Teachers: Both 5th Grade Teachers will teach their own students for all subjects.
Classroom Rules: Our fifth grade classroom is responsible for following our classroom rules. As long as these three rules are followed, all students will learn in a positive environment.
Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Assignment Notebooks: Fifth grade students are responsible for filling out their assignment notebook. The assignments will be up on the front marker board for you to copy down every morning. Assignment notebooks will go home every evening to ensure homework is completed and any notes home have been received. Each day, I will sign my initials to indicate that I have checked over their planner. In addition, the assignment notebooks are also an easy way for parents to communicate with the teacher; however, parents are not required to sign planners. It's important for 5th grade students to take ownership of their responsibilities. Please don’t hesitate to leave a note or make a comment if you feel the need, but keep in mind that assignment notebooks are not always checked first thing in the morning, so please let me know sooner if there is an important note for our attention.
Homework and Late Work: Homework will be limited in my classroom for many different reasons. If students work hard while they are in school, then I am confident that they will progress academically without the need for extra homework. There will be times that students do have homework; however, I do my best to provide ample time to get it completed. When students are assigned homework, it will be communicated in their assignment notebook. The assigned day that the homework is due will be indicated. If a student has a late assignment, it will be communicated with parents so we can work together to help the student become more responsible in the future and develop a plan to get the work completed.
Clothing: We will go outside as often as possible for recess. Please be sure to have a coat/jacket at school as the weather becomes cooler. It might also be a good idea for students to keep a sweater or sweatshirt in their locker in case they become cold with the indoor climate. In addition, students will need athletic shoes on P.E. days. Students will also need an art shirt to keep in their locker. Please send a t-shirt or other type of shirt that can be easily slipped on over clothing. This will keep their clothing free of paint and other art supplies.
Water Bottles: Students are welcome to keep a water bottle at school. They can refill it at school to avoid taking it to and from school every day. I encourage students to take them home at the end of the week to wash them.
Classroom Responsibilities: Fifth grade students will have the opportunity to contribute to our wide range of classroom responsibilities throughout the school year. First and foremost, you are always responsible for yourself. We will also have classroom jobs as well. Everyone will have a chance to help out!
Absent: If a student is excused from school, a folder will be put together with the work that the student missed. If a student plans to be gone ahead of time, please let me know and I can work on gathering your materials before you leave.
Friday Folders: Our Friday Folders are a key component in communication between school and home. Graded papers will only go home on the last day of the week, typically on Fridays, to keep it easy and consistent. We keep graded papers in our mailbox until Fridays. You will also find other items of interest. Please take the time to review the contents in the folder with your child, sign the outside of the folder, and send it back to school on the first day of the following week. It is very important that this folder is returned.
Assessments: In fifth grade, we use a variety of assessments to determine your child’s needs and progress. NSCAS Testing will take place in the spring, which is our State-Wide Assessment in Reading, Math, and Science. Our curriculum is created so that all students can meet the Nebraska State Standards. We will also take MAPs assessments three times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring). Aside from standardized testing, students will be formally and informally assessed in the classroom throughout the school year.
Birthdays: Students are welcome to bring birthday treats on their birthday! If they have a summer birthday, they can always bring them on their “half birthday.” Please make sure the treats are nut free.
Contact Information: Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns via email. This is the fastest and easiest way to communicate with me. My email address at the school is kthompson@yutanps.org. I check my email regularly; however, do not hesitate to call the school if you feel the need to get a hold of me sooner. The school phone number is (402) 625-2141.