McDole Elementary School

Curriculum Night
August 18, 2014
Mr. Bergers 5
th
Grade
Class

Welcome!




A DAY B DAY C DAY D DAY E DAY
Mr. Berger 2014-2015 Daily Schedule
Time/Day A B C D E
8:50-9:00
(10)
Morning Meeting Morning Meeting Morning Meeting Morning Meeting Morning Meeting
8:50-9:20
(30)
RtI RtI RtI RtI RtI
9:00-9:20
(20)
Independent
Learning/
Conference

Guided Reading Word Study
Wednesday
Meet w/group1
Guided Reading Independent
Learning/
Conference
9:25-10:15
(50)
Writing
Workshop
Writing
Workshop
Writing
Workshop
Writing
Workshop
Writing
Workshop
10:15-
10:35
(20)
Guided Reading

Guided Reading

Word Study
Wednesday
Meet w/group2
Guided Reading

Guided Reading

10:35-
10:55
(20)
Guided Reading Guided Reading Guided Reading Guided Reading Guided Reading
11:05-
11:45
(40)
Recess/Lunch Recess/Lunch Recess/Lunch Recess/Lunch Recess/Lunch
11:50-
12:10
Read Aloud Read Aloud Read Aloud Read Aloud Read Aloud
12:10-1:10
(60)
P.E./ Music
Computer
P.E./ Literacy P.E./ Music
Art
1:15-1:35
(20)
Guided Reading

Guided Reading

Word Study
Wednesday
Meet w/Group3
Guided Reading

Guided Reading

1:40-2:05
(25)
Science/
Social Studies
Science/
Social Studies
Science/
Social Studies
Science/
Social Studies
Science/
Social Studies
2:10-3:10
(60)
Math Math Math Math Math
3:15-3:27
(12)
Assignment
Notebook/
Prepare for
dismissal
Assignment
Notebook/
Prepare for
dismissal
Assignment
Notebook/
Prepare for
dismissal
Assignment
Notebook/
Prepare for
dismissal
Assignment
Notebook/
Prepare for
dismissal

Class Roster

1. Nathan Allen
2. Cole Brown
3. Kyle Condos
4. Lilian Drenthe
5. Nicholas Eriksen
6. Ahmiel Ford
7. Cody Ganzon
8. Corinne Gatewood
9. Olivia Herrera
10. Tyler Hoeft
11. Caleb Hwang
12. Andrew Lasater
13. Cameron Neis
14. Cade Ory
15. Gabrielle Parker
16. Kaitlyn Peters
17. Matthew Prainito
18. Micah Pryor
19. Madelyn Rizzuto
20. Isabella Saucedo
21. James Savarese
22. Olivia Stoker
23. Hannah Welch
24. Olivia Williams

Boys= 14 Girls=10




5
th
Grade Goals

Organization, organization, organization!!!!!!!!
Asking for help when needed-not ignoring a
problem.
Making good choices-recognizing a negative
situation.

Students are expected to keep a detailed assignment notebook
throughout the school year. Each day we will spend time
organizing at the end of the day. This time includes writing
assignments in the assignment notebook. I am hoping that each
student will become independent and responsible for keeping
his/her assignment notebook up-to-date.

Students are responsible for having their assignment notebook
signed by me at the end of the day. Please make sure that I
sign your childs notebook and that you sign it nightly as well.
Please be sure to ask them about it. Starting 2
nd
semester, I
will begin to allow students to take responsibility for this and
will only continue to sign assignment notebooks on an as needed
basis.

We have two classroom rules: Be Responsible and Be
Respectful. Everything is encompassed within these basic rules.
It is my goal to make sure this is instilled in your child through
mutual respect and consideration.



5th Grade Curriculum

Science
The Foss Science program emphasizes a hands-on approach to
science discovery. The units we will cover this year include:
Landforms
Models and Designs
Mixtures and Solutions
Solar System
Health-Healthy lifestyles
Outdoor Education

Social Studies
Our social studies emphasis is on the development of our country as
we cover the following units:
Our Colonial Heritage
The American Revolution
The New Nation
Our Nation Grows
War Divides the Nation
Map Skills and Globes
Time for Kids-Current Events

Math
We are using the Everyday Mathematics Program. Please note that
students are NOT expected to master every concept. Many content
areas are only introduced at the 5
th
grade level. Students may have
any of the four fifth grade teachers for math class this year.
Unit 1-Number Theory
Unit 2-Computation
Unit 3-Geometry Explorations
Unit 4-Division
Unit 5-Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
Unit 6-Using Data, Addition and Subtraction of Fractions
Unit 7-Exponents and Negative Numbers
Unit 8-Fractions and Ratios
Unit 9-Coordinates, Area, Volume, and Capacity
Unit 10-Algebra Concepts and Skills

A parent letter will be posted on Konnect with each unit. Included
in each letter are the answers to the Study Link homework pages. I
ask that your child not be allowed to use this while completing their
homework, but that you use it to check over your childs work each
night or to help your child with their homework.

Reading
We will be using a variety of novels and guided reading texts
throughout the year related to the different genres. We will read
the following genres this year:
Realistic Fiction
Narrative
Fantasy
Plays
Poetry
Historical Fiction
Biographies

The Daily Five is used as an organizational structure in our
classroom during Readers Workshop. Students will have Read to
Self time on a daily basis. They will also complete Word Study,
Listen to Reading, and Read to Someone throughout the week. Read
Aloud is also a part of our daily schedule.






Writing
Writing will incorporate three different approaches: Step Up to
Writing, Lucy Calkins Writing Workshop, and 6 Traits of Writing.
Lucy Calkins will be the main tool for instruction. Students will
write a wide variety of items throughout the course of the year
with a major focus on narrative, expository and argumentative
writing.

Word Study
We will be using Kathy Ganskes Word Study. Students will be
examining word lists for patterns and sorting words in a variety.
Students will perform other word related activities throughout
the week. We will also focus on word history and idioms related
to our word study patterns.

Grammar
Grammar, usage, and mechanics are focused upon in writing and
mini-lessons using our Houghton Mifflin English textbook.

Nexus 7 One-to-One Devices
My room is the only McDole class using Nexus 7 devices on a one-
to-one ratio this year. This is a wonderful privilege and I plan on
making the most of the opportunity. Each student has been
assigned a device, which they will eventually be able to bring
home. I will provide specific communication about this at a later
date.








General Information

Assignment Notebooks: Students will be given time at the
end of the day to write homework assignments down in their
assignment notebooks. It is required that each student have
an assignment notebook. They have been provided for each
student this school year. Parents should sign their childs
assignment notebook on a nightly basis.

Birthdays: Birthdays may be celebrated with non-food
items. Birthday treats in the form of food items will not be
allowed. If a food item is sent, they will not be served and
will be sent home. Suggested birthday treats can include
things like: a pencil, a book for the classroom, or stickers. If
your child has a summer birthday, he or she may celebrate
their birthday. We have 24 children in our class.

Book Club Orders: Students will have the opportunity to
purchase books from Scholastic Book Clubs each month. If
you wish to order, please send the order form and payment in
the form of a check in an envelope that is clearly marked. You
may also place your order online using a credit card. Please
make your check payable to: SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUBS.

Bullying: I have a zero tolerance policy in my classroom for
bullying. Any child caught bullying will be punished
accordingly. Our school stresses the Character Counts
curriculum. It is important to emphasize the following pillars
of character at home: Respect, Responsibility, Fairness,
Caring, Citizenship, and Trustworthiness.

Library: Our class has book check out from the LRC on a day
yet to be determined due to changes in librarian positions. I
will let you know when this is as it is set.

Lunch: Students are expected to have a nutritious lunch
each day. No POP is allowed in lunches. Only milk, water, and
juice will be available to purchase in the lunchroom. Fun Lunch
is available to purchase twice a month through the PTA. Look
for an informational sheet to be brought home by your child
each semester.

Parent/Teacher Communication: Please feel free to contact
me with any questions or concerns that may arise throughout
the year. I can be contacted via e-mail at
jeremy.berger@kaneland.org , by phone at 891-1961 ext. 200
or by writing me a note.

Please call during non-instructional times only. I will not
interrupt your students learning by taking phone calls. If you
must call during instructional times, please leave a message
and I will do my best to get back to you within a 24-hour time
period. If there is an emergency or change of plans, please
contact the school office with any information needed to
ensure that this information reaches your child.



All important notes/flyers/newsletters will be sent
electronically via Konnect. Each parent will have a username
and password unique to your child.

Rubrics: If your child receives a rubric or grading sheet for
a project, it needs to be followed carefully when completing
the assignment. The rubric states exactly what is expected
from the project.

School Supplies: Throughout the year school supplies may
need to be replenished. Please ask your child periodically if
there is anything that they need. There are also times
throughout the year that I will request children to bring in
specific items for classroom projects.

Snack: Students are allowed a small snack they are able to
eat while working. Please send a nutritious snack with your
child each day. Some suggestions of appropriate snacks are:
Pretzels
Sliced Fruit (Apples, Oranges, Grapes, etc.)
Dried Fruit
Granola Bars
Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Broccoli, etc.)
Rice Cakes
Cheese Slices
Trail Mix without candy

If a students snack is inappropriate, I will ask them to look
for something more appropriate in their lunch. No unhealthy
snacks or liquid-based will be allowed.

Daily Assignment/Homework Policy

1. Daily assignments will be posted on the assignment board.
Students are to write these assignments down in their
assignment notebooks. These will also be posted daily on our class
website.

2. Frequently, time will be provided during the day to work on
assignments.

3. All assignments not completed at the end of the day become
homework and are due the next day, unless other directions are
given.

4. Assignments/projects are due on time. This is a life skill and also
one that they will need going into Middle School next year. It is
a priority that your child be responsible for turning their work in
when it is expected.

5. If your child is absent, I will make every attempt to send the
assignments home. I will allow one day to make up assignments
for every day that a student was absent from class. Please let
me know if you want the homework sent home with a sibling or
neighbor. All homework will also be available to pick up in the
office upon request.

6. It is very helpful to let me know ahead of time if your child is
going to be out of class for any reason. If possible, I will assign
the work beforehand.