Mrs. Anna Lucas

 

Hello!

 

My name is Anna Lucas and I have the  honor of teaching your fifth grade students this year. I grew up in Cincinnati and attended catholic schools my entire life. I now live in Kentucky with my husband and four kids! This is my tenth year teaching but first year teaching at Villa Madonna and I knew right away that this was a special place. My goal this year is to bring education to life and help each student realize their fullest potential. There is a lot for us to accomplish this year and I cannot wait to get started. I'm never too far away if you ever have questions or need any assistance from me. Below you will find some "need to know" information to start our school year off right! 

 

Our Specials this year are:

Monday - PE & World Language
Tuesday -  Art
Wednesday - Theatre & World Language
Thursday - Technology & Guidance or Library
Friday - Mass & Enrichment

 

Math - This year we will be using  the Sadlier-Oxford Progress in Mathematics series. We will take a deep dive into number theory ,fractions and decimals. We will review many concepts in Algebra, Geometry, ratios, proportions and percent's. Your student can expect to have homework Monday - Thursday nightly and it should be turned in at the beginning of class. Notice will be given on Quizzes and Tests. The best way to maintain a good score on a quiz or test is through nightly practice on skills learned in class. 

 

Science- In our science curriculum, we will explore a variety of fundamental concepts across several key disciplines:

1. Physical Science: This branch focuses on understanding the basic principles of the universe, including the study of matter and energy. We delve into topics like forces and energy, examining how they interact and influence the physical world. This includes exploring concepts such as motion, gravity, and the laws of thermodynamics.

2. Forces and Energy: Within physical science, a significant emphasis is placed on forces and energy. Students investigate how different forces (e.g., gravity, friction, and magnetic forces) affect the movement and behavior of objects. Additionally, we explore various forms of energy, including kinetic, potential, and thermal energy, and how energy is transferred and transformed in different systems.

3. Matter: An essential part of physical science involves studying matter—its properties, states, and changes. We cover the basics of atomic theory, chemical reactions, and the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. Students learn how matter interacts with energy and other matter, forming the foundation for understanding more complex scientific concepts.

4. Life Science: This field focuses on the study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environments. Key topics include cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecosystems, and the classification of organisms. Students explore the diversity of life, from microscopic organisms to large ecosystems, and how various factors affect living systems.

5. Earth and Space Science: This area involves examining the Earth’s structure, processes, and history, as well as exploring celestial phenomena. Topics include geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. Students investigate Earth’s layers, weather patterns, natural resources, and the universe beyond our planet, gaining a comprehensive understanding of our place in the cosmos.

Together, these disciplines provide a well-rounded scientific education, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to understand and analyze the natural world. Each field interconnects to give students a holistic view of science and its applications. We will be using the book Science, a Closer Look by Macmillan/McGraw-Hill.

 

Religion-  For our Religion curriculum we will be teaching from the Spirit of Truth Textbook by the Sophia Institute. We will be conducting a review of the seven sacraments as well as teaching valuable lessons brought forth from the four Gospels.

 

 

Grading System- 

Our grading system is based on points given. To achieve a 100% the student must have a perfect paper. Since there are many assignments for each subject, there will be many opportunities to earn points! One or two lower scored papers will not hurt their final grade.  You can expect about a weeks on notice tests! Students will need to study notes, study guides and graphic organizers to do well on a test. All tests will be sent home and some will require a signature from the parent.  Below you will find the grading system used for 4th-6th grade. 

 

A+ = 100  A =99-93 A- =92-90

B+ =89-87 B =86-83 B- =82 -80

C+ =79-77 C =76-73  C- =72-70

D+ =69-67 D =66-63 D- =62-60

F = 59 or below 

 

Classroom Rules and Consequences 

Our classroom Rules are as follows: 

1.RESPECT - Ourselves, Others and our School 

2. COME PREPARED - I have my supplies and I am ready to learn. I have a positive attitude. 

3. KINDNESS - We don't have to agree with everyone but we will always show kindness. 

 

Students will have an opportunity to earn class, group and individual rewards weekly through our classroom vending machine and point system!

 

Conduct points will be deducted by any teacher or staff member's discretion.  Students will lose one or more points based on the severity and the repetition of the misbehavior. Students will be required to complete a conduct form online when points are deducted and the form will generate an email to the students parents. 

 

Birthdays

We love celebrating our classmates! Please let us know a few days in advance if you would like to bring in a treat to share with the class! All editable items MUST BE STORE BOUGHT :) Other ideas include pencils, erasers, bookmarks, ect. 

 

Contacting Teachers

Communication is key to your child's success and my door is always open! There are several ways I will be sharing information this year. Newsletters will be sent home monthly and we will also have a class dojo. Dojo will strictly be to see what's happening inside our classroom through pictures and videos on special occasions.  The best way to contact me on a daily basis is through email; however, emails are typically checked after 3:00p.m. Thus, calling the main office will ensure that any messages that need to make their way to me immediately, will! Students are required to write all homework and special notes down in their planners. We will do this TOGETHER in class and go over it again before the end of the day. It is a good idea to check these planners from time to time. 

 

Looking forward to a wonderful year in 5th Grade!