Kati Rodrigues
Fifth Grade STEM Teacher
krodrigues@eastpennsd.org
Jefferson Elementary School
Fifth Grade STEM Teacher
krodrigues@eastpennsd.org
Jefferson Elementary School
Welcome to fifth grade! I'm very excited to be your child's teacher this year. Being part of the Jefferson family since 2009 is one of my greatest joys. I have a passion for teaching STEM to elementary students, especially to fifth graders!. I'm a graduate of East Stroudsburg University. As a lifelong learner, I have earned a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Wilkes University and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. I love teaching fifth graders and being a part of their journey as they transition from elementary students to rising middle schoolers. I can't wait to share that experience with you!
In addition to being a teacher, I am also a wife and mom to 22 year old twin sons. Matthew and Jacob began their East Penn education in kindergarten and graduated from Emmaus High School in 2021. I am proud to not only work, but also to live in the East Penn School District.
As a family, we enjoy traveling to warm places, attending sporting events, and visiting family and friends. I love to read and I am also an avid sports fan. As a New York Mets, New York Giants, and University of Michigan Wolverines fan, I always enjoy fun banter with my students, especially Philadelphia and Penn State fans!
Thank you for trusting me with your children, we are going to have a great year!
In fifth grade, we tackle a variety of Units of Study throughout the three trimesters. The outline below provides a quick summary of each module.
This year students will work on solidifying foundational math skills while being introduced to more complex mathematical concepts. By the end of fifth grade, students will have a deep understanding of numbers and operations. They will focus on the relationship between whole number and decimal place value. Students will be able to perform operations using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Finally students will work with volume, classifying shapes, and collecting data. Through a variety of direct instruction, small-group instruction, hands-on activities, and real-world problem-solving tasks, students will build confidence and strengthen their mathematical understanding.
In 5th grade science, students explore mixtures and solutions, the solar system, and life cycles through hands-on activities. They will mix and separate substances, model planetary orbits, and observe how living things grow and change. Interactive lessons and experiments encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways including digital and real-life projects, experiments, and quizzes.
Students will learn strategies that help build confidence, understand their feelings, and treat others with kindness and respect. They will focus on ways to appreciate different backgrounds and perspectives, making sure everyone feels included and valued. Students learn how to make friends, work as a team, and handle disagreements in a fair and respectful way. By practicing problem-solving and communication, they develop the skills to build strong relationships and create a positive, welcoming classroom for everyone.
We provide many basic supplies. Below are the items that your child will use throughout the school year and should have at all times.
1 sturdy backpack
Pencils
Erasers
Any personal supplies your child would like to use
Headphones or earbuds (to stay at school) ~ these tend to break and/or get lost throughout the year. I thank you in advance for replacing them when needed.
Below is a list of items that a donation is always appreciated!
Tissues
Disinfectant Wipes
Pencils
Erasers
Earbuds
Thin Dry Erase Markers
Sharpies
Extra Snacks (pretzels, goldfish, etc...)
You can always reach me via email at krodrigues@eastpennsd.org or by phone at (610) 965-1645, but the best way to reach me is via Seesaw messages. Please click below to connect to Seesaw.
This is my primary means of communication. You will find your child's math quizzes posted here as well as all classroom updates.
Check out our Family Tech Resources Website! The purpose of this site is to provide both students and families of the East Penn School District resources on the technology they are using in the classroom. Some of the resources are created by East Penn, while others may be created by the companies themselves.