This document provides information about Miss Wheaton and Mrs. DeBlock's 5th grade classroom for the 2011-2012 school year. It introduces the two teachers, describes their educational backgrounds and teaching philosophies. It outlines the classroom schedule, curriculum, homework and grading policies, and forms of communication with students and parents. The purpose is to welcome parents to an open house and inform them about how the classroom will be run.

1. 0 Miss Wheaton & Mrs. DeBlock's Class 2011-2012 Welcome To Open House!

2. Trade Books My Name is Renee DeBlock General Educator From Whitehall, NY – Currently Residing in Glens Falls From a family of teachers. Teaching in Queensbury since February 2004 Graduate from SUNY Plattsburgh Elementary Education B.S. (Pre-k – 6) Reading Education M.S. (K – 12) Introducing: Mrs. DeBlock 0

3. Trade Books My Name is Amanda Wheaton Consultant Teacher / Special Educator From Hadley, N.Y. Graduate from SUNY Plattsburgh Elementary (1 – 6) / Special Education (1-6) B.S. Currently Attending SUNY Albany to pursue a masters in Inclusion and Special Education. (birth – 21) Introducing: Miss Wheaton 0

4. Our classroom will be run in a similar manner as other 5 th grade classes. Your child will experience: Whole Group Instruction Small Group Instruction Peer Mentoring Collaborative Pairing TEAMWORK Instruction geared toward many different learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic Enrichment / Challenges The Classroom in a Snapshot 0

5. Our Teaching Philosophy Our philosophy as co-teachers is to work together to instill a love of life-long learning within our students. Within the classroom, we will strive to create meaningful and engaging lessons. We will maintain a level of high expectations for our students and for ourselves. We as co-teachers will make every effort to be role models to our students and will demonstrate reliability, respectfulness, and responsibility. We hope, in turn, through our actions our students will reach the fullest of their potential becoming upstanding members of society and active participants of the community. 0

6. Monday Gym 8:35 – 9:20 Tuesday Music 9:25 – 10:10 Wednesday Library 9:25 – 10:10 Thursday Gym 1:00 – 1:45 Friday Art 8:35 – 9:20 Everyday Lunch 12:08 – 12:38 *Band and Orchestra Lessons Vary* T/W Band Orchestra/Chorus Rehearsal 1:45 – 2:30 Our Schedule 0

7. Trade Books ELA - Lucy Calkins / Reader’s and Writers Workshop Math - Macmillan / McGraw-Hill Math Connects Series Social Studies - Houghton Mifflin “ Canada & Latin America” Science - Scott Foresman (Taught by Mrs. Enny-Tully) Trade Books 0

8. Behavior Plan Raffle Tickets – Individual Reinforcement Marbles - Class works as a Team PBC – Super Bee Coupons 0

9. Homework Monday-Thursday (45 - 60 minutes) (Homework Grade, 0,1,2) 0 – Assignment is not completed 1 – Assignment has been attempted. 2 – Assignment is complete. Same System as the Middle School Students should bring home their homework folder and planner daily Assignment Pad Signature Homework Help Website! http:// mrsdeblock.wikispaces.com Click on HOMEWORK on the left hand column! 0

10. Grading Policies We learn from our mistakes.. Tests (Chapter or Unit Tests) The students will always know when is a test is going to be taken in advance. Tests grades are scored twice. (With the exception of Spelling) Original grade and correction grade (optional) 50% of points lost can be gained back Example – Student gets an 80% on a Math Test He/She corrects the test and gets all questions correct 10 Points are awarded and the second grade scored will be a 90% Quizzes (and Spelling Tests) Quizzes are given on occasion. Students will usually know as well. Corrections are also welcomed (See Example) Example – Student gets an 80% on a Social Studies Quiz He/She corrects the quiz and gets all questions correct 10 points are awarded – 90% The first grade and second grade are averaged out to a 85% Accountability 0

11. Absences If your student is absent : Excuse is needed the day the student returns to school. Missed work can be picked up the day the student is absent if called (or e-mailed) ahead of time. 0

12. Communication With Students Journal Entry Flex Time With Parents Letters E-mail Webpage Phone call 0

13. Spelling “Words Their Way” Words are introduced every Monday. Students will have assignments every night. Responsibility Spelling Test Every Friday No pre-test Spelling 0

14. Cell Phones / I-pods / Portable Game Systems are not to be used during the school day. Snack - please send a nutritious snack daily. Book Orders - optional (sent home occasionally) NYS Tests ELA & Math Notes to School Field Trips Parent-Teacher Conferences Miscellaneous 0

15. Handwriting - Cursive READ, READ, READ Practice Math Facts Organizational Skills – Remembering Instruments and any other items for specials. Responsibility Spelling! Concepts you can help us with at home: 0

16. If you’d like to send in a treat for your child’s birthday, we’d be happy to celebrate in class. 0

17. 0 Questions?   Thank you so much for coming! Please know that we are all here for the same reasons!