5th Grade Weekly Newsletter #8
#8 - Week of October 16th
❄️Classroom Donations❄️
In the next few months we anticipate extra need for tissues and sanitizing wipes for the classroom. We do not expect that families provide these supplies, but we welcome the donation of these items if you have the ability!
Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences!
Thursday, October 26 & Friday, October 27
Thank you for signing up for the Fall Parent/Teacher Conference! We look forward to meeting with you on October 26th and October 27th. Please remember that these are also half days for the students and to plan accordingly. As our slots have been filled for both days, please be in communication about an alternate date and time with Ms. Marchefka and Ms. DiGiovanni.
Ms. D (tardig1@gpsk12.org)
Ms. Marchefka (annmar1@gpsk12.org)
ELA & Social Studies
ELA - We will continue to expand our knowledge around how ancient civilizations used their geographical landscape to survive and also thrive for hundreds of years in Central and South America.
Soc. St. - Students will wrap up Unit 1 and learn about Abolitionists during the Colonia Era this week. We will also have our first Unit Assessment on Thursday or Friday of this week! Students will have their first "test review" session to prep for the test.
Math & Science
In math, we're exploring what happens when a whole number is multiplied by a fraction or mixed number. Students are developing important skills around using diagrams to visualize expressions and learning how to label them accurately so that they can find the area of shaded regions. This will be our last week of work with this unit and students will be taking the end-of-unit test by early next week. Look out for an email with a practice test and video later this week!
In science, we've moved into our last section of our "Life" unit - Decomposers! This week we'll be dissecting mushrooms and learning about the important role bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers play in our world.
Eat or Be Eaten!
In Science on Friday, students played a food chain game. They worked in teams to build as many food chains as possible while reading about where different living things get their energy from.
Diagrams & Expressions for Area #1
Students are working on making sense of diagrams and writing expressions to solve area. This student kept their answer as an improper fraction.
Diagrams & Expressions for Area #2
This student converted their answer to a mixed number.
Neuroscience!
Compassion
I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the recent world events and their impact on our students. Each morning at school, our fifth-grade students participate in a morning meeting, a special time where we come together to greet one another, share our thoughts, and build connections.
On Friday, during our morning meeting, some of our students shared their concerns and fears about the ongoing conflict in Israel, as well as other global events like the situation in Ukraine. Many children are exposed to these events through various media, including TikTok. Some of our families have experienced violence and oppression firsthand, while others have loved ones serving in the military or police, which adds an extra layer of concern during these times.
I want to assure you that we prioritize the safety and well-being of our students every day. They are encouraged to share their worries and fears, and we are here to listen and support them. While we do not go into specific details about these events, we provide a safe space for our students to express their feelings and concerns. I encouraged them to share their thoughts and questions with loved ones at home.
Despite the sadness in the world, it was heartening to see the compassion and empathy your children have for others. They want peace in their world and around the globe. As I observed them throughout the day on Friday, I couldn't help but feel hopeful, watching them collaborate, show kindness, and connect with one another.
I understand that these are challenging times for many children, families, and communities. To support your conversations at home, I've compiled a list of resources that may be helpful.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you believe your child needs additional support from the school. We are here to help and provide guidance.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful children with us. They are truly remarkable, and I am grateful to be part of their journey.
Resources:
- How to talk to kids about the violence in Israel and Gaza (radio clip, NPR)
- How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
- Talking to Children about War
-Anna Marchefka
Any views or opinions represented are personal and do not represent the views of the Greenfield Public Schools