Homework and Other Points

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

I have had a few questions so far with regards to homework. I will be discussing this during Program Night next Thursday but I wanted to ensure I clarified some things beforehand in case there are any other questions or concerns.

My homework policy is that I do not assign weekly homework sheets. Students are expected to complete assigned work during class time. If something is not done within the expected time frame, then the work will be sent home to be completed. However, if your son/daughter is struggling with a certain concept, I will send home extra practice to help them grasp the specific concept. I have also told the class that if they notice they are struggling with something or would like extra work then they can come and see me and I will provide them with what they need. I may also ask students to check the blog in order to watch a video that will help them the following day or to complete a short activity.

I encourage you to ensure that your son/daughter spends time reading each night. It is a great relaxation activity and it can give you something to talk about. It is also a good idea to have your child read aloud occasionally to help develop oral language skills. This will also allow you the opportunity to ask questions about what your child is reading.

I also encourage all students to practice their math facts nightly. As we have discussed in class, this can include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division and it can be done in many different ways (oral quizzes, flashcards, worksheets, games, etc.). It is something that can be done independently, with a sibling, a parent, a friend, etc. If students know their math facts, it will help to make learning other mathematical concepts simpler.

With regards to students' agendas, I request that students please get their agenda signed each night and I will check it each morning. This is an important means of communication between home and school. Although, this is something that I feel is not the responsibility of the parent/guardian but rather of the student. Students should ensure that they take their agenda home each night and that it is signed by a parent before returning it to school the following day.

If you see written in your child's agenda "Math Facts/Read" it is simply a reminder to do what I have discussed above. If there is something specific that needs to be read or practiced than more details will be provided.

Lastly, our class blog is another way that I will be communicating with parents and posting reminders of important dates and information. I understand that it is difficult to always remember to check the blog so I encourage you to sign up for email notifications by simply submitting your email address on the blog's homepage. By signing up for email notifications, you will receive an email each time the blog has been updated so that you do not need to worry about missing anything or forgetting to check it regularly. Our class blog is also a great place to see what we are doing. I will be updating what concepts we will be covering in the "Curriculum" section and I will also continue to add various games and links in the different subject areas.

My goal this year is to create a safe learning environment where each student feels comfortable and realizes that making mistakes is a part of the learning process. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Miss Hodgins

September Newsletter

Dear Grade 5 Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to an exciting new school year! My name is Sarah Hodgins and I will be teaching your child Language Arts, Math, and Religion. Grade five is an exciting time for your child as they continue their educational journey through the junior grades. It is a time filled with excitement, enthusiasm, and energy! We are partners in your child’s education and I look forward to working with you over the next year.

Students may wish to have the following items for the coming school year. Please remember that this is a wish list and not a requirement!

• protractor
• basic calculator
• kleenex or plastic forks/spoons for the class
• pencils
• erasers
• 30 cm ruler
• indoor shoes (gym appropriate)
• pencil crayons/markers
• scissors
• glue stick
• red pen
• highlighters
• book for independent reading (English and French)

Students are provided with two snack times each day in addition to a regular lunch period. Healthy snacks in reusable containers are encouraged.

Agendas are provided to each student and acts as a form of communication between home and school as well as an important organizational tool for all students. Please take the time to review and sign the St. Stephen’s Code of Behaviour, a Parent’s Code of Ethics, and The Student’s Pledge. Students are encouraged to have their agendas signed each evening and I will check them each morning. This can encourage sharing time between you and your child. This system not only allows you to monitor your child’s progress, but also serves to keep the lines of communication open between home and school. Throughout the year, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call or write a short note and attach it to your child’s agenda book.

My colleagues and I are currently preparing for Program Night (September 22) and will be able to answer any of your questions regarding curriculum expectations, teaching assignments, and classroom routines at that time. Should you have any questions prior to this evening, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Here is a link to the class blog: http://hoppingintograde5.blogspot.ca/

Your Partner in Catholic Education,

Miss Sarah Hodgins

Important dates

If you have volunteered your time in any way this year, please join us tomorrow morning from 9:00-10:00 for the St. Stephen Volunteer breakfast.

Tomorrow at 10:05 is our Year End Mass. Please feel free to join us!

Multiplication Facts

Check out these songs to help with multiplication facts and skip counting! 

WWF

Students have been asked to research which animals they would like to help support by adopting with the funds we have raised. Mr. J gave us a great idea of choosing an animal for 3 categories: Land, Sea, and Air. Students must submit their choices by Friday.
https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions.aspx

Homework

Homework (due tomorrow):

1. Watch Khan Academy Video:https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/multiplication-division/multi-digit-multiplication/v/multiplication-5-2-digit-times-a-2-digit-number
2. Do practice questions in your Math Notebook (Remember to include the date and a title!):

• 23 x 50
• 45 x 67
• 36 x 72

Important Dates

We have been VERY busy lately! Thank you all for your cooperation, help, and understanding! Here's a list of some important dates coming our way:

Friday, April 22 - Book Sale/Read-a-thon (organized by the EAP students in Miss Beardsley's class)

Monday, April 25 - Spring Picture Day

Tuesday, April 26 - Game Day for Grade 1 and 2 students (organized by the EAP students in our class)

Monday, May 2 - Friday, May 6 - Catholic Education Week

Thursday, May 5 - St. Stephen Open House (8:30-9:30) followed by our Easter Liturgy celebrated during Education Week at 9:30

As always, please do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns! My door is always open and I enjoy having the opportunity to talk with parents :)