Tips for a Successful Year

 

Tips for a Successful Year

This year we have much to learn and explore.  We know that many of our new 5th graders are eager to continue to learn about the world’s rich history and culture, explore new math and science concepts, participate in the Science Fair for the first time, and continue to grow in literacy.  We can’t wait to be a part of your child’s progress! 

Here are some tips to help us have a successful year:

Start Time:  Students should arrive no later than 8:20am so they have time to unpack and get ready for our day, which begins at 8:30am.  Please do not drop off students earlier than 7:30am as there is no supervision.

Specials Schedule:  Please post the attached schedule somewhere in your house as a reminder of what students need to be prepared for school each day. 

Assignment Books (Planners):  5th Graders will be using these to keep track of assignments and events.  Please be diligent about checking these and sending them back to school each day.  It will also be important to check backpacks and help support organizational skills as students become more and more independent.

Snack, Lunch, and Recess:  Please pack healthy snacks and lunches, including utensils. Note: snacks should be able to be eaten in 10 minutes.  Also, please remember a water bottle.  There is a classroom microwave available for lunch heat-ups.  Sneakers are required at recess to avoid injury.

Homework:  Homework should take less than an hour on any given night and is not given on weekends.  Students are asked to read for 30 minutes Monday-Thursday and to complete 1-2 math assignments each week.  On occasion, there will be a special project or work to be finished from class.

Pick-Up:  Please pick up your child between 3:30 and 3:45pm each day. At 3:45pm children will be sent to aftercare, which is available until 5:30pm for an additional cost. 

Birthdays:  We love birthdays and are happy to celebrate in the classroom!  Please communicate with us a week prior so we can plan ahead.  If you plan to send in a small treat, please provide enough for the whole 5th grade and drop off by 8:30am.  Alternatives to food might include stickers, pencils, everyone signing a t-shirt, taking a class picture, etc.   Any party invitations should be distributed outside of school, unless the whole 5th grade is invited.

Parent Involvement:  We will have several times throughout the year in which parents will be invited to join us for celebrations of work, field trips, and help with odd jobs.  We will contact you as they arise.  

Classroom News:  Check out our 5th grade blog at https://ghcds5thgrade.blogspot.com/ and our private instagram account @ghcds5th_2023.  We look forward to sharing updates on a regular basis.