Curriculum ConferenceSeptember 19, 2013

Ms. CosmeClass 5-217

*Welcome Families! Please sign in on the sign-in sheet and have a seat anywhere you would like!

Agenda Overview Introduction

Common Core Standards

Curriculum Overview

School & Classroom Procedures/Policies

Communication with Ms. Cosme

Questions/Comments

Common Core Standards

The Common Core Standards are a set of goals and expectations for student learning across the nation that promotes college and career readiness.

Goals: Deeper understanding of concepts and

skills Ability to express and explain thinking

with evidence and strong reasoning Complete more rigorous tasks

Junior Great Books TAG has implemented a program called Junior

Great Books that fosters interpretive thinking and discussion skills through the use of classics, folk and fairy tales, modern short stories and novels. Participants learn to respect each other’s opinions and to disagree courteously.

We are currently applying these discussion skills to nonfiction text.

English Language Arts

ELA is integrated with the content areas. New Curriculum: Expeditionary Learning: Engaging in various

close readings of fictional and informational text.

Focus on three types of writing: Narrative, Persuasive, and Informational

1st Unit: Personal Narratives Expectations:

Engaging beginning, clearly sequenced events, descriptive language, sophisticated sentence structure (transitional words and sentence variety)

Sample Introduction to a Personal

Narrative Snow had covered the forest with a soft white blanket

that made the path back to our cabin invisible in the dimming light of the late afternoon. The huge trees towered over me making me feel like an ant. My father and I were lost and the air was getting colder and colder. My legs ached, my stomach was empty and all I could think about was our nice warm cabin where I was sure my mother was waiting for us worried.

-Excerpt from the story, Vermont, written by a 5th Grade student

Social Studies American Revolution

What leads to revolution? What were the turning points of the Revolutionary War? Was the Revolutionary War justified? What is the role of boycott and protest in affecting change?

U.S. Government Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Constitution, Three Branches of Government

Students will learn the functions of the three branches of government, the separation of powers, and checks and balances between them.

Westward Expansion: How can change, progress, and growth be both negative and

positive? Lewis & Clark Expedition

Current Events Periodically, students will be required to

chose an article based on a significant social, historical, or political event

Students are expected to: Summarize the main points of the article Formulate an opinion or position Present their article and lead a class

discussion

Mathematics

TAG is implementing Singapore Math: Math in Focus this year.

Topics Include: Number Theory, Estimation and Computation, Geometry, Division, Fractions, Decimals, Percents and Algebra.

First Unit: Whole Numbers: Most critical unit for future success!

The Importance of Multiplication Facts It is crucial that all students acquire fluency

with the 12 X 12 times table.

Students should begin to develop flexibility in the way they perceive their times tables.

For Example: 8 X 7 Could be thought of as:

• 4 x14• 2 x 28• 2 (4 x7)

Word Study Exploration of spelling patterns

-sion versus –tion -ible verus -able

Advanced vocabulary Based on units of study Prefixes and suffixes

Assessments New words are given weekly Assessments are given on Mondays

New York State Assessments

English Language Arts Exam- Tuesday, April 1 - Thursday, April 3, 2014

Math Exam- Wednesday, April 30 - Friday, May 2, 2014

ELA NY State Exam Test Structure

Math NY State Exam Test Structure

School Policies & Procedures

TAG Uniform policy School Uniform-

Girls: A white shirt, tucked into a plaid skirt or jumper, a tie, and black shoes.

Boys: A white shirt tucked into navy blue pants, a tie, and black shoes.

In the winter: Only red or navy sweaters/sweater vests are allowed.

HOODIES and hats are NOT permitted to be worn in the building! They should be placed in the closets immediately.

Gym Uniform- A white T-shirt, red sweatpants and sneakers.

Small Group Instruction (SGI)

Morning Program that focuses on reinforcing mathematical skills and English Language Arts skills in a small group setting

Time: 7:57-8:49 am

Days: Wednesdays & Thursdays

When: Starting in October

You will be notified through a letter informing you if your child has been selected to attend SGI.

Homework Policy/Grading

Procedures Homework planner = Organization

Review your child’s assignments nightly and sign the homework planner

Long term projects may be assigned for homework and require your child to time manage

Read nightly for 35-40 minutes and document on the reading log

Homework help- www.homeworkNYC.org Use the password “homework” for access to databases from

NOVEL (New York Online Virtual Electronic Library) including the New York Times

Missing Homework Missing Homework Notices

Parents/Guardians must sign the missing homework notice

Lateness Late homework must be made up the next day for partial

credit Absent students are responsible for copying down

homework from a classmate and/or checking our class webpage on the TAG website

Missed assignments will be placed inside of their mailbox

Grade Reduction: Every 3 unexcused missing assignments results in a grade

reduction

Classroom Rules, Policies, & Procedures

Classroom rules were created with the class to ensure a safe, comfortable, and productive learning environment.

Rewards: Stars on the Class Star Chart Tickets to the Class Prize Box Table Points Participation in Choice Time on Fridays!

Consequences: Lose a privilege, Letter Home, Phone Call, Meeting with

the Principal

Notes from Home A note from home is required if:

Your child is absent and you have a letter of excuse

Your child’s dismissal procedure for pick up has changed

Your child missed an assignment for a valid reason

You would like to arrange a birthday celebration for your child in the classroom.

Birthday Celebrations

A written note (or email) a week in advance must be received in order to request a birthday celebration.

Cupcakes and juice boxes are only allowed!

Celebrations are 15 minutes in length; please arrive on time if you plan on attending the celebration.

Parents/guardians are responsible for serving, distributing, and cleaning up after the celebration.

Field Trips Permission slips are required to be completed and signed by a

parent. Verbal permission cannot be granted.

Money: Enclosed envelope labeled with your child’s name, class, and trip

destination. Exact change is only accepted!

Trips: National Constitution Center in Philadelphia (November)

Please check your child’s homework folder next week for an update regarding details on the trip date and payment due dates.

Various museums, theatres, and a university!

Chaperones are invited and welcome to attend on a first come first served basis!

Scholastic Online Book Orders

Order books online at a discounted price!

Website: scholastic.com/bookclubs Class Activation Code: 100LL

First deadline is September 28th!

Communication with the Teacher

Email: mscosme121@yahoo.com

Check your child’s purple homework folder & homework planner

Red Assessment Folders