Monday, September 5, 2011

Grade 5 Introductory Letter


NEUSE CHARTER SCHOOL SCIENCE GRADE 5

                                                                                        
Welcome to fifth grade Science!  It is my pleasure to teach your child.  This year will be a year of discovery and exploration.  We will cover four themes over the year:  Weather, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Landforms, and Ecosystems.  In May your child will take the End of Grade test in Science.  Students will explore scientific concepts in a variety of ways:  by reading and questioning, assignments, multimedia, experiments, models, games, simulations, and other hands on activities.

TEXTBOOKS
This year your child will receive their textbook Competitive Edge.  This will be a shared textbook.  However, if your child wishes to have his/her own textbook in which s/he can write, you may purchase one for a mere $15.00.  I highly recommend this option as your child can also take this textbook home to study for chapter tests and use the Practice questions to study for the EOG.  You may pay by cash or make the check out to Neuse Charter School.  Please have all money in by September 2nd so the school may order your book.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Many students have already brought in supplies.  This school supply list may also be found on Neuse Charter school’s website:  www.neusecharterschool.org.  For Science students will need two spiral notebooks, a hand held pencil sharpener, and a Science folder, and a $5.00 Science fee.  This Science fee will be collected by Grades 5-10 and will be directly used to buy Science equipment and experiment materials.  Other materials to be replenished through the year are loose leaf paper, pencils, erasers, and pens (red/blue/black).  Wish list items for the Science class are:  markers and colored pencils for the class, a pencil sharpener, Lysol wipes, expo board spray, and Kleenex.

GRADING
          I have very high expectations for your child and believe every child can learn.  My grading system is as follows:
40% tests
40% assignments and labs
10% participation
10% homework

TESTS:  Students will be allowed to rewrite one test per quarter if s/he received below 70% or D.  I will reteach any concepts that are repeatedly missed on tests.  Please look for tests and other assignments in the Friday folder.  Concepts on tests are directly related to what your child will be tested on the EOG.

ASSIGNMENTS/LABS:  Many assignments will be done in class, but some, such as projects will also need to be worked on at home.  If assignments are turned in late they will receive a maximum late mark of 70%.

PARTICIPATION:  Your child’s enthusiasm, participation in discussions, and discipline will determine his/her participation grade.

HOMEWORK:  Homework will be marked as complete or incomplete and 0.5 to 1% will be taken off each time it is not completed.  This includes if it was completed but students forgot to bring it to class.  If there is an extenuating circumstance, please write a note for your child and I will give him/her an extra day to complete the homework without penalty. Parents will receive an email or phone call if homework is not completed consistently.

Every effort will be made to ensure your child is learning, engaged, and thinking critically.  The vast majority of children do very well in Science and enjoy it very much.  However, if your child is falling below grade level – below 77% or C – then I will contact you and we will discuss ways to improve your child’s grade. 

CONTACTS AND SCIENCE INFORMATION
Weekly information on themes we are covering and when tests and assignments are due may be found on the Neuse Charter School website:  www.neusecharterschool.org.  Click on the Teachers Blog tab.  If you have any questions or concerns you may email me at crennie72@gmail.com or call the school at 919-938-1077. 

I look forward to exploring Science with your child this year!

Sincerely,

 Christine Rennie

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