Hard Work Pays Off!

Fifth graders model their new class t-shirts, made by Sophia and family, for the CLASS SLEEPOVER!

If the past week had a theme, it would easily be, "hard work pays off." The class spent all week studying for and taking tests in Reading (we have just finished our latest novel, Number the Stars), Social Studies, Religion, and Spelling. They worked incredibly hard on each exam and clearly took the time to study and prepare.

This week in Writing, we worked on perfecting the components of a strong, information-based paragraph to eventually write multi-paragraph essays. Students practiced referencing skills as they used in-text citations to state details supporting the topic of why recess is an essential part of the school day for students.

On Tuesday, as part of our Social Studies test review, fifth graders were tasked with writing a letter to someone in government asking them to invest tax funds into renewable or nonrenewable energy sources. Charlotte wrote her letter to Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, our representative for Pennsylvania's 5th district. When her classmates heard her letter, they urged her to send it in. Charlotte asked her classmates to sign her letter along with her to mail out today. We hope to hear back from Rep. Scanlon's office in the near future!

Finally, Friday was Zayda's auction day to become gym teacher for the day. Fifth and sixth graders had a great class with her, as she led them in dodgeball, "Beat the Ball," and "Capture the Flag." When Grade 5 returned, she held a quick yoga "cool down" so that they would be ready for their Spelling test.

Of course, the consistent thought on every fifth grader's mind has been the class sleepover. The excitement has been palpable this week; the students even worked together to come up with a detailed schedule of fun activities to keep them busy all night long (!!!!)

Special thanks to the Daly family for giving the class this unique opportunity, and to Mrs. Zwilling and Dr. Kellich for chaperoning the sleepover!