Dear 5A families,

Well, we completed the 1st quarter on Nov. 4th and began the 2nd quarter on Nov. 7th. We have been very busy studying the saints and the Beatitudes in Religion. We are also preparing for Advent on Nov. 27th by participating in the sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday, Nov. 21st.

In Math, we have completed relating fractions to decimals and studying expressions and equations. We will begin Ch. 6 learning the properties of addition and multiplication this week.

In Science we have completed our study of Plant systems and are currently studying Human Body Systems. We have learned about the Respiratory and Circulatory systems and have created 3 healthy meals as we explore the role of the digestive system.

In Reading we completed our 1st novel and book report for James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, and have begun In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord. We have also been writing to our 1A mass buddies about our Flat Stanley adventures. In our anthology, we have begun Theme 2 Common Goals.

In Social Studies we are studying Native American tribes and focusing our attention on their shelter, clothing, crafts, weapons, ceremonies, and geography.

I want to wish you all a very blessed Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 24th and a well rested vacation. I also want to congratulate our 5th grade girls for a fantastic volleyball season! Well done! Also, please update and purchase new school supplies as needed now that we have completed our 1st quarter of 5th grade.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Dana Sargenti

Dear 5A families,

This is our 3rd week of school. We have been very busy since day one! The students are beginning to feel comfortable with the new schedule, and are following classroom policies and procedures. We attended mass with our 1A mass buddies last Friday, Sept. 10th. It was very special since we also celebrated and prayed with the community with the Exposition of the Holy Eucharist. We have been studying the sacrament of creation in Religion class and have been reading from the book of Genesis in our Bibles.

In Math, we have been factoring numbers and understanding prime and composite numbers. We have also been making factor trees and locating the greatest common factor.

In Science, both 5th grade classes have been studying plant and animal cells. We have observed an onion cell using microscopes and created drawings. We have also observed cell models in the classroom.

In Reading, we have been reviewing our summer reading books and will be tested this week. We have written notes on both novels and made illustrations.

In Social Studies, we have reviewed cardinal and intermediate directions, and reviewed maps showing the U.S. states that specialize in a certain product as well as the global market. We will be studying landforms this week.

Remember Iowa test of basic skills (ITBS) will be next week. Make sure your child goes to sleep early and gets plenty of rest.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Dana Sargenti