As we count down the days to spring break, our middle school classrooms are buzzing with energy and creativity. Students are in the full swing of projects from bacteria and science fair to poems and roman history, and it has been such a joy to watch their ideas take shape from initial plans to final products. Even more meaningful has been seeing students take ownership of their learning—making decisions, problem-solving, and truly investing in the process.
Alongside this work, we’ve been having important conversations about creativity—not just as something we use in our projects and hobbies, but as something that shapes how we interact with one another. Competition, both on the playground and in the classroom, can sometimes bring out strong emotions, and we’ve taken time to reflect, repair, and rebuild when words have not reflected our best selves. Through these moments, students are learning that creativity also means finding new ways to communicate, to show empathy, and to strengthen genuine relationships.
Middle school is a time of growth in so many ways, and it has been incredibly meaningful to support students not only as learners, but as thoughtful, caring members of a community.
—Ms. Amanda
Upcoming Dates:
- April 3 – 10 – Spring Break (no school)
- April 22- Art Night Celebration (5:30 – 6:30)
ELA: This week in ELA, 5th grade poets polished up their final poems and illustrations. We worked hard to transpose pieces to cursive and practiced delivering our poems with expression. Students also took their unit 7 test and should have brought grades home!
Next week, students will begin their final reading unit with a study of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor. We will also begin an editing and dictation grammar unit!
Science: This week in science, 5th graders collected and analyzed data for their bacteria investigation. Students quantified bacterial growth by counting colony forming units (CFUs) and estimating percent coverage, then discussed the strengths and limitations of each method. They applied their math skills to analyze their data, drawing meaningful conclusions from their results.
Students also finalized their research posters, combining scientific understanding with clear and engaging communication.
Next week, students will finish preparing for their presentations and continue exploring the world of bacteria, building on their curiosity and deepening their understanding of the microscopic world.
Social Studies: Fifth grade students have been working hard on two projects at once! We have finished our project on Asian countries and are continuing to work on our Women’s History month project. We also went over the resources of Asia and their connections to how civilizations developed around them. Next week is our in class presentation of the countries and experiencing the food and drink of the continent. We will also start talking about culture and their connections to nature.
Math: This week in math, the 5th graders crushed their ERB milestones! We also began our 8th and final unit of study called “Putting It All Together” – we’re reviewing, practicing, applying, and enriching all of the skills we’ve learned this year. We’re starting off strong with more multidigit multiplication and division, and will move into bigger volume problems using our multiplication and division mastery.
