Fifth graders are the “Leaders of
the Pack” and we have an exciting
and productive year planned for
students. The information
included in the hand out and this
presentation will prepare your
student for a successful year.
The Team
 Ms. Brenda Davis
 Ms. Naomi Johnston
 Mrs. Teresa Piraino
 Mrs. Stacey Ward
 Mrs. Kim Wilson
We look forward to working with you to
insure the success of your child during
this very important year!
Upcoming Important Dates
in September
•September 7th
-
Grandparent Luncheon
•September 8th
-
Fall School Picture Day
•September 13th Creek
p.m.)
•September 16th -
Timbers Elementary School
Spirit Night at Spring
Barbeque(5:00 – 9:00
Houston Livestock Show &
Rodeo Day at Timbers
•September 20th – Timbers PTO Ice Cream Social &
General Meeting (6:30-7:30 PM)
Curriculum
Reading & Language Arts
(RELA)
Throughout the school year, students will
extend reading strategies introduced in
grades K-4 to further develop their critical
thinking and analysis skills. In addition,
students will practice STAAR format
questions and apply strategies to prepare for
the Reading STAAR to be administered in
March.
Spelling
We will be using the Words Their Way
method of spelling and phonics instruction.
This is an individualized spelling program.
Students will be assessed on their spelling
skills and grouped according to their level.
Students are introduced to a new rule each
week and given many opportunities to
master the words.
Mathematics
Fifth grade math focuses on exploring
number concepts using hands-on activities
and many different approaches to solving
problems. Students will practice solving
problems in a variety of ways and providing
verbal and written explanations of their
methods. In addition to hands-on activities,
students will also practice STAAR-format
questions so they will be fully prepared for
the Math STAAR in March.
Science
The focus for science is hands-on experiments
and activities that make connections to real
world applications of science concepts. The new
TEKS place more emphasis on designing
controlled experiments and the students will
have plenty of practice before they are expected
to design their own experiment. We will also
spend some time analyzing non-fiction passages
and information in preparation for the Science
STAAR that will be administered in April.
Social Studies
Fifth graders will study American History
through a variety of sources, including
historical fiction, non-fiction passages, and
the “Why America Is Free” curriculum. This
curriculum will allow students to travel back
in time and experience how children their
own age lived in Colonial times.
FYI
Patriot’s Day & Manner’s
Banquet
These are very exciting activities for our
students and we need at least 36 parent
volunteers to help us with these days. Please
mark your calendars and save the days to
help us make these experiences special for
your child.
Patriot’s Day - November 18th
Manner’s Banquet - December 2nd
Tuesday Folders
Graded papers and conduct will go home
each week on Tuesday for the previous week.
Please review the papers, sign the conduct
card, and return the folder on Wednesday
each week.
Homework
Fifth graders will have homework on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
nights. Additionally, students may have
homework on weekends when projects have
been assigned. Students will be expected to
write the homework assignments in their
planners each day.
Conduct
Good conduct is critical to the success of all
students. Students will receive a weekly
conduct grade based on the following:
Weekly Conduct:
9 Weeks Conduct:
E = 0 marks
S = 1 - 2 marks
N = 3 - 4 marks
U = 5+ marks
E = 0 - 4 marks
S = 5 - 9 marks
N = 10 - 18 marks
U = 19+ marks
Conduct Rewards and
Consequences
The most important consequence of poor conduct
is that the student loses opportunities to learn
when he or she misbehaves. As an added incentive,
fifth graders must maintain an E or an S in behavior
for the year to participate in a number of end of the
year activities. These activities include, but are not
limited to, Talent Show, Autograph and Game Day,
Mock Middle School and Kickball Tournament.
Recess
Recess provides an opportunity for students
to socialize and stretch their legs. Fifth
graders will start the year with a recess break
at lunch. However, as the year progresses we
may gradually adjust the length and format
of recess to prepare students for middle
school, where they will not have a recess
break.
After School Detention
This is a program at Timbers for students in
grades 3 through 5. The goal of after school
detention is to keep students in class during
the day so they do not miss instructional time
due to behavior issues. Students will be
assigned to after school detention if they
receive 3 or more conduct marks in a day, 6 or
more in a week, or for office referrals.
Students with 3 detentions will be assigned
additional consequences.
Snacks
Fifth grade students will be allowed to bring a singleserving snack to be eaten in class at a time designated
by the teacher. The snack must be one of the following
items; which follow the nutritional guidelines set forth
by the federal government and minimize the risk of
allergic reactions and unsanitary conditions in the
classroom.
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
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Graham Crackers
Animal Crackers
Pretzels
Wheat Crackers
Dry Cheerios
Gold Fish Crackers
Student Birthdays
Student birthdays may be celebrated during
lunch time only. Parents wishing to provide
treats for classmates may only purchase ice
cream from the cafeteria. No outside food or
drink may be shared. Please see the HOWL
for details on ordering ice cream.
Conferences
Our conference time is 8:15 – 9:15 daily.
Please contact your child’s teacher if you wish
to schedule a conference. Conferences will be
scheduled with each parent in October.
Tardy Policy
Students who are habitually tardy miss
valuable instructional time. Parents will be
contacted when a student is tardy more than
3 times.
STAAR – 5th Grade
 Subjects Assessed:
Math
Reading
Science
 4 hour time limit on all assessments
 Results will be reported in the Fall of 2012
 Only 1 administration of all tests this year
 STAAR Math – March 26
 STAAR Reading – March 27
 STAAR Science – April 26
Other Important Information
 Parents and guardians will only be allowed to
escort students to class the first week of school.
After this, we request that you stop at the double
doors just past the office.
 Parents and guardians will not be allowed to
check students out of school after 2:45PM.
 Students must have a parent note or doctor’s
note when returning from an absence.
 Students will be dismissed daily in the manner
you tell us. Any change to dismissal must be
given to the teacher in writing.
Please don’t forget
to stop by the C1
computer lab and
sign up for the
Timbers Howl online newsletter!