Gummy Bear Lab Photos

Scientists at Work!

Weekly Update 9/21

Reading

We have started our first module, “Inventors at Work”, of the new reading program, Into Reading. We read “The Inventor’s Secret” about Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, while focusing on different reading strategies and skills along the way. This week we will continue with Module 1 but using the text, “Winds of Hope”.

Writing

We are in the planning stages of writing an expository essay. Tying into the reading, we are researching inventors and drafting an essay about working hard to turn an idea into a real invention.

Math

Students have had a great transition into fifth grade math! We completed our beginning of the year benchmarks and started our first unit on place value through the millions. In the coming week, students will start to talk about dividing by 10/100/1000 and how to fluently multiply and divide using the traditional algorithm.

Science

Recently, we finished the Penny Drop Lab, as an exploration into the scientific method. Using the experimental question, “Which side of a penny will hold more drops of water?”, we learned about hypotheses, controlled variables, and gathering data to form conclusions. Our next experiment involves placing gummy bears in different solutions!

Social Studies

We read the story, “Encounter” by Jane Yolen as an introduction to the early relationships of English settlers to Native Peoples in the 1600s and 1700s. We then got right into the mystery of Roanoke. Kids are currently reading the different theories behind the disappearance of this ‘lost colony’. This week we will get into the establishment of Jamestown, Virgina.

Welcome to 5th Grade!

 

    Welcome to the 2025/2026 school year!  You are in for a fun year of learning and growing.   We are a team of three, so we each will teach our own homerooms Language Arts with a new Reading program, which we will explain more about when school starts.  We will  rotate among the other subjects.  Mrs. Cummings will be teaching Social Studies, Mrs. Wiles-Stasko will be teaching Science and Mrs. Philips will be teaching Math.  We look forward to getting to know each of you as we work through this year together.

    If you missed it, we have attached the supply list as well.  Anything that you can not obtain please let us know and we will try to help!   

    We hope that you and your families have had a safe, healthy, and fun summer! We can’t wait to hear all about it! 

About Mrs. Cummings

I can’t wait to teach you about our history this year.  It is one of my favorite things to teach! I have two kids, Logan (9) and Dylan (7).  I spent the summer pretty much outdoors with my family. We went to Maine, swam in our pool, and explored the woods while hiking.  I am looking forward for a wonderful school year!

About Mrs. Wiles-Stasko

We are headed into an exciting year getting to know each other!  I’ve had a great summer filled with boating off the Maine and New Hampshire coast, traveling to Spain, gardening, and spending time with my husband and 3 daughters, Kelsey (24), Ella (22), and Hazel (19)  Enjoy these remaining days of summer!  I’m so excited to get to know you!

About Mrs. Philips

I’m so excited to meet all of you and become 5th grade mathematicians together. I spent my summer going to the beach, camping, and playing with my daughters Maggie (4) and Rosie (2). I got to do some reading, baking, and got to play with my dog too! I can’t wait to get to know you all and hear all about your summers too!

Back to School Shopping List

Grade 5: 2025-2026

• One Composition Notebook

• Zippered pencil pouch (cloth is more durable)

• Pack of 12 wooden pencils (no mechanical please)

• Pencil cap erasers 

• Two colored correcting pens (no black)

• Handheld pencil sharpener 

• 10 Glue sticks

• Pack of colored pencils and crayons 

• Scissors

• Small Sticky notes (1.5” x 2” or 2”x2”)

• Headphones/earbuds (to leave at school)