September 24th, 2018

Please see the following email that was sent home to parents/guardians this evening:

Good evening,

For those parents/guardians who have not yet had the opportunity to speak to me in person, let me quickly introduce myself. My name is Ashley Barrington and I am teaching the Grade 5 classroom at Christina Gordon Public School this year. Usually, I send a general email home each week about upcoming events, activities, homework, etc. I also update our classroom website (www.ashleybarrington.com) on a daily basis. This is the easiest place for parents/guardians to access day-to-day information about our classroom. Parents can also reach me by email (ashley.barrington@fmpsd.ab.ca) or phone (587-276-2017) with questions or concerns. Usually email is the easiest way to contact me, as it can be difficult to receive phone calls during our school day. Parents/guardians can also use email/phone to set up one-on-one meetings with me throughout the school year; you do not have to wait until our three-way-conferences (parent teacher conferences). Now that the students and I have settled into our daily routines, these emails will be sent home on a more regular basis. 

First, students will be bringing home weekly homework assignments. These assignments will be given out on the first school day of each week (typically Monday). Assignments are based on lessons and concepts that we have already covered in class. These homework assignments are good way for students to practice what we have learned and for parents/guardians to see what topics we have covered. Generally, besides our assigned 20 minutes of reading each night, this will be the only daily homework that students are asked to complete. Having students receive homework at the beginning of the week is a good way to help students to learn to prioritize, put first-things-first, and plan their week accordingly. Students may also be asked to review for quizzes, tests, etc. that will be scheduled in the student agenda in advance and will be asked to complete a monthly Book Talk. Our first Book Talk will be going home next week, at the beginning of October, and will not have to be presented until the end of the month. The students and I will review this assignment and expectations together next week. Generally, students will not be asked to bring home classwork to complete. Time will be provided at school for students to finish any incomplete classwork. If a student is asked to complete classwork at home for homework, it is generally due to a behavioural issue (eg. not remaining on task). If this is the case, a note/email will be sent home with a brief explanation as to why the classwork was not able to be completed in class. Attached is a copy of this week's weekly homework assignment. This assignment (printed on blue paper) was sent home this afternoon in the student agenda. Homework assignments can always be found on the classroom website under Blog/Agenda. 

Second, Christina Gordon is very excited to share with parents/guardians information on our many extracurricular activities that will take place during the 2018/19 school year for students. Attached is a chart that Mr. Thorne shared last week. It contains a glimpse of the many teams, clubs, and activities planned for the upcoming school year. Please keep in mind that there may be changes or additions throughout the year. Students will be made aware of these activities as they roll out, usually through our in-school morning announcements or through communication with their classes. In most cases, students will bring home permission slips for activities they have expressed interest in. The days, weeks, and times will vary from event to event. Currently, Grade 5 students are able to participate in Broadcasting and Running Club (Mondays after school). Permission forms were sent home today with interested students in regards to Grade 5/6 Boys' and Girls' Volleyball, beginning next week (Boys- Mon./Thurs., Girls - Tues./Wed.). Upcoming Grade 5 activities to watch out for: Tech and Trades Club, CG Recyclers, and CG Cares Club. 

Thank you everyone! Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns in regards to any of the above, 

- Ashley Barrington, Grade 5 Teacher, Christina Gordon Public School

Agenda
Weekly Homework: Sept. 24-27th 

Language Arts:
​- Read 20 minutes (track in your Agenda)

Social Studies: 
- Capitals Quiz (October 2nd)

Math:
Science:
French:
Health:
Art:
PEAK: Thursday
Other: 

Terry Fox Walk Pledges - Tuesday
Terry Fox Walk - Wednesday
​Book Orders - Thursday
Picture Day - October 3rd

Running Club - Mondays, 3:15-4:15 pm
Boys' Volleyball - Mondays/Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
Girls' Volleyball - Tuesdays/Wednesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm