Carterville Intermediate School

Mrs. Lange and Mr. Fields

5th Grade

2011 – 2012

 

 

 

 


Meet the Teachers:

            My name is Erika Lange and I am very pleased to introduce myself as your child’s reading, writing, and spelling teacher.  I am originally from the state of Wyoming.  My husband (originally from Chicago area) and our two children are proud to call Carterville our home.  I taught 3rd and 5th grade at Jefferson Elementary in Marion, Illinois for six years before I was blessed with the opportunity to stay home and raise our two children.  Last year both kids were attending Tri-C, so it provided me with a chance to get back into the classroom.  I worked at CIS for all but 3 weeks of school in the 7th and mostly 6th grade.  I loved it and knew I was ready to get back into teaching full time.  I thank you in advance for a FANTASTIC year!!

 

            My name is Mark Fields and I am very pleased to introduce myself as your child’s math, science, and social studies teacher.  I grew up here in Carterville, went through the Carterville school system, and graduated in 2003.  After high school, I attended Murray State University in Kentucky for two years, then transferred back home to complete the Teacher Education Program at SIU in Carbondale.  This is my fourth year teaching at Carterville.  My father taught Jr. High math for 35 years and my mother taught 1st grade for 35 years.  My wife is also a teacher and this will be her third year.  We are both huge St. Louis Cardinals fans.  I am looking forward to this upcoming year and hope you are too!

 

CLASS OVERVIEW AND EXPECTATIONS

 

Homework Policy:

Do expect a variety of homework on a regular basis.  For the average learner, your child should NOT have more than a total of 50 minutes of homework.  If you believe your child is spending too much time on homework, please notify me at once. 

Homework will count for 50% of each quarter grade, while tests will count for the remaining 50%. Do expect a variety of homework on a regular basis.  Time each day will be dedicated to math instruction, so please expect math homework daily.   In order to explore Science and Social Studies more thoroughly, we will work on a lesson or chapter at a time alternating between the two subjects.   If you have Social Studies homework you will not have Science and vice versa.  

            Language Arts is divided into a Language Arts and Reading.  Language Arts will consist of 70% writing/grammar assignments with spelling broken into 15% for assignments and 15% for weekly assessments.  Reading consists of 45% reading assignments, 45% reading assessments, and 10% Accelerated Reading (AR).  Individual reading goals will be set for each student for AR. 

            Late work will be accepted as the policy stated in the CIS student handbook.  5h graders will be allowed an assignment to be turned in 1-day later but will incur a 20% penalty.  All homework that is more than 1-day late will receive a zero, but students may still be expected to complete the work. 

            Please check the web site and Skyward for up-to-date information regarding current homework, upcoming projects/tests, and important dates. 

Planners are required.  The planner will be filled out daily by the student and we will initial the planner.  Each evening, a parent or guardian must sign the planner making sure that all assignments are completed.  Checks for this signature will occur on a random basis.  Using the daily planner will help each student learn responsibility and keep organized.   It is also a great tool for communication so feel free to write any notes or comments. 

 

Grading Scale:

 

A+ = 100%

A  = 99 – 94%

A- = 93%

 

B+ = 92%

B  = 91 – 85%

B- = 84%

C+ = 83%

C  = 82 – 77%

C- = 76%

D+ = 75%

D  = 74 – 69%

D- = 68%

F  = 67% OR BELOW

 

Classroom Rules:

            Two main principles will be expected of each student:

                        Students Must Be Respectful and Responsible

           

            The following is a list of Classroom Rules that CIS feel are important to maintaining a positive environment for learning.

1)      Treat everyone and everything with RESPECT!

2)      Listen carefully and follow directions.

3)      Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.

4)      Respect the feeling and property of others.

5)      Be prepared, ready, and on-time for class.

 

The following is a list of possible consequences that a student will receive (in this order) if the above rules and principles are not followed:

1)      Verbal Reminder and/or Redirection

2)      Check by Name on Behavior/Work Habits Chart

3)      Second Check on Chart

4)      Third Check on Chart, lose Friday Recess, contact with parent/guardian

 

** Please be aware that if a severe or continued violation of classroom or CIS policies/rules results you may expect a loss of privilege, notification letter to parents, and/or conference with the Assistant Principal, Mr. Webb. **

 

Friday Folders:

            Each Friday, a folder (envelope) will be sent home containing all graded material and important notes for that week.  You will also find a newsletter in the Friday Folder.  Please sign the folder in the space provided and return it the following school day. 

            Each student’s weekly behavior/work habitswill be given a grade.  You may find an E for excellent, G for good, or N for needs improvement.  The grade that is earned will be based on the student’s weekly record of Conduct Codes.  If a student completes the week without any code, he/she will earn an E for the week.  If a student has 1 or 2 codes, he/she will earn a G for the week.  If 3 or more codes were recorded that student will earn an N for the week and not be allowed to participate in Friday Recess.  Four or more codes in a one week period will result in the student receiving a strike on the Great Behavin’ clipboard. 

 

 

Conduct Codes

 

      1.             Missing Assignment

      2.             Missing materials

      3.             No Friday Folder/Not Signed

      4.             Not on Task

      5.             Interrupting the Learning of Others

      6.            Not Following Directions

      7.            Planner Not Used Correctly

      8.            Disrespectful language or behavior

      9.            Not Keeping Hands, Feet, & Objects to Self

  10.            Mistreating Property

 

 

Friday Recess:

            Each Friday, at the end of the day, we will have an earned recess.  In order to receive the Friday Recess, a student must get through the week with two or less codes for behavior and work habits.  If a student has three or more codes in a one week period, they cannot participate in the recess.  That student must stay in a supervised classroom for study hall.  In addition, if a student has two or less codes for the week, but is behind in their work, they will be required to remain in the classroom during this recess.  Mrs. Lange and Mr. Fields will rotate classroom or recess responsibilities.  Please encourage your child to maintain good behavior and work habits.

 

PG Rated Movies

At times throughout the year we may view PG rated movies that we feel are appropriate for our students.  If you have any concerns about your child watching such movies, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher.

 

Allergy Awareness:

            Please be aware that in our classrooms is a student with a Tree Nut Allergy.  We have attached a snack list that will help us avoid any reactions.  Please refer to this list when we are planning a classroom party, a birthday celebration, or an AR Read Out.  We will also be very diligent about proper hygiene and washing our hands.  All students and visitors will be asked to wash their hands or use the provided hand sanitizer upon entering the classrooms.  This will really help with the health of our entire classroom.  A student with an allergy does not ask for this allergy it rather is something that they have to learn to adjust to everyday of their life.  Please be supportive as if it was your child, you would appreciate the same consideration. 

 

Communication:

            Communication is any situation is key to success.  Please feel free to contact Mrs. Lange by email (elange@cartervillelions.com), at CIS (985-6411), at home (985-8046), or my cell (967-4363).  Please contact Mr. Fields by email (mfields@cartervillelions.com) or at CIS (985-6411).

 

August 2011

 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

 

We are looking forward to spending the year with your child here at CIS.  Please take a moment to fill out the information below, which will help us stay in touch as the school year progresses.  Thank you so much for all of your time and support in advance.  Please do not hesitate to contact us (using the list of options in the communication section) with any questions, concerns, or comments.

 

 

Student’s Name ____________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name(s) ____________________________________________________

                                          ____________________________________________________

Daytime Phone Number(s) ___________________________________________________

                                            ___________________________________________________

e-mail address(es) __________________________________________________________

                              __________________________________________________________

 

Additionally, please take a moment to review with your child this handout.  Afterwards, please sign in the space provided below stating that both student and parent/guardian have read and fully understand the rules and expectations of the classroom. 

 

___________________________________________________

Student Signature and Date

 

 

___________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature and Date