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August 23, 2017

Dear Parents, It is indeed a pleasure to have your child in our class. To start off the year right, we are sending you this Parent Survival Handbook that has been assembled to help you understand our homework requirements in conjunction with other vital information that will enable us to make this a very positive and rewarding year. We feel as though open lines of communication between the parent, student, and teacher are the key to promoting an educational climate that is conducive to learning. We are looking forward to working with you and your child. Together we can make a difference! Please feel free to contact us at any time if there is a question or situation you would like to discuss. You will receive additional communication throughout the school year. We look forward to building a relationship with you and your child and thus providing the best education that we are capable of giving.

Sincerely,

(720-424-9444)    __** Daily Schedule **__ 8:50 a.m. Attendance 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Math, Writing, Reading and Science 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Lunch/recess 12:45-1:30 p.m. Specials 1:30-1:55 p.m. Skills 1:55 – 2:45 p.m. Social Studies and Science 2:45-3:45 p.m. Reading __ Assignments __ Your child will have several assignments during the school day for which he or she is responsible. **//Due to uncertain circumstances, if your child for any reason is unable to complete an assignment, this will automatically become homework to be completed at home and returned to school the following day. It is the student’s responsibility to return work to the appropriate area WITHOUT any reminders. Work not returned may result in a zero.//** **__Reading __** Our Independent reading program is called Accelerated Reader. The **Accelerated Reader** program is a computerized program that tests **reading** comprehension. Students select books on their **reading** level, read independently, and take an independent comprehension test on the computer. Each book is worth a certain number of points based on its length and **reading** level. Students take a monthly assessment called STAR test that gives them a ZPD (**zone of proximal development)** to choose just right books. You can look up book levels at **arbookfind.com.** You can also track your child’s progress at https://hosted252.renlearn.com/245193/homeconnect. We will be using Ready Reading for instruction. This includes more complex texts, including both informational and literary texts, as well as close reading and thoughtful use of textual evidence. Three times throughout the school year, students will take the iReady Diagnostic assessment. This assessment is aligned to the Common Core State Standards. This assessment will take place of district Interim exams. **__Writing __** In writing, we will continue to use Ready Writing Curriculum. Ready Writing’s explicit writing instruction teaches students to become confident, competent writers and thinkers. **__Math __** Our math program is called Ready Math. The Ready Mathematics program helps address the emphasis on conceptual understanding through reasoning, modeling, and discussion that explore the structure of mathematics while also developing students' procedural fluency. The lessons in Ready Mathematics use a research-based, proven-effective, gradual-release instructional model with a balance of conceptual understanding and procedural fluency to build confidence and mastery of the Common Core Math Standards. Just like in reading, three times throughout the school year, students will take the iReady Diagnostic assessment. This assessment is aligned to the Common Core State Standards. This assessment will take place of district interim exams.
 * Meg Cypress **, 5th Grade Teacher Margaret_cypress@dpsk12.org
 * Rachael Ladefoged **, 5th Grade Teacher Rachael_ladefoged@dpsk12.org
 * Rhena Rizzo **, 5th Grade Teacher Rhena_rizzo@dpsk12.org

**__Homework __** Students will be assigned language arts homework weekly and math homework nightly. If school work is not completed when expected, students will then have additional homework. **__ Classroom Rules __**
 * __ Students will be expected to read 45 minutes every night. __**
 * || In order to provide our students with the excellent educational climate they deserve, the students and I will develop a Discipline Plan that will be in effect at all times. During the first few weeks of school we will write a Class Promise together which will describe what our expectation for learning and behavior will be this year. ||
 * || In order to provide our students with the excellent educational climate they deserve, the students and I will develop a Discipline Plan that will be in effect at all times. During the first few weeks of school we will write a Class Promise together which will describe what our expectation for learning and behavior will be this year. ||
 * 1) // Shows self-control //
 * 2) ====// Controls talking //====
 * 3) ====// Shows good manners //====
 * 4) ====// Cooperates and respects others //====
 * 5) ====// Works independently and stays on task //====
 * 6) ====// Listens and follows directions //====
 * 7) ====// Completes assignments on time //====
 * 8) ====// Comes prepared for instruction //====
 * 9) ====// Completes homework and returns materials //====
 * 10) ====// Practices their personal best //====