Welcome to Fifth Grade!

2021 - 2022

TEACHERS

Mrs. Kathleen Enriquez - Homeroom Teacher

Mr. Darren Deonigi -  Physical Education

Ms. Kate Bauman -  Science

Mrs. Karen Barbera  - Art

Mr. Bill Vaughan - Music

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 faculty is

working on forming 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.

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 including Khan Academy 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

In 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 weekly. 

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

SCIENCE:

Science: Ms. Kate Bauman ([email protected])

Text: FOSS Kits by Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley

Subject Matter: Throughout the year, we will be going over topics relating Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. We will have a particular focus on the Environment, Mixtures and Solutions, and the Earth and Sun

 Expectations: Students will be expected to complete daily tasks, quizzes, exit tickets, tests, investigations, demonstrations and presentations. Students are expected to come to class ready to engage in class discussions, prepared by completing any assigned tasks, and bringing any required materials to class each day. Students should arrive to class ready to collaborate with their peers, deeply investigate, 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. Homework and assignments must be turned in on time.

COMPUTER CODING:

Text: An array of educational software and the Internet, e.g., HyperStudio, Microsoft

Works 4.0, and 3-D Atlas are included in the computer curriculum.

Subject Matter: The curriculum integrates multimedia technology through age-appropriate projects using educational software and access to the Internet.

Expectations: Students will be expected to give 100% hands-on participation resulting in

completed projects.

Grading: Grades will be integrated with the appropriate content area in which

technology played a major role.

ART: Mrs. Karen Barbera - [email protected]

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, improvisation, 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:

Visual Arts:

1. Preparation.  Supplies required for in-class projects will be listed in Google Classroom on the morning of art class.  Students are expected to check their supply list and be prepared to begin each scheduled class on time. Project materials not on the school supply list will be supplied by the art teacher.  
2. Completion of work according to instruction. Students must turn in finished work completed according to instruction using the correct techniques and materials. Work must be neat and done to the best of a student's ability. Incomplete work done with inappropriate materials will not be accepted. 
3. Complete and return work in a timely manner. Habitual submission of late or incomplete work may result in after-school detention. Absent students must contact Mrs. Barbera to plan and schedule make-up work.
4. Students' work must be clearly marked with their name. Unlabeled work cannot be graded. 
5. All work must be the student's own work. Art is a subject which requires experimentation and practice. Neither is accomplished if the work is not done by the students themselves. This is very important.  Perfectly copied work is never as good as any work a student creates on their own.

Performing Arts:

1. Preparation.  Each student is expected to be ready with the correct materials for class. Memorization and practice may be required.
2. Participation. Students should be actively engaged in class.  It is recognized that students may be new to performing arts but there is an expectation for an increased level of comfort and improvement in technique.
3. Respect.  Drama class is a safe place for self-expression. Students should respect and encourage the work of others.  Teasing will not be tolerated.  

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:

P.E.:  Mr. Darren Deonigi ([email protected])

Subject Matter:  Physical games and motor skills, group play and teamwork will all be emphasized in this subject area.  

Expectations:  Students will be expected to participate and exhibit proper sports behavior and self-discipline. 

Grading:  Students will be graded on being active and achievement of the above listed expectations.  

MUSIC CLASS:

Mr. Bill Vaughan - Music

Subject Matter: With masks on and social distancing, I am hoping to return to the art of singing. Music class will be in church, which gives us ample room to spread out. We will work on music for various Masses and hopefully Christmas and Spring concerts. We will also work on learning how to read music. We will also learn about instruments and music history.

Expectations: Active participation through singing and memorization of the 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,’ and quizzes afterwards. 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!! 

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 managing 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. 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:

1. 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. 
3. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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. My email address is [email protected].    

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 has two part-time teachers who support 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 teacher and/or the Learning Support Coordinator, Sue Mart ([email protected]), or Reading Resource Teacher, Krista Imrie.  ([email protected])

"You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child." Dr. Seuss