Dear Parents of Incoming Fifth-Graders,
We, Mr. Snyder and Mr. Olmsted, the fifth grade teachers at
Pioneer, are looking forward to working with your child as part of the fifth
grade class of 2010-2011. Between the two of us, your child will be the
beneficiary of almost 40 years of teaching experience. That experience has
taught us a great deal about how elementary school should prepare its students
for middle school and beyond. With that in mind, we have set up a modified
middle school system for your child to learn in and grow with.
One of the ways we try to simulate middle school is by actually having periods
during the school day where your child will have Mr. Olmsted for math and
science and Mr. Snyder for Communications and social studies and both of us
for Literature, health and physical education. For some subjects the students
will be mixed differently than in their "homeroom" class and others will be
using the homeroom grouping. So don't think so much of your child having a
certain teacher all day for the year. Rather, he/she will spend time with both
of us!
This year we will be stressing organization and responsibility. Your child
will be given a planner the first week of school and they will be expected to
keep it up to date on a daily basis throughout the year. We will monitor the
planner each week to help students develop this important organization skill.
There will also be weekly homework that will focus on spelling, math
practice, and cursive writing. In addition, there will be one or two nightly
math assignments and a series of weekly reading and note-taking assignments
for social studies. Of course, there will be a few long-term projects
throughout the year as well. Your child will be expected to always turn their
neat and completed work in on time. We will expect independent reading to
continue in fifth grade; specifically, at least one AR (Accelerated Reader)
book and one nonfiction book to be read each month. See "Reading" page on this
web site for more information regarding independent reading.
We will use a computer record system to generate an overview of your child's
work. Points will be given for homework, class work, notes, planners, quizzes,
and tests. A report will be sent home periodically to help keep your child and
you apprised of their progress in these areas.
We believe that all students deserve a classroom experience free from
unnecessary disruptions or rude behaviors. When necessary, a daily instruction
time will be held during recess. This period is called "Manners Class". During
this time we will instruct students who need a lesson in cooperation,
attitude, or self-control; i.e. manners. You will be informed by note if your
child needs more than two Manners classes to change their behavior. Mr. Weeks,
our principal, will deal with chronic or more serious problems.
Please take some time to discuss the importance of these expectations with
your child. It will be time well spent.
Sincerely,
Mr. Snyder and Mr. Olmsted
