Our focus on academic, religious education and spiritual development balanced with extracurricular activities, support our mission to develop well-rounded students.
Increased focus on organization and student responsibility allows for more collaborative group work while differentiating the learning. Switching classes for two subjects promotes these skills to encourage personal growth among our students.
5th graders are inventors! With our winter invention fair, students use their STEM skills to create inventions with a cross curricular process. The planning starts with research and writing before the buying and inventing begins!
Extracurricular activities, for the first time at school, provide our students with the ability to participate in sports while still managing an academic work load.
RELIGION (Sadlier)
This year the children will be studying the Sacraments of the Church and how they are based on Scripture. The students will also be working on applying the Scripture messages and prayer to daily living. Special emphasis is given to the Advent and Lenten seasons. Students will grow in their Catholic formation and identity through the curriculum.
SOCIAL STUDIES (Scott Foresman)
American History is the topic of study this year. The fifth graders will explore how our nation developed with emphasis on the first explorers, colonial period, American Revolution, and Civil War. Students will be working on several research and Internet based projects. Geography is stressed within our studies. Humanities, citizenship, and economics are integrated into their studies as well.
LANGUAGE ARTS English (Shurley English,), Spelling (Spelling Connections), Reading (ReadyGen/Pearson Realize)
Students will increase reading stamina and comprehension by reading several novels to increase vocabulary, comprehension and have exposure to award-winning authors. Creative writing is a focus. Extra emphasis is given to grammar using Shurley English. Spelling words will be given each week, with an assignment mid-week, and a test on Friday.
MATH (Houghton Mifflin-Go Math): Ms. Hays
Students will develop fluency with addition and subtraction of fractions as well as multiplication and division of fractions. They will extend division to two digit divisors, review place value and learn all operations of decimals. Students will develop an understanding of volume through algebra patterns and graphing, units of measure and geometry. Mastery of these skills will be aided by our supplemental math text, Simple Solutions.
SCIENCE (Houghton Mifflin-Science Fusion)
We will be using Science Fusion in the form of consumable workbooks. During the year we will focus on engineering and technology, learning science concepts and vocabulary, and building inquiry, STEM, and 21st Century skills. Some of the units we will be exploring include: how scientists work, the engineering process, cells to body systems, how living things grow and reproduce, ecosystems, oceans, and the solar system and universe.
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Twice a week we will be talking about character traits that we need to have to lead a successful and meaningful life. We will be discussing such topics which include: Empathy, Kindness, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Generosity, Self-Control, Responsibility, Cooperation, Trustworthiness, Ambition…etc. It will include activities that are cross-curricular, and reinforce the overall curriculum.
SPECIALS
Monday – P.E.
Tuesday – Spanish, Music
Wednesday – P.E.
Thursday – Art
Friday – TLC
GRADING SCALE
Grade / Description / Cutoff %
A+ Outstanding 99%
A Outstanding 95%
A- Outstanding 93%
B+ Excellent 91%
B Excellent 87%
B- Excellent 85%
C+ Good 83%
C Good 79%
C- Good 77%
D+ Poor 75%
D Poor 71%
D- Poor 69%
U Very Poor 0
I Incomplete 0
NG Not Graded 0
SPECIALS
Chromebooks
Each student will have their own Chromebook this year. Students are responsible for bringing their Chromebooks to school daily, and making sure it is charged. Students are not allowed to charge Chromebooks during school hours. Students will be expected to access different programs on their Chromebooks for homework. If there is an issue with the Chromebook, please notify me immediately, so we can fix the problem. I expect students to handle these devices with respect at all times.
Homework
As stated in our school handbook, homework is a practice or extension of class work. If at any time your child does not understand their homework, or it is excessive, please encourage your child to inform me with a note, e-mail, or by talking to me in class. I will help your child with the concept without a homework consequence. Feel free to send a follow up email.
Late and missing work affects your child’s progress. Points will be deducted if assignments are turned in late. The goal is to stress the importance of timeliness. This will be vital to your child’s success in junior high.
Snack
We will have a small morning snack in 5th grade. Please make sure you send a healthy snack daily for your child (i.e. fruit or veggies). We typically have snacks mid-morning. We also encourage your child to have their own water bottle in class when the weather is above 75 degrees.
TESTS
Material taught will be assessed regularly. Students will be informed of upcoming tests several days in advance. We will review all material assessed in class. Students are encouraged to make a study guide to help them review the material covered. During the first half of the year, students who earned a 69% or lower are allowed to complete test corrections. Test corrections are always due the day after a test is handed back.
Handbook Reminders
After reading the handbook with your child, please remember and understand that in fifth grade we do not let them call home if they have forgotten something, unless it is their lunch. The consequence is never that harsh, and instead, you will be helping your child to become an organized, responsible young adult.
Responsibility
As you can probably predict, teaching responsibility is one of our goals in fifth grade. If we can work side-by-side following the guidelines above, I hope that your child will become a more responsible student. Again, the consequences are never too harsh that you should feel the need to bail your child out. I understand there can be extenuating circumstances and emergencies. Please just inform me, and I will do the same.
Weekly newsletters will be posted on the school website detailing material being studied, school activities, and important or upcoming dates.
