This document provides information for parents and students about the 5th grade classroom of Mr. Belanger at Cracker Trail Elementary School. It includes details about the school day hours, resources available at the school, how to register a student and access the class website. It also summarizes the teacher's background, daily schedule, homework policy, nutrition information, classroom rules and behavior plan, extracurricular activities and special events, and supply list.

1. Welcome to 5thGrade!Mr. Belanger8200 Sparta RoadSebring, Florida 33875Telephone (863)471-5777Fax (863)471-5785School Day Hours7:30-2:00

2. Resources in the CaféNotariesDaycareSheriffs OfficeCTE T-Shirt VendorsScoutsTransportationFood ServiceTranslatorsPTO/SACCTE

3. CLASS WEB SITEwww.THEKNOWLEDGESEEKERS.com

4. Register your child, its fast & easy! You will need their 6-digit ID number (the kids know it as their SME number).

5. All about your teacher!I graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelors degree in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in urban education--a program which was designed to open up social consciousness and define skills needed to become a teacher in urban environments. I love to lead students in a direction where they learn to choose to be the best that they can be!After arriving in Florida, I became an endorsed teacher of the gifted and certified to teach English speakers of other languages. I am married to Laura, who works at the Kindergarten Learning Center as the school's instructional technology technician (see, technology runs in the family!) We have a three year old Cockapoo named Malik, which means King in the Arabic language and a kitten named Maia. We are fans of the Detroit Tigers, Lions (yes, I said the Lions!) and Red Wings!!! We had our first child, Eli, in the fall of 2009.

6. Schedule

8. Student PlannersOn the first day of school, each student will be given a student planner. This book has a spot to record homework, projects, test dates and agendas for each day or week. Each morning the homeroom teacher will check to see that the student planners have been signed by a parent. A $5.00 fee will be charged to replace a lost student planner. Also, many 5th grade teachers use their class Web site as a tool to communicate information—please check these regularly!

11. HomeworkHomework will be primarily communicated through the student planners. Most assignments are due the day after they are assigned, unless noted. Teachers will try to notify the students weekly if they are missing assignments, although it is their responsibility to insure that all their work is completed and turned in. Official progress reports/report cards are sent home about every 4.5 weeks.1st Progress Report: Sept 241st Report Card: Nov. 102nd Progress Report: Dec. 102nd Report Card: Feb. 23rd Progress Report: Feb. 253rd Report Card: April 13Notices of Possible Retention: April 184th Progress Report: May 64th Report Card: June 8

12. NutritionBREAKFASTBreakfast will once again be offered to all students—free of charge—in the classrooms. SNACKThe high demand of the 5th grade schedule does not allow a long, structured time for snack. Three or so minutes will be offered daily between subjects for students to eat “one” snack item that is not to be shared. A good example of a snack is a granola bar or fruit cup—but not an entire sandwich or something that needs to be heated. At the end of this time, we will ask students to discard uneaten food. WATER BOTTLESSmall water bottles (like those found in bulk at Wal-Mart or other convenience stores) are welcomed in the classroom, but thermos or sports style bottles are not. Please do not send “flavored” water.

13. Rules of the RoomEveryone will respect others’ right to learn & treat others the way you’d want to be treated!Follow directions the first timeIsolate hands, feet, and objectsRaise your handStay in seatTalk to others the way you want to be talked to

14. Behavior PlanCracker Trail Elementary uses Positive Behavior Support (PBS) as our primary behavior plan. All teachers in the 5th grade follow the same grade-level plan, and have the same high-expectations of children. Since the classroom is a place for learning, we will use consistent praise and we will celebrate successes, accomplishments, and positive behavior.Expectations of 5th grade students:Follow basic school & classroom rules

15. Respect others, their feelings, and their property

16. Listen carefully, and follow directions

17. Be on time and prepared to work and learn

18. Leave gum, candy and toys at home