Welcome, Parents!

Mrs. Giacobbe 5th Grade

All About Me
My background
I attended Western Michigan University
(Bachelors)and Wayne State University (Masters).
I have three daughters that attend Utica
Community Schools.
Natalie is in seventh grade, Lily is in fifth grade, and
Elise is in third grade this year.
My experience
Ive been teaching for 18 years.
I have also taught 6th grade for two years and
4th grade for seven, and have taught 5 th grade
for nine years.
Meet the Fifth Grade Team

www.giacobbe5th.weebly.com
www.burnham5th@weebly.com
www.smith5th@weebly.com
Welcome to 5th grade!
Your child will receive reading, language
arts, and Social Studies instruction directly
from me.

In addition, I will support the math and

science curriculums in the classroom.

I publish a weekly newsletter that is sent

electronically on Fridays and is published on
our class website.
 Fifth Grade Day
Daily Schedule

9:00 9:15 Agenda/Morning Work Your child will switch

9:15 10:05 ELA
teachers for Math, Social
10:05 10:55 Special
10:55 11:45 Social Studies Studies, and Science
11:45 11:55 Read Aloud instruction each day.
11:55 12:15 Recess
12:15-12:40 Lunch
12:50-1:30 Science
1:30 2:10 Math Math: Mrs. Nancy Smith
2:10 2:30 Math
nancy.smith@uticak12.org
2:30 2:45 Recess
2:45 - 3:30 ELA Science: Mr. Scott
3:30 3:40 Morning Work/Agenda Burnham
3:50 Dismissal
scott.burnham@uticak12.org
Reading
Utica is using the Wonders reading series
from McGraw-Hill
Your child has two books to support their
reading.
I will be using a combination of whole and
guided reading groups.
I will assign books, work, and assessments
online using ConnectED.
All students are expected to be able to
access their account outside of school.
Writing
I use a Writers Workshop program.
It incorporates
Mini-Lessons
Writing Time
Author Share Time
Our class will be integrating our writing across
the curriculum.
Each child needs a spiral notebook to use as
their Writers Notebook
Writing receives a separate report card
Math
Math Units
Unit 1 Numbers, Estimation and Computation
Unit 2 Reasoning with Shapes
Unit 3 Extending Multiplication and Division to Decimals
Unit 4 Connecting Fractions to Decimals
Unit 5 Operations with Fractions
Unit 6 Extending Measurement to Volume
Unit 7 Algebraic Concepts and Skills

Students will be using XtraMath to boost basic skills.

The goal of XtraMath is to improve fluency and accuracy
Science
We will be utilizing a team approach with
hands-on activities, using technology, and
discussions to teach science this year.
Topics covered: Forces and Motion, Body
Systems, Heredity, Changes in Living
Things, and Solar System and Beyond.
We will again be participating with Salmon
and Sturgeon in the Classroom. The eggs
arrive in November and release is late
April/early May.
Social Studies
Fifth Grade s main focus is United States
history.
U.S. Government/Constitution
First people in Americas
Explorers
The 13 Colonies
American Revolution
Students will learn the Cornell Note system.
Each child will complete a Vocabulary Journal
to reinforce concepts encountered this year.
Spelling
I will use the McGraw-Hill spelling
program.

Each week we will cover one unit.

I will incorporate handwriting, vocabulary,

grammar, and other word skills as well.
Grading Policy
Late Work Policy
One day late = 10% marked of
ex) 95% = 85%
Any day after one day late = 50% marked
of
ex) 95% = 48%
End of Chapter = Assignment not accepted
ex) After taking the Chapter 4 test in
Science, Chapter 4 work is not
accepted.
Homework
I do not give homework!
Anything not completed in class, needs to be
finished.
If your child indicates that he/she does not
have any work:
Xtra Math
Independent Reading
Practice Math Facts
ConnectED
US History Topics
Classroom Expectations

Respect Take good care of yourself, treat others the way you want to
be treated, and take care of possessions and belongings

Responsibility Accept responsibility for what you say and do,

complete assignments on time, ask for help when you don t understand

Integrity Be honest and truthful, think before you act and respond
appropriately, be someone others can depend on

Positive Communication Be considerate with your words and actions,

be a good listener, participate in group discussions and share your best
ideas

Personal Best Do your best work and be the best you can be, learn
about yourself and discover your interests and talents, be helpful and
show concern for others
Remind
Remind is a simple way to stay informed
about what is going on in class.
I have two remind accounts:
Homeroom
Social Studies
Mr. Burnham and Mrs. Smith have accounts
for math and science.
Please take a handout from the hallway, if
you have not signed up for the Remind
program.
 Parent Portal Access
Power School is up and running.

Please check your childs account daily/weekly.

Please let me know if you do not have access to

the Parent Portal.
Daily Snack
Snack
Healthy snacks only!

May eat snack at any time during the day

Students are encouraged to bring a water

bottle.

Students are expected to clean up any messes

associated with their snacks.
Birthdays
Birthdays are special in room 14!

We will not be doing food treats for

birthdays

If you would like to donate a recess toy or

game, or book for our classroom library, it
would be greatly appreciated.
Party Planners
During the school year, we will have four
student-planned parties:
Halloween
Christmas
Valentine s Day
End of the Year Picnic

They will handle the food, drink, and hosting

duties for the scheduled day. Parents are
welcome to attend any of these scheduled
events.
Field Trips
Greenfield Village
June 3, 2018
$10.00 per person
Unlimited Chaperones

Detroit Institute of Arts

???
Free
No Chaperones
Lets Have a Great Year!