The Middle Schoolers have transitioned their studies into empathy during their advisory time. Within these studies they learn what being empathetic means and how to be empathetic in a variety of situations. They have begun to use these studies in their daily lives when interacting with the people around them at school. It is really amazing to see them take a lesson from the classroom, understand it, and proceed to use their new skills with their classmates.

Here’s a look at what is happening in each of the classes:


What’s happening in Science?
Fifth graders explored fungi and plants this week…but up close and personal with the microscopes! They investigated moneywart, an aquatic plant, to see what plant cells look like, then compared plant cells to yeast after trying to break yeasts’ dormancy. They also started an experiment to compare how wheat seeds will break their dormancy in a space without light and a space with light. We will continue our expedition of life under the microscope next week!


What’s up in ELA?

Fifth graders have completed their work on the Tackling Nonfiction Unit. Their trifold brochure projects on their nonfiction books look amazing! We will begin working on using figurative language in our writing and “Literary Essay” unit next week. This unit will continue in January. Your students also completed week ten in their grammar workbook. You would be very proud of your fifth graders. They did exceptionally well this week! Remember, there will be no reading log homework assignments from November 28th through December 9th.


What’s going on in Math?

We love to divide!! Fifth graders have had hearty practice using long division this week. We have progressed through several “levels”, starting with one-digit divisors working all the way to understanding remainders. I have seen several light bulb moments this week and they really showed off on Thursday when completing an online long-division game! They were able to use long division to solve expansive word problems and interpret division using different forms. Next week, we will take a Unit 4 Assessment and begin some prep-work for Unit 5, which we will start after break!

What’s happening in Social Studies?
This week the students presented their slideshows on Middle American countries today! Students then progressed into the new unit of South America. Students took a look at the vocabulary and then at the early civilizations and the colonization of South America.

Next week, students will begin to look at the independence of South America and South America today. Students will end with an assessment over the unit before break. This will help us dive straight into Europe upon our return in January.


Important Dates:

December 16th: Holiday Extravaganza (11:30 Dismissal) – Pajama Day
December 17- January 2: Winter Break