Mrs. Palmer's Welcome Back Book

Hello!

I'm Sharra Palmer and I'll be teaching 5th grade for the 2020-21 school-year at Antelope Canyon Elementary! I have been teaching for 23 years, and most of my time has been spent teaching in the 5th grade. I'm so excited to get back into the swing of things. We are going to be learning so much this year. My favorite subjects to teach are math, social studies, and literature. I LOVE reading books aloud as a class, and we'll read several fantastic novels this year.

I grew up in Bountiful, Utah, which is just north of Salt Lake City. Although I'm a HUGE Jazz fan, I enjoy watching all sports. Go UTES! I enjoy reading historical fiction, drawing, hiking, and traveling all over the U.S. My husband is a retired police officer turned therapist, and together we have two teenage daughters. Savannah (age 17) will be a senior at Copper Hills High School and Sophie (age 14) will be in the ninth-grade at Sunset Ridge Middle School.

This year will be an exciting one! We have so many things to look forward to doing, and my goal is to keep a positive mindset. Together we will have an amazing year!

I look forward to seeing you and getting to know one another!

Mrs. Palmer

Classroom Rules & Expectations

On the first day, we'll be creating our class motto,
as well as discussing the Be Respectful, Be Responsible,
and Be Safe model.

Below are basic rules for our classroom:

Rule 1--I will keep my hands, feet, and objects to myself.
Rule 2--I will listen, follow directions, and prepare myself to learn each day.
Rule 3--I will have positive actions and statements towards others--no put downs, name calling, swearing, or harassment.
Rule 4--I will be safe, respectful, and responsible at school and in the community.
Rule 5--I will keep our classroom neat and clean.

Homework

Students will be expected to read at least 150 minutes over the course of seven days. However the student/parent(s) decide to break it up is up to them. Other than this reading, students will only be required to complete work that isn't completed during the day or week.

Curriculum

In math, students will be continuing on with Math Expressions. Students will be learning fractions across all operations (+, -, x, ÷), multiple digit multiplication and division with and without decimals, area and volume, and the basics of the metric system. I will be giving ample time to complete math assignments. If students use their time wisely, they shouldn't have any math homework. I will work with you and your child if we need to make adjustments on any work given.

The Journeys reading curriculum will be what we're studying all year long. Students will read a story each week, analyze the text structure, and comprehend the main idea of each lesson. Students will have weekly vocabulary words from this same story, and work they'll need complete. A good portion of our spelling work will be done on SpellingCity.com.

We just adopted a totally new science core and a brand new curriculum to go with it. It's a very hands-on way of doing science, and students will exploring ideas through discussions and experiments. The subjects we'll be discussing are: Characteristics and Interactions of Earth Systems, Properties and Changes of Matter, and Cycling of Matter in Ecosystems. Below is a link where you can learn more about the different changes in science this year.
https://www.uen.org/core/core.do?courseNum=3051

Technology

If you have not done so, please take the time to sign the Acceptable User Policy (Skyward), so your child will be able to use the internet at school. We have chromebooks for each student in our class, and as part of our daily studies we'll be using Canvas, Nearpod, Google Classroom, as well as many other educational websites. Using the computer on a daily basis at school provides your child a safe way to explore, learn computer etiquette, and practice using the internet.

Lexia

Lexia is an online program used to help students practice comprehension, word study, and grammar skills. After students take a placement test, students are given a level and targeted practice. This program is great for students above, on, and below grade level.

Spelling City

Spelling City is an online program that 5th grade will be using to help our kids practice weekly spelling and vocabulary words.

Typing Club

Typing Club is a great website that we'll be using to help perfect and speed up our typing abilities. It targets what students have learned and then challenges them to increase their typing fluency.

School Supplies

All students will be provided with any necessary school supplies. However, if you are looking to donate any supplies, here is a list that your child might appreciate having of their own or to donate:
Ticonderoga Pencils
College Ruled Composition Notebooks
One Subject Notepads
Crayons or Colored Pencils
Dry Erase Markers
Glue Sticks
Computer Mouse
Headphones or Earbuds
Kleenex
Clorox Wipes
Hand Sanitizer

Classroom Treats

I like to provide special treats as motivation and as a reward for my students. If you'd like to donate treats such as Smarties, Laffy-Taffy, Hi-Chews, and Jolly Ranchers, I'd really appreciate it! If your child cannot have those treats due to an allergy, please let me know so that I can provide alternative treats or rewards.

Communication

Maintaining communication between home and school is imperative for student success. I will be using the free app called Remind. I've used this for a couple of years and have found it a very reliable tool. Each week I'll be providing a newsletter for students and parents. I'll post this on Remind, as well as providing a paper copy to send home. This newsletter will have the students' spelling words, vocabulary, math information, and an upcoming events section. In using the Remind app and providing a newsletter, I hope to provide an avenue for constant and consistent communication. You can text @efg3ak to the number 81010 and you'll receive a welcome text from Remind. Below is a link that has all the information to get you signed up, as well.
Remind

Classroom Management

My goal each year is to try and make that year the most positive experience for each child. Therefore, my classroom management is based upon reinforcing good behavior. For the first part of the year, students will be earning tickets for a weekly drawing. Students can earn Yes Tickets for answering questions correctly, completing extra work, helping others, and being good examples. Likewise, students can earn No Tickets for not following directions, talking out, breaking rules, or being disrespectful to others. Each week we'll do a drawing and the kids that have YES tickets who are drawn can earn a prize. For the second half of the year, students will be putting their names up in squares on a Lotto Board. Those kids who get their square drawn out, can get a prize out of the Lotto Box. Basically, kids learn in my class that the more work they do correctly and the kinder they are to others, the more rewards they'll receive.

Covid-19

When Covid-19 first started, we were told to go to the distance learning model of teaching. I have not yet experienced what it is like to teach in the classroom during this pandemic. I felt it important for you to know that I will be wearing a face mask or a face shield while I'm teaching. Although I am not at high risk, I have family members that are and I'd like to keep it from coming home with me. I also want you to know that your child's safety and well-being is important to me, and I'll do my best to communicate effectively and help your child to know that he/she is a valuable member of my classroom!

Mrs. Palmer without a mask on and with a mask on.