Welcome, students and families!

Fifth grade is an exciting year of learning and development. From the history of our country (and yes, it does start before Columbus!) to investigations in geometry, from hands-on building of land and water models to wet-feet explorations of local streams and ancient forests, we will be on the move mentally all year.

Strength in basic skills, as well as the development of thinking, reasoning, and connecting ideas, are the plan. My goal is to have every student prepared for middle school. We learn research and report writing in an organized, gradual way; we develop writing skills daily, with the six writing traits and also Writer's Workshop. We practice old math skills while we are learning new ones and building our problem solving skills. Fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra, metric measurement, and geometry are on the menu.

Fall science studies include the NSF Land and Waters unit (erosion, deposition, and water studies) and also beginning astronomy. Winter brings Models and Designs, and throughout the year we learn how to plan and conduct scientific investigations.

History begins with a look at four native cultures in our country, and includes a written team research report. This continues into European exploration, colonies, the beginnings of our nation, and its history into the 19th century. We try to look at history from different points of view, and to hear the many voices that speak for our country. U.S. Government studies and the Constitution are part of our work.

Please check your child's binder regularly, in the section labeled Take Home, for messages from me, and also read over the Homework Sheets which may have general class information and messages for all parents.

One further note: handwriting (cursive) skills and a good knowledge of math facts, especially times tables, will help your child move smoothly through our curriculum. If you know that your child has a problem with either, now is a great time to begin practicing at home. The UW bookstore, and many others, have good cursive handwriting practice books and math drill and practice books for building computation skills. Also, moving that bedtime back gradually to closer to 9 p.m., if your child is a summer night owl (like me!) , will be a great advantage.

Parent-teacher communication is a priority, and volunteers are always appreciated!

Here is your Supply List!  Please have materials for the first day of school, if possible, or at least the binder, dividers, ruler, and pencils.

During the school year, please go to The Source, with your child's PIN, to find current and regularly updated homework assignments, announcements, and field trip information.