Class Disclosure 2024 - 2025

Welcome to Mrs. Cook's 5th Grade Wise Owls!
Thank you for letting me be a part of your child's education. I am a firm believer that building positive relationships in the classroom is the foundation to creating successful lifelong learners.
I look forward to learning and growing alongside your child this year.

 

                                                     My goals include helping students:

  1. Develop a desire for knowledge and love of learning.
    2. Become responsible for their education and behavior.
                         3. Build healthy relationships with peers.
                         4. Work cooperatively with their classmates.
                         5. Develop a growth mindset.
                         6. Build self-esteem by finding success in a positive environment.
                         7. Become self-confident by giving the best effort in all they do.

 

 

Daily Schedule:                                                                     Specials:                                     

8:50 - 8:55         Students arrive                                           Mon    10:20 – 10:50       Library

10:15 - 10:30     AM Recess (Friday only)                          Tues    10:00 – 10:45       Music

12:30 - 1:05       Lunch/Recess                                            Tues      2:30 – 3:00         Counselor

2:15 – 2:30        PM Recess                                                 Wed     10:00 – 10:45      Computers

3:30  Dismissal  (1:30 on Fridays)                                       Thurs   10:00 – 110:45    PE 

 

Breakfast: Breakfast is served from 8:05 – 8:45

 

Coming & Going to School: The HAFB Gate will be open the following times:

                                      Monday – Thurs                            Fri

                                           8:10 - 9:05                          8:10 - 9:05

                                          3:20 – 3:50                         1:20 – 1:50

 

If your child is not eating breakfast at school, attending a special event, or enrolled in the before school program, then they should not arrive to school prior to 8:35 as there is no adult supervision. If you need to drop off or pick up your child outside of these times, you will need to drive around to the front of the school and sign them in/out.

 

Communication:

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child, please feel free to email me at dacook@dsdmail.net or call me at (801)-402-5555 ext 2376 (direct line) . Email is the most efficient way to contact me as I can check that frequently throughout the day. Please come to me with any problems or concerns that you may have. Students may inform you of a problem before I have been made aware. Please contact me so we can work together to resolve any issues. If you need to get a message to your child during the day, please contact the office at (801)- 402-2350.

Facebook: Join our class Facebook group at Mrs. Cook’s Wise Owls Links to an external site.. I will post updates, reminders for upcoming events, important links, photos and more. This is also a great place to ask me questions or reach out and connect with other parents in the class. This is a private group where only parents of this class will have access.

 

Canvas Webpage: Find all our class information, as well as resource links on my Canvas Webpage. This page can also be accessed on Hill Field Elementary’s webpage, under Staff.

 

Curriculum:  

Social Emotional Learning:  We recognize the importance of building relationships and focusing on the social- emotional growth of students in addition to academics. We will cover key competencies which include diversity and inclusion, empathy and critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and peer relationships. We will work on having a growth mindset, perseverance, and grit! Students will also attend a monthly assembly, Marcie & Jessie, that focuses on character building skills. Visit Harmony Academy Links to an external site. to learn more and read how you can support your ​child at home.

Science:  SEED standards provide the framework for students to analyze and interpret how the Earth’s major systems interact, explain the properties of matter, and how matter cycles and flow through the Earth’s systems. Students will also design and evaluate solutions to problems that exist within these areas.

Social Studies concentrates on the United States’ history and its connection to the past, particularly the exploration and colonization of North America, key events leading to self-government, the rights and responsibilities of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, 19th century change, and the emergence of the US as world power.

Language Arts will continue to focus on increasing fluency, building comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, and writing skills. Students will explore a variety of genres both in class and at home. Writing will focus on opinion and informative essays with supportive evidence from texts.

Math using Comprehensive Math Instruction (CMI), a balanced approach of teaching methods and strategies through task-based instruction and problem-solving. we will study place value, multiplication, and division as we expand the knowledge of decimals. We will also study fractions, coordinate planes, and geometric measurements with an emphasis on volume. Fluency in multiplication is crucial and the basis of much of what we do throughout the year. Students should practice math facts both in and outside of class.

Keyboarding is a necessary 21st century skill for students to master. As fifth graders, students are expected to type accurately and fluently.

Cursive Handwriting will be taught and practiced throughout the year.

 

Starbase: We have been given the opportunity to participate in Hill AFB’s Outreach ​STEM Program - Starbase. We will visit their facilities on Hill AFB once a week for 5 weeks where students will spend ​the day learning about and participating in STEM based activities ​that align with our 5th grade curriculum. The program will culminate with a graduation ceremony held at Hill Field Elementary. Please note that students must attend at least three days of Starbase to graduate, otherwise they will be given a participation certificate.  Students will need to pack a lunch (no soda or colored drinks allowed) or receive a sack lunch from the school for the days we attend Starbase. It is important that your students arrive on time as we will leave the school promptly at 9:00. We typically return around 2:30.

Day 1 – Wednesday, Nov 13th

Day 2 – Wednesday, Nov 20th

Day 3 – Wednesday, Dec 4th

Day 4 – Wednesday, Dec 11th

Day 5 – Wednesday, Dec 18th

Graduation – Thurs, Jan 9th, 9:30-10:30 at Hill Field Elementary

 


Groups: To better meet the academic needs of all students, all fifth-grade students will be placed in math groups. Groups will change frequently based on your child’s current understanding and progress with the current topic. As a result, your child may also spend some instruction time with Mrs. McGurl, our other fifth grade teacher.

 

Homework: We do our best to limit homework, but assignments not finished during class, especially math worksheets, should be completed at home and returned the following day. Students are expected to read at least 100 minutes per week and complete their reading log, turning it in monthly. There will also be a monthly project assigned at the start of each month.

 

Each student will have a homework folder. Inside you will find the monthly STEAM project instructions, a weekly language arts newsletter with spelling and vocabulary words, a math newsletter, and the monthly reading log. I suggest leaving this information in the plastic sleeves to ensure safe keeping and easy referencing. Folders need to be brought to and from school EVERYDAY, this is how students will carry home important papers and their work.

Assignments/Test: Most all tests and assignments can be retaken or corrected. The goal is to master an understanding of the material. If that takes more practice first, then that’s what we’ll do! I encourage students to read feedback, utilize the multiple attempts provided for assignments, and meet with me for reteaching before completing a test retake. Spelling and vocabulary tests will be given a few times during each unit, not your typical weekly schedule. Students will always know in advance about a test.

It is important that students stay on top of any missing/late work. I will send missing work reports home often – typically every Monday. This information can also be viewed in your guardian MyDSD account.

School Devices: Acceptable Use Agreements are available to be signed through your MyDSD guardian account. This must be signed for students to be trained on laptops and allows them to check out device for home use if needed when sick or out of town.

Behavior Management: Positive reinforcement, praise and consistency will be stressed!

Class Dojo: Class Dojo is a classroom management tool used to track both positive and negative behavior. Students can earn points according to behavior, preparedness, participation, citizenship, and more. These points can be spent during class store at the end of the month. Parents can create an account to follow their child’s progress. Look for this information to come home at the beginning of the year.  

Patriot Praises will be awarded to individual students who go above and beyond!

Patriot Points is a school wide incentive program where classes can earn points and rewards. Students receive points from staff throughout the building for demonstrating positive behavior outside the classroom (hallways, recess/lunch, specials). Once our class meets our goal of accumulating a set number of points, they will have earned a reward of our choice. ;

Class Rules:

  1. Be Safe
    2. Be Kind and Respectful
    3. Be Responsible
    4. Follow directions the first time

The following steps will be taken to redirect poor behavior.

  1. Reminder
  2. Warning - Student needs to get back on task
  3. Refocus - Move student within classroom
  4. Refocus - Move student to the hall and/or another classroom
  5. Office Referral if necessary (see school wide behavior management policy).

Supplies: Students will be provided with everything they need, including a set of headphones for individual use. The only thing students need to bring with them is a backpack and a water bottle.

Donations: Instead of asking for and distributing classroom supply lists and asking students to sell items for a school fundraiser, we would like to ask for a one-time donations to start the school year. A $25 donation to each child's classroom in support of teachers providing the best experiences and opportunities for your students. Cash donations can be paid to the classroom teacher or paid in the office using a card. You can also pay using a card through your myDSD guardian account. Please note that no student will be excluded from any activity if a donation is not made by their parent or guardian. All donations are voluntary and greatly appreciated!

Flexible Seating: Flexible seating encourages collaboration and communication and helps students build skills and strategies to prepare for a 21st century workforce. Students are also given the opportunity to practice self-awareness and responsibility through daily choice. The brain learns best when students are actively engaging in physical activity. Flexible seating not only provides opportunities for movement, but also increases focus and attention, while decreasing anxiety and other classroom behaviors. Students will learn to recognize what seating best suits their learning style and needs throughout the year.  

Grades: Students do not receive letter grades for reporting purposes, rather Davis School District uses a standards-based reporting system called SMART: Standard Mastery Assessment Reporting Tool. Students are graded based on mastery of specific standards. The 5th Grade DESK Standards can be found on our class website as well as the district website. The SMART report will measure your student’s mastery of specific standards using the following rubric:

3 – Meets or exceeds grade level standards (85 - 100% accuracy)
2 – Below grade level standards (60 - 84% accuracy)
1 – Far below grade level standards (0 - 50% accuracy)

MyDSD: Please be sure you have a parent/guardian account through My DSD. This is where you will keep up on missing assignments and grades, pay lunch accounts, sign important documents, schedule conferences and much more. At the beginning of the year, it is CRUCIAL that you sign the Acceptable User Agreement and other important documents through your guardian account. Create or login to your account here MyDSD Links to an external site..

Canvas Guardian Account: Canvas is the learning management tool that students will be using daily in the classroom. You can create a guardian observer account to follow your student. This will allow you to see their work, my feedback, and keep up on missing assignments and grades. Set up your account and learn how to use it here Canvas Guardian Account Tips Links to an external site..

Birthdays: Students are invited to celebrate their birthdays with the class. Those with summer birthdays are encouraged to celebrate during the school year on their half-birthday. If you wish to send in treats, please make sure they are store bought! Birthday invitations should be delivered outside of class, unless you are inviting the whole class.  

Student of the Week: Each student will be highlighted as the student of the week. This is a great opportunity for students to get to know each other better. I will be sending home "Owl About Me" sheets for students to complete with their family as their special week approaches.

Breakfast/Lunch: Applications for free and reduced meals can be found in your myDSD guardian account. Monies can be added to your child(ren)’s account here as well.

Rest Rooms: Students are expected to use the restroom during recess and lunch breaks, and if necessary, during independent work time.

Volunteers & Visitors: Parent volunteers are always welcome in the classroom. Parents are invited to help read with students, practice math facts, and much more. For the safety of our students, please check in at the office if you will be visiting the classroom. If you are unable to help in the classroom, volunteers are always needed for take home projects such as preparing materials as well. We always need volunteers to join us on field trips and class parties as well!

All volunteers accompanying us on field trips must complete a background check with Davis School District. If you are considering attending a field trip, please consider starting this process early in the year. Background checks are free of charge and must be completed through Davis School District’s human resources department. Call 801-402-5722 or visit https://calendly.com/dsdfingerprinting Links to an external site. to make an appointment.

PTA: PTA is a great way to support our school and stay involved in activities. Meetings are generally held once a month and they are always looking for volunteers. I highly encourage you to sign up. Look for a membership information to be sent home. Their Facebook page is a great resource for information and reminders of upcoming events Hill Field PTA Links to an external site..

Absences & Tardies: Please be sure to report all absences by calling (801)-402-2356. Students will be required to make up work missed. If your student is tardy (arriving after 8:55), they will be required to enter through the front doors and need to check in using the computer in the office before coming to class.

Recess: Students will only stay inside during inclement weather and when the temperature (wind chill) reaches 20 degrees or lower.  Please ensure students are dressed appropriately for the weather. See parent handbook for more information.

Dress Code: It is important that students adhere to the school dress code. Spaghetti strap tops, short dresses and shorts, flip flops, and all hats (this includes beanies) are not permitted. Please refer to the parent handbook for more information.

Personal Device Policy: All phones and smart watches must be turned off and placed in student backpacks when on school grounds.