Dear Parents,
Welcome to another school year! My name is Ms. Chilelli and I am so excited to be your child’s teacher this year! I have been teaching for several years and I am truly blessed to be doing something I love. It is hoped that you will learn more about yourselves and others while developing an appreciation for diversity. It is your job to learn and experience as much as you can while you are in this class. It is my responsibility to ensure EVERY student has the opportunity to experience and learn from this class. I will do my best to foster an atmosphere of love and respect for others, keeping in mind these “Golden Rules.”
· Respect everyone and everything
· Follow directions
· Raise your hand before you speak
· Always try your best
· Come to class prepared
Consequences for breaking these rules range from verbal warnings, behavioral contracts, contact with parents via email/phone, or conferences. Dangerous or destructive behavior will not be tolerated in any way.
I encourage open lines of communication. If there is anything I need to know about your child, feel free to email me, chilelli@sjbcommunity.ca. Please remember to allow a 48 hour window for me to reply. Agendas will be used as a communication tool as well as an organizer. Expectations are that your child write down all homework/reminders on a daily basis and get it signed every day! I will be checking them every morning to ensure this is happening. A brief note in the agenda is also a great way to communicate simple matters.
INFORMATION
The following site can be explored in order to see what your child will be learning this year.
https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/
On the far right, you will see, “Quick Links.” Scroll down to, “My child in school.” Click on grade five. You will find an overview of all subject areas.
START TIME
Students in grades one through eight will start school at 8:40. Students may be dropped off anytime between 8:20-8:40. They enter the school immediately through the playground door or the front door.
DEPARTURE
Departure time is 3:20. Once dismissed, students are to leave the school grounds immediately.
HOME READING
Daily home reading is expected from each child for a minimum of 15-20 minutes. (5 days a week or more at their reading level.) Students will be given a username and password to log on to the reading program, RAZKIDS. This is a wonderful program that students can access anywhere. They may read as much as they like from books two levels below or above their reading level. They will be assigned a leveled book at the start of the year to help me determine their reading level. I will be able to adjust reading levels based on how well they read and their comprehension levels. I am also able to view how regularly they read and how they score on the quizzes at the end of the books. There is a parent letter on the portal with further information.
BOOK TALKS
More information to follow.
Please remember this “Rule of Thumb,” strategy is helpful in choosing appropriate grade level books.
RULE OF THUMB:
1. Choose a book.
2. Open it anywhere.
3. Make a fist.
4. Start to read the page.
5. Put up a finger for each word you do not understand.
6. If you need your thumb before the end of the page, the book is too hard.
WATER BOTTLES
Please ensure your child has a water bottle with his/her name on it. It will be sent home every day so it can be washed and returned the next day, full of cold water.
HOMEWORK
Homework in grade five may include:
· Completion of assignments not finished in class
· Additional practice/drill (ex. math facts)
· Review and/or test preparation
· Projects
· Book reports
· Home reading
· Spelling
· Grammar/ grammar flip
If there is no assigned homework, your child is still expected to read and review concepts nightly. If your child is absent from school, it is up to the individual to find out what work was missed, to complete the work, and submit it to me. If your child does not understand a concept, (s)he needs to take ownership of the problem by asking for help.
SIGNING OF TESTS AND MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS
To help keep you informed about your child’s progress, tests/quizzes will be sent home throughout the year. These are to be signed and returned to school the next day. Your signature indicates that you have seen it and are aware of your child’s progress. It is also an opportunity for your child to do some self-reflection and goal setting.
CLASS PARTIES
Class parties will happen throughout the year, depending on the season. Students will be able to bring their own snacks and drinks. You will be notified of these well in advance.
BIRTHDAYS
Please do not send food or small items to school for your child’s birthday. Birthday invitations should be distributed outside of school, on your own time.
FIELD TRIPS
More information to follow.
Please check the school website for future updates and information. I am looking forward to having a great year with your child! Please email with any questions you have.
God Bless!
Ms. Chilelli