Phone: (623) 376-3500
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Associates Degree: University of Maryland, Asian Division, 4.0 GPA Bachelors Degree: Columbia College, 4.0 GPA Masters: Reading Curriculum and Instruction Grand Canyon University, 4.0 GPA
Mrs. Balsamo
Fifth Grade Math & Social Studies
Mrs. Balsamo
Mrs. Balsamo
Math web site for Engage NY
5th Grade Parent Tips Handouts:
Fourth Grade Curriculum Emphasis: While all topics in the fourth grade Curriculum are taught for proficiency, special emphasis are placed on the following with the expectation that students will leave fifth grade with a secure understanding.
Agenda: Students should write down all assignments from all classes in their agenda daily. Parents, please ask to check your child’s agenda daily. There is a strong correlation between writing assignments in the agenda and academic success. Work is due at the beginning of class. If a student has not completed an assignment, the student will write the word “missing” in an agenda indicate that a student did not turn in an assignment. Parents' help in making sure all assignments are completed is greatly appreciated.
Make-Up Work: Students will have one day for each day that they are absent to complete make-up work. It is the student’s responsibility to copy down any make-up work assignments in the agenda as well as pick up any photocopies for the missed day(s). Turn in all absentee work in the provided absentee folder.
Homework: Homework (HW) will be given in Math on a daily basis Monday-Thursday, except when there is a quiz or test. Regular homework, excluding long-term projects, is not assigned for the weekend. There will be no regular HW assingned in SOcial Studies. Incomplete classwork in any class becomes HW.
Grading: Grades are based on a combination of tests, quizzes, projects, and class work assignments. All grades are posted online and are updated weekly. Parents and students can access these grades at any time online. Please do so frequently. If there are any concerns, please contact me right away. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, talk with me so we can come up with a plan. Do not wait till the end of the quarter to put forth this effort. I am here to help with each assingment.
Assessments: Assessments may include multiple choice, short answer tests,essays, and quizzes as well as project-based work. All retakes must be requested within one week of receiveing the original scored test. Attach a completed retake request form to the scored test for each retake.
Projects: Some projects are finished in class, while other projects are assigned to complete at home.
Classroom Assignments: Students are given sufficient time in class to complete the assigned class work. If students do not complete their work within the class period, it is homework unless otherwise stated. Students may use the online textbook or check out a textbook to complete the homework assignment. Students are expected to work independently, with a partner, in cooperative groups, and as a whole class.
