May 26, 2009

Dear Families:

Welcome to track one fifth grade at West Lake Elementary School! We have an exciting year ahead of us! The students will increase their knowledge in all areas through cooperative learning, independent work, and hands-on activities. Fifth grade is an important year as we prepare our students academically and socially for middle school. It can be a challenging year because of our focus on being responsible for actions and work. If we all work together I’m sure your child will become a self-sufficient middle school student!

I will expect the best of all students in both academic areas and behavior. During the first week of school I will send you the rules and policies of our school and our classes to be signed. I will email newsletters or send them home in Monday folders every week. Please make sure that you read those.

As the year progresses, I will ask for specific items so that we will be able to participate in the many activities I have planned. For now, each student will need the following items:

· One 3-ring binder for math, reading, and social studies (should be at least 1-inch thick, but not more than 3-inches)

· Divider tabs for the 3-ring notebook; notebook paper

· Six composition or spiral notebooks

· An agenda/assignment book (Agendas from the school are $6.00)

· Pencils with erasers; black and red ink pens

· Three 2-pocket, 3-prong folders for science, and writing (any color)

· One 3-ring binder for student-led conferences

· One pack of index cards

· One 3-prong folder to use for homework (any color)

· A supply container (preferably one that fits in the 3-ring notebook)

· Box of tissues (like Puffs with lotion)

Optional

· Colored pencils, scissors, glue (preferably gel), or highlighter

I am looking forward to a valuable partnership between home and school. I appreciate your cooperation with all school policies and procedures in advance.

See you in July!

Ms. Montgomery