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Classroom Management

  • In 5th grade, we use our Wolford ROCKS program to encourage positive behaviors throughout the school and in class through the PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) initiative using tickets. This is part of the classroom management system. Students earn these tickets by demonstrating Wolford ROCKS behavior.
    • R - Respect all people and our school.
    • O - Own your actions.
    • C - Choices that are right.
    • K - Kindness in all that you do.
    • S - Safe hands, feet, and words.
  • Students can be recognized at assemblies by demonstrating leadership qualities.

Technology in the Classroom

  • Regular technology use continues as it prepares students for middle school, high school, and beyond. Students are accustomed to using laptops and are expected to use them appropriately (time management, appropriate websites, etc.).
    • Expectations for appropriate technology use are taught within classrooms and during weekly Special enrichment lessons in 21C (21st Century Skills).
  • Laptop usage in the classroom evolves with integrated online learning platforms. Students must call the front office if they forget their laptops.
  • Educational apps and platforms used include Seesaw, Google Docs, Google Slides, Schoology, Canva, Kahoot!, IXL, and dedicated curriculum online access.
  • The document camera is used for interactive lessons, student use, educational sites, and videos.
  • Dockins: The smartboard is also used for student engagement with interactive lessons across subjects.
  • Please have your child bring their own headphones. School headphones are provided, but students often prefer their own high-quality headphones, which we can usually accommodate.

Math Curriculum - Into Math (2025-26), EnVision (2026-27)

  • Basic math facts must be mastered and practiced regularly at home to ensure success.
  • Place value – whole numbers and decimals
  • Long multiplication (4-digit by 3-digit) and long division (4-digit divided by 2-digit)
  • Real-world problem solving (single and multi-step)
  • Decimals
  • Fractions
  • Measurement
  • Graphing
  • Money
  • Collecting and analyzing data
  • Patterns and relationships
  • Estimating
  • Area, perimeter, volume
  • Ratios and probability

Reading - Wonders

  • Balanced literacy approach
  • Whole group instruction: text structures, summary & main idea, analyzing text, implied meaning (inferences)
  • Differentiated guided reading groups
  • Real-world text
  • Reading skills aligned with CCSS/Colorado State Standards

Writing/Language Arts Curriculum - Write Now, Right Now!

  • Writer’s Workshop Model: planning strategies, organization (traffic light), purpose & audience, style, and conventions (grammar)
  • Information literacy: gathering and evaluating information
  • Critical thinking: reasoning, questioning, finding evidence
  • Presentation & collaboration: discussions/groups, active listening, multimedia presentations
  • Vocabulary: understanding unknown words, enhancing vocabulary, word relationships

Social Studies Curriculum - History Alive

  • Map and globe skills
  • Geography
  • Economics
  • Government
  • American history
    • Explorers
    • Colonial times
    • Revolutionary War
    • Constitution

Science Curriculum - Carolina Science

  • Scientific method
  • Plant and animal adaptations
  • Mixtures and solutions
  • Weather on Earth
  • Human body
  • Land and water

Homework Policy

  • Homework is limited to no more than 50 minutes per night, usually Monday through Thursday.
  • Students should read 25-30 minutes each night. Reading time can be combined on some nights and include family or real-world reading as well as novels and graphic novels.
  • Homework is due the next day unless otherwise stated. Use the planner daily, and parents are encouraged to check it to help prepare students for 6th grade.
  • If homework is not completed, students will be required to finish it during recess or a time designated by the teacher.
  • Dockins: As a former 6th grade teacher, I know the expectations for success. Turning homework in on time is important and affects grades.
  • A missed homework slip will be sent home for a parent signature and must be returned the next day.

Birthday Treats and Snacks

  • We love birthday treats! Please email me in advance to schedule a time to drop them off.
  • We have a working morning snack time. Please provide healthy, easy-to-eat snacks (no candy or soda).

Volunteers

We appreciate classroom volunteers!

Dockins: I will need help with Friday folders, our annual field trip, and overseeing class parties (with other parents pitching in). We plan to have a different lead party planner for each party to spread responsibilities. Please sign up at the back table. If interested, see the secretaries in the office for a volunteer packet. Thank you for your time and support.

Bivin: I appreciate help supporting students during IXL, chaperoning our annual field trip, and overseeing class parties (with other parents pitching in). We also plan to have a different lead party planner for each party. Please sign up at the back table. If interested, see the secretaries in the office for a volunteer packet. Thank you for your time and efforts on behalf of our classroom.

Communication

Notes sent with your child or ParentSquare messages are welcome and serve as communication tools between home and school.

Friday Folders

Fifth grade folders serve a dual purpose:

  • Left side: your student’s classwork, quizzes, tests, etc. completed that week, along with a signature sheet. Please review the work with your child, sign and date the sheet, and return the folder. Keep the work at home.
  • Right side: notices, forms, and information from the office and district.

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