Skip to main content

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!


Popular posts from this blog

Black History Month and Mardi Gras Celebrations!

Fifth graders celebrated Fat Tuesday for Mardi Gras with a King Cake in Religion class! On Monday, the entire school took part in a Black History Month celebration. Here, Ms. Brown leads the middle school in a round of "Finish the Lyric," where they completed song lyrics by Whitney Houston, the Jackson 5, Bob Marley, Beyonce, and more!  At another station, they were given iconic images in black history to recreate through illustration. The best work from each division will be chosen to be posted around the school! At their last station, middle schoolers answered trivia questions about famous figures in Black History. This weekend is the annual auction! We hope you can join us this Saturday evening, February 29  for "A Night in Philly" at the Springfield Country Club. The re-enrollment deadline is next Friday, March 6 ! Please remember to send your registration in by next week.
Read more

Grade 5 Retreat

On Wednesday, fifth graders enjoyed a spiritual retreat led by Ms. Kathol. After a hearty breakfast (thank you, parents!), they settled in for a morning of prayer, reflection, and discussion. There was inward reflection, a collective sharing of personal moments with God, mindfulness activities focused around breathing centered in God, and station work. Fueling up for the day at breakfast. Welcoming the fifth grade and going over expectations for the day.  Ms. Kathol begins the retreat with an opening prayer by St. Therese of Lisieux (below). Students pass the candle around to share their hope(s) for the day. May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into...
Read more

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations

This week for Community Time, students in early childhood, lower school, and the middle school culminated a month's worth of honoring Hispanic heritage with a celebration filled with music, crafts, and Quizzo. Middle school started off the celebration in the gym, where they learned various styles of hispanic dance and enjoyed music by Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan, and other artists! Each student had the opportunity to answer a musical trivia question on hispanic culture. Those who guessed correctly could come up and lead the dance by playing bongos. Everyone got into the celebrations! Next it was off to the MPR to play a round of Quizzo where students tried to guess famous Hispanic personalities, national flags, and quotes. Lastly, it was off to the cafeteria to practice their Spanish speaking skills and celebrate with piñatas!                           ...
Read more