:40-12:00...Begin ELA lesson

12:00- 12:25…Lunch   

12:30-1:00...WIN (What I Need)  This time will be used each day for individual instruction that targets the specific needs of students.

1:00-2:10 ELA:

Reading Workshop:

During Reading Workshop, students will participate in whole-group instruction. Then work independently at their seats while having conferences with teacher.

Guided Reading

Students participate in guided reading focusing on individual goals for each student. Parent volunteers will assist in reading groups

Word Work

We will study words and sound patterns, along with phonics and grammar/correctness skills in order to help us become better readers and writers.   

 Writing Workshop:

During short mini-lessons, I offer and demonstrate writing strategies that the students can use to improve their writing skills.  The students then write independently implementing these strategies in their own writing. I confer individually and with small groups about writing during this time as well.  Students also have the opportunity to share and gain feedback from their peers during share time.

2:10-2:20…Afternoon Meeting/ Take Home Folders:

This is when we come together to review our day, collect take home folders, complete our classroom jobs, and pack our bags. 

*Agendas will go home daily and are expected to be brought to school every morning. 

*Wednesday envelopes (with school wide information) will come home every Wednesday and should be signed and returned to school every Thursday. 

2:20…Dismissal

*If your child has a transportation change or note for the office please write it on a separate piece of paper and put in your child’s take home folder. Please remember if your child will be transported home in any way other than the usual way, I must have a note with your child’s full name, my name, date, an explanation of the change, and a signature. Each day of change must have its own note (no longer can you write one note for multiple days of change in transportation)

Homework 

Homework is assigned for the following reasons: 

·         to practice a concept or skill that has already been taught within the classroom

·         to promote good study habits

·         to develop positive attitudes toward school

·         to demonstrate to students that learning can also take place outside of the school setting
Grading:

•Our first conference will be a student-led conference in October, but feel free to contact me if you have a concern and we can set up a conference or phone conference any time.

•Progress Reports sent home in Fall, Winter, and Spring

•For ELA and Science

•E student demonstrates an extensive understanding of concepts taught

•G student demonstrates a clear understanding of concepts taught

•P student is progressing with assistance, and progress is limited

•M student has not yet demonstrated a basic understanding of concepts taught

•Letter grades for Math and Social Studies

•A  90-100

•B   80-89

•C   70-79

•F  Below 70

·         

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Our class is using The Leader in Me program as an introduction to personal leadership.  All students have the capacity to lead in their own lives and affect those around them by making positive choices. The Leader in Me provides students with activities that will help them learn practical character and life skills that will lead to those positive choices. Written to appeal to their age level, students are presented with fun activities designed to get them thinking. Your child is about to embark on an exciting journey and our hope is that you will ask your child how he/she is doing along the way. Having your child reteach the content to you will give him/her an even deeper understanding and will give both of you an opportunity to learn together!

 Additionally…

The “Parent’s Place” is available at www.TheLeaderInMe.org. Here you will find ideas to use at home to reinforce your child’s learning and involve the family in a fun, interactive way.

The 7 Habits of a Happy Kid

Habit 1 — Be Proactive

You're in Charge

Focus for Students: I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

Habit 2 — Begin with the End in Mind

Have a Plan

Focus for Students: I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

Habit 3 — Put First Things First

Work First, Then Play

Focus for Students: I spend my time on things that are most important.  This means I say no to things I know I should not do.  I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan.  I know that I have to do my work before I can play.

Habit 4 — Think Win-Win

I Win, You Win, We Win

Focus for Students: I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for others.  I encourage my friends.  When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives so everyone can win.

Habit 5 — Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

Listening Shows that you care

Focus for Students: I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try and see things from their point of view (paradigm). I listen to others without interrupting. I listen with my ears, my eyes, and my heart. I am confident in voicing my ideas.

Habit 6 — Synergize

Together we are Stronger

Focus for Students: I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well     with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek people’s ideas because I know that by teaming with others, we can create better solutions than any one of us could alone. I look for Third Alternatives.

Habit 7 — Sharpen the Saw

Take Care of You

Focus for Students: I eat right, and get enough sleep (body). I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school (brain). I spend time with family and friends (heart). I take time to find meaningful ways to help people (soul). I balance all four parts of myself. 

Fifth Grade Classroom Expectations

                                                              

Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe

Here at Harmony Elementary, we believe in natural and logical consequences.  We strive to promote positive behavior and always try to provide positive reinforcements that are not in the form of tangible objects (no treasure chests).  We believe in working as a team and community where everyone can offer their strengths to the whole group.  Negative situations will be handled on an individual basis, with logical consequences.  It is my job as a teacher to make every child feel comfortable in the classroom and that begins by modeling and setting positive examples on how to make good choices to help everyone grow and learn in our classroom. 

Here are some examples of positive reinforcements in the classroom:

*Verbal Praise/Compliments: 

Good Job!  Way to go!  Thanks for helping!  I love your helping hands!

*Class Celebration: examples include…

Pajama Day!  Hat Day! Lunch with a movie!  Lunch with the teacher! Lunch with a friend! Read with a friend! Extra Free Time!  Game Time!  Special share time!

*A Good Note Home

*A Good Phone Call Home

*Sit in a special chair

*Hugs and High Fives

Here are some examples of logical consequences:

*Verbal Warnings

*Seating away from others, but within the classroom or sinkroom

*Teacher chooses free time activity

*phone call home

School Expectations 

Bathrooms:

Ø  Use toilets, sinks, and hand dryers appropriately (one squirt of soap, touch dryers gently, etc.)

Ø  Wash Hands

Ø  Zero Talking

Ø  Leave Promptly

Playground:

Ø  Use equipment appropriately

Ø  Use caring hands and feet

Ø  Stay within zone

Ø  Running and gaming playing is to be done on grassy areas

Cafeteria:

Ø  Stay seated and raise hand

Ø  Only eat your food

Ø  Clean up your own mess

Ø  Use indoor voices

Hallway:

Ø  Walk in a single file line

Ø  Keep hands and feet to self (and off the walls)

Ø  Zero Talking

Ø  Wait at stopping point for teacher

Assemblies:

Ø  Walk on steps, use rail

Ø  Quiet feet

Ø  Listen and participate

Ø  Show appropriate appreciation                                                                                                   

                                                                          

School Wide Food Policy

As many of you have experienced, the rise of life-threatening food allergies has become an issue that schools must take seriously.  Therefore, Harmony has taken measures to ensure a safe environment for all students.

                                                                                                                          

1)      No food may be brought in for celebrations (birthdays, holiday parties, writing celebrations, end of the year activities, etc.).  Only Nonfood items (pencils, erasers, stickers) may be used for celebrations.

2)      No food will be used for instruction, prizes, awards, or treats during school.

Our Class’s Healthy Snack List   

Each child is allowed to bring a healthy snack and a SMALL water bottle each day.

Examples include:

-      Carrots

-      Broccoli

-      Celery Sticks

-      Cheese Stick

-      Fruit

-      Crackers

-      Pretzels

-      Dried Fruit

-      Apple Sauce

-      Popcorn

-      Rice Cakes

-      Granola Bars

-      Cereal Bars

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!