As a 5th grade teacher at RLC, my mission is to provide your child with equitable opportunities, necessary tools and resources they need in order to be prepared for middle school next year and beyond! In our classroom, we will be focused on learning as a journey and practice a growth mindset. In our classroom, we take risks and challenge ourselves. We embrace failures and grow from our mistakes. Instead of saying, "this is too hard," we can approach these feelings by asking ourselves, "is there another strategy I can try?" Goal setting and self-reflection are major strategies we will use throughout our learning journey this year.

In order for your child to be successful academically and make contributions to the world, they must manage their emotions and stress levels effectively, demonstrate positive behavior, and practice various social skills. It is my mission to help and support your child in all of these components throughout the year! I firmly believe that we must be accepting of others and understand multiple perspectives. Our differences should be celebrated- it is what makes us unique! Also, I teach my students to practice listening skills- "listen to understand" rather than listening to respond. There will be a focus on mindfulness and acceptance during Morning Meeting time (20 minute class circle meeting every morning after Specials). I also want your child to learn how to be a kind, helpful citizen while maintaining integrity. I am looking forward to a positive year of growth and shifting our mindset!

*Specials Schedule & Full Academic Schedule: Click here!

Letter to Parents

Blue Paw Registry & "Fine Sheet" Example

• Google Classroom: We will use Google Classroom as a foundation for sharing resources, assignments, collaborative digital projects, and digital discussion boards. We will share the "class code" on Thursday or Friday. Please share a preferred email that you would like (as a parent) to be connected to your child's Google Classroom account. This will allow you to view weekly reports of your child's assignments and give you access to what they are working on!
• Google Docs: We will use Google Docs within the classroom for written assignments, Playlist activities for math/reading workshop, and goal setting/ reflection assignments. We will also use Google Docs to collaborate on different assignments with other classmates. It will be important that your child understands how to use this software appropriately, especially in regards to the "share" component.
• Google Slides: We will collaborate on different projects using Google Slides throughout the year in multiple subject areas. Students have the option to use Google Slides as a foundation for Passion Project presentations, but it is encouraged that they "think outside the box" when creating.
• Google Calendar: Google Classroom will be linked to a Google Calendar (found linked to this website under the Calendar & Updates tab). This calendar will have due dates, classroom events, and school events posted weekly. Students will also have access to their own personal Google Calendar through their LCPS account that they can manage and add events.
• Google Keep: We will use this as a digital agenda/ note taking resource.
• Dreambox: Found in Classlink (LCPSGo) This program is part of our personalized learning curriculum and is used in conjunction with our regular Math curriculum. This program is an adaptive program, that finds the level where a student is currently in their math knowledge, and gives them a choice of areas in the area to work, until they have demonstrated mastery in those areas. We will set weekly goals for completion in Dreambox based on our Playlists.
• Prodigy: Prodigy is a math practice program. I have assignments assigned in prodigy that are tied to our current math unit of study. The program presents problems for them to solve using the unit of study, before they can advance in the game
• Epic: App for tablet/ipad - in Classlink (LCPSGo) - Online library of independent reading material both fiction and non-fiction.
• RazKidz: App for table/ipad - in Classlink (LCPSGo) - Used to supplement our reading curriculum.
• Discovery Education: Found in Classlink (LCPSGo) - Another part of our personalized learning curriculum and used to supplement our Science curriculum.
• SeeSaw: App on tablet/ipad - online for computers - Our classroom tool for exploration, and reflection. Parents will have access to everything their student has done and can comment.

*I will be using these during transition times to prepare students for the next lesson or activity:

• GoNoodle: A website geared towards providing interactive “brain break” activities that allow student to release their energy that is built up throughout the day, in a fun and engaging way.
• Flocabulary: A website with interactive rap videos that correspond to different topics we will be learning about academically, socially, and emotionally.

Exciting news! Our classroom, along with the rest of 5th grade, participates in the Global Read Aloud throughout the fall. For general info, checkout the GRA website: https://theglobalreadaloud.com/

Our Read Aloud: The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

• There is no requirement for your child to obtain a personal copy of the book. If you wish to purchase a copy, you can find it on Amazon for $12.
• We will be participating in book discussions and various activities, such as writing post cards, with classrooms across the globe! This will encourage students to make connections to others that have different life experiences, which will help them practice acceptance and learn how to understand multiple perspectives.