Back To School NightMr. O’Brien’s Class

2013-2014

Welcome! While you are waiting for the

presentation to begin:• Make sure you sign in by the

door• You may take this moment to

inspect your child’s textbooks and complete the two forms.

Personal Background

• Undergraduate Degree

• Graduate Degree

• Classroom Experience

• Personal items

Standards of Learning

• Virginia Standards of Learning are the framework for our curriculum.

• I do teach students the required information, and consequently they usually do well on the tests in the Spring.

• Fifth Grade SOL tests include: Reading, Math, Science, and Writing

Reading

• Comprehension is the goal!

• Focus on strategies and understanding how we read.

• From Learning to Read => Reading to Learn

• Good Readers can access and learn anything they want.

• Electronic readers are acceptable.

• Reading should be fun!

(See 7 Keys to Comprehension in handout.)

Writing

• Students take a writing SOL in early March

• It is two day test (one day multiple choice/one day writing to a prompt)

• We do A LOT of writing, including practice prompts and free writing

• Writing Workshop will be a focus this year.

Math

• Students are pre-tested each chapter/unit

• Students are grouped based on strengths and weaknesses of individual skills.

• Math Text is Available Online

• More on the Middle School math selection process in the spring.

Science

• We will focus on the scientific method

• We will use the scientific method to explore all of the content we need to cover

• Topics include: Geology Oceanography Living Systems Matter Light Sound

• The SOL test covers 4th and 5th grade material We review all of 4th grade material in preparation.

Social Studies

• Our curriculum has county standards, but no state standards

• We learn about the regions of the US

• Students learn what makes the different areas of our county unique

• Students will learn all to identify all 50 states on a map, and memorize the name of each state’s capital.

Middle School Preparation

• We will be building skills they need to succeed next year: Independence Self Advocacy Organization

• Middle School Course Selection Will take place in the spring. You will be provided with plenty of information

Grading• Not all assignments are graded

• Assignments may be marked with a number and/or a letter grade

• Scores: 1 – Below the Standard 2 – Progressing towards the Standard 3 – Meeting the Standard 4 – Exceeding the Standard

• Scores are based on this criteria, not on the number correct out of a total number.

Missing assignments severely affect student grades

CLARITY Parent Portal

• Still up and running

• For more information go to the CLARITY tab on the Horizon website

Homework• Reading

Read a total of 100 minutes/week Track Reading See Parent Dos and Don’ts in handout

• Word Study Consistent week to week

• Math Will be assigned most nights – may be different

depending on each group’s progress.

• Long Term Projects – no due dates

• Other small assignments as needed

• Please sign the planner every night

Classroom Management

• Focus on Positive Reinforcement

• Safety is the number on priority

• Focus on Positive Interactions between students

• Focus on natural/appropriate consequences

• Anti-Bully

PBIS – Courageous Comets

• Compliments

• Blue Tickets

• Lunch Room Flowers

Daily Routines

• Beginning of the day

• Morning Work

• Working Snack

• Tests usually in the morning

• Recess is moveable

Additionals

• FUTURA

• Conferences

• Drop off – out front vs. Kiss and go

• Red folders

• DARE/FLE

• All About Me

• Attendance

Nice to Haves

• Flashdrive

• Personal headphones

• Sweater/sweatshirt

• Antibacterial wipes/liquid

Contacting Mr. O’Brien

•Email is the best stephen.obrien@lcps.org Please review the email guidelines in your handout

•Check my website Will try to update regularly Monthly projects and rubrics posted

•Call the school Will call back during planning time or after school May take until the next morning to return calls.

Remember that for success we have to work together this year!

Volunteering

• I can use volunteers for a variety of activities All Subject Areas Organizing Celebrations Help with PTA activities

• There will be other activities that I may need help with. I will send out an email when those times come up.

Questions

Thank you for taking the time

to attend Back To School Night