Embedded Files
ELAR (Ms. Dagger)
This week, we will continue exploring what it took to settle the Wild West. Our essential question for this unit is: What character traits were needed in people who settled the West? Students are discovering how bravery, determination and resourcefulness helped pioneers thrive on the frontier.
We will discuss the author's craft, as well as synthesize what we've learned so far. In grammar, we will learn about verbs and practice writing dialogue.
We will grow our word power by exploring homophones and homographs and learning how prefixes (mid-) and suffixes (-al, -ic) change a word's meaning.
In writing, we will write a creative story about a Halloween costume gone wrong!
Remember to set a time to read each night at home. Reading at home increases comprehension skills, as well as vocabulary.
As students read, have them read aloud a sentence or short paragraph and then try replacing some of the author's words with synonyms or antonyms. Discuss how changing the words affects the meaning, tone, or feeling of the text.
Math (Ms. Lee)
The students have started Unit 5 which is primarily the study of fraction operations. They will learn how to add/subtract fractions with unlike denominators, add/subtract mixed numbers with unlike denominators, multiply and divide fractions in the upcoming weeks. The students learned how to identify prime and composite numbers along with reviewing adding/subtracting decimals. The students have also been introduced to how to add/subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators.
Homework
The students will need to complete 45 minutes in i-Ready and 4 fluency checks. Please note that for each fact fluency session, the students can only do one per day.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at anne.hurstlee@gcisd.net
Questions to Ask Your Child:
How do you multiply a decimal by a whole number?
How do you multiply a three digit number times a two digit number?
How do you divide by a two digit divisor?
How do you divide with a decimal in a dividend?
What are key words to look for in word problems for a multiplication problem?
What are key words to look for in word problems for a division problem?
How do you identify a prime and composite number?
How do add or subtract a fraction with an unlike denominator?
Science/SS (Ms. Whelan)
This week the students will be continuing their science unit on ecosystems. They will learn about food webs and chains, and how human activities can affect them. They will learn how one change in one part of a food chain or web can affect the entire system.
In social studies, students will be continuing learning about the American Revolution. They will be focusing on the Declaration of Independence, and why the colonists felt it was necessary to leave Great Britain. We will end our week taking the Unit 3 Social Studies test.
Ask your kids about paying their skittle taxes to King George this week. We had lots of giggles!
5th Grade Instagram Page
We have started a 5th grade instagram page for you to follow all the happenings in 5th grade!! Please find us @ OCT5th2026.
Gifted and Talented Testing
The Gifted and Talented and ASPIRE referral window for students in 5th Grade is open October 14 - November 3.
If you would like to learn more, an informative presentation is available on the Advanced Academics page of the district website: https://bit.ly/GCISDGTinfo
If you are interested in referring your child for testing, you will need to complete the form in skyward no later than November 3, 2025. Directions are available on the Advanced Academics website (found below the presentations). https://bit.ly/GCISDGTinfo
The GT Specialist will administer any necessary testing in November and December. Parents will be notified regarding results as soon as the assessment process is completed.
Any questions please reach out to Donna Water at donna.waters@gcisd.net
20250822144653983.pdfDismissal and Ride Changes:
Dismissal and Ride Changes:
We are continuing to use the dismissal procedure called SafeID. This system is more streamlined and much safer for dismissal times. If your child's form of transportation home changes, PLEASE let the front office know by calling or emailing sierra.salter@gcisd.net and paola.cervantes@gcisd.net as quickly as possible and before 2:00.
Absent
If your child is absent, please email the homeroom teacher and the front office and let them know. The front office email addresses are siera.salter@gcisd.net and paola.cervantes@gcisd.net.
Chromebooks
Please have your child charge their chromebook each evening and bring it to school along with the charger and headphones.
Parent Communication:
Parent Communication:
If a question or concern arises, please contact one of the 5th-grade teachers as your first point of contact. We are here to help answer questions, alleviate concerns, and support you and your child.
EMAIL:
tiffany.daggercummin@gcisd.net
Curriculum Night Presentation
Thank you to those of you who attended curriculum night. If you were unable to make it to curriculum night. Here is the link to the presentation.
Canvas Information:
Canvas Information:
In middle school, students will use Canvas for their classes. We decided to utilize this platform this year to help prepare our students for middle school. You can view the Canvas platform through your child's classlink.
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