Welcome to Elm Street’s Fifth Grade!

Welcome back to what is anticipated to be a great year. Hopefully, you and your child have had a fabulous summer and are ready to return to school for a time of learning and fun. The following is important information regarding fifth grade.

Snacks

A snack break will be offered to students during the morning hours. Students are encouraged to bring nutritious, healthy snacks. Please refrain from greasy foods (such as potato chips) as the grease that transfers from fingers to books can cause damage. Because our schedule is so tight and we will be very busy, there may be times we will have to have a “working” snack. Students are allowed to have a small water bottle containing water only. The bottle needs to be one that easily closes to minimize spills.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Ice Cream

Breakfast and lunch are served daily. Breakfast will begin on Friday, August 7. The price of breakfast is $1.00 and the price of lunch is $2.00. Students who charge up to two weeks ($20.00) will be required to get a PBJ sandwich until their account is paid. It is best to pre-pay for meals rather than accrue a large bill. Parents and relatives may join students for lunch and sit in our “VIP” section of the cafeteria. The cost for an adult lunch is $2.75. Last but not least, ice-cream costs $0.75.

Weekly Folder

Your child will be given a weekly folder. This folder will be sent home every Monday. This folder will contain a weekly behavior form, a weekly newsletter, and any papers that have been graded for you to keep. Please make sure to sign the progress form and return it and the folder on Tuesday.

Behavior System

Good behavior is essential to academic success. We will use a conduct system that will delete 2 points for each cut from the conduct grade. Attached is a sample of the conduct form and some of the reasons that may lead to a conduct cut.

If a student is sent to the office, 5 points are automatically deducted from his or her conduct grade. If the office referral results in an in-school suspension, 12 points will be deducted. If a student is assigned out-of-school suspension, his/her grade automatically drops to an “F”.

Weekly folders include a section for responsibility. This grade will reflect the student’s ability to complete the following tasks: bring materials to class, complete homework, get papers signed, and return folders. That grade will be an S, N, or U. The grading scale for this is also explained at the bottom of the weekly report (a sample has been provided).

Makeup Work

If a student has an excused absence, he/she will have three days upon returning to make up any missed work. It is the child’s responsibility to see the teachers for any missed work. If you know ahead of time that your child will be absent, please let us know at least a day in advance so that we may gather the missed work.

Homework/Class Assignments

Homework will be given throughout the week, though not on a set schedule. Research suggests that homework is beneficial to academic success as it reinforces what is taught in class and instills responsibility. We do not believe in giving so much homework that students (and perhaps parents) are overloaded when they get home. However, it is expected that assignments will be completed and turned in on time.

Elm Street’s assignment policy is called ZAP, Zeroes are not permitted. An assignment that is meant for a grade that is missed or not turned in will not be given a zero. They must complete it, and if not complete after the due period they will do so in the ZAP room during specials or any convenient time. 15 points will be deducted for tardiness.**A ZAP note will be sent home and expected be signed by a parent. It will be put on file after Mrs. Hildebrand signs it.

That is the policy for graded assignments. We still expect homework and assignments that are not graded to be turned in on their due date. If this becomes a frequent occurrence, a phone call will be made to the parents to discuss the work habits of the individual.

Note – This policy does not apply to projects given in advance. These are due on their due date.

Infinite Campus

Infinite Campus is a new online grading system we began implementing last year. Now, you as a parent will be able to view your child’s grades online. We will let you know the information for this once it becomes available. Please note that our policy will be to post grades within one week from the date the assignment was given.

Dress code, Attendance, etc.

Please see the county handbook located in the front of the agendas as well as Elm Street’s student handbook regarding other policies.

Conferences

The parent or teacher may schedule conferences if either sees a need. Conferences may be scheduled by contacting us by note, phone, or email. Email is best. We will work with you to find a time that is convenient for us both.

Grading

The grading scale this year will be as follows:

90-100       =A

80-89        =B

71-79          =C

70               =D

69               =F

Report Cards

Please sign each report card that comes home, when it has an, and return the envelope the next day.

Click here if you would like a printable copy of our policies (Word format).