Welcome to the fifth grade! My name is Mrs. Akins and I am delighted to have your child in my class. I look forward to providing many rewarding and challenging experiences as the school year unfolds. The fifth-grade teaching staff has developed a wide range of learning opportunities to enhance your child’s education. We are a team. Curriculum, projects, and behavior expectations will be the same for all fifth-grade students. However, we also strive to create individual classroom environments to best meet the special needs or abilities of our own students. Please feel free to contact me via email at morgn_akins@etiwanda.k12.ca.us. Or through Rooms
Math Assignments
Your scholar will be assigned questions each day that review current and previously learned content for completion. The adapted math curriculum, Go Math, will be used daily in class. A math notebook will be kept by students with notes, problem examples, and any materials needed to be successful with the math standards. Scholars will be expected to study outside of class time in preparation for assessments.
Science Assignments
The districted adopted program Amplify Science will be used for instruction. Students will participate in hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools that guide them to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers.
Social Studies Assignments
TCI Social Studies Alive: America’s Past is the district-adopted curriculum that will be used for instruction. Students will complete interactive lessons and projects throughout the year.
Assessments
Assessments are based on each student’s mastery of concepts following the Common Core State Standards in Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening, Language, Mathematics, History / Social Science. Additionally, students are assessed in Visual Performing Arts, Physical Education, Technology, and Citizenship.
Some assessments will be “embedded” in the activity itself through observation of student performance. Some are based on the student’s ability to apply what has been learned in a new context or activity, and some will be based on traditional tests and quizzes of concept mastery.
Test and quizzes are graded on a standard scale- A 90% and above, B 80% and above, C 70% and above, D 51 – 69%, and F 50% and below. Many assignments are graded “credit” (100%) or “partial credit” (70%) depending on the student's effort shown in completing work and turning it in on time.
The district report card is based on the Common Core State Standards for each grade level. There are specific categories under each curricular area for which students will have assignments to complete each week.
*Each successive grade raises the academic expectations for student performance. Therefore, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT STUDENTS DO ASSIGNED WORK AND TURN IT IN ON TIME TO RECEIVE FULL CREDIT AND MAXIMUM ACADEMIC BENEFIT. Late work will be marked as “late” and given a reduced score.