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= =    Welcome to Mr. Piligian’s Fifth Grade Class Room 244 CAO: Mr. Patterson Principal: Mr. Jackson Assistant Principal: Mr. Kyles (313) 961-2108       Dear Parents and Guardians,   Hello! My name is Mr. Joseph Piligian, and I am looking forward to an exciting year with you and your fifth grader. I am a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, holding a degree in Philosophy and a minor in German. Although I was born and raised in California, my father grew up in the city of Detroit , and I am very excited to be in his hometown, teaching the Detroit youth! I have had previous experience teaching Geometry at South Shore High School in Chicago, and am eager to take on the exciting new task of teaching elementary school! If you ever feel the need to reach me, or have any questions/concerns, you can dial me on my school telephone (above), or reach me after hours on my mobile phone (805) 290 0000 (before 9:30 p.m. please!). I’m looking forward to a great year of hard work and new challenges, and I hope that you and your child are ready to “Bring it!” for a successful academic school year!    Sincerely,      Mr. Joseph Piligian   <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-indent: 0.5in;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__ Classroom Expectations  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> My classroom expectations for your child are as follows: <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-indent: -0.25in;"> * Be positive and relentless in the pursuit of education <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-indent: -0.25in;"> * Be respectful and honest <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-indent: -0.25in;"> * Be responsible and complete assignments <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-indent: -0.25in;"> * Be a good listener, and a positive contributor <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-indent: -0.25in;"> * Be kind to his/her classmates <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-indent: -0.25in;"> * Get the help he/she needs!!! That’s what I’m here for! <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> My expectations are simple, but necessary. My classroom is going to be one of hard work and accountability. If your student meets these expectations, he/she will succeed! The last expectation is key, I am here to give your student the support he/she needs, but I will need your student’s help in this! Encourage your student to ask questions and be active in securing their success! Together we can achieve great things! <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__ Our Classroom as a Community  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> In fifth grade a major focus is for students to learn how to be responsible and successful within a community. In life we are always a part of communities, some are large and some are small. We are all part of the large community of Detroit, and the smaller community of Woodward Academy. Each student will play a very significant role in our classroom community. Students will be given various responsibilities within the classroom to make sure that our classroom community is organized, positive, and productive. Students will be “paid” with Bellers Bucks on Fridays depending on their behavior within the community. The students will earn $1.00 a day, which means by the end of each week they have the possibility of earning $5.00 total. The students will have a savings account record book that they will use to keep track of their money. They will deposit their money into the community bank, which will also keep track of their funds. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> On the last Thursday of the month we will hold Market Day. This will give students the opportunity to spend their well earned money on themselves (or buy gifts for others). Students will also be responsible for coming up with a good or service to sell during Market Day. This could be anything from homemade jewelry to coupons for a desk cleaning. Each student must make a store sign with a price list for the goods/services being sold. At the end of Market Day the students will deposit their remaining profits into the bank and record it into their account books. Throughout this school year the students will be learning about supply and demand, counting and managing money, responsibility, and social skills. Market Day is a fun, hands-on approach to learning these concepts. ***More detailed information will be sent home to you prior to the first Market Day. ***   <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__  Tickets/Discipline Procedure  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> As a community we must have laws. As citizens within a community we must abide by the laws. I expect to have a fantastic year, however if a student chooses to “break the law” there will be consequences. If a law is broken there will be a ticket issued. Tickets will be given in the form of a card flip. Each student will have a behavior card posted in the classroom with their number on it. If a students breaks a law they will be asked to flip their card. The card will now read Offense #1 – Ticket price $1.00. This means that at the end of the week, on payday, the student will have to pay their fine using Bellers’ Bucks. If, within the same week, the same student breaks another law and is asked to flip their card it will read Offense #2 – Ticket price $3.00. If this happens a phone call home will be made by the student and me. This is to allow the student to take responsibility for their actions. This student will also miss recess for that day. The third offense will read Offense #3 – Ticket price $5.00. At this point a phone call will be made again and the student will lose their whole paycheck for the week, as well as recess and fun activities that may be coming up in the following week. If the behavior continues, immediate action will be taken by administration. Each week the students start with a clean slate. Their cards will be flipped back to the starting position and they will hopefully have an outstanding week. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__ Fifth Grade Curriculum  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> The fifth graders have an intense but fun curriculum. The students take the Science, ELA, and Mathematics MEAP in the month of October. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Woodward Academy’s curriculum is aligned with Michigan’s Grade Level Content Expectations (or GLCEs). These GLCEs can be found on the Michigan Department of Education website at [|www.michigan.gov/mde]. The GLCEs outline the types of literacy, mathematics, social studies, and science skills students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> In mathematics, fifth graders are responsible for learning multi-digit multiplication and division, measurement, geometry, fractions, and statistics. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> For ELA, fifth graders are responsible for reading all genres of literature, writing poems, letters, and essays. They must be able to utilize correct spelling and grammar in all aspects of writing. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> The science curriculum for fifth grade includes elements of physical science, earth science, chemical science, and biology. We will also be recycling in the classroom this year. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> In social studies we will be learning more about American History. This includes government, economics, civic duty, and the electoral process. The fifth grade also leads the Student Council for the elementary grades. They participate in campaigning, the voting process, and the importance of finding ways to meet the needs of their school and peers. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-align: center;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__ Assignment Log  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> The students will receive an assignment binder that will include their Woodward Academy planner and a folder/sleeve for every subject area. The students will be responsible for taking this binder with them to every class. As soon as they are given an assignment, they will put it in the binder. If used correctly, this binder will help keep each student organized. Please ask your student about this binder everyday. There will be a place in the planner for the parents/guardians to sign everyday. The teacher will also sign the planner daily. This is a simple task, but essential for all of us (teacher, parent, student) to stay on the same page and in good communication. So please make sure that your student brings this binder back to school and signed everyday. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__ Grading Scale  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Percentage Letter Grade <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> 90% - 100% A   <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">  80% - 89% B   <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">  70% - 79% C   <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">  60% - 69% D   <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">  59% or below E   <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__ Monday Folders  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Students will receive a Monday Folder every Monday. In this folder you will find a behavior report for your child reflecting the past week’s behavior. Missing homework and in-class assignments will be listed. Parents/Guardians will be expected to sign the folder and send it back to school the following day. Any papers and school memos that need to go home will be included in this folder. Please ask your child for the Monday Folder at the beginning of every week. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__ Newsletter  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> I will be sending home a class newsletter to keep parents/guardians informed of what’s going on in our classroom. Be on the look out for students that are highlighted for superb behavior and/or academic performance. You can find this newsletter in the Monday Folder. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__ Snacks  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Please allow your child to bring a healthy snack to school daily. We will have a designated snack time every morning. Not having a snack makes for a very, very long morning. So let’s please keep our students fueled and ready for learning. We also do not want our students loaded down with snacks that might interfere with learning. So the school is asking that students not bring in any candy, potato chips, gum, or junk food. The only beverage permitted is water. This goes for lunch time as well. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Here are some healthy snack ideas: <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Fresh fruits/veggies Baked Chips Cheez-its <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Popcorn Granola Bars Bagels <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Soft Pretzels Hard Pretzels Crackers <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> String Cheese Cereal Bar Nuts and Seeds <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Animal Crackers Trail Mix Fig Cookies <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__ Arrival  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> School starts promptly at 8:05 a.m.! Tardies will be marked starting at 8:10 a.m. Please refer to your Woodward Academy Handbook for the policy on tardiness. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__ Dismissal  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> School is dismissed at 3:05 p.m. Fifth grade students will be dismissed through the main doors. Please make arrangements for your child to be picked up here. I will be waiting with the class here until 3:30 p.m. If you feel that you cannot make it by 3:30 p.m., Woodward Academy offers very nice latch key and Kidzone programs that your child can be enrolled in. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__ Specials  __ Monday 1:00-2:00 Computers - Mrs. Markusic Tuesday 1:00-2:00 Spanish Wednesday 8:05-9:05 Art - Ms. Folta Thursday 1:00-2:00 Physical Education - Mr. Toboy Friday 10:15-11:15 Vocal Music - Ms. Jasina <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-align: center;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__ Contact Information  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> There will be many times throughout this school year when we will need to contact one another. You may reach me at (313) 961-2108 extension 304, or on my mobile after hours (805) 290 0000 (please no calls after 9:30pm unless unavoidable). You may also choose to send a note to school with your child. It is also important that I am able to contact you when needed. Please send the information card that is attached to this packet back to school. Please include the numbers that you are easily reached at as well as any other piece of information that you think I should know pertaining to your child. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-indent: -0.25in;">__ Uniforms  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Students must wear a clean uniform to school each day. No student will be permitted in school out of uniform. If an infraction occurs, the parent/guardian will be contacted and the student sent home unless a satisfactory solution is found. Students who deliberately choose not to wear their uniforms will be subject to suspension. See the student handbook for the complete uniform policy. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;">__ School Supplies  __ <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> These things will come in handy any time during the school year. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Pencils Erasers <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Colored Pencils Kleenex <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Clorox Wipes Anti-Bacterial Hand Sanitizer <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Pencil Sharpeners Lined Paper <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Markers Colored Pencils <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> Multi-Colored Index Cards Multi-Colored Construction Paper <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt -9pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-align: center;">  Thank you in advance for all of the help and support that I know you are going to contribute to your child’s education. I hope that all of you are as excited as I am for a productive, exciting, and challenging school year!