Welcome to Ms. Kurtz's Fifth Grade!

I just wanted to take the opportunity to welcome you and your student to fifth grade!  This is a big year for students, with the start of middle school not far away!  The fifth grade teachers have a lot planned already for this year and we're really excited- we hope you will be too!  A preview of events is schedule for Back to School Night on September 19-mark your calendars! 

But for now, here are some fun things instore to get you and your student pumped for fifth grade:  Pen Pals within the school district, reading buddy program with first grade students, annual fifth grade trip to Annapolis and Baltimore, Maryland, fifth grade picnic, trip to the planetarium and much more!  Can't wait to meet you on August 26! 

 About Me...

I graduated from Albright College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising.  I am certified to teach Elementary and Special Education and am working on my Masters degree.  I have been observing and volunteering in elementary classrooms since I was a freshman in college and because of this, it has helped prepare me for the challenges ahead that I will face as a teacher. 

Fifth Grade Cirriculum

Math

• Weekly time tests
• Simple concepts of negative numbers
• Create and solve word problems
• Selecting appropriate instruments and units for measuring quantities
• Add and subtract measurements
• Graphs and tables
• Choosing an appropriate probelm solving strategy
• Basic geometry and geometric figures

Reading and Writing

• Spellings tests every Friday on vocabulary from our book
• Summarizing major ideas
• Differeniate fact and opinion
• Using a variety of media for research
• Developing a media project
• Compare literary elements (characters, setting, plot, theme, point of view)
• Figurative language (simile, metaphor, hyperbole)
• Editiing works
• Crediting sources

Social Studies

• Colonial history
• Timelines
• Historical interpretation
• Political and cultural contribution of individuals in Pennsylvania history
• Locating places and regions (latitude, longitude, physical features, human features)
• Purpose of government (including state, local and federal; responsibilities, 3 branches of govenment, voting process)
• Citizenship responsibility
• United States Flag (proper use, display and respect)

Science

• Classifying
• Cells (structure and function of living things)
• Natural selection
• Properties of matter
• Earth features and processes
• Meteorology

Classroom Rules

• Allow Ms. Kurtz to teach and all others to learn
• Be prepared and attentive
• Treat others the way you would want to be treated
• Effort, not excuses
• Finish all of your work
• Give your best shot
• Have a positive attitude
• I "can", not I "can't"

Consequences

This is per day; each child has a new slate each morning!

• First time:  Warning
• Second time: Conference with Ms. Kurtz
• Third time:  Loss of Recess
• Fourth time:  Call to Parent

Specials Schedule

Monday: Gym 10-10:50 am

Tuesday:  Computer 9-9:50am

Wednesday: Art 10-10:50am

Thursday: Music 9-9:50am

Friday: Library 11-11:50am and Reading Buddies 2:40-3:10pm

Lunch is from 12-12:30pm and recess immediately follows until 1:05pm. 

Resources...

Here are some websites to help you this year!  They will be updated according to what we are covering each quarter!

No Child Left Behind Information: 

www.ed.gov/parents/landing.jhtml

Education World:

db.education-world.com/perl/browse?cat_id=429

Internet 4 Classrooms

www.internet4classrooms.com/parents.htm

Illuminations

illuminations.nctm.org/

5th Grade Book List

home.comcast.net/~ngiansante/gradefive.html