I would like to welcome you to our classroom this year. Our classroom consists of 16 students: 9 6th graders and 7 5th graders. Each student brings their own individual traits to the room, which together makes our room a creative place to learn.
This year we are using the Responsive Classroom Model. Each student had a voice in helping to create the rules and has ownership in the rules. We hold morning meetings, which brings the class together every morning. We listen and learn from each other, compliment each other, and help each other with problem solving tough issues that we may be facing. This is also a time that we discuss upcoming events that will be happening as well.
Something new that is happening here at Nelson School this year is that every other Monday, we are holding an assembly where we get together and say the pledge, sing, celebrate birthdays, share important events, and enjoy each others company for 30 minutes. This is like a morning meeting concept but as a whole school. The students really like it. Another thing that we are doing that is the 6th graders are serving the whole school lunch and the 5th graders are cleaning up. The students have taken ownership and really enjoy this! Many have told me that they enjoy doing this.
On the academic side of things, we will be working on trade books in Language Arts, as well as grammar skills with a focus on Expository, Imaginary Narrative, and Persuasive Paragraphs. The students will also be responsible for several book reports throughout the year. We are continuing our focus Everyday Math in both grades. In Social Studies, our focus will be on the Election Process, Rights and Responsibility of US Citizens, 3 Branches of Govt., Economics (i.e.; enterprise, role money plays, financial institutes, money exchange) Land Forms, and Cultures. While in Science our focus will be on Weather; Renewable-Nonrenewable Resources; Earth and Space; Rock Cycle; Water Cycle; Plant and Animal Life Cycles; and of course Matter.
This is just an overview of what our busy year looks like. I hope to keep you updated as new and interesting things pop up! Please check to see what new things we are doing or have planned!
Join us in having a Great 2008-2009 School Year!!
General Homework Policy
In keeping with the belief and the support fir a quality instructional program, the Nelson School District support the concept of homework being an important part of the educational program for each student. The Nelson School Board expects that the staff will determine the implementation to ensure that students, parents and staff are fully informed as to how homework will be emphasized, assigned, and evaluated. Please know that students will be held in at recess time if homework is not completed by the specified date.
Homework is an appropriate vehicle for the promotion of self-discipline and the development of organizational skills and resourcefulness. It should be a meaningful extension of the student’s instructional day.
Fifth and Sixth Grade Homework Policy
Children will have homework nightly (M-Th) and sometimes on the weekend depending on the assignment. Homework is assigned to provide the students the opportunity to practice ongoing skills that are being presented in the classroom and to develop independent work habits. The average homework should not take more than 45-60 minutes nightly. If there is a reason your child is unable to finish the homework, please let the teacher know by writing a note and attaching it to the homework and returning it to school the next day. The completion of nightly homework is the responsibility of each student but the parents are able to help.
The students write down their daily assignment in their HAB’s and nightly it is the parent’s responsibility to review it with their child to make sure that the work is done and sign off on the book.
The overview of homework is as follows…
Reading----20 minutes minimum
Math skills page----10-15 minutes
Spelling/Reading Vocabulary/Language Skills----10-15 minutes
French1-2 times a week-----15 minutes
Additional homework
Might include
Language Arts or content area assignment
Short Science/Social Studies assignment
Time For Kids assignment
Each student will be expected to complete several long-term projects
over the term of the year such as book reports or presentations.
