Dear Incoming Fifth Grade Students,
We look forward to working with you this coming school year, helping you to become well prepared for Middle School. The Fifth Grade curriculum will be exciting as you enter into a new phase of lifelong studies. The Language Arts, History, Math and Science will build on all you’ve learned these past five years.

In Reading and Language Arts we will work to increase your vocabulary, tie our readings into American History, and help you to become the writers you aspire to be. During the summer, we want you to read for pleasure as you learn about history, and experience quality literature

Every student entering the 5^th grade at Washington School is required to read two books during the summer. One book must be a Newberry Award winning book. A list of the winners is attached. Please note that many of these books are really more appropriate for the middle school, so students and parents are asked to make a choice after considering the reading level and the overall theme of the book. Also, several titles have been deleted from the list as they have already been read at a lower grade level, or will be read next year as a class.

The second book should be on an explorer, or a person or event from the Exploration, Colonial or Revolutionary War Period of the United States.* This is the area of concentration for the 5^th grade Social Studies curriculum. It is our hope that as we journey through the exploration and founding of our country, students will be able to identify and enhance this experience with facts they learned during the summer.

(This is the title you must use for your report.) Remember to write neatly and indent for each paragraph.

I. Introduction: (Please use complete sentences for all information in this section.)

Title of the book (underlined).

The name of the Author and the Illustrator (if there is no illustrator, you must tell me this.)

The genre or type of book (Is it a mystery, Newberry Award, fiction, biography?)

II. Body: (Please use complete sentences for all information in this section.)

Theme: What is the main idea in your book or the main thing happening?

Setting: Where and when did the story take place?

Main Characters: Who are the main people in the story?

(Please be sure the theme, setting, and main character information is separate

from the summary.)

Summary: What is your book about? *This part needs to be at least one or two paragraphs.

III. Conclusion: (Please use complete sentences for all information in this section.)

What did you like or dislike about this book?

Would you recommend it to a friend? Why or why not?

**Remember to design a nice cover for your report.

It should include the title, author, your first and last name, due date, and your homeroom teacher’s name.

Help your child get into the habit of using a "to-do" list. Checklists can be used to list assignments and household chores and to remind children to bring appropriate materials to class. It is recommended that children keep a small pad or notebook dedicated to listing homework assignments. Crossing completed items off the list will help children feel a sense of accomplishment.

Before beginning a homework session, encourage your child to number assignments in the order in which they are to be done. Children should start with one that's not too long or difficult but avoid saving the longest or hardest assignments for last.

Children should study in the same place every night where supplies and materials are close at hand. This space doesn't have to be a bedroom, but it should be a quiet place with few distractions. Young children may want their study space near a parent. This should be encouraged, as parents can then have the opportunity to monitor progress and encourage good study habits.

Children should know that a certain time every day is reserved for studying and doing homework. The best time is usually not right after school, as most children benefit from time to unwind first. Parents should include their child in making this decision. Even if your child does not have homework, the reserved time should be used to review the day's lessons, read for pleasure or work on an upcoming project.

Help your child keep track of papers by organizing them in a binder or notebook. The purpose of a notebook is to help keep track of and remember the material for each day's classes and to organize the material later to prepare for tests and quizzes. Use dividers to separate class notes, or color-code notebooks. Having separate "to do" and "done" folders helps organize worksheets, notices and items to be signed by parents as well as provide a central place to store completed assignments.

Children should be encouraged to go through and sort out book bags and notebooks on a weekly basis. Old tests and papers should be organized and kept in a separate file at home.

Try to establish and stick to a regular dinnertime and a regular bedtime. This will help your child fall into a pattern when at home. Children with a regular bedtime go to school well rested. Try to limit television watching and computer play to specific amounts of time during the day.

Keep a large wall-sized calendar for the household that lists the family's commitments, schedules for extracurricular activities, days off from school and major events at home and at school. Note dates when your children have big exams or due dates for projects. This will help family members keep track of each other's activities and avoid scheduling conflicts.

Before your child goes to bed he/she should pack schoolwork and books in a book bag. Clothes should be ironed and laid out with shoes, socks and accessories. This will cut down on morning confusion and allow your child to prepare for the day ahead.

Help your child develop organizational skills by photocopying checklists and schedules and taping them to the refrigerator. Give children gentle reminders about filling in calendar dates and keeping papers and materials organized. Most important, set a good example

The fifth graders have been thinking a lot about compassion and kindness and how they can spread these positive thoughts to their Washington School family. After much consideration, they came up with the idea of a

This tree is filled with gifts of kindheartedness and compassion to spread throughout Washington School.

During the Week of December 17^th, every student in the school is invited to take one Kindness Ornament from the tree. You are then encouraged to perform the Act of Kindness this week for someone at Washington School.

After you have performed your Act of Kindness, write your name on the front of the Kindness Ornament, (on the side with the writing,) and bring it to a fifth grader who will be waiting for you outside of the lunchroom during your lunch time. They will be there to congratulate you with a smile and surprise. They will also help you glue your ornament onto a big holiday tree.