1) This document provides information for parents of students in the 5th grade class at Kuentz Elementary School, including details about the teachers, school hours, communication methods, homework and grading policies, field trips, and more. 2) It outlines the school's educational philosophy of creating well-rounded lifelong learners and making horizontal and vertical connections in learning. 3) Parents are encouraged to stay involved through activities like volunteering, attending family events, and signing up for parent-teacher conferences.

1. Welcome to Fifth Grade Isabel Anaya Karen Conner Kasey Crick Joe Gagliardo Pat Skinner Ellen Schmidt

2. Educational Philosophy Everything a person does or says speaks volumes about his/her character. All instructional decisions keep the latest brain research in mind. Everything is on purpose. We build life-long learners We strive to create horizontal connections, as well as vertical learning to create well rounded thinkers. Students are encouraged to see beyond themselves.

3. School Hours 7:45-2:45 No student drop off before 7:00-there are no adults on duty All exterior doors will be locked at 7:30 with the exception of the front doors. Students will be counted tardy if they arrive in the classroom after 7:45 Students are absent if not in class by 9:00. 2 or more tardies/early departures will result in a child not being eligible for Perfect Attendance IMPORTANCE OF DAILY ATTENDANCE

4. How/When to Reach Me Conference time 10:10-10:55 Email is a convenient form of communication used frequently. My email is joseph.gaglairdo@nisd.net if this is an option for you. Teachers have voice mail on which you may leave a message. We will do our best to check messages regularly and get back to you in a timely manner. 397-8050 x3212

5. Visitors Parents are always welcome to come and observe their child in the classroom. Please call the morning of the day you are planning to come in to make sure we are not at specials, assembly, library, etc. Parents who are on-campus to volunteer or go on field trips must have completed the background check form. Feel free to come and have lunch with your child –But YOU MUST sign in, receive, and WEAR a visitor badge! This must be worn by any person on campus after 7:45 am.

6. Important Info Teachers will use the following means to communicate important events/info to parents: Discipline Folder Weekly Newsletter If unable to get online, please let me know Web page Friday Folder/Graded Work Binder Parent Connection—see separate slide Progress Reports/Report Cards Parent Conferences

7. Grade-level Newsletter You will be able to print a weekly newsletter on the last day of each week. Information is for the next week. This will provide vital information for you on what your child is doing in the classroom.

9. Report cards will be issued after each nine week grading period.

12. Fifth grade students will have homework Monday through Thursday. All homework is given on Monday for the entire week. It is all due Friday with no exceptions.

13. Every day, students are required to read for twenty (20) minutes.

14. If students are using their class time wisely, they should have no more than 50 minutes of homework per night.

17. Honors Math Students who made commended on the math TAKS test last year are eligible to attend an honors math class called “CMP”, taught by Mrs. Crick and Mrs. Conner. Students who are not eligible will attend math in Mr. Skinner, Ms. Anaya, Ms. Schmidt or Mr. Gagliardo’s class. This program will begin soon. Letters will go home in the next two weeks telling you where your child will be placed.

18. Toys at School Toys may not be brought to school unless the teacher sends home a note No one may bring a weapon or any item associated with a weapon for an reason Trading cards are not allowed on campus Electronic devices/games are not allowed on campus (including Reward Day) Toys brought to school will be taken by the teacher for a parent to retrieve.

19. CELL PHONES Cell phones/Electronic devices are allowed at school IF: They are turned OFF They are kept in a backpack Phones are not allowed to be on at recess Phones that are confiscated will be given to administration for parents to retrieve.

20. Parent Connection Parents will be able to log on to Parent Connection (via the NISD home page) to check their child’s grades and attendance. If you do not have a parent connection username and password, please take care of that at home ASAP.

21. Discipline Folder This folder is used to aide in documenting discipline. The folders are taken with the students when they leave the classroom. The folder is used to document inappropriate behavior. The folders will go home once a week, unless signed, and require a parent signature on Friday.

22. Dress Code Please consult your NISD parent handbook for any questions you might have regarding what your child should wear to school.

23. Law Concerning Food given out in class The Texas Department of Agriculture initiated a new policy calling for certain foods and beverages to not be given away on the school premises. These foods include but are not limited to any candy, sodas, and popsicles that don’t contain fruit juices. This policy will be strictly enforced at Kuentz, meaning that our thinking will have to change this year when planning parties. You may bring in cupcakes or non-food items for birthday’s. They will be distributed at recess. The treats may be store bought or home made. The only times that we are exempt from the law are for the Winter, Rodeo, and Graduation parties. (This policy does not affect what you send for only your child, although snacks to be eaten in class must be HEALTHY.)

24. Family Field Trips Each month or so, you and your family will have the opportunity to gather with other grade level families for a Family Field Trip This is an educational opportunity for you and your child(ren) to learn and grow together! SAVE THE DATE for our first outing on October 1stto Cascade Caverns!

25. Cafeteria Menu Families will receive ONEcafeteria menu for the entire year. The menu will rotate every two weeks. If you lose your copy, please refer to the NISD homepage.

26. Dismissal Procedures Students are dismissed at 2:45 pm daily (with the exception of Early Release days) If your child needs to be released early for an appointment or emergency, sign them out in the office. If the way a student goes home is changing, written permission must be given to the teacher. Each time it changes, documentation is necessary. This must be received by 2:00.

27. Howl at the Moon Family Night Friday, October 21, 5:30 – 8:30 Food, fun and games PTA Fundraiser We are responsible for putting together a basket for the silent auction. Our basket theme is “The Dallas Cowboys”. Please sign up for donated items on the sheet If you have any questions, please contact the Kuentz PTA at kuentzpta@yahoo.com THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

28. One Last Thing! Be sure to complete your Criminal History Background Check. It takes just a couple of minutes. You must be cleared before coming on field trips or helping at parties. Wish list on website Edmodo.com Sunny D Free Book Give Away Donorschoose.org Please sign up for a conference PARENTAL SUPPORT