Grade 5

Below is a list of 2009-10 forms and information for Grade 5 students. All forms are due in the office by July 15, 2009. Students may not start School without a completed General Information Form on file.

Students in Grade 5 experience a semi-departmentalized setting. There are two sections with no more than 17 students in each and a certified teacher. One grade level teacher instructs math and social studies, while the other teaches the language arts block of reading, grammar, spelling and composition.

Core curriculum includes a literature and novel-based reading program, word study using the Words Their Way spelling program, daily writing focusing on the writing process, journals, reading responses and grammar. The program also includes flexible math groups using the Houghton Mifflin text and Accelerated Math, social studies topics covering the development of cultures and civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt and China) and the geography of Africa, and a four-times a week science lab accompanied by the Harcourt text. Students in Grade 5 also participate in the WordMasters Challenge, a language arts competition that encourages growth in vocabulary and verbal reasoning.

Classrooms have two computers each and are used to assess reading and math skills using STAR reading and STAR math, but also allow students to test their reading comprehension using Accelerated Reader. All three programs are linked to a School-wide database so student progress can be tracked across the grades.

Students in Grade 5 pursue either French or Spanish during a class three times a week. Music and art are scheduled twice weekly, and physical education is taught for 45 minutes, four times a week. Students also have a weekly period of library instruction, reading and research. Time is also given to select personal reading books. Guidance is provided weekly for a 45-minute period. Students spend time once a week in the computer lab as well.

Resource assistance is available for students in need of one-on-one and/or small group instruction.

The implementation of a Lower School student council provides students in Grades 3 through 5 leadership opportunities as well as the opportunity to suggest ways to improve the School and to strengthen the cooperation among the students in this division. There are four officers and two classroom reps from each grade.
Grade 5 students participate in weekly assemblies for parents and fellow students. Each grade level produces a play each year in addition to participating in the winter holiday and Grandparents Day programs. Fifth graders also participate in an annual spelling bee and take three or four curriculum based field trips each year. Students in Grade 5 also take an overnight field study to Camp Highroad to facilitate curriculum development and focus on cooperative group activities to build trust and support among peers.

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