5th Grade Classroom
Mr. Murray
Fifth Grade
TEACHERS
Mr. Murray- Homeroom Teacher
Mr. Mike Shimabukuro - Physical Education
Ms. Regina Hammond - Science
Mrs. Karen Barbera - Art
Mrs. Andrea Contreras- Spanish
Mr. Bill Vaughan - Music
Ms.Rubio - Instructional Assistant
CURRICULUM
RELIGION:
Text #1: We Believe, Sadlier
Subject Matter: Students will continue to grow in understanding of their faith and their role as disciples of Jesus. Emphasis is placed on the divinity and humanity of Jesus, serving the Gospel, opportunities for prayer, the seven sacraments, and becoming a community of faith, hope, and love. Students will practice looking up scriptural passages and applying them contextually to our religion lessons. Emphasis is also placed on family involvement and their continued growth in faith. The newest 2011 edition correlates the content of each chapter to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1995.
Text #2: Benziger Family Life
Subject Matter: Family life curriculum in 5th grade stresses a number of concepts about the human person that has been identified by Education in Human Sexuality for Christians, United States Catholic Conference, 1981, such as:
- Relationships and communication (with family, friends, and adults)
- Conception and anatomy
- Puberty
Expectations: Each student is expected to give appropriate attention to the subject matter in the texts and to participate in classroom discussions. A test or other form of assessment is given at the end of each chapter. Prior to working with the “Benziger Family Life” text, parents will need to look it over with their child, then sign and return the text the following school day.
Service Learning Projects: Service is a fundamental element of who we are. The class will develop a Service Learning Project that provides students the intrinsic value of being an Active Christian.
Grading:
- Project-based activities
- Journal entries
- Chapter tests
SOCIAL STUDIES:
Text: United States History Early Years, Houghton Mifflin
Subject Matter: The curriculum, in accordance with the California State Standards, covers the geography and history of the United States from its earliest explorers to life in the thirteen colonies. Immigration, the American Revolution, settlement of the Far West, and the introduction of the Civil War. Students will also participate in the Age of Sail program.
and have the opportunity to become immersed in an 18-hour “voyage” back in time to the The year 1906 on the historic vessel, the Balclutha. If this program is not available, students will take a trip to Alcatraz to connect with a literature unit.
Expectations: Students will be expected to complete reading and writing assignments, participate in class discussions and excursions. Moreover, students are expected to take an active role in their cooperative groups. Studies repeatedly show that students who take ownership over their own learning are more likely to retain the information. Students will be assigned various tasks. It is essential that each student complete the assigned task otherwise, it will have an adverse effect on the rest of the group.
Grading:
- In-class activities/projects
- Long-term projects
- Tests and quiz scores
MATH:
Text: Envision Math, Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley
Subject Matter: The math curriculum in fifth grade requires students to understand how to work with decimals and fractions, different types of graphs, data sets, base-ten operations, place value, order of operations, measurements, angles, and shapes. Expectations: Students will be expected to put forth their best effort in completing assignments based on previously taught lessons, as well as preparing for periodic tests and quizzes. Additionally, students will be expected to correct missed problems on homework, quizzes, and tests. Occasional projects may be assigned but can be completed in class.
Grading:
- Test and quiz scores
- Completion of all assignments.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: reading, writing, speaking and
listening
Reading: The children will continue to work on fluency and vocabulary development. The focus in fifth grade is to provide students with strategies that will help them understand, question, and form opinions of text. Students will identify genres of fiction and analyze the qualities of character, examine plots, explore settings and look at the themes and values of the novels as they are reflected by the characters, actions, and images. Students will read both assigned books and self–selected books. They will be expected to evaluate these books and share their responses with the teacher and fellow students.
Novels: The students will read novels during this school year, which they will be expected to read both in the classroom and at home. Discussion questions, quizzes, group projects, and a test will also be part of each novel’s unit.
Expectations: Students will be expected to read, comprehend, and practice critical thinking skills for the assigned selections. It will be anticipated that students put forth the effort needed to complete assignments neatly, accurately, and on time. When we work in cooperative learning groups, it is expected that students complete their reading assignments and tasks at home. They will then share their findings with their group members.
Grading:
- Test and quiz scores
- Group and individual projects
- In-class assignments including the reading notebook
- Thoroughness and neatness of assignment
Writing: We will continue to explore the writing process: pre-writing; first draft; revision, editing, and publishing. Students will write both narrative and expository compositions, responses to literature, and argumentative essays. My emphasis during the fifth-grade year will be on organization and focus, choosing topics, developing academic language, and stating a clear purpose with supporting ideas and details. Students will write on a daily basis so that they become more competent and proficient in their writing ability. Today it has become increasingly important for all children to be given an education that enables them to synthesize, organize, reflect on and respond to the data in their world. Assumption School has adopted Writing Pathways across all grade levels. These learning units are aligned to the Common Core State Standards and will assist our knowledge of the teaching of writing. In the Units of Study, students will be able to synthesize, analyze, compare and contrast information and ideas. This program will give the students the skills to write narratives, arguments, and informational texts. Expectations: Students will be expected to make a sincere effort to master the subject matter by utilizing the tools given in order to effectively complete writing assignments. Grading:
- Timely and satisfactory completion of all assignments including the interactive writer’s notebook
- Demonstration of ability to write creatively and analytically
- In-class writing assignments
Listening and Speaking: The students will practice delivering focused, coherent presentations that convey ideas clearly, and evaluate the oral communication of speakers, teachers, and classmates. To work toward this I will have daily class, or small group discussions using prompts that encourage active listening.
- Participation
- In-class presentations
- Oratorical Festival
- Revolutionary Fair presentations
SPELLING:
Subject Matter: The spelling curriculum focuses on specific word (vowel) spelling patterns, meaning relationships, phonics, word structure, and a five-step plan for learning words. Spelling words will be assigned with novel and or text readings..
Expectations: Students will be expected to correct their pretests in class and then use those pretests as study guides for the test at the end of the week. Accordingly, students are also expected to complete any written exercises and homework assignments leading up to that test.
Grading:
- Test scores
- Completion of homework assignments
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
Christian behavior is expected to be modeled each school day; below are the three key guidelines students are to observe in order to ensure the teacher’s right to teach and the students’ right to learn:
- Respect yourself and others:
○ Keep your hands to yourself.
○ Listen quietly when others are speaking.
○ Be quiet when in line and in breezeways.
○ Wait to speak until after the teacher has called on you.
○ Come to class prepared with all supplies and completed assignments.
- Contribute to the learning environment:
○ Follow instructions.
○ Have a positive attitude.
○ Complete and submit assignments on time.
○ Actively participate in class discussions and activities.
- Follow school and classroom procedures:
○ Keep work organized in its appropriate folder and/or binder.
○ Ask for help when you need it.
○ Take responsibility for your own academic and behavioral performance.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:
The foundation of the management of the classroom is built upon the school’s Students Learning Expectations (SLE’s). Students will practice skills to help them move forward toward becoming citizens who can better manage themselves by becoming more proficient at self-discipline.
Assumption School will continue to implement a positive discipline curriculum. The teachers and students will work on a social-emotional curriculum together. This program seeks to establish strong and meaningful connections between students, families, and school staff. It views mistakes as opportunities to learn and misbehaviors as opportunities to practice critical life skills. At the beginning of the year, the 5th Graders will work collaboratively to create their own classroom guidelines. These will be shared with parents/families once they have been created.
Students will receive visual or verbal cues to assist them in making positive choices. When needed the teacher will talk about what happened with the student. The student may be asked to reflect on ways that they can make more positive choices. When necessary conduct referrals may be used. Please refer to the Parent-Student Handbook for such examples. A parent-teacher conference (phone or in-person) may also be requested.
GRADES
Students will be assessed using a standards-based system. A system of √+, √, and √- may also be utilized to grade certain assignments. Test/quiz grades will be returned to the students when graded with Completed Work Folders. Please review tests with students, sign them, and then return them the following school day.
Students will submit their work on Google Classroom or on paper, depending on the assignment. Their graded work will be sent back to students in the same form. Also, parents can find grades on PowerSchool starting in October.
HOMEWORK POLICY:
- Generally, homework is assigned Monday through Thursday nights. It should be completed in one evening and returned the following day. Long-term assignments will be due according to specified dates provided by the teacher. The allotted time to be spent on homework each night at the fifth-grade level is 60 to 90 minutes. This may vary from student to student. 2. Please note that specified written assignments should be completed either in Google Classroom or on paper in blue or black ink depending on the instructions of the teacher. Math is always done in pencil.
- Homework must be neat and legible along with the proper heading; full name and number. 4. When a homework assignment is not completed on time, students may have to complete the assignment at recess and/or lunch. It’s extremely important that he/she be held accountable for his/her assignments.
- Students who are absent are still responsible for completing ALL classwork and homework assignments. This is particularly applicable to math homework. Math is cumulative and success in this subject depends upon consistent practice so students can continue to build a solid foundation while, simultaneously, learning new concepts.
- Assignments (both in-class and homework) must be completed in a timely fashion. A general rule of thumb is as follows: For every day a student is absent, due to an illness, she or he has that many days to make up work.
- Should a special arrangement need to be made regarding the homework, please discuss this with the teacher in advance. All tests missed because of illness must be made up within one week upon the student’s return.
ABSENCES/TARDIES:
A note needs to accompany a student the first day upon returning to school. A student absent from school for three or more days for reasons other than illness or a family emergency has three days to make up all tests and assignments—unless prior arrangements have been made.
Students are considered tardy if they are not in their assigned place in line when the second bell rings at 8:00 a.m. Students who are tardy need to go to the office and get a tardy slip from the school secretary before being admitted into the classroom. Refer to the Parent-Student Handbook if a tardy involves a medical excuse.
COMMUNICATION:
Communication is essential to our working in partnership to educate your child. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email/call to schedule an appointment to meet with me either before or after school.
BIRTHDAYS:
Each student’s birthday is recognized in class. Due to food allergies please note that birthdays may be celebrated at school by donating a board game, book, and/or other class resource to the classroom for their birthday.
CLASS WEBSITE:
Students and parents can find important information on our School Website and my class page at https://www.assumptionschool-sl.org/. Please be sure to subscribe to get notifications of assignments and important announcements.
EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS PROGRAM:
Exceptional Needs:
To ensure that the needs of all learners are met, Assumption School supports both students and their teachers. Student services include both individual and small group pullout or push in instruction. If you believe your student has special needs please discuss your concerns with their homeroom teacher.
"You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child." Dr. Seuss
SCIENCE:
Science: (Ms. Regina Hammond)
Text: FOSS Kits by Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley
Subject Matter: Throughout the year, we will be covering numerous domains within the field of science to help better understand the world around us. Through guided discovery and inquiry, we will cover topics within Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science. In fifth grade, we will have a particular focus on photosynthesis, ecosystems, properties of matter, gravity, the Earth's spheres and its place in the universe, and human impact on the environment and on the Earth.
Expectations: Students will be expected to complete daily tasks, quizzes, exit tickets, tests, investigations, and projects. Students are expected to come to class ready to engage in class discussions, are expected to be prepared by completing any assigned tasks, and are expected to bring any and all required materials to class each day. Students should be ready to collaborate with their peers, deeply investigate, ask questions, and to learn about the many wonders of science!
Grading: Grades will be based on daily class participation, tests, quizzes, projects, and completion of homework.
Spanish: (Mrs. Andrea Contreras)
Subject Matter Student will:
-Recognize and recite classroom words
-Talk about wants and needs
-Recognize animals in Spanish
-Recognize food in Spanish
-Recite the alphabet, colors and numbers in Spanish
-Practice how to greet and introduce themselves
-Discuss in Spanish the things they need and want for their class
-Discuss the calendar and weather
-Describe themselves and personality traits
-Describe the items in their rooms and pictures
-Describe how they prepare themselves for school
-Describe extended family and family life in general
-Students will recite and translate prayers
New vocabulary, books, games, and music will be introduced around the theme of activities and personal traits.
Grammar: Students will learn vowels, adjectives, gender, cognates, infinitives, negatives, structures to express agreement and disagreement.
Cultural Perspectives: Students will learn about several Spanish-speaking Countries and cultural differences. They will also learn about Holidays (Independence Day, Day Of The Dead, Christmas, Cesar Chavez Day and Cinco De Mayo, Children’s Day, Three Kings Day). Expectations: Students are encouraged to participate in classroom activities and projects, and communicate with other students and I in Spanish.
Grading: Grades will be based on class participation as well as completion of homework.
ART- Mrs. Karen Barbera
On campus Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM
Subject Matter: The Assumption School Art program is a comprehensive arts program which encompasses the subjects of Visual Arts (Art History, Art Appreciation, Studio Art) and Performing Arts. Students are introduced to various mediums through direct instruction as well as lecture and discussion. Visual Arts subject matter includes various movements in art history and the artists responsible for those movements. Direct instruction demonstrates the elements of art and the use of varied supplies, tools, and mediums. Performing Arts subject matter introduces acting techniques to improve imagination, focus, memory, and self-confidence. Students in grades 4 through 8 receive letter grades for art based on diocesan guidelines. Students' work is assessed based on the following factors:
Welcome to Art & Performing Arts!
Hello families! I'm so excited to welcome your child to a year of creativity and discovery. In 5th-grade art, students will continue to explore both Visual Arts (learning about famous artists and creating their own masterpieces) and Performing Arts (building confidence through fun acting exercises).
My goal is to help your child discover their unique artistic voice, learn new skills, and build confidence in their own creative ideas.
What We Will Learn and Create:
- Visual Arts: Exploring art history, experimenting with different materials like paint, clay, and pastels, and learning the basic "Elements of Art" that are the building blocks for all artists.
- Performing Arts: Using fun games and acting techniques to boost imagination, focus, and teamwork. Our drama time is a safe and encouraging space for all students to shine!
How Student Growth is Assessed: Art grades are based on a student’s positive engagement and effort. I look for:
- Positive Participation: Being ready for our art time, trying new things, and having a positive attitude are key!
- Effort & Completion: Students are encouraged to do their best work, follow directions, and complete their projects.
- Respect in Art: This includes using materials properly, encouraging classmates, and making sure their name is on their work.
We will do most of our work together during the school day, and I will provide the majority of the materials on my art cart. I look forward to a wonderful year of creating with your student!
All my best, Karen Barbera
PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
Physical Education: Mike Shimabukuro
Subject Matter: Students will learn the basic fundamentals of sports (football, baseball, kickball, basketball, soccer, hockey, Lacrosse, volleyball) along with team building activities in which they will be working in small and large groups. Students will also learn many life lessons that are created during class activities.
Expectations: Students will be expected to participate to the best of their ability while showing respect to their classmates as well as their teacher. They are also expected to have as much fun as possible during physical education!
Grading: Students will be graded based on effort, participation, and how they treat others during their physical education classes.
MUSIC CLASS: Mr. Bill Vaughan
Subject Matter: In music class, we sing, sing and sing. We prepare music for weekly Masses, the Fall Festival, and the Advent/Christmas and Spring Concerts. In the midst of all this singing, I train every student to become a cantor (if he or she wishes). We learn how to read music, learn about instruments and a bit about the story of music.
Expectations: Active participation through singing and memorization of the musical score in class is primary. In order to do this, good behavior in the classroom and church is a must. Attendance with an animated spirit at all school sponsored Masses, Christmas and Spring Concerts is mandatory.
Grading: Grading (a letter or number grade) will be based on assessments made at the time of a ‘performance.’ Along with these assessments, I also review behavior in the classroom and church, active class participation, and attendance at mandatory liturgies/concerts. Materials: I will supply the students with musical scores and worship leaflets to learn music. Let’s get started!!
