Class Info

Welcome to fifth grade! In our class, students must do two things to succeed: work hard and be nice. My goal is for each of the students in my class to develop responsibility and respect for themselves, and their community to become productive citizens. I believe that developing these qualities will allow students to achieve continued success as they grow through adolescence into young adulthood. Although good student conduct is often praised, we do not use a reward system to promote good behavior. I want students to make good choices for the sake of being responsible and respectful, not because they hope to gain anything, such as extra recess, for it.

1. Respect others, yourself, and property
2. Take responsibility for your words and actions

Homework is assigned nightly Monday through Thursday (and very rarely on Friday). On average, nightly assignments should take no more than one hour to complete; however, very often it will be less. I do not subscribe to the notion of assigning homework just for the sake of assigning homework. Assignments are typically review of the day’s work for additional practice, projects, and reading. Late assignments will be marked down 10% for each day they are not turned in; after one week no credit will be given (unless the student has been absent or I receive a parent note explaining the circumstances.) Failure to turn in homework three (or more) times per quarter will result in a recess detention.

I expect students to read independently for at least 20 minutes every day. They will record their reading on a reading log that is supplied to them in class. Students have the choice of what to read as I want them to have an interest in the material so they can discover what a joy reading can be. I do however urge them to explore different genres and styles of writing. By making a habit of reading daily, students will engage with a tremendous volume of text, improving their reading skills, and (hopefully) making them life-long readers.