Back to School Night 2014-15 Mr. Lees Room 21 4

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Grade

Introduction

• My Experience and Background • The Classroom • No Excuses University/College Readiness • Why San Jose State?

Our Classroom Web Site

• “SPARTAN PRIDE” www.powayusd.com/teachers/blees • Updated as needed a few times a month • A critical resource for both students and parents • An added communication/contact piece

Contact Info

• School e-mail: [email protected]

• School phone and extension: (858-748-4334 x-2121) • Weekly e-mail distribution of class newsletter (also posted to classroom web site)

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Grade Curriculum

• Language Arts: Journal Writing, Mountain Language, Spelling, Wordly Wise, Reading Series, Core Literature Books/Lit Circles/Novel Studies, Common Core Standard Modes of Writing (Narrative, Summary, Response to Literature, Expository/Reports of Information)

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Grade Curriculum

• Math: Math Expressions Common Core Journal and Homework & Remembering Book, California Math Book supplementation, Basic Math Facts, Math Word Wall

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Grade Curriculum

• Science: Biomes, Habitats, and Plant and Animal Adaptations (Life Science); Rocks, Minerals and Basic Geology/Physical Geography (Earth Science); Matter, Energy, Electricity, and Magnetism (Physical Science)

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Grade Curriculum

• Social Studies: California History, Geography, and Basic Economics • The Arts • P.E.

• Listening/Speaking Skills • Character Education

Curriculum Enhancement

• Compass Learning (cl.powayusd.com) • Sumdog (www.sumdog.com) • RIT games linked to classroom web site

Assessment Plan

• At least once a week: Math Facts drills, Spelling tests, Reading Selection tests • At least once every two weeks: Wordly Wise tests • About once a month: Reading Theme tests, Science chapter tests • 5 times a year: Social Studies unit tests • After every unit (could be 2-3 weeks long or one month or longer): Math unit tests

Assessment Plan

• MAP testing 3 times a year (fall, winter, spring) in Reading, Math, and Language • SBAC testing in writing • SBAC in English/Language Arts and Math and performance tasks • Report cards each trimester

Organization

• Desk • Notebooks (Reading, Writing/Spelling, Math, Science, Social Studies) • Binder with dividers (same subjects as above) —goes home, comes back each day • Supplies and replenishing them

Homework

• Primarily core subjects of Reading and Math —daily written math assignment, daily 30 minutes of reading, weekly written reading log • Unfinished classwork (Due Friday list) • Prepare (STUDY!) for tests • Parent Signature Items • Assignments copied in Homework Calendar and communicated in weekly Newsletter, which is posted to Web Site

Extra Credit/Challenges

• Covers wide range of curricular and extra curricular areas • Emphasis on creativity and leadership (based on learning pyramid research) • Competition and pacing/rigor also important • Opportunities offered in class and/or posted to classroom web site and communicated in weekly newsletter • Changes every few weeks

Learning Pyramid

• Lecture 5% • Reading 10% • Demonstration 20% • Audio-Visual 30% • Discussion 50% • Practice By Doing 75%

• Teach Others 90%

Assertive Discipline

• Colt Way/Character Counts • Optimal Learning and Working Environment (Emphasis on Focus and Work Ethic and Engagement) • Rules/Guidelines/Policies for Behavior and Work Completion

Assertive Discipline

• The Weekly Behavior Chart: goes home Monday, comes back signed by parent each week • The classroom Weekly Hall of Fame • The Weekly Spartan Bucks Checkbook • Prizes/Rewards • Warnings/Time-Outs/Missed Recesses/Seat Changes/Other Parent Contact/Effect on Report Cards • Referrals

Goals and Incentives

• Goals Assemblies: based on goals set by students after MAP testing reveals areas of needed growth.

• Running Club Goal • Read My Way to College Program— earn an honorary degree!

Odds and Ends

• Scholastic Book Orders: About 2-3 times a month; passed out on a Monday, due on Friday of that week; checks can be made out to “Scholastic Book Clubs” or you can order at scholastic.com; takes 2 weeks to arrive usually.

Odds and Ends

• Field Trips: We are allowed 3 per year —last year we went to University of San Diego (college readiness), Indian Hills Camp in Jamul (social studies and science), Gemology Institute of America (science).

• Mission Reports/Projects: Info on this starts coming home in December; entire process is finished at end of January.

Odds and Ends

• Birthdays: Store-bought treats may be brought in (one for each child); per school board policy, we pass out upon dismissal for afternoon recess • Box Tops for Education: Please look for these and save them for us —they earn money for our school (and bragging rights for our Little Spartans!)

How Can Parents Help?

• Encourage your child/Support the teacher • Communicate with child and teacher • Join PTA/Support Foundation • Donations for requested items or events • Room Parents/Party Help • Special Projects/Events (ex: Jog-a-Thon) • Homework Mentor/Reading Buddy

Wishlist?

• College shirts for all our students (PTA is in the process of setting up an online ordering opportunity with an outside vendor) • Board Games for Rainy Day Recess • Additional needed items will be communicated throughout the year as projects are planned.

Observations…

• Spelling is a growth area • Math facts—rusty?

• Writing—will need lots of practice • Reluctant Readers • “Frequent Fliers” • Very social • Organizational skills stronger • Interpersonal skills stronger

In Closing…

• Optional Parent Homework Assignment • Article “We Can Get Our Kids Reading” • Q and A