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YOU ARE HERE: HOME --> CLASSROOMS --> MRS. ULLRICH
Dear P.C. Parent,
Thank you visiting our virtual classroom! I hope you will make
many additional visits to classroom page this year!
You may wish to refer to the following information throughout the year:
CURRICULUM: Upon entering our classroom, you may sense an environment rich with patriotic images and a setting wherein students will learn a great deal about the United States of America. As part of our year-long theme of "This Land is Your Land," your child will set off on a "road trip" across our great nation, exploring its rich history, geography and culture. In most instances, reading, writing, mathematics, science and the arts will be integrated into the classroom theme. For example, as students learn about Colonial America, they may engage in lessons typically taught in a colonial school house. They may write a story using a quill, use knowledge of geometry to design and stitch a sampler, cultivate crops typical in a colonial garden, give persuasive speeches at a "town meeting" and learn early American folk songs. Of course, basic skills will be woven through all elements of the curriculum, with strict adherence to state and district standards.
STATE TESTING: Fifth graders take part in the state standardized tests as well as the district Fifth Grade Minimal Proficiency Test, administered in the fall and spring. Throughout the school year, your child will be preparing for these tests in a variety of ways. In addition to covering state and district fifth grade standards thoroughly, your child will also learn test-taking strategies and will complete several practice tests. More information on how you can help your child prepare for the tests will be provided.
SUBJECT FOLDERS: Your child will be most successful this year by staying organized and keeping his/her subject folders neat and orderly! By now your child should have at least 3 Mead brand pocket folders in which to keep class work. (Available at Office Max) I have found this folder method more convenient than a cumbersome binder. Over the next few weeks he/she will receive precise instructions on how the folders should be organized and used as learning tools! PLEASE CHECK YOUR CHILD'S FOLDERS REGULARLY FOR NEATNESS AND TO REVIEW WORK & TESTS SENT HOME.
PORTFOLIOS: I will be saving most of your
child's work in his/her portfolios in the classroom. You are always
welcome to schedule a conference to review your child's work at
any time during the school year.
HOMEWORK: Homework is assigned M-Th. Your child
is responsible for having his/her blue homework folder at school
each day! Expect to see the following material in your child's
homework folder:
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Left side:
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Right Side:
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I am very fussy about organization of materials. I will promptly notify you if your child is ill-prepared. ORGANIZATION IS CRITICAL! PLEASE INSIST UPON IT AT HOME!!!
HOMEWORK PLANNER: Your child is responsible
for copying the daily assignments off of the board onto his/her
homework planner. There will usually be three assignments each
night, to include reading for 20-30 minutes. It is strongly recommended
that your child read to you at least twice weekly, followed by
discussion. A comprehensive reading list can be found (and should
always remain) in your child's homework folder. This should be
taken to the San Leandro Library whenever your child is ready
for a new at-home book. Your child is responsible for requesting
your initials in the small box
at the top of each column, indicating that he/she read for 20-30
minutes. PLEASE READ THE WEEKLY BULLETIN FROM ME AT THE THE BOTTOM
OF EACH NEW HOMEWORK PLANNER.
LIBRARY CARD: If your child does not have a San Leandro Library card, please see that he/she obtains one within the first week of school. Frequent visits to the library will be part of your child's homework, as well as part of our exciting McKinley POWER Reading Program.
HOMEWORK COUPONS: On the first day of school your
child received a page of ten homework coupons. These coupons are
to be used for very special circumstances that prevent your child
from doing his/her homework, such as a sudden visit from a relative,
a family outing to a piano recital, etc. You will be the one to
decide if your child uses a homework coupon. PLEASE DO NOT USE
THESE COUPONS FOR ILLNESS. INSTEAD, PLEASE WRITE A NOTE. Your
child will be expected to make up homework missed due to illness
or extended absence, such as family trips.
SCHOOL SAFETY & VISITORS: Our first priority
at McKinley School is to provide a safe learning environment for
your child. You may notice that all staff members and visitors
(parents, guests, student teachers, high school helpers, etc.)
are wearing identification badges. It is our hope that these badges
will send a clear message that visitors must be known and must
have a purpose on campus. If you wish to visit our classroom
during school hours, you are most welcome. Before entering the
classroom, PLEASE SIGN IN AT THE OFFICE AND OBTAIN A VISITOR
BADGE. If you need to drop something off for your child, please
report to the office and the item will be promptly delivered to
the classroom. If you need to pick up your child early for an
appointment, please report to the office. The secretary will call
the classroom to notify me. This will help eliminate unnecessary
interruptions. Thank you for your support of our efforts to
maintain a SAFE SCHOOL.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS: Parent volunteers are always welcome in our classroom. A new district policy has been adopted regarding volunteers who serve more than one hour per month. If you did not receive this information in the mail, please let me know. This year I will need room parents to assist with parties, D.A.R.E. Graduation, 5th Grade Promotion and fundraisers for our various field trips. I also need parents to assist in the classroom with clerical tasks and working with students. (If you would like to volunteer on a regular basis, please let me know so that we can arrange a time!).
CLASS PARTIES: Given the volume of curriculum to cover in 5th grade, every teachable moment counts. Therefore, class parties will be limited to school-wide events such as Halloween and special occasions such the 5th grade picnic. I regret that we will not have time for individual student birthday parties during class time.
DISCIPLINE: As a citizen of Room P.C., your child has subscribed his/her name to our class Constitution. Our classroom rules are based upon the tenets of our United States Constitution, and students are expected to abide by these rules at all times. We use a color card chart in our classroom to monitor behavior. Each day students are encouraged to "Keep it Green!" If your child fails to follow one of our class rules, he/she will be directed to turn to the yellow card, which is a warning. A purple card results in a consequence deemed appropriate to the action (to be discussed) A blue card turned results in an office referral. The principal will be contacting you if a referral is issued.
If your child chooses to abide
by our class Constitution, he/she can look forward to the following
privileges:
* Praise, recognition and positive notes and phone calls home
* "Caught You Being Good" slips toward a Friday prize
drawing
* "Clever Contribution" slips
* THE PERSONAL SATISFACTION OF KNOWING THAT HE / SHE IS ACHIEVING
AND DEMONSTRATING GOOD CITIZENSHIP!
DONATIONS/FIELD TRIPS: A $20 donation is requested to help cover the cost of BART tickets, field trips, materials for extra special projects, etc. An itemized list of field trips costs and other expenses will be sent home within two weeks. This year the fifth graders will be taking several field trips. Parents are always needed to chaperone. I'll try to notify you of field trips at least 10 days in advance.
PLANNED ABSENCE: If you know in advance that your child will be missing two or more days of school (due to vacation, planned medical leave, etc.), I will happily provide homework for your child. I must have notice at least one week ahead of time so that I can prepare quality materials for your child.
PARENT/ TEACHER COMMUNICATION: This is the most important home-school connection! In addition to your child's weekly progress report, I will contact you by phone or note whenever the need arises. Please feel free to call me or schedule and appointment at any time at 510-667-3582.
Thank you for your support and cooperation!
Regards,
Mari Ullrich, 5th Grade Teacher
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