• Do you celebrate birthdays in 5V?

    Yes! On, or near your birthday, you get to choose to either bring in treats (as healthy as possible, please) to share OR choose a 20 minute activity for the class to experience. i.e. extra recess, indoor choice time, class game, etc. Also, you will get a little something from me: a handwritten note to share what I appreciate about you, a couple small sweets, new pen/pencil and a paper crane. If your birthday is in the summer, we will celebrate you on your half birthday.

     

    Will I have homework?

    You will, but just a little. My dream is that you are finding time in your busy outside-of-school life to read for fun. I can't wait to hear about your journeys with books in our individual reading conferences. On most Tuesdays and Thursdays, I will ask you to do just a few practice math problems to build competence and confidence around the skill we are working on in class.  You will have a sturdy blue folder that will travel home and back to school where you will keep your agenda and homework. Occasionally, when we are working on a big project, you might be asked to catch up/ask for help at home in order to reach your goal or practice a presentation.

     

    What's an agenda?

    An agenda is a planner that you will use to keep track of assignments and will act as a communication tool between school and home. It lets your family know what we're up to at school and what you might need help with at home. We introduce agendas in 5th grade because it can be a very helpful tool in middle school when you have multiple classes, teachers and their assignments to keep track of.

     

    Can I chew gum, eat candy or drink sugary drinks in 5V?

    NO. There will be select days throughout the year where I will allow gum/candy/sugary drinks in the classroom but they will be very limited. 

     

    Can I wear a hat in 5V?

    Yes! You may wear a hat in our classroom but that does not mean you can wear a hat in all spaces in the school.  We need to see your face, so your hat may not cover your eyes.

     

    Will we have snack in 5V?

    Yes! We do have the latest lunch period and I know it can be hard to make it to 11:50. As we transition from band/orchestra at 10:50, students will be able to grab a snack they've brought from home or a class snack. Is your family making a Costco run? I rely on families who can, to help keep our snack supply stocked :)

     

    Do we go on any field trips?

    Yes! We have a handful of community partnerships that take us up mountains to identify native and invasive plants, out to the confluence of the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers to study ecosystem health, the library, MAM and more.

     

    Do you have a burning question not answered here? Don't hesitate to email me at nvanek@mcpsmt.org