October 2015
Dear Fifth Grade Parents,
Believe it or not, we are more than half way through first quarter! The fifth graders have
been working hard over the first weeks to be true “building leaders” and represent the Cashell way
through their interactions with others and dedication to school work. Cashell’s core values (safety,
responsibility, respect and kindness) are apparent in the classroom every day. They are essential in
ensuring the emotional and educational growth in students as we are preparing for success in
middle school and beyond!
As we delve deeper into the quarter, students are becoming more and more aware of the
rigor that fifth grade brings. Nevertheless, it also brings many hands on and engaging activities. In
science, we are working on finalizing our roller coaster models. We have been very impressed by
how well the fifth graders have worked collaboratively to problem solve and work through the
engineering design process. It appears that we have many budding engineers and scientists on our
hands! In social studies, we continue to study the events leading up to the Revolutionary War. In
writing, we are using the research model to write opinion essays on renewable energy sources.
Additionally, we continue to use the writing process to publish original adventure stories. In
reading, we are focusing on the adventure genre. We will end the quarter with a focus on nonfiction. In math, we will be focusing on decimal place value relationships. Please keep an eye out
for the second quarter math newsletter; it will be sent home at the end of October!
Lastly, please put the following dates on your calendars:
1.
2.
3.
4.
October 12- Open House (9 a.m. – 11 a.m.)
October 16- No School
October 23- Adventure Book Report Due
November 6- Middle School Magnet Program Applications Due
Thank you for all of your continued support. We look forward to seeing all of you at
Open House! Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
The Fifth Grade Team
Ms. Samsock
Mrs. Hill