j0395714[1]Mrs. Lisula’s Math Newsletterj0395714[1]

klisula@palos118.org

Volume 1, Number 1                            September 12, 2008

 

Dear Parents,

 

Overjoyed is how I would describe myself at the beginning of each school year. It is so exciting and fun to get to know each and every one of the students. This is a very special time in your child’s life, as he/she will be learning new things this year. Fifth grade is such an important year as we try to make it a smooth transition into middle school. (Okay, now you can all cry!) Yes, this means more responsibility and independence for the students. These skills will help carry them through their future school endeavors.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree from Elmhurst College with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. After I received my degree, I taught fifth grade for five years in La Grange District 102. I am very excited to begin my fourth year teaching fifth grade at Palos West.

 

I am married with two wonderful children. Hunter is eight years old and he will be in third grade. Cadence is four years old and will be starting her second year of preschool. (Okay, now it’s my turn to cry!)

 

In closing, I am truly looking forward to working with you this year in math as we help your child experience all the joys of learning.  Your participation and encouragement will be a major contribution to your child’s success this year!

 

       Sincerely,

      Mrs. Lisula

 

Everyday Mathematics

 

I would like to welcome you and your child to Everyday Mathematics. Everyday Mathematics is a curriculum developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project to offer students a broad background in mathematics. I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to have taught Everyday Math for five years prior to my time at Palos West. I find this program to be very challenging, enriching, exciting, and engaging.  I believe it helps the students become life-long mathematical thinkers.

At the beginning of every unit, your child will receive a unit Family Letter. This letter gives you an overview of the unit’s content, games played, vocabulary, and answers for your child’s Study Link homework.

 

Your child has received the following materials for this program: Student Reference Book, Student Journals (Volumes 1 and 2), TI-15 calculator (purchased by student), and geometry template (purchased by student).

 

Student Reference Book: Student Reference Book is a book to look up topics introduced, including many worked examples.

This book has sections on:

 

Study Links: Study Links are the Everyday Mathematics version of homework assignments. Study Links problems review the content of each lesson, and almost all contain ongoing computational practice.

 

Math Boxes: Math Boxes are a main part of review and skills maintenance in Everyday Mathematics. The Math Boxes are located in the Student Journals.

 

Almost every night your child will have a Study Link and a Math Box page for homework. Attached to this letter, you will find many useful articles to assist you with helping your child be successful in this program.

 

Website: http://www.everydaymathonline.com

 

Your child’s Username and Password is attached to this newsletter. This website contains the online, interactive version of the Student Reference Book and interactive games.

Math Folders

Every Friday your child will be bringing home a math folder.  Every week I will be sending home your child’s Study Links that he/she completed for homework and then graded in class. Please do not throw away the Study Links until each unit is completed. The Study Links are a good resource for your child to study from for the end of unit test. Also in the folder, there will be a sheet for you to sign, so I know you received all the “important” information. Please sign the folder and send it back with your child on Monday. If there is a major, end of the unit test, I would like you to sign this test no matter what the grade is, so I know you are aware of your child’s grade.

Assignments

Each student was given an assignment notebook. Every homework assignment and any daily information will be written in this book.

Homework & Assignment Alert

 

Your child will receive homework nightly. If homework is finished and turned in, students will receive two points for the day. If they do not have their homework in class, or it was incomplete, students will receive an Assignment Alert (An Assignment Alert is issued when a student does not turn in an assignment on time. The alert will specify the assignment that is missing. The Assignment Alert needs to be taken home and signed by a parent, then returned to school the next day along with the missing work.

 

If the homework is brought back the next day completed, the child will receive 1 point. If the homework is not completed the following day, the student will receive a zero and an additional Assignment Alert will be sent home to keep you informed. Points are totaled weekly and figured into a percentage for a weekly homework grade.

 

It is extremely important that a child do his/her homework because this is how he/she learns to master a skill and reinforce others.

 

The Assignment Redo

 

A student is not in any kind of trouble at school if he or she receives an Assignment Redo Stamp on his or her paper. The intent of an Assignment Redo is to help the child learn from mistakes and to inform parents of the skill(s)/area(s), which may need to be reinforced with some parental assistance. A redo is not intended as a punishment.

 

Math Facts

 

It is essential that your child master his/her math facts. These should be studied nightly. The objective is to master facts in order to increase speed and accuracy.

 

Parent/Teacher Communication

 

Parent/teacher communication is such a vital part of your child’s success. In order to ensure your child’s success, I will be utilizing several modes of communication which will include sending home a unit Family Letter, daily updated classroom website, Math Folders, and e-mail or telephone calls (when needed).

 

Contact Information                                       

 

Please do not hesitate to contact                               

me with any questions or concerns.                    

E-mail- klisula@palos118.org

Reach a Teacher- 708-448-6888

Mrs. Lisula’s Voice Mail #- 708- 761-3834

Website- http://teacherweb.palos118.org/klisula/

 

5th Grade Math Rules

1)      Listen and Follow Directions

2)      Talk with Permission

3)      Bring Necessary Supplies to Class

4)      Respect People and their Property

 

Behavior Alert

 

A Behavior Alert will be issued to a student if his/hers behavior is truly disruptive and a parent needs to be notified. A behavior alert is similar to a missing assignment in that a sheet is filled out by the student and must be signed by the teacher and parent. Attached to the Behavior Alert notice will be a written explanation of the inappropriate behavior displayed in class.

 

Grading Scale

(Grading Scale for Grades 3-5)

 

A        93-100

A-       90-92

B+       88-89

B        83-87

B-       80-82

C+       78-79

C        73-77

C-       70-72

D+       68-69

D        63-67

D-       60-63

F        0-59

 

 

 

Report card final grades are calculated as follows:

 

50%- Unit Tests

25%- Recognizing Student Achievement (Daily concept assessments)

25%- Homework