Fifth Grade Student Expectations & Skills

I.  Attendance

A.    Tardies, early dismissals, and absences impact a student’s ability to access the curriculum and meet standards. Please ensure that all appointments are made outside of the school day.

B.    Students are given two days for each day they are absent to make-up any work. Teachers will not accept work that is turned in after this date. However, when students are absent, they miss class discussion and collaboration with classmates. This is a valuable step in the learning process and cannot be recreated.

C.    Class work will be collected for students in their absence. Work will be available for them upon their return. 

D.    Students are responsible to make appointments to meet with each of their teachers following any absence. These meetings serve as a way for the teacher to catch the student up as best as they can and also to set up deadlines for absence work, tests, and quizzes.

E.    Independent study is available for absences of 5 days or more if a parent notifies the office two weeks prior to student departure. Work provided for independent study does not ensure a student receives the instruction and practice provided in class. It merely allows the district to recoup money for each day a student is absent.

II.  Academics

A.    Grades are a measure of a student’s performance in relation to fifth grade standards. Grades are earned not awarded.

B.   Students will face a period of disequilibrium when learning new material. It is common for them to be uncomfortable, even frustrated while acquiring new skills. Parents can help by encouraging their student to persevere to overcome (rather than simply remove) an academic obstacle.

C.   If a student is struggling with a subject, they should make an appointment with that teacher to receive additional help and further explanation.

D.   Fifth graders are expected to study for tests/quizzes, complete nightly homework, and read Accelerated Reader books in their level nightly.

E.   Late work is not accepted. Students (not parents) must bring all work with them to school. Work turned in to the office by a parent is not considered a timely submission and will not be accepted. Worked turned in with no heading (name, date, room) will earn no credit.

F.   Extra Credit is built in to the fifth grade program (quiz corrections, re-takes in math for tests scoring under 70%, weekend reading logs, re-writes, and opportunities to distinguish themselves in social studies and science.). Therefore, no additional extra credit is available.

G.  Parents and students should check grades on School Wires frequently. The office will provide parents with their student’s login and password to gain access. On-line grades are updated weekly and provide critical communication from teachers.

III.  Attitude

A.   Students are expected to come to school ready to learn: on time, with required materials and completed homework.

B.    Self-reliance is the theme word for fifth grade. Students are expected to take responsibility for their choices and actions.

C.   Students through words and actions will demonstrate respect for school personnel, property, and each other. Students will be mindful of their purpose for attending school: acquiring knowledge and skills in preparation for real life.

Study Skills: Prepares for tests and quizzes in advance (using flashcards, matching games, reviewing notes/study guides, white boards, games, and re-reading chapters). Sustains focus to complete assignments within a reasonable amount of time.

Communication: Fills out the nightly agenda accurately and completely. Relays information to parents regarding grades, assignments, school supplies replenishment, and school activities.

Time Management: Uses nightly agenda to map out a study schedule or time line for upcoming projects, tests, quizzes, and assignments.

Perseverance: Continues working on a difficult task or assignment without giving up. Realizes the learning process may be long and uncomfortable and the journey toward success is the most valuable piece.

Materials Management:  Effectively manages agenda, books, binders, papers, and other materials needed to become a successful student. Receives a Wednesday folder and carries home all school communications and corrected work and brings it back empty the following day.

Organization: Maintains an organized binder with the tab system modeled in class. Knows where all assignments and materials are housed. Does not loosely store work or papers in desk or backpack. Students are not permitted to call home for instruments, lunches, materials, or homework; or to re-enter classrooms after school hours.

Rigor:  Demonstrates grade level mastery of Common Core and State Standards. Your student not only learns content material and study skills but also applies this knowledge in different settings and scenarios. Your student expresses their knowledge across the curriculum in verbal presentations and written formats. They read, comprehend, and respond to grade appropriate text (articles, literature, expository text, and trade books).

Parent Signature: _______________________      Student Signature:______________________