WELCOME to 5th Grade!
Mrs. Locante’s 5th Grade Class Description
Academic Information
Information taught aligns with the Utah State Office of Education’s Core Curriculum for 5th grade. Please refer to their website for additional grade level information at: http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/core.
Language Arts
We will study language arts through McGraw-Hill Publishers Wonders text books and other resources. There will be a weekly “essential question” with corresponding activities that include spelling, grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing. Students will be tested on these subjects at the end of each week.
Spelling
Each word is worth 1-point. (23 words 2 bonus) When we have them, dictated sentences are worth an additional 5–points (that is the maximum points you can miss on the sentence). Total possible spelling test is 25/23 points.
Reading
In addition to Wonders, the fifth grade will be reading novels throughout the year, along with other units such as poetry, literary devices, centers and comprehension. There will also be some individual reading groups and monthly book reports. Periodicals such as “Time for Kids” may also be used in the class to develop comprehension and reading and writing skills. Each student is expected to read 30 minutes 6 days a week at home. This is one easy way to help promote your student's vocabulary growth.
Math
The fifth grade core is based on pre-algebra and geometry concepts. There will be approximately 60-90 minutes of math daily. We will be using the District adopted Eureka math text by Great Minds TM. Students will complete math journals that will be used as a resource and study guide. It is imperative that if a student misses school that they make up the work that they missed. Occasional class quizzes, end of chapter and unit tests will be given throughout the year. Every effort will be made to make math enjoyable and understandable so that students can master 5th grade math skills.
I highly encourage visiting the Great Minds/Eureka Math Parent Page (https://greatminds.org/math/parents) for additional insight and an overview to the math your student will be learning this year.
Social Studies
The material covered in fifth grade is U.S. History, past to present. We will learn about the exploration and colonization of North America, slavery, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, The Civil War, expansion and growth, as well as states and capitals.
Students will have opportunities to work independently and in cooperative groups with classmates. They will read and discuss most material in class. Tests and/or projects will follow most chapters. A State project will be assigned in the spring.
Science
Our units will focus on the Utah State Core Curriculum. We will study Changing Earth’s surface, Magnetism, Electricity, Changes in Matter and Heredity. Assessments will be given at the end of each concept, and there will be a major science project due for the Uintah Science Fair (date TBA). The top science projects will be invited to attend the District Science Fair.
In addition, Uintah is participates in the volunteer driven Hands on Science program. Generally, a few times a month our class will get to participate in several great, hands on, enriching science experiments here at school outside our classroom.
Music
Music is taught by in-district instructors that come to Uintah twice weekly [Tuesdays & Thursdays]. Students must practice and be prepared with their instruments; if they have them. Instruments must be taken home at night.
Theater
Uintah’s fifth grade will participate in theatre class with a specialist for during the school year [Mondays].
Library
5th grade students will visit the library once weekly [Thursdays] in order to have access to books to check out, participate in a library research project and practice math, writing and typing skills at the library computer lab.
Technology
Keyboarding skills, writing, math fluency practice and research will be carried out weekly in our school computer lab on [Wednesdays].
PE/Health
Students will learn and practice individual and group skills with a focus on exercise and healthy lifestyles once weekly with our school physical education specialist each [Tuesdays].
Uintah Rules
A. Students are to follow directions the first time and respect all adult staff and supervisors. Talking back, insults, hostility, belligerent behavior are not acceptable.
B. Students are to keep hands, feet and objects to their self. They are not to harm persons or property. Disregard for safety of people and property will not be tolerated.
C. Students are to attend classes and be on time to those classes. Students are expected to follow their specific classroom rules. No person will be allowed to disrupt the learning process.
D. Students are to use equipment and facilities in a safe and proper way.
E. Candy, toys, radios, skateboards, roller blades and other disruptive equipment are not permitted unless otherwise approved by the teacher. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
Our Classroom Rules
Respect classmates, teachers and school property.
Pay attention and stay on task.
Do not talk when someone else is talking.
Please raise your hand to speak in class.
Come to class prepared and be ready to work hard.
ELECTRONICS AND OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS Phones, electronic devices (such as iPads, tablets, iPods, iWatches, etc.), and other personal items from home will not be allowed in the classroom and must be stored in lockers. Students are encouraged to leave these devices, and anything of value, at home. We understand that some students have phones to keep in contact with parents before and after school. Students bring electronic devices on school property or to school activities at their own risk. The school is not responsible for borrowed, misused, lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices.
Homework grades:
Homework reviews our class’s daily lesson. Grades are based on having homework returned and completed. It is helpful for an adult to check homework after it is returned to review misconceptions. This allows parents/guardians to be knowledgeable about what the students are learning in the classroom as well as giving students additional practice time to master math skills.
Generally, math homework will be assigned M-Thursday. 90% of homework must be turned in each term in order to have the opportunity to make test corrections for an improved score. Students are also expected to study spelling weekly and complete monthly book reports as well as free read nightly at home.
*Students are responsible for writing their names on their work and for turning in all of their work. Project due dates are only extended for unforeseen and excused circumstances.
Make-Up and Late Work Students are responsible for work missed during their absence. Make-up work is due within a week after returning to class. Late home work is accepted up to three days after the due date for partial credit.
Teaching your child is a great privilege and a responsibility. My goal is to foster students’ development by helping them make connections between the classroom lessons and the world around them through active and cooperative curriculum. I will strive to make our classroom a challenging, cooperative, nurturing, comfortable and safe environment. I believe that providing support and respect for each student will encourage them to value objectivity and life-long learning.
Your child needs you to be part of his or her learning process. It is important for you to encourage your child at home and help to ensure that they are prepared for school each day.
Grading
3 – Exceptional (“3”) means:
the child is performing above grade level standards. They generally do not
require extra support and may be cooperative fast finishers with high percentages of
accuracy. 95% or above.
2 – On Grade Level (“2”) means:
the child is performing grade level standards. That could indicate that your
child has earned an A, B, or C on assignments. Minimal adult support is
required for whole group instruction.
1 – Below Grade Level (“1”) means:
the child is approaching performing grade level standards with an
increasing knowledge of grade level curriculum with additional adult support
during whole group instruction.
P – Progressing – A “P” means:
the child is progressing, but performing below grade level standards with
additional adult support.
N – Needs Improvement – An “N” means:
there is a need for improvement. The child is performing below grade level
standards, personal potential, and/or grade level.
Expectations.
A = 90 - 100
B = 89 – 80
C = 79 - 70
D = 69 – 60
F = 59 AND BELOW
Volunteering & Donations We are sincerely committed to providing the best education for all students. Classroom budgets only take us so far. Many of you ask for ways you can help. We are appreciative of any donation you are able to provide, be it time or financial. Financial donations are applied directly to the grade level for which you specify. Financial donations are spent on students for this current school year for items and experiences such as: field trips (& transportation/buses), guest speakers and presentations, as well additional supplies in art and science. Any amount you are able to contribute is greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a donation, please write your check to SLEF and indicate on the memo line Uintah and the grade level (Ex: Uintah, 5th Grade). Please turn these donations in to the main office. These donations are tax-deductible, and you will receive a letter from the Salt Lake Education Foundation documenting your donation. Thank you in advance!
Celebrations
As a school, we ask that birthday celebrations be kept to a minimum in order to not disrupt the school day. We will not have birthday parties at school, and we ask that if you send out invitations for birthday parties you do so outside of school. In keeping with the district wellness policy as well as respecting any allergy issues, we ask that you do not bring in any food items for birthday celebrations. If you would like to send something for your child to share with the class that is not a food item (birthday pencils, yo-yo’s, party favors, etc.), please clear it with me ahead of time.
Lunch
All lunch payments must either be made online or through the main office. Online payment is the preferred method of payment. To sign up for online payments, make a payment, or manage your balance online, visit: www.MyPaymentsPlus.com. You will need your student’s ID number to complete registration. If you don’t know your child’s student ID, please contact the school to obtain this information. Please make sure to select the option to receive low balance notifications. To aid in managing your student’s account on-the-go, MyPaymentsPlus also has a free mobile app available for iPhone, iPad and Android phones. Sending cash or checks to school, while acceptable, is often less reliable. If paying by check, please make it payable to Salt Lake City School Food Services. Students will be allowed in the building early to pay. However, it might cause them to be late to class. While they won’t receive a tardy, they will miss out on valuable instruction. So, please pay online whenever possible.
I look forward to a fabulous year!
Wendy Locante, M.Ed.
CONTACT INFORMATION: wendy.locante@slcschoolsorg or call 801-584-2940
ext.1212
No district employee or student shall be subjected to discrimination in employment or any district program or activity on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The district is committed to providing equal access and equal opportunity in its programs, services and employment including its policies, complaint processes, program accessibility, district facility use, accommodations and other Equal Employment Opportunity matters. The district also provides equal access to district facilities for all youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code, including scouting groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and complaints regarding unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation: Tina Hatch, Compliance and Investigations, 440 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, (801) 578-8388. You may also contact the Office for Civil Rights, Denver, CO, (303) 844-5695.
Mrs. Locante’s 5th Grade Class Description
Academic Information
Information taught aligns with the Utah State Office of Education’s Core Curriculum for 5th grade. Please refer to their website for additional grade level information at: http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/core.
Language Arts
We will study language arts through McGraw-Hill Publishers Wonders text books and other resources. There will be a weekly “essential question” with corresponding activities that include spelling, grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing. Students will be tested on these subjects at the end of each week.
Spelling
Each word is worth 1-point. (23 words 2 bonus) When we have them, dictated sentences are worth an additional 5–points (that is the maximum points you can miss on the sentence). Total possible spelling test is 25/23 points.
Reading
In addition to Wonders, the fifth grade will be reading novels throughout the year, along with other units such as poetry, literary devices, centers and comprehension. There will also be some individual reading groups and monthly book reports. Periodicals such as “Time for Kids” may also be used in the class to develop comprehension and reading and writing skills. Each student is expected to read 30 minutes 6 days a week at home. This is one easy way to help promote your student's vocabulary growth.
Math
The fifth grade core is based on pre-algebra and geometry concepts. There will be approximately 60-90 minutes of math daily. We will be using the District adopted Eureka math text by Great Minds TM. Students will complete math journals that will be used as a resource and study guide. It is imperative that if a student misses school that they make up the work that they missed. Occasional class quizzes, end of chapter and unit tests will be given throughout the year. Every effort will be made to make math enjoyable and understandable so that students can master 5th grade math skills.
I highly encourage visiting the Great Minds/Eureka Math Parent Page (https://greatminds.org/math/parents) for additional insight and an overview to the math your student will be learning this year.
Social Studies
The material covered in fifth grade is U.S. History, past to present. We will learn about the exploration and colonization of North America, slavery, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, The Civil War, expansion and growth, as well as states and capitals.
Students will have opportunities to work independently and in cooperative groups with classmates. They will read and discuss most material in class. Tests and/or projects will follow most chapters. A State project will be assigned in the spring.
Science
Our units will focus on the Utah State Core Curriculum. We will study Changing Earth’s surface, Magnetism, Electricity, Changes in Matter and Heredity. Assessments will be given at the end of each concept, and there will be a major science project due for the Uintah Science Fair (date TBA). The top science projects will be invited to attend the District Science Fair.
In addition, Uintah is participates in the volunteer driven Hands on Science program. Generally, a few times a month our class will get to participate in several great, hands on, enriching science experiments here at school outside our classroom.
Music
Music is taught by in-district instructors that come to Uintah twice weekly [Tuesdays & Thursdays]. Students must practice and be prepared with their instruments; if they have them. Instruments must be taken home at night.
Theater
Uintah’s fifth grade will participate in theatre class with a specialist for during the school year [Mondays].
Library
5th grade students will visit the library once weekly [Thursdays] in order to have access to books to check out, participate in a library research project and practice math, writing and typing skills at the library computer lab.
Technology
Keyboarding skills, writing, math fluency practice and research will be carried out weekly in our school computer lab on [Wednesdays].
PE/Health
Students will learn and practice individual and group skills with a focus on exercise and healthy lifestyles once weekly with our school physical education specialist each [Tuesdays].
Uintah Rules
A. Students are to follow directions the first time and respect all adult staff and supervisors. Talking back, insults, hostility, belligerent behavior are not acceptable.
B. Students are to keep hands, feet and objects to their self. They are not to harm persons or property. Disregard for safety of people and property will not be tolerated.
C. Students are to attend classes and be on time to those classes. Students are expected to follow their specific classroom rules. No person will be allowed to disrupt the learning process.
D. Students are to use equipment and facilities in a safe and proper way.
E. Candy, toys, radios, skateboards, roller blades and other disruptive equipment are not permitted unless otherwise approved by the teacher. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
Our Classroom Rules
Respect classmates, teachers and school property.
Pay attention and stay on task.
Do not talk when someone else is talking.
Please raise your hand to speak in class.
Come to class prepared and be ready to work hard.
ELECTRONICS AND OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS Phones, electronic devices (such as iPads, tablets, iPods, iWatches, etc.), and other personal items from home will not be allowed in the classroom and must be stored in lockers. Students are encouraged to leave these devices, and anything of value, at home. We understand that some students have phones to keep in contact with parents before and after school. Students bring electronic devices on school property or to school activities at their own risk. The school is not responsible for borrowed, misused, lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices.
Homework grades:
Homework reviews our class’s daily lesson. Grades are based on having homework returned and completed. It is helpful for an adult to check homework after it is returned to review misconceptions. This allows parents/guardians to be knowledgeable about what the students are learning in the classroom as well as giving students additional practice time to master math skills.
Generally, math homework will be assigned M-Thursday. 90% of homework must be turned in each term in order to have the opportunity to make test corrections for an improved score. Students are also expected to study spelling weekly and complete monthly book reports as well as free read nightly at home.
*Students are responsible for writing their names on their work and for turning in all of their work. Project due dates are only extended for unforeseen and excused circumstances.
Make-Up and Late Work Students are responsible for work missed during their absence. Make-up work is due within a week after returning to class. Late home work is accepted up to three days after the due date for partial credit.
Teaching your child is a great privilege and a responsibility. My goal is to foster students’ development by helping them make connections between the classroom lessons and the world around them through active and cooperative curriculum. I will strive to make our classroom a challenging, cooperative, nurturing, comfortable and safe environment. I believe that providing support and respect for each student will encourage them to value objectivity and life-long learning.
Your child needs you to be part of his or her learning process. It is important for you to encourage your child at home and help to ensure that they are prepared for school each day.
Grading
3 – Exceptional (“3”) means:
the child is performing above grade level standards. They generally do not
require extra support and may be cooperative fast finishers with high percentages of
accuracy. 95% or above.
2 – On Grade Level (“2”) means:
the child is performing grade level standards. That could indicate that your
child has earned an A, B, or C on assignments. Minimal adult support is
required for whole group instruction.
1 – Below Grade Level (“1”) means:
the child is approaching performing grade level standards with an
increasing knowledge of grade level curriculum with additional adult support
during whole group instruction.
P – Progressing – A “P” means:
the child is progressing, but performing below grade level standards with
additional adult support.
N – Needs Improvement – An “N” means:
there is a need for improvement. The child is performing below grade level
standards, personal potential, and/or grade level.
Expectations.
A = 90 - 100
B = 89 – 80
C = 79 - 70
D = 69 – 60
F = 59 AND BELOW
Volunteering & Donations We are sincerely committed to providing the best education for all students. Classroom budgets only take us so far. Many of you ask for ways you can help. We are appreciative of any donation you are able to provide, be it time or financial. Financial donations are applied directly to the grade level for which you specify. Financial donations are spent on students for this current school year for items and experiences such as: field trips (& transportation/buses), guest speakers and presentations, as well additional supplies in art and science. Any amount you are able to contribute is greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a donation, please write your check to SLEF and indicate on the memo line Uintah and the grade level (Ex: Uintah, 5th Grade). Please turn these donations in to the main office. These donations are tax-deductible, and you will receive a letter from the Salt Lake Education Foundation documenting your donation. Thank you in advance!
Celebrations
As a school, we ask that birthday celebrations be kept to a minimum in order to not disrupt the school day. We will not have birthday parties at school, and we ask that if you send out invitations for birthday parties you do so outside of school. In keeping with the district wellness policy as well as respecting any allergy issues, we ask that you do not bring in any food items for birthday celebrations. If you would like to send something for your child to share with the class that is not a food item (birthday pencils, yo-yo’s, party favors, etc.), please clear it with me ahead of time.
Lunch
All lunch payments must either be made online or through the main office. Online payment is the preferred method of payment. To sign up for online payments, make a payment, or manage your balance online, visit: www.MyPaymentsPlus.com. You will need your student’s ID number to complete registration. If you don’t know your child’s student ID, please contact the school to obtain this information. Please make sure to select the option to receive low balance notifications. To aid in managing your student’s account on-the-go, MyPaymentsPlus also has a free mobile app available for iPhone, iPad and Android phones. Sending cash or checks to school, while acceptable, is often less reliable. If paying by check, please make it payable to Salt Lake City School Food Services. Students will be allowed in the building early to pay. However, it might cause them to be late to class. While they won’t receive a tardy, they will miss out on valuable instruction. So, please pay online whenever possible.
I look forward to a fabulous year!
Wendy Locante, M.Ed.
CONTACT INFORMATION: wendy.locante@slcschoolsorg or call 801-584-2940
ext.1212
No district employee or student shall be subjected to discrimination in employment or any district program or activity on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The district is committed to providing equal access and equal opportunity in its programs, services and employment including its policies, complaint processes, program accessibility, district facility use, accommodations and other Equal Employment Opportunity matters. The district also provides equal access to district facilities for all youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code, including scouting groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and complaints regarding unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation: Tina Hatch, Compliance and Investigations, 440 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, (801) 578-8388. You may also contact the Office for Civil Rights, Denver, CO, (303) 844-5695.