Time is really flying by! I feel like I say this every post, but it’s true… I truly don’t want to take for granted how special this year is. Every day, I am reminded of how lucky I am to work with such a thoughtful, kind, and curious group of students. From the big moments like leading Mass or tackling a challenging class project, to the small everyday joys like a shared laugh, inside jokes, or a meaningful conversation, I am making a conscious effort to soak it all in. This class continually inspires me with their energy, creativity, and compassion, and I want to make sure that we enjoy every single moment we have together this year.
Before we dive into updates, I want to gently encourage families to take the time to read these blog posts and explore our Google Photo Drive often. I include important information and updates here that can help avoid confusion or clarify things that might otherwise get lost in a flyer or email. Later in the year, our 5th graders will begin adding to the blog and writing their own posts, and my hope is that parents will engage with their posts. You now have the option to subscribe to the blog, a new feature I’ve invested in to make it easier for families to stay connected with classroom updates. Please feel free to share with grandparents, or anyone who you know would love to see more of what your child is doing in our classroom. I would love for parents to leave a quick comment after reading the posts just to let us know you’ve seen it. The students do get excited when they hear that their family members contribute to our posts!
5th Grade Led Mass
Our 5th graders led Mass on Friday! Their efforts were outstanding, and several people shared how impressed they were. Thank you to all the parents who came to celebrate Mass with us. I know it’s always special for students to see familiar faces with us at Mass. Now that they are sitting up in the choir loft most of the time, they may not always spot family in the pews, so it is extra meaningful when we get to sit with them and celebrate Mass together.
Altar Serving Training
After Mass, our class began training to become Altar Servers! This is such an exciting step in their Catholic faith, and I am so proud to see them learning to serve on the altar with reverence and confidence. They will be joining the Middle School rotation (dates on the “What’s Happening & When” tab), and for families interested in having their child serve at weekend Masses, Ms. Ullmer would be happy to include them in the upcoming schedule starting in December. Please reach out to her if you’d like your child to be part of the Parish Mass rotation.
Mary Ullmer’s email: maryullmer@att.net
Spanish Pen Pal Letters
In Spanish, students are starting to write letters to their pen pals in Nicaragua! This is an exciting opportunity, and we are so thankful to Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. K for making this connection possible.
Esperanza Rising with Mr. Sawicki
Mr. Sawicki has been leading our class read of Esperanza Rising. His presence and guidance have been a wonderful addition to our classroom. Students are working on a packet together and engaging in thoughtful discussions. I am continually amazed by their critical thinking and discussion skills!
On Friday, he will introduce a fun project: students will be packing a “suitcase” for Esperanza. Details will be sent home Friday, and the project will be due 11/24. We will continue reading the book next week, but this gives families a heads-up so students can begin brainstorming over the weekend and next week.
End of Trimester
The end of the trimester is 11/21. Some students are still working on AR goals and Handwriting Units. Your encouragement to read at home is always appreciated! I am beginning to input grades with current AR scores so students will have a clear idea of where they stand and the impact of those assignments on their grades. Please don’t worry if grades look a little off over the next few days. We’ll be taking time on Friday to review everything and get things sorted out.
Thanksgiving Project
I am so excited for this project… it might be my favorite one we do in 5th grade. Life skills, family stories, good food… it can’t get any better! I hope your child shared the information sheet with you. This project that we will start next week involves a family recipe. It doesn’t need to be Thanksgiving or holiday-themed, just something special to your family. Deciding on a recipe that has a story or memory connected with it will make the writing portion much easier and more meaningful. I will share my own example below.
You are invited to take the time to make the recipe with your child and bring to share with the class on Wednesday, 11/26 at 1:00. The Thanksgiving meal we share in class is incredibly special, and when we read each other’s stories and share the dishes, it becomes even more meaningful. (Please do not feel obligated to make the recipe in the project if your schedule is busy. If you want to contribute something different to the party, which is also optional, that is okay too!)
We would love for parents to join our celebration if they are available. Together, we will explore our recipe book, share the special stories and memories behind each family recipe, and enjoy a “Thanksgiving” meal with one another. It’s a special opportunity to come together, celebrate our blessings, and reflect on all that we are thankful for.
Anna’s House Comfort Drive: November 17 to December 16.
We are collecting small items for local seniors, such as cozy socks, puzzle books, coloring supplies, and treats. Our 5th through 8th grade students will wrap the gifts on December 17 and deliver them on Thursday, December 18th, playing bingo and singing carols during the visit. Please review the specific needs and sign up on the SignUp Genius, then send your donation to the school.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DADAD2CA7FD0-60380194-adopt#/
Important Dates & Upcoming Events
Please continue to check the “Important Dates/Upcoming Events” tab on our blog for updates and reminders.
As always, it is an absolute blessing to be your child’s teacher. Thank you for your support and partnership.
~Mrs. A