Mrs. Malenda's Website!

At OPS, homework supports learning and reinforces skills taught in the classroom. Students will be assigned approximately 50 minutes of homework, Monday through Thursday, along with daily reading. Project Board assignments are due on the last day of each month. 

Homework is posted daily in the Google Classroom. 

• • Team Model - In grade 5, we use a team teaching approach, where students have one teacher for English Language Arts (ELA) and a different teacher for Math, Science, and Social Studies. This structure allows for more specialized instruction in each subject area and promotes a collaborative environment as students learn to work with different teachers and peers, fostering independence and teamwork.

  • Sharpe Reservation - Our 5th graders embark on an unforgettable 3-day adventure , where hands-on, interactive experiences bring the curriculum to life! This exciting trip is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the environment as they explore nature through guided hikes, team-building activities, and engaging lessons in ecology and conservation. From identifying local wildlife to learning about sustainable practices, students will develop a greater appreciation for the natural world while building lasting memories with their peers.

  • Family Visitation Days - The 5th Grade Family Day at Oradell Public School is a special event designed to strengthen the bond between families and the school community. This engaging day offers families a unique opportunity to step into their child’s classroom and participate in hands-on activities together.

  • Veolia Lessons - Throughout the school year, representatives from Veolia visit 5th-grade classrooms to deliver engaging and educational lessons on water and environmental stewardship. These sessions focus on critical topics, including:

    •  The processes used to ensure safe and clean water for communities.

    • Highlighting water's essential role in our daily lives and ecosystems.

    • Understanding how human actions influence water resources and the environment.

  • L.E.A.D - The Oradell Police Department's L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence) program is a specialized curriculum tailored for 5th-grade students. It aims to promote positive attitudes and behaviors, foster healthy relationships, and equip students with the tools to resist substance abuse, conflict, and negative influences. Through interactive lessons and engaging discussions, the program empowers students with the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to make informed decisions and lead safe, healthy, and successful lives.

Support Literacy and Math:

• Have your child read for at least 30 minutes every night. Ask "how" and "why" questions such as:

  • What problem did the main character face? How did they solve their problem? What would you have done differently?

  • Do you think the main character is someone you could be friends with? Why or why not?

  • If you could meet one character from your book, who would it be? What would you talk about? Why would you want to meet the character?

• Use fun math games and everyday tasks such as:

  • Cook with measuring cups.

  • Have your child adjust a recipe to a different serving size.

  • Playing Card Games (Multiplication War, Comparing Numbers, Fraction Face Off)

  • Math websites found on the Student Resource page.

Encourage Independence and Routines:

• Establish consistent routines for homework.  

• Assign simple chores to build responsibility and confidence.

• Have your child set up their own small, quiet, study place.

• Have your child be responsible for checking their Google Classroom and keeping their materials organized.

Foster Emotional Growth:  

• Discuss emotions, practice problem-solving, and celebrate effort over results.  

• Encourage creativity through play, arts, and crafts.  

• Explain to your child that the quality of their work is as important as persistence and grit.

Stay Involved with School:

• Communicate with teachers, review homework, and attend school events.  

• Create a quiet study space.