This morning Amos and Sophia were recognized at the April BOLT Awards for Integrity and Completing a Task! We are very proud of them!
Choir Fifth Grade has been meeting with Mrs. Johnson and getting a feel for what Choir is like. They will be singing this Friday at Mass! I hope you are able to join to hear their angelic voices!
Madison Field Trip Permission slips went home today. Please take some time to read the letter with your child. Don’t forget to return the field trip slip and submit the dog tag order as soon as possible.
Human Society Drive Winners! Our class won the Humane Society Drive hosted by former HC and current NDA Students! BIG THANK YOU to the families that donated! It was a close race!
Shadow Fun We are currently learning about shadows and their positions throughout the different times of day. After modeling shadows in the classroom, we went outside to check out our own shadows!
We kicked off this month with the infamous April Fools NEWAMSRE exam. I think it is the best kept secret! If you know, you know! This exam checks for Middle School preparedness and asks the students to evaluate their teacher. Check out a few of the entertaining results below. I am thankful everyone said I should keep my job!
While we work hard in fifth grade, we also need to remember to have FUN! So we made CANDY SALAD! Thank you parents for allowing your child to bring in candy for this. Some of your children might have told you it was mandatory… haha! Thank you for your sense of humor and grace! We had to make a video to document:
Science We have started a new science unit, “Patterns in the Universe” this month. It’s my personal favorite topic as I have fond memories of being their age and going to space camp! We will be learning about stars, the Earth’s place in our universe, changes in shadows, different positions of the sun, moon, and various stars throughout the day, and about their orbits! We will be making our own space exhibits at the end of the unit.
Speaking of space… The clouds shifted and we were able to get outside to see the Solar Eclipse on Monday! It was very cool to experience the incredible celestial phenomenon with the entire school. I am so thankful that Mrs. Davister and Mrs. Peterson agreed with my idea to host this viewing party for the entire school. We are blessed to have amazing and supportive staff at Holy Cross who wanted our students to witness another part of God’s beautiful creations!
Math We are in our 14th unit in math- almost finished with 75 math lessons! These math wizards have been working hard learning about fractions, decimals, converting measuring units, finding area and perimeter, and so much more! We have a math project that will be due on Monday, April 15th. The park project is such a fun project. Ask your child to share with you the packet if they haven’t already. We have dedicated time in class to work on our Park Project, but they may have to be worked on/finished at home. Ella and Lorelai will have a blog post out soon explaining this more in detail- maybe they will even share their classmates designs!?
Social Studies We just completed our unit about Asia. I love that we learn about the great diversity in languages, geographical features, and religions in this unit. I especially loved learning about Israel and Egypt and being able to do some “Biblical Geography” to see important places we read about in the Bible! We will have our “final” on Asia this Friday, April 12th. Next we will venture into Europe!
Language Arts The class is still working hard on Tower of Books. This is the final stretch- we are working hard to reach our goal of 30 books for the school year! We see the light and the final ten should be the easiest. We have been building our reading stamina so we can be prepared for middle school and beyond! Please check your child’s progress and do not forget to initial each summary! Summaries should be written after each book has been read. Their packets should be in their binders. Together, we have been reading Other Words for Home. It is realistic fiction written in free verse poetry about a girl named Jude who moves to the United States from Syria. I think as a whole, we are really enjoying this book. It is helping us with our comprehension and creative writing skills! We are continuing working hard on our spelling and are in our 24th unit of spelling. We have been putting to use all the skills and strategies we have learned from reading and spelling into our writing skills. The class has been working hard on writing their Personal Narratives and I am excited to share their final stories soon! We are also working on creating blog posts for this blog. I am excited for you to read their fun blurbs!
Religion With the conclusion of Lent, we will start to focus on the Commandments and growing respect for ourselves and others. In our SEL studies, we are finishing up the Emotion Management unit and will begin Empathy and Kindness very soon!
Field Trip! We officially booked our field trip to Madison on May 1st. Holy Cross fourth and fifth grade classes head to Madison every other year to tour the Wisconsin State Capitol and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. We will depart Holy Cross around 8:00 and return after school hours between 5:30 and 6:15. Specific details and permission slips will be sent home soon! We are looking for a few chaperones to come with us. Chaperones will be randomly selected. If you are interested, please be sure to be current on VIRTUS compliance. If you are not sure, please feel free to reach out and I can let you know.
Middle School Mode We have been working hard getting ready for Middle School. Please check and sign your child’s planner every day. Also, please look through their binders and help them stay organized. While we take time in class to work on organization, we are still finding that important papers are often left at home or thrown away.
Humane Society Drive Holy Cross Alumni and NDA Seniors are hosting a drive for the Humane Society. They are collecting non-retractable leashes, collars, soft dog treats, dog/cat toys, latex-free disposable gloves, dawn dish soap, cans of dog food, peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, pecans, peanuts, almonds, walnuts (unsalted), hand sanitizer, and gallon ziploc bags. Each item = 1 point! The class with the most points will win a pizza party! Please bring in donations now until the 18th!
As always, it is a blessing to be your child’s teacher. Have a wonderful day!
Wow, The school year has gone by quickly! Time does fly when you are having fun… and we are having a lot of fun in fifth grade!
Important Updates & Changes:
We are officially in Middle School Mode! We will closely model the expectations, transitions, and start to increase our homework load this trimester to help make the big change easier next year. We have been working towards this all year long, and I feel like our class is very prepared for this. As a reminder, 5th grade anticipated homework time is a minimum of 30 minutes to 1 hour. In middle school, it double to 2+ hours. We are working hard on building our academic stamina to set us up for success!
Tower of Books: After every book your child reads they need to immediately write the summary on their summary page and get a parent signature verifying they read the book and approving their summary. I am finding that some are waiting until they are finished with all of their books to complete their summaries and are struggling to write them. Your guidance will help them stay on track to complete their goal of reading 30 books by the end of the year. Parent signature on reading logs is an expectation with Mrs. Sheehy, so this is another way we are working on middle school expectations.
Our class is performing The Living Stations on Wednesday, March 20th at 1:30 and 6:00. Please save the date and plan to join us for one of the showings. Parts have been selected and were shared with the class. If your child has not shared with you, please ask them about their role! We will begin practicing immediately when we arrive back from spring break.
It was a pleasure meeting with you all for parent teacher conferences this week. Please know that I am always available to meet with you in person or over the phone if you want to discuss anything as the year goes on. You can also email me with any questions or updates.
As we bid farewell to December, it’s hard to believe how quickly the month flew by. The holiday season brought joy and warmth to our hearts, especially during our Christmas concert where the class showcased their musical talents with a delightful array of band instruments. It was a moment to cherish, witnessing the students come together to create beautiful music and spread festive cheer.
Before the concert with Mr. K and Mrs. A!Playing at the Christmas Concert! Videos on our Google Drive!
One of the highlights of the month was our field trip to the CP Center and St. Norbert’s Abbey. The experience was not only fulfilling but also touched the lives of our community. The joy and connection we shared with others reinforced the importance of compassion and community outreach, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Secret Santa was a success! I loved seeing the excitement and gratitude each day from the class when we passed out the thoughtful gifts. The loved celebrating each other and the season the last week before break. We are also so incredibly thankful that Mrs. DeLeers helped spread holiday cheer to our class and hosted a Christmas Party. We had an absolute blast. Her generosity and thoughtfulness was appreciated by everyone. THANK YOU!
Ella’s favorite drink is milk!Mikey’s Secret Santa delivered a Reindeer Capri Sun!Baby Puffs were a hit!Sophia with her prizes!Saran Wrap Game!Popcorn, Cocoa, and BINGO!
As we step into the new year, we are starting a new Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Unit with a special emphasis on Emotion Management. Students will explore strategies to anticipate and handle strong emotions such as stress, frustration, and anger. By identifying recurring situations that trigger these emotions, the class will learn to make positive changes to better navigate their emotional responses. This handout was sent home for you to take a look at.
A new adventure awaits us as we kick off the year by taking our PK Buddies to Mass every other week, starting on January 5th. This initiative not only fosters a sense of responsibility but also strengthens the bond between students across different grades. We are excited to help share the beauty of Mass with our buddies.
Helping our PK Buddies shop at the Gingerbread House!So many choices!The boys were determined to win!Building Gingerbread Houses with our buddies!
In our pursuit of Middle School Mode, the second trimester introduced aspects of middle school expectations, including participation points, shorter transition times, study hall, and independent research. As we approach the third trimester beginning in mid-February, our journey into Middle School Mode will officially commence. The class will experience closely mirrored expectations and school work, providing a glimpse into the exciting challenges that await them in the upper grades.
Christmas Around the World research!Working hard to learn about how other countries celebrate!Spending time with Middle School on field trips!7th Grade Band performed for us!
January promises to be packed with excitement, including a field trip with the Middle Schoolers to NDA to watch their musical production, Annie. Additionally, Catholic Schools Week, starting on the last Sunday in January, will bring a ton of fun activities and celebrations. Keep an eye out for more information regarding both of these events in an upcoming parent folder.
As we reflect on the whirlwind that was December, we eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead in 2024. With a focus on emotional intelligence, community building, and transitioning to Middle School Mode, the class is set to embark on a journey filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Get ready for a month of fun, exploration, and continued development as we embrace the opportunities that the new year brings!
Advent Reconciliation ReflectionDecember BOLT Award Winner! Congratulations, Ella!!!Placing hay in our manger to prepare for Baby Jesus!
Remember to look on our Google Drive for more pictures! Link in Classroom Information tab.
I also want to give another quick “thank you” to the families who thought of me this Christmas Season. I am so incredibly grateful for the thoughtful gifts. They were not expected, but immensely appreciated. Being your child’s teacher at Holy Cross is the biggest blessing and best gift. I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and New Year.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for you, the amazing fifth grade students and families, who make Holy Cross so incredibly special. Everyone in this class brings so much energy, curiosity, and kindness to the table, and it makes every day a blast. As we gear up for this Thanksgiving break, I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for being an important part of our school family. Enjoy your break, have a fantastic Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, love, and all the good stuff!
Check out the pictures from our Thanksgiving Feast! Thank you for sharing your family recipes with us! (Remember to look at our Google Drive for more pictures of our class adventures! I try to upload new pictures daily!)
This month we started a new science module called “Infection Detection” as part of the Project Lead the Way Science program. The unit starts off with a mysterious illness being spread around a fictitious school. Our detectives will learn important skills and information to help find out the illness that has been spreading to the students. Read below to explore the various engaging activities and learning experiences the class is involved in during this journey of understanding and preventing infections.
Activity 1: Germs, Germs Everywhere
The unit began with a simple yet powerful activity called “Germs, Germs Everywhere.” In this session, students play the classic game “heads up seven up.” While the game might seem like a simple pastime, it quickly illustrates how easily germs can spread from one person to another. Students experienced firsthand how close contact and shared surfaces can facilitate the transmission of diseases. This activity definitely served as a wake-up call to the invisible world of microorganisms that constantly surround us.
Activity 2: Preventing the Spread
In the second phase of our module, we discovered the importance of personal hygiene and infection prevention. We conducted experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of various cleaning agents such as soaps and hand sanitizers. The class tracked the removal of germs and the reduction of contamination on their hands. Through this hands-on experience, they gained insights into the practical measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of disease transmission in daily life. This activity encouraged critical thinking and scientific reasoning while emphasizing the significance of regular handwashing.
Activity 3: Infection Fighters
The human body is a marvel of natural defense systems designed to protect us from harmful microorganisms. In “Infection Fighters,” we learned about the body’s innate immune responses and the vital role of different organs and cells in safeguarding our health. They gained an understanding of how these mechanisms work together to keep us healthy, even in the presence of potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. This activity gave us a sense of appreciation for the body’s resilience and it’s ability to protect us!
The Project/Problem Phase
At this point in our unit, we started to transition to the project/problem phase where we take all the knowledge and skills we’ve acquired and apply them to real-world scenarios. They’ll explore various communicable diseases and microorganisms, analyze student interviews and catalogue symptoms to identify patterns. This phase encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration as students work together to determine the illness being spread within our fictional school.
Using epidemiology practices, students engage in a simulated disease outbreak investigation. They use the information they’ve gathered to deduce the likely source of the infection. This exercise not only hones their scientific investigative skills but also cultivates an understanding of the larger picture: the impact of disease outbreaks on communities and the importance of rapid response and prevention.
The “Infection Detection” module in our science curriculum offers a comprehensive and engaging educational experience for our students. It equips them with the knowledge and skills to identify, prevent, and respond to infections effectively. By exploring the transmission of diseases, the body’s natural defenses, and conducting practical experiments, students are well-prepared for the challenges of the future.
This unit not only fosters an appreciation for science but also promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and the importance of public health. It prepares our students to be the disease detectives of tomorrow, who can make informed decisions and take action to protect the well-being of their communities.
Have you noticed your child adopting any healthy habits since they have started this unit?
At Holy Cross, learning is more than just reading books and taking tests. It’s also about becoming great people with strong, faith-filled values and leadership skills. That’s why we introduced the B.O.L.T. Awards – Builders of Leadership and Tradition. It’s a monthly award where we recognize students for being amazing leaders and for showing the values that make Holy Cross so incredibly special. Each month, we’ll focus on a different value and celebrate students who do a great job living up to it.
Here is a break down of the virtues we will be focusing on this year:
September: Respect and Listening– In September, we started with the value of Respect. This means treating everyone nicely and making sure everyone feels important. It’s also about being a good listener.
Zita was recognized with our first B.O.L.T. Award! She’s fantastic at showing respect and listening to others. Zita makes sure that everyone in our class feels heard and appreciated. She’s a fantastic role model for treating others with respect and for her listening skills.
October: Compassion and Organization– In October, we’ll talk about Compassion, which means being kind and understanding to others. We’ll also look at the importance of being organized and keeping things tidy.
November: Gratitude and Cooperation– In November, we’ll focus on Gratitude, which means being thankful for the good things in our lives. We’ll also learn about Cooperation, working together nicely to achieve great things.
December: Generosity and Sharing– December is all about Generosity, which is about sharing with others who need help. We’ll also talk about Sharing, which is a simple way to make the world a better place.
January: Perseverance and Problem Solving- When we face tough challenges, we need Perseverance, which means not giving up. We’ll also look at Problem Solving, finding creative solutions to problems.
February: Love and Following Directions– February is the month of love. We’ll learn about showing love and kindness to others. We’ll also talk about Following Directions, which is about doing what we’re asked to do.
March: Forgiveness and Social Skills– March is about Forgiveness, which means being kind and forgiving when someone makes a mistake. We’ll also work on Social Skills, like making friends and being friendly.
April: Integrity and Completing a Task– In April, we’ll talk about Integrity, which means being honest and doing what’s right. We’ll also focus on Completing a Task, finishing our work with care.
May: Service- Finally, in May, we celebrate Service. This is about helping others and making our community better. It’s a great way to finish the school year!
The B.O.L.T. Awards are to recognize students who are not only great learners, but also faithful leaders. We’re super proud of Zita for showing us what respect and listening look like in September. We can’t wait to see who will shine in October as we celebrate Compassion and Organization. Together, we’re building a school community that values leadership and tradition at Holy Cross.
I invite you to comment on this post to send your congratulations to Zita!
Our fifth grade classroom has been filled with so much excitement and learning! Read below to explore the highlights of the past two weeks, where we not only had some exciting activities but also settled into the routines and expectations that will shape our journey throughout the year ahead.
Balloon Globe Project The fifth-grade class embarked on an exciting balloon globe project to kickstart their geography exploration. With scissors in hand and an atlas as their guide, the fifth grade explorers carefully cut out the continents and skillfully pasted them onto their balloon globes. The precision was essential, as they aimed to create an accurate representation of our planet. As they glued each piece onto their balloon, they carefully labeled the vast oceans and the equator, connecting their newfound knowledge to the physical world. This hands-on activity was not just a craft project; it was their passport to a world of geographical understanding, marking the beginning of their exciting journey into the fascinating realms of our Earth’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
Mary’s Birthday Our fifth graders came together to celebrate a special birthday – that of Mary, the Mother of God. We walked across the street to the church were we sang “Happy Birthday”, prayed the Hail Mary, and offered a rose as a symbol of our love and gratitude. It was such a beautiful moment of faith, love, and gratitude, reminding us of the significance of Mary in our faith-filled lives.
Holy Cross Feast Day Our class had a fantastic time celebrating our school’s feast day, The Exaltation of the Holy Cross! We watched a short video about the significance of this special day, deepening our understanding and faith. But that’s not all! We got creative and made our very own “stained glass” crosses to hang in our classroom. Each one was a unique masterpiece, filled with vibrant colors that symbolized the light and hope that the Holy Cross represents. It was a beautiful and meaningful way to honor this important occasion and to remind ourselves of the values that our school community cherishes.
Social Emotional Learning We started our fantastic social emotional learning curriculum, Second Step. This week we started a unit that explores Growth Mindset and Goal-Setting. Throughout this unit, the class will discover the power of nurturing a growth mindset, cultivating resilience, and mastering the art of effective goal-setting. This unit will help to empower students to set meaningful, attainable goals, create plans for reaching them, and gain the ability to assess their progress. We will also be equipped with the skills to identify and overcome potential obstacles along the way. As we progress through this unit the class will be developing a deeper understanding of themselves while also building essential life skills that will serve them well into the future.
Preschool Buddies! Meeting our preschool buddies has been so much fun! As fifth-graders, we’ve had a blast getting to know our little friends and sharing some fantastic activities together. It’s been heartwarming to see how we’ve become role models for them, and watching their faces light up with curiosity and excitement has been the highlight of our days with them. Building these connections with our preschool buddies not only brings joy but also reminds us of the importance of kindness, patience, and friendship. Here’s to many more fun-filled adventures with our youngest buddies!
Remembering 9/11 On Monday we participated in the 9/11 Anniversary Digital Learning Experience through the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. It was an eye-opening journey for our fifth-grade class. Before watching the short documentary, we had a discussion about what we already knew, what we thought we knew, and what we were eager to learn about the events of 9/11. It was a moment of reflection and curiosity. After we viewed the documentary, we discussed the extraordinary heroes of 9/11 and the selflessness they displayed in the face of adversity. Equally significant was our conversation about the importance of 9/12, a day that reminds us of unity, resilience, and the power of coming together as a nation in times of crisis. We discussed the qualities of a hero and wrote a short essay about heroism and wrote about a personal hero of ours. Ask your child who they wrote about! This experience not only educated us about a pivotal moment in history but also instilled in us a profound sense of empathy and the value of unity in the face of adversity.
Adjusting to Expectations and Routines The transition to fifth grade can be an adjustment, but I am incredibly proud of our students for their hard work and commitment to a successful year. As we settled into the routines and expectations of this grade, it’s clear that our class is making fantastic progress. Their dedication and grit shine through in every task they tackle, and it’s is truly been great to witness. I am so grateful to all of our parents- your support and partnership are invaluable as we guide our students toward success. Together, we are creating an environment where growth and achievement are not just goals but a way of life. I am looking forward to a year filled with continued growth, learning, and success!
A few reminders: Monday 9/18: Picture Day Tuesday 9/19: Math STAR Testing & Spirit Wear Dress Day Thursday 9/21: Packer Dress Day Friday 9/22: No School
Trivia question: Which country is located directly north of the United States? For a “Granny Candy” on Monday, write the answer in your planner! … and don’t forget a parent signature 🙂
Hello! As summer fades away and the days grow shorter, the halls of Holy Cross are buzzing with the energy of a new school year. Our fifth-graders are back and ready to dive into a year filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences.
Exploring Specials and Setting Expectations
Our fifth graders have been to almost all of their “specials” classes by now. This year, the fifth and sixth grade classes will be having art and gym together. I love that they will get to spend this time together to get to know each other better. When we enter into Middle School Mode, we will get together with the sixth grade class often.
Our fifth graders have also been introduced to the expectations of fifth grade. As they transition into the upper elementary years, they’re learning the importance of responsibility, time management, and organization. These skills will be vital as we work towards preparing ourselves for middle school.
Gearing Up for Academic Success
The start of the school year wouldn’t be complete without a few baseline assessments. Our math and social studies tests give us a better understanding of where we might need a little extra support or provide us an opportunity to show off our knowledge. A few more assessments will follow in various subjects throughout the remainder of the week. These assessments are designed to gauge individual progress and help tailor my teaching to best suit the needs of each student. They will not officially graded.
Embracing GRIT and Personal Responsibility
The theme of fifth grade is embracing the power of GRIT. We’ve engaged in discussions about the importance of determination, resilience, and courage. This year might present challenges and difficulties, but with the right mindset, there’s nothing that we can’t achieve. We also discussed that failures are not permanent and with out those failures, we wouldn’t grow and continue to learn. As long as we continue to work hard and give our effort, success is a guarantee!
“Perfect is not always getting 100%… Perfect is giving 100% of your effort.”
A fantastic TED Talk on the power of grit!
“Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Supply Lists and Parent Surveys
As the school year begins, we understand that there might be a few missing items on the supply lists. No worries—please make sure to bring in any remaining supplies by Monday so that everyone is well-prepared for the school year.
Also, a friendly reminder to parents to please return the parent surveys by Friday. Your feedback is invaluable in helping me create the best possible learning environment for my students.
Music, Mass, and Buddy Classes
Exciting times are ahead! Our fifth graders are gearing up for their small group band lessons starting tomorrow. If your child has an instrument, please make sure they bring it to school for this exciting musical adventure.
On Friday, we’ll gather for our first school Mass of the year. Additionally, we’ll be meeting our buddy class, the Preschool students, who we will be doing various fun activities with throughout the year. This special connection promotes friendship, mentorship, and a sense of community within our school.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you have any questions or concerns as the year progresses, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Please feel free to browse this website and check out the different resources and past blog posts!
I upload pictures of our class almost daily of the fun things we do. As a parent I love seeing the day-to-day fun inside my boys classroom and also know that sometimes getting a peak into the classroom can help you connect with them about their day. I hope you enjoy the pictures and take time to go through them with your child.
As we look ahead to the rest of the school year, the class is filled with anticipation and excitement. With determination, courage, and the power of GRIT, our fifth graders are well-equipped to conquer challenges and achieve success. Let’s make this a year to remember!
