Mr. Talbot

Fifth Grade Science and Math Centerville-Abington Elementary

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,


Welcome back to school and to our exciting new grade level. Fifth grade has so much to offer a student that is willing to take advantage of it. We are in a separate building, with new expectations, different teachers, and students are expected to be more responsible than they ever have been before.

General Information:

  1. Students will be given a grade for participating in class. The fifth grade version using Classroom Dojo to track these points, but similar versions of participation points will be found in 6th - 8th grades. The Dojo participation will count for a test grade in both Math and Science. Students will need to earn a total of 25 points each nine weeks. Students can only earn points for volunteering in class. If they are not getting their points, they are most likely not raising their hands.

  2. Late or missing work will result in a card being pulled. I will take late work the next day with no penalty. It will then lose 10% for each day late for up to four days. Anything past five days late will not be accepted. I will not ask for late work. It will be the responsibility of the student to bring it to me.

  3. Papers with no names will automatically lose 5% of the final grade if it is claimed by the owner.

  4. Every student needs to be responsible and organized. Students will need to take an active part in what they learn. I expect your best, you should give your best, parents will push for your best, and you can do it.

  5. Students are expected to come to class prepared. This will include having a pencil, assignment book, AR book, math notes, and text book. We will use other materials such as scissors or crayons on occasion. When other items are needed, it will be posted outside my door. Otherwise, they should be in lockers until then.

  6. Grades will be weighted based on the level of independent work and/or time spent to complete.

    1. A test is taken without and opportunity for help and will be worth more than a homework assignment where students could have multiple opportunities for help.

    2. Grades will be posted as quickly as possible, but not until all students have completed and turned in the assignment. This can slow down posting when students are out sick for extended periods of time.

  7. The entire school will be using the “card” system. This can be found in the student handbook and in the “Fifth Grade General Information for Parents.”

  8. Assignment Books- I post the assignments for class on an online planbook and a link is located on my webpage. Students must have these in class everyday. We will fill ours out on Monday, and rarely add to it during the week. I will only sign it on Mondays for the entire week. If parents send me a note, the student must make me aware of this, because I will not check them every day in class.

  9. https://sites.google.com/a/centerville.k12.in.us/mr-talbot/

BOOKMARK MY WEBSITE ! I try and include everything that a parent might need from my room at home. There are links to both textbooks, parent letters, and the assignment book.

Contacting me - The best way to get to me is through e-mail. jtalbot@centerville.k12.in.us I will of course still respond to parent notes or phone calls, but I can respond to an e-mail much quicker, is easiest, and more practical for me.


Students will also have Mrs. Kassen’s for Language Arts and Social Studies. She is a kindhearted and open teacher that will have them learning lots soon.

Important things to know:

Specials:

Monday: Library

Tuesday: Computer Lab

Wednesday: Music

Thursday: Art

Friday: Physical Education (gym shoes required)

No playing at recess in flip-flops


Classroom library will be closed due to COVID-19. Students will still be given time to read and will need a book or book online to read.

Card System will be done on Google Sheets. I have written an online program using google that will automatically separate cards and create a visual for the smart board showing the student cards pulled.


Class Parties : Students will not be permitted to bring in treats for Birthdays due to COVID-19.

Fifth grade typically watches a movie and has a snack for holiday parties. We will let you know the plan for these as they arise.


Problems: Students will be encouraged to try and solve problems with others on their own first. If it is an issue that they cannot solve, then they are encouraged to come to me. Occasionally, students may be embarrassed to tell me, and tell a parent. Parents should then contact me so that I can help solve the problem. Avoid jumping to conclusions, posting to social media, or confronting the problem, and allow me to step in and help.


Please do not hesitate to ask me for any help, invite me to special sporting/arts performances, or just touch base. For the next year I look forward to being a part of your lives and I want to be there when I can.