Welcome to Stupendous 5S

October has arrived and with it more seasonable temperatures than the previous week’s heat and humidity. Fall in New England is so unpredictable!

Students in 5S have quickly adjusted to a new classroom and schedule. Th day moves quickly due to our schedule of Reader’s Workshop, Math, Social Studies, Science and Language Arts or Spelling, Related Arts subjects, Library and, of course, lunch and recess. We continue to develop as a classroom community.

Homework is an integral part of learning and skill reinforcement. Homework is due generally due the next day. Students who do not complete their homework will stay in at recess in order to complete it. Homework slips, indicating that homework was not completed, will be sent home for a parent signature. One of our goals in fifth grade is to work with the parents to develop good homework habits, which will be most important in the years to come. We also work with parents to develop a responsbility in each student for thier work and their education. We strive, with your help, to develop an independent learner.

Reader’s Workshop, the initiative of the District, has been “launched” in 5S. Students truely enjoy the freedom of choice in reading selections and the independent reading time which is available for them on a daily basis. Ask your child how “reading is thinking” and if they are reading a “just right book”.

We have begun the year in math with a review of factors of numbers and prime and composite numbers. Our first quiz in math was completed on September 21. A Unit 1 Math assessment is planned for Friday, October 5.

We have begun to use a 4 square writing outline to build the foundations for our essays. The first essay topic, Dawson School is a great school, helped the students to understand the importance of noting ideas prior to writing a rough draft of an essay. Our first Happy Time essay on Veterans Day and poem on Hero are due to the Worcester Telegram and Gazette on Friday, October 5. These essays and poems will be published on Sunday, November 11.

Our Social Studies unit began with the reasons for studying Social Studies and History. We have also begun to study the beginnings of civilization in the Americas and will further study the great empires of the Maya, Aztec and Inca cultures.

I look forward to meeting everyone on Wednesday, October 3 for the Fifth Grade Curriculum Night. The evening begins promptly at 7PM in the cafeteria with an introduction by Mrs. Scales. We will finish by 8PM.