Down and Vickers' Weekly Update

8/12-8/13: IREADY Reading Diagnostic Test

8/15-8/16: IREADY Math Diagnostic Test

8/22: Curriculum Night

8/26: PTA Fundraiser Kick Off

8/30: All Pro Dads

Math: (Unit 1 Assessment Aug. 21, this is tentative)

• I can determine the volume of a right rectangular prism by multiplying the area of the base times the height.
• I can find the missing measurement when given the volume.
• I can discover the volume of right rectangular prisms.

Science: (Unit 1 Electricity Assessment Aug. 20, this is tentative)

• I can explain the difference between static and current electricity.
• I can explain all the necessary components of a complete, simple electric circuit.
• I can design a complete, simple circuit.

SS: (Unit 1 Personal Finance Assessment Aug. 22, this is tentative)

• I can describe the functions of the 4 major sectors in the U.S. economy.
• I can identify the elements of a personal budget and explain why personal spending and saving decisions are important.
• I can analyze how a personal budget helps compare expenses to income, demonstrates the importance of saving money, and how important is is to monitor personal spending.
• I can describe how producers and consumers interact with the economy, and explain the importance and elements of a personal budge.

Language Arts:

• What are human rights, and how do real people and fictional characters respond when those rights are threatened? In this module, students develop their ability to read and understand complex text as they consider this question.
• In Unit 1, students build their close reading skills by reading the novel Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan. They read about human rights and apply this learning as one lens through which to interpret the characters and themes in the novel—a complex coming-of-age story set in Mexico and rural California during the early 1930s. Through close reading, interpretation, and analysis of fiction and nonfiction texts, students begin to build their understanding of human rights. Throughout the unit, students closely read selected articles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) related to events in Esperanza Rising where human rights are threatened.

Math: Math notebook (mini-lesson & independent practice),math workbook, iReady lessons, look at any previous activities in Google Classroom.

Science: STEMSCOPES and SCI folder, look at any previous activities in Google Classroom.

SS: SS Workbook and SS folder folder, look at any previous activities in Google Classroom.

Language Arts: iReady Reading, the homework section of the EL workbook for the unit/module. Look at any previous activities in Google Classroom/binder.

Following county guidelines, there will be no study guides for tests this year.

In order to prepare students for middle school, we will be using their agenda’s to track their conduct and work habits. Please check your child’s agenda each night to see any notes about behavior/work habits for the day. Please sign the agenda nightly to verify that you have seen all of the relevant information for that day. Agenda’s will be our primary way of communicating with you about homework, tests, retakes, missing work, and conduct. In addition, on Friday’s you will see a conduct and work habits grade in their agenda and will also need to sign this over the weekend.

• Homework is communicated through your students agenda, it is their responsibility to write down specific homework for the day when they have it.
• We assign homework on a as needed basis, homework is based on skills students need additional support on.
• If there is not specific homework listed, students are expected to:

• ALL students need a pair of headphones or earbuds that are kept at school. They will need access to these daily.
  
• Students should be getting their agenda signed nightly. Classroom communication will come via email or agenda book. We do not use Choice Cards in 5th grade.
  
• Water Bottles: Please have students bring a water bottle daily.

In partnership with the Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL), GCPS provides Tutor.com as an online tutoring resource for students at no charge. The expert tutors at Tutor.com can help your student work through a tough homework problem, improve writing skills, study for a test, review a difficult concept, and so much more! Live tutoring support is available daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. In addition, students can receive “drop-off support,” 24-7, by uploading a document for tutor feedback that will be reviewed and returned at a later time. To learn more about how to access this resource and what is offered, click here.

Username: Student Number

Password: 4-digit birthday (January 1 = 0101)

• All students have been issued a GCPS device. They need access to it daily at school.
• Students are allowed to take the devices home, but are responsible for any damages that occur.
  
• Devices must be charged every morning and ready for the school day.
• We will be using these devices on a daily basis in the classroom.

Email:

denae.vickers@gcpsk12.org

nga.down@gcpsk12.org
Phone: (678) 957-3050