Math
The Everyday Math program is continued in 5th Grade. This curriculum emphasizes conceptual understanding while building a mastery of basic math skills. This program allows students the opportunities to explore math concepts through a variety of hands-on activities. There are math games and activities, calculator computations as well as basic paper/pencil computation skills. The students start by reviewing and strengthening their multiplication and division facts. Throughout the year they build on prior knowledge and add to this in a spiral fashion, exploring more in-depth math concepts including place value, probability and chance, measurement, geometry, algebra, fractions, decimals and percents, collecting, organizing and graphing data, geometry, area and volume. A math enrichment program is also offered for students that demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities.

Social Studies
In 5th grade the Social Studies program begins with geography and a look at our current government and how it works. Then we learn about colonists and the settlement of America. We wrap up the year by learning about Canada and Latin America. Students learn to prepare Power Point presentations for the Canada unit.

Science
The science program includes a unique feature - the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program. A Police Officer from our local police department joins us once a week for approximately 12 weeks to implement this program. The classroom science program in 5th grade uses STC kits. These are lab-based, long-term science explorations. The topics studied are microbiology, magnets and motors. Smaller units on topics that are connected to our reading program are also incorporated. The scientific method is explored in depth and this helps the students to individually prepare for the school-wide Science Fair.

Social Curriculum
This year the school has adopted a program called the Responsive Classroom. This program openly develops a student's social skills and helps to build our classroom and 5th grade team as a healthy, caring and supportive community. A major aspect of the program involves a daily meeting where all three teachers participate, and we take turns planning and leading activities. The meeting provides an opportunity for us to gather as a whole class to read news and announcements, greet each other, spend a few minutes sharing and play a quick game. Each member of our class has an opportunity to be recognized and valued for their contributions. Several days a week we end our day in this forum, and have a chance to recognize individuals and to say good-bye.

Specials
Students have a special class every day of the week. Our schedule is as follows:
Monday - Gym
Tuesday - Computer
Wednesday - Gym
Thursday - Music & Library (5B)
Friday - Art & Library (5A)

Student Planners
As 5th graders, the students start using planners or agendas this year. This is a place for them to record their homework everyday, as it is being assigned in each class. Please use this as a tool to help your child. Please check your child's planner to help them stay on top of their homework. The use of the student planners is continued through 8th grade at the Hebrew Academy.