To Room 27 Students and Parents/Guardians,

Introduction

Welcome to 5th Grade.  My name is David Pettinari, Mr. P., and I’ll be your child’s teacher this year at JFK.  I graduated magna cum laude from San Francisco State University with a BA in Classics (that's ancient languages like Latin, Greek, Egyptian, etc.) I did my credential work at San Francisco State as well.  I have a supplemental credential in computer programs and applications as well.  I’m looking forward to having your child in my class this year.  If at any time you need to reach me please call the school’s main number (650) 991 - 1239.

Curriculum Overview

Language Arts

This year will be a most exciting and challenging year for you and your child.  The Jefferson Elementary School District Language Arts series is Reading Street and it is published by Pearson. 

The series  is a streamlined, teacher directed program with many activities designed to build academic vocabulary, improve reading fluency and increase comprehension.  At the conclusion of each week your child will undergo a variety of comprehensive assessments.   Another vital part of this curriculum is the spelling program.  Your child will have a spelling assessment every Friday.  This is a major component of his/her spelling grade.  Finally, students will participate in small group reading activities which allow for greater teacher-student and student-student feedback.

Mathematics

Once again, this year, your child will experience daily lessons from the Everyday  Mathematics series.  This series builds upon previous exposure to math skills and concepts while simultaneously providing instruction and development in new areas.  In addition, students will receive targeted instruction in number sense, algebraic thinking, and mathematical reasoning.  This is done to help students more easily think their way through basic math and word problems.  Student assessments are done through the use of homework, teacher observation, and unit tests given every 1 - 3 weeks. Math quizzes will also be given and students may or may not receive prior notice of these.

Social Studies

Social studies this year will cover the American experience from a variety of perspectives.  The 5^th grade’s study of American history will stretch from the country’s early beginnings up to the modern era.  Major topics include the influence of European explorers on native peoples, the impact of slavery on American society, and today’s growing and changing world.  Students will participate in many activities which will  require both individual and group participation.  Students will be required to learn all 50 states and their capital cities as well as the names and dates of the 44 presidents.

Science

Science this year will include and in-depth look at building blocks of nature including properties of matter and chemical changes, cell and human body systems, classification systems, photosynthesis, weather and natural phenomena.  Students will also explore the solar system.  Because children learn by doing, our science work will be a combination of hands on experience and textbook assignments.  

JFK's 5th grade team recent;y completed Year 1 and attended Year 2 summer session of the Teacher Institute on Science and Sustainability (TISS) at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.  This is an intensive hands on program designed to make teachers well versed in all aspects of science and its implication on the environment.  The TISS program also requires several hours of instruction outside the classroom and your 5th  grade teachers will be completing more than 30 hours of workshops during the upcoming school year.  The 5th grade team is committed to giving your child the best science education he/she may receive.

Art/Music/Physical Education

Although there is no “art period” there will be many opportunities for your child to express her/himself thorough art.  Nearly every project they complete will require your child to creatively express his/her hard work in a diligent and attractive manner. 

5^th graders receive a daily half-hour of on-sight Physical Education (PE) taught by a qualified and professional educator.  It is a required part of your child’s education and she/he will receive an evaluation from the instructor for his/her participation.

Music education (band) is a voluntary class in which your student can learn to play an instrument.  Although this is a voluntary program I encourage participation as this leads to a full and well-rounded education.  If you would like additional information please contact me and I will endeavor to obtain information for you.

Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education is a week long experience for 5th grade students in San Mateo County.  We will going to Outdoor Ed the week of April 7 - 11.  This is the week following Spring Break.  All JFK 5th graders are expected to attend. This is a unique time for your child to spend a week fully supervised at the San Mateo County Outdoor Education facility in La Honda.  The teachers will be in attendance the entire week and on call 24 hours a day. You will receive more information soon.

Homework/Class Work Policy

Please, not only speak with your child each night about homework, but get involved with his/her assignments. This better prepares you and your child for a sometimes difficult and rigorous academic program. Students will receive assignments in various subjects each day which must be completed by the next class day.  I encourage you to visually check your student’s homework log and completed homework each day.  This will help him/her complete his/her homework regularly and completely with his/her best effort applied, and, at the same time also help you to monitor your child’s academic progress.  Should you have questions regarding homework or you child’s progress please contact me. Homework is posted on the website at:

http://www.jsd.k12.ca.us/John%20F.%20Kennedy/Class/554-Room-27

You can type in this address directly then click on each week or you can:

Access the JFK Website at:

http://www.jsd.k12.ca.us/John%20F.%20Kennedy/

Scroll down the left side bar until you see classes. Mouse over this until the menu for grade levels appear. Choose 5th grade, then room 27.

Student Assessment

The Jefferson Elementary School District is using a California state standards based report card.  This means that your child will not receive letter grades.  Instead, your student’s academic progress will be evaluated using the following scale

1 = Below grade level standard.

2 = Progressing toward grade level standard.

3 = Meets or exceeds grade level standard.

Please remember that a score of 1, 2, 3 does not correlate nor indicate a letter grade and a score of 3 should be regarded as a long term goal for all students.  If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s scores feel free to inquire at any time but especially during parent/teacher conference week which is scheduled to first occur in November.  For immediate concerns please contact me to arrange a time and date to speak about your child’s progress.

Classroom Rules

Please note that these rules to do not in any way supersede or replace the Jefferson Elementary School District or JFK school rules which still apply in all situations.  In addition to our classroom rules, this year we have agreed to…

1. Respect each other’s: bodies, belongings and classroom.

2. Treat ourselves, our classmates and our teachers with respect at all times.

Should any student violate any classroom rules the consequences for such behavior are as follows:

Thank you very much for your attention.  I know that together we can make your child's 5th grade experience the best it can be.

Contact Information

Should you need to contact me for any reason, please do not hesitate.  I will attempt to be as swift and prompt in my reply as I can.

Telephone:

(650) 991 - 1239 ext. 5027 

This is the main school number and 5027 is my classroom extension.

Excepting emergency situations, all phone messages will go directly to voice mail during the hours of 8:15 am and 3:30 pm.   

Internet/Email

I can be reached via email at:

dpettinari@jsd.k12.ca.us

I will attempt to answer emails as promptly as possible.

Please watch the website as upcoming events will be listed under the classroom site.