Mr. Groody’s Fifth Grade Home Page

Mr. Christopher Groody

Ringtown Elementary

89 Hancock Street

Ringtown PA 17967

(570) 889-3161

Homework Helpline number: 7585

I am a graduate of Bloomsburg University, class of 1995. After graduating, I taught Physical Education and Computer Technology at the former Immaculate Heart School in Girardville. The next year I moved to Cardinal Brennan High School where I taught seventh and eighth grade Science for two years. After some time away from teaching, I joined the team at North Schuylkill as a substitute in 2000. During this time, I spent a great deal of time getting to know the students in the district. Finally in 2003, I was hired as a permanent teacher in fifth grade at Ringtown Elementary. Since then, I have begun work on my masters through Wilkes University in Educational Development and Strategies. I have also achieved tenure and became permanently certified as a teacher in the state of Pennsylvania. I am also currently the head teacher at Ringtown Elementary.

Classroom Policy/Procedure Information

Class Description

In fifth grade, students will begin a new phase of their school career. Fifth grade begins the middle school period where students prepare themselves for high school. Throughout this school year, much will be expected of each individual. There is a great deal of material that needs to be covered in order to prepare for the Pennsylvania State Assessments. Students will be asked to manage their time wisely. More emphasis is placed on working independently. We will also concentrate on building character skills that will help students throughout their school and adult lives. Fifth grade will be a new and exciting time. I try to make learning as fun as possible so that students are enthusiastic about coming to school each day.

Textbooks

Students will be assigned textbooks in the first week of school. All books must be covered at all times and be kept in acceptable condition throughout the school year. Workbooks for Math, Reading (Reading, Grammar, Spelling Practice books), and Social Studies will also be assigned. I always suggest that some type of cover be put on those as well so that they do not fall apart (e.g. contact paper). Students are responsible for their books. If a book is lost or damaged to the point where it cannot be used, students will be charged the cost of the book to have a second one issued.

Attendance

Students are expected to be in school on time every day. In the event that absence is necessary, the student is responsible for any/all work missed. Please try to call the school and let the office know whom the work can be sent home with or if it will be picked up. If an absence occurs on the day before a scheduled test, I will work with the student on a make up day for the test. If the student knows about a test and is absent, he/she will be expected to take the test upon return to school. If there are special circumstances for an absence, please contact me so that arrangements can be made to make up work or tests.

Participation/Homework

Class participation is encouraged. Homework is required. Students will have homework each day, except Fridays (unless absolutely necessary). All homework is on the homework helpline each day. I try to post tests several days in advance. If homework is not complete, students will be subject to consequences. It will also affect their grade in whatever subject area(s) is/are not complete.

Conference Times

Parent conferences will be announced later in the school year. If at any time you feel that a conference is necessary to discuss the progress of your son/daughter, please contact me to set it up. I am available at lunch/recess to meet with students if they have any questions or concerns.

Conduct

Students are expected to act like mature fifth graders. They need to be familiar with the school handbook and follow the school rules. We will develop class rules and consequences together during the first week of school.

Class Trip

A class trip will be scheduled for the spring (usually in April). In the past, we have gone to Gettysburg and Philadelphia. If we continue with this, we will go to Philadelphia this year. Details will be sent home prior to the trip.

Assignment Expectations

It is expected that work be submitted on time. Quality work is expected at all times. It should be neat and proofread. Projects or assignments submitted late will be subject to a reduced grade. I encourage students to have a folder for each subject area to use for work/papers in that area. This helps in keeping assignments organized until they are turned in.

Progress Reports

Progress reports are sent home in or around the fourth or fifth week of the marking period. Students then have at least four weeks to improve their grade if they need to. Reports must be signed and returned by the designated date.

Work Folders

Folders are sent home on Fridays or the last day of school before a break. There will be papers to keep home and papers to return. All tests except spelling tests must be returned. Any other papers may be kept home unless told otherwise. Lunch slips will also be in the folder. Please try to return them on Monday so that the cafeteria workers can be prepared for the week.

PSSA Tests

The Pennsylvania State Assessment tests are administered in February and March/April. The writing portion of the test is in late February. This part of the test requires students to respond to writing prompts. The math/reading part is administered in late March or early April. There is also a writing component to these tests as well. Throughout the year, we will be covering material in preparation for these tests.

Textbooks Used

Math:

Harcourt Math, Pennsylvania Edition ISBN # 0-15-343121-0

www.harcourtschool.com

Reading:

Harcourt Reading ISBN # 0-15-318934-7

www.harcourtschool.com

Science:

McGraw-Hill Science ISBN# 0-02-280096-4

www.mhscience02.com

Social Studies:

McGraw Hill: United States-Adventures in Time and Place

ISBN# 0-02-147606-3