Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School 

 
Grade 5 Student Handbook 
2018-2019 
 
VISION 
Daniel K. Inouye Elementary empowers learners to explore, discover, create and share. 
 
MISSION 
At ​Daniel K. Inouye​ Elementary, learners explore through hands-on experiences and inquiry-based learning to 
discover new ideas. We expect students to collaborate and communicate with each other and to rely on 
critical and creative thinking skills to gain new insights into their learning. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 LEARNING PRINCIPLES AND BELIEFS 
We believe . . . 
● all students can learn. 
○ Therefore, we will address individual strengths and needs by using a variety of teaching 
strategies. 
● instruction should be rigorous and relevant. 
○ Therefore, we will provide instruction based on big understandings and essential questions. 
● assessment should be ongoing and authentic. 
○ Therefore, we will use multiple assessment tools to guide instruction and measure learning. 
● a safe and nurturing environment is essential for learning. 
○ Therefore, we will promote caring and respectful relationships. 
● education is a community responsibility. 
○ Therefore, we will encourage parents and the community to take an active role in our school. 
 
 
GENERAL LEARNER OUTCOMES 
GLO # 1: Self Directed Learner 
I come to school on time, ready to learn. 
I set goals for myself so I can do better in school. 
I work with my parents and teachers so I can achieve my goals. 
I complete my schoolwork and my homework and turn them in on time. 
 
GLO # 2: Community Contributor 
I work cooperatively with others on assignments and projects. 
I follow school and classroom rules. 
I show respect to others and listen to their points-of-view. 
I make positive contributions to the group, the classroom or the school. 
 
GLO # 3: Complex Thinker 
I apply prior knowledge to new situations. 
I generate new and creative ideas when solving problems. 
I analyze and solve problems by looking at the problem in different ways. 
I evaluate whether the solution works and make adjustments if needed. 
 
GLO # 4: Quality Producer 
I identify and describe what a quality product is. 
I know what I need to do to meet or exceed the grade level benchmarks. 
I consistently produce work that meets or exceeds the standards & benchmarks. 
 
GLO # 5: Effective Communicator 
I listen attentively to others, and I use the information effectively. 
I communicate clearly through speaking, writing, or drawing so others understand  
my thoughts. 
I ask questions when I don’t understand. 
 
GLO # 6: Effective and Ethical User of Technology 
I use the computer and other learning tools to discover new information. 
I use the computer and other learning tools to share information with others. 
I use the computer and other learning tools to produce quality products. 
I follow the school rules about the use of the computer and other learning tools. 
 
 5​TH​ GRADE CURRICULUM OVERVIEW  

Big Idea: Change is part of our world! 

  Quarter 1:  Quarter 2:   Quarter 3:  Quarter 4: 

Exploration  Systems and  Conflict and  Transformations 
Interdependence  Change 

       
Social  Natives and  Colonies  Road to Revolution  American Revolution 
Studies  Explorers  & Democracy 

EDP and STEM  Molecules and  Ecosystems   

  Organisms    Earth and Space 
Matter and    Earth and Human   
Science  Interactions  Human Body  Activity  Earth’s Systems 
  Health   
Motion and   
Stability 

  Operations &    Geometry 

Place Value  Algebraic Thinking   Fraction Operations   
Math 
      Summative Review 
Fraction Operations  Remediation 

Novel Studies  Novel Studies  Novel Studies  Poetry 

       
The Writing  Fiction Writing  Functional Writing   
Reading & 
Community &  Expository Writing  Opinion Writing   
Writing 
Process     
 
Narrative Writing 

 
ASSIGNMENT POLICY 
 
Projects and exams will be graded as follows: 
ME  Meets with Excellence 
MP Meets Proficiency 
DP Developing Proficiency 
WB Well Below Proficiency 
NA Not Applicable at this time 
SC See Teacher Comments 
 
Being responsible about completing assignments is essential in developing good study habits. Each student 
is responsible for all assigned work in the classroom. 
 
1. Homework assignments must be written in the planner daily. 
2. Although reasonable time is given to complete class assignments, if students do not finish, they may 
also be required to complete these assignments at home. 
3. Incomplete or missing assignments will hinder your child’s performance on assessments and General 
Learner Outcomes (GLOs).  
4. Make-up work for absences will be handled on a case by case basis. It is the student’s responsibility 
to see the teacher about missed assignments when they return to school. 
 5. We understand that many students have other commitments which may occasionally be 
time-consuming. However, it is imperative that students understand that school work should always 
come first. Work not completed for any reason other than illness or family emergency will not be 
excused. A parent note is required in these instances. 
6. If the student will be absent for an extended period of time, the parent needs to notify the teacher a 
week in advance to coordinate make-up work. 
7. Some assignments may require that students use the computer at home. Please monitor your child 
closely to see that these assignments are done according to the requirements. 
8. There will also be times when assignments require research. Although we do have a library and one 
scheduled library time, we ask parents to support their child’s efforts by bringing them to a public 
library to continue their research. 
 
 
DISCIPLINE POLICY 
Behavior - 5 rules
1. Verbal Warning
2. Behavior Reflection - complete during recess -
3. Form will be filed
4. After 3, parent contact (phone call or email)
5. If behavior continues, set up parent conference
 
● Other possible consequences may include the following: 
  a. Notes/phone calls/email home to parents 
  b. Conference with parents (to develop an academic/behavior contract) 
  c. Referral to the counselor, Vice Principal or Principal 
  d. Loss of recess/loss of privileges  
● Please also refer to your Chapter 19 pamphlet for more information. 
 
As a means to reward appropriate behavior, the teachers may use any of the following positive 
reinforcements: 
● Praise: verbal/written 
● Certificates/awards 
● Bonus points on assignments 
● Homework pass 
● Display of student work 
● Spotlight student/Student of the Month 
● Positive Notes home 
● Other special activities  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Other Important Reminders 
 
1. School starts promptly at 7:55am. The first bell rings at 7:45am. It helps for your child to be in class 
on time so that he/she can put away belongings, hand in homework, get settled and be ready to start 
class. 
2. Please remind your child to keep books borrowed from the classroom and the library in a safe place 
as students will be charged for books that are damaged or not returned. 
3. All valuables should be kept at home. If your child brings educational items to share with the class, 
caring for them will be the student’s responsibility. Teachers will not be responsible for lost or 
damaged items. 
4. Homework will vary from class to class. It would be helpful if your child has a quiet place to study with 
the necessary supplies available to complete homework, rather than taking school supplies home to 
do homework. 
5. Check the Wednesday folder each week for important information. Parents please sign the card and 
return any necessary paperwork by the same Friday. 
 
These policies are subject to change at any time depending on student needs. If you have any 
questions or concerns regarding these policies, please feel free to contact us via each teacher’s 
email address that was provided at the beginning of the year. 
 
 
 
TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN FIFTH GRADE 
 
The following was found on Scholastic’s website entitled, “​The 10 Best Ways to Help Your 5th Grader 
Succeed in School.​ ” 
 
1. Encourage reading in any way you can. 
2. Treat your child as though he/she is an author. 
3. Make math part of his/her everyday life. 
4. Teach your child how to listen. 
5. Support your child’s teacher and the school rules. 
6. Tell the teacher everything. 
7. Make sure your child is ready for school.  
8. Spend time in your child’s classroom. 
9. Encourage responsibility and independence. 
10. Ask your child about school everyday. 
 
 
We look forward to a great year!