Grade 5

• Master whole number operations and facts
• Solve problems involving fractions and decimals
• Represent and analyze mathematical structures using equations and algebraic symbols
• Analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional shapes
• Apply various strategies and algorithms to problems

Reading

• Continue to develop and strengthen reading skills: fluency, word recognition, vocabulary, oral reading, and comprehension
• Extend thinking beyond the surface elements of the text and begin to understand symbolism, metaphors, and imagery
• Analyze texts with a critical eye and formulate opinions about what is read
• Identify and appreciate the elements of a story: plot, theme, characters, setting, problem, and solution

Writing

• Continue strengthening the use of writing mechanics, such as spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure
• Study and practice different genres of writing, including persuasive writing, essays, personal narratives, poetry, and fictional stories
• Understand the value of proofreading, editing, and revising a piece of writing
• Develop a personalized style of writing, allowing one’s own unique voice to come through in the writing

• Enhance note-taking strategies, including recording key terms and drawing and labeling accurate diagrams, while promoting analytical thinking and accurate experiment design.
• Observe, test, and categorize rocks and minerals in the lab and field
• Model and understand geologic processes
• Introduction to microscopes and the micro and nano world
• Investigate electricity and circuits and use that knowledge to design and carry out a scientific experiment
• Independent scientific experiment investigation a question of each student's choosing

• Continue to develop speaking skills to communicate complex ideas
• Continue to develop reading and writing skills in order to read and write longer passages in Spanish
• Identify Spanish speaking countries on a map and gain specific, in depth knowledge of 1-2 countries of choice
• Solidify foundational vocabulary, including: greetings and introductions, calendar, country facts, clothing, colors, classroom items, hobbies, and likes and dislikes
• Explore Spanish and Hispanic culture
   

• Students attend IDI twice per week (each class is 50 minutes)
• Further refinement of computer civics  and expectations around appropriate use of technology
• Continued exploration of design thinking and physical engineering
• Introduction to multi-faceted problem-solving using various forms of technology
• Exposure to advanced fabrication machinery for High-Fidelity prototyping
• Focuses: Digital Citizenship, Digital Fabrication, Problem Solving, Iterative Design

• Expand experience with digital and printed media types while working on various writing genre such as professional letters, student-authored picture books, and newsletters.
• Extend multimedia capabilities by adding hyperlinks and action buttons within presentations.
• Develop an enhanced ability to draw conclusions from data as students explore more advanced spreadsheet functions in Numbers (e.g., average)
• Expand video editing tools, combining still images, video, and audio in varied presentations.
• Use Chromebooks, desktop computers and iPads to assess skills in areas like reading and math.
• Continue to develop research and critical thinking experience using online resources

Middle School students meet on Wednesday mornings for Community Program class. Topics range from student clubs to DEI work and practice, plus grade-specific meetings led by homeroom teachers and class representatives.

Students will have a broad-reaching music program that includes: staging a musical, studying soprano and alto recorders, learning syncopation and world music rhythms on percussion, learning ukulele chords and notes, voice work, and several folk dances.

Students will be divided into three groups, rotating through trimester-long classes with Mr. Field, Mrs. Donworth, and Ms. Wildrick. Students will construct model boats in woodworking and will work in clay, paint, and drawing in the art studios.

• Use more sophisticated woodworking tools such as a plane, spokeshave, chisel, and lathe
• Apply prior knowledge to independently complete complex woodworking projects
• Apply knowledge of color theory when making design decisions
• Explore printmaking methods
• Experiment with a variety of armature materials with the goal of achieving structural integrity
• Think and work independently
• Learn to render the human face, using rules for proportion and placement of features
• Create a self portrait with the aid of a mirror
• Participate in a community critique using fifth grade art vocabulary

At the end of each day, all middle school students have an opportunity to meet with teachers for extra support or as a checkpoint to ensure understanding of materials and preparedness for homework completion.

• Develop relevant skills connected with the sport played
• Learn and enjoy the benefits of physical activity
• Develop a high level of sportsmanship and school spirit
• Develop leadership skills and an appreciation for the value of teamwork
• Seek personal levels of excellence
• Experience playing on a competitive team
• Identify the correlation between hard work and improvement

Service Learning is an integral part of school culture, and for good reason. Serving others in our communities helps students feel connected, engaged and involved, building empathy and a sense of generosity. The entire middle school will participate in Day of Service at one of several pre-arranged locations.