WELCOME TO 5TH GRADEMRS. AMANDA CARRUTHERS

DISCOVERY ELEMENTARY

ROOM 236

WELCOME TO DISCOVERY ELEMENTARY

MEET MRS. CARRUTHERSo BA from The University of Tulsao MA from University of Missouri Kansas

Cityo Taught in Oklahoma, Florida, Missouri

and Kansaso Moved to Northern Virginia in 2006o PTO President, Girl Scout Leader,

substitute teachero This would be my 21th year as a teachero Hobbies include anything related to my

family, reading cookbooks, cruising in my dad’s convertible, baking, playing with my dog Sadie, singing, and scrapbooking

o My husband is Scott, and we have two amazing girls, Olivia and Ameliao My favorite color is PINK!!

WEBSITE

Please visit our 5th grade website and my personal website. I will post information regarding homework, tests, and upcoming events daily.

CURRICULUM AND SOL TESTING Curriculum guides outlining the SOL

standards for 5th grade can be found at www.lcps.org – click on the Academics tab and choose Elementary Curriculum Guides.

Standards of Learning (SOL) Testing

o Reading, Math and Science SOL assessments in May

o Science will consist of 4th and 5th grade concepts

o We will not have a writing SOL this year!

ATTENDANCE If your student is ill or unable to attend

school due to an appointment please call the attendance line at 571-252-2371 or email our attendance secretary, Diane Allen at DIS-absentee@lcps.org

The number of excused days absent will be the number of days allowed to make up the missed assignments.

Students are expected to be in the classroom ready to learn by 7:45 – the tardy bell rings at 7:50

HOMEWORK

o Homework is the opportunity to review skills from class

o Students are expected to read for twenty minutes and practice math facts every night.

o Homework should not take more than 45-60 minutes to complete (exceptions may occur). This includes 20 minutes of reading each night!

o Students are not allowed to call home for missing assignments

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students should complete homework assignments every night as neatly and correctly as they can.

All assignments should be completed in pencil, unless assigned otherwise.

All work should be completed and turned in by the due date.

Students will utilize their agendas to record assignments, tests, projects, and use it as a reference when completing work at home.

GUIDED MATH What is Guided Math?

A framework for instruction, enrichment and intervention Why are we using Guided Math?

It is a flexible model that combines direct instruction, student centers, guided practice, all in a “numeracy rich” environment

What are the benefits of Guided Math? Developing strong problem solving strategies Allows for differentiated instruction per skill or task Builds students’ ability to see multiple ways of solving a

problem Allows for a more collaborative math environment Teachers are given more opportunities for meaningful

assessment

ACADEMICS – BALANCED LITERACY• We will be following the

“Writer’s Workshop” and “Reader’s Workshop” model

• English/Language Arts is embedded into both workshops

• Each student is required to keep a Reading Response Journal, Writing Journal, Language Arts Interactive Notebook, and Word Study Notebook

• Read at home too – 20 minutes per night

SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES

ScienceEarth Science, Life

Science, and Physical

Science topics

SOL in May covers

both 4th and 5th grade

concepts

Social Studies

Regions of theUnited States

States, capitals, andabbreviations

TESTS AND QUIZZES

Dates for quizzes and tests will be listed in student agendas and on my website.

We will do reviews in class the daybefore a test or quiz. We are working on building independent study skills at home as well.

Specific informationto be studied will behighlighted in notes and included in study guides.

GRADING• Students will receive assignments throughout

the week. Be sure to check your child’s Thursday Folder and the Parent Portal.

• Students will be receiving effort grades in all subject areas, including homework!

Grading Key:A = OutstandingB = Very GoodC = SatisfactoryD = Needs ImprovementF = Not Performing

Progress Indicators:4 = Exceeds Standard3 = Meets Standard2 = Progressing Toward Standard1 = Below Standard

O = OutstandingS = SatisfactoryN = Needs Improvement

Students will receive effort grades in all subject areas, including homework!

One to the World is an instructional initiative that addresses what an LCPS graduate should know and be able to do.  This instructional approach focuses on significant content, and important competencies and the joy of teaching and learning.  Through One to the World, LCPS leverages technology with a clear vision for how it can support teaching and learning in Loudoun County Public Schools.

More information is available on our website and at an upcoming Parent Information Night.

CLASSROOM RULES Respect yourself and

others – ALWAYS

Be Honest

Use kind words and a kind voice

Help each other

Work hard and try your best

Take care of our classroom

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT In 5th grade, students will earn

classroom incentives. These are based upon students meeting behavioral and academic expectations. Discovery is a PBIS school (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports)

As the quarter progresses and students are adjusting to their routines, we will introduce the Fun Friday classroom incentive

TERIFFIC TUESDAY

Beginning in October, the 5th grade teachers will stay until 3:30 on Tuesdays to offer homework help for our 5th graders!

If you would like your student to stay, you must

WRITE a note or send in an e-mail indicating your student may stay.o If your student stays, we ask you pick them

up PROMPTLY at 3:30 pm in the bus loop!

Discovery is aPositive Behavioral Interventions and

SupportSchool

Creates a positive climate for learning

Common language and expectations

- Respectful- Responsible- Ready to Learn

Helps kids to see how others view their behaviors

Helps define expected behaviors in the classroom

Common language

SUPERFLEX: SOCIAL THINKING

CARRUTHERS’ CHARACTER$ Student finance system that will allow

students the following opportunities: Managing and entering “money” earned in a

personal checkbook register Being a responsible classroom citizen by paying

rent and school fees out of their account Pride in earning money for their account /

understanding consequences for choices made that will result in money deducted from their account

Participating in a mid year / end of year celebratory auction where they can purchase items with their hard – earned money

COMMUNICATION Each Thursday students will receive

a folder containing information that will need to be reviewed

Parents will need to sign the folder and return to school on Friday

Please check the 5th grade website and my personal site for current information

If you need to speak to me, please call the school number and leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible

E-mail : Amanda.Carruthers@lcps.org

5TH GRADE EVENTS AND DARE

5th Grade Events Team building field trip Class lunches in the courtyard End of year celebration Academic Achievement Awards 5th Grade Promotion

DARE Drug Awareness and Resistance Education Taught by Loudoun County Deputy DARE Essay DARE Graduation in May

SNACKS

Please send in a healthy snack with your student each day. We do have peanut allergies in our classroom, so please be careful of the snacks you are sending.

Please make sure your student has a water bottle each day.

Thank you for joining us at

Back to School Night!