Embedded Files
Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), April 19, 2026
In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5th grade, I’m happy to put together this update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact either of us at 920-295-6571 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us. I also archive the monthly updates on my website. Within this newsletter, you will find links to various resources to help keep you in the loop. I hope you find them useful. You may need to have your child open his/her Google Classroom to access some of the links.
A friendly reminder, due to Teacher Inservice tomorrow, there is NO SCHOOL for students on Monday, April 20th.
FORWARD TESTS - Congratulations to your 5th grader! S/he is done with state forward testing!! I really appreciate how each child took the test very seriously and did their best.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for the generous donations to help make sure they had healthy brain food (and ice cream/toppings to celebrate when they were done)!! You’re such an awesome group of parents!! Thank you!!!!!
Thank you for the tissues donations - we should be good now until the end of the year!
WANTED: Do you have any working hot glue guns, or are you willing to buy one for our classroom? The few we do have have seen better days. We could use at least five. I have plenty of small glue stick refills.
WANTED - Rummage/Garage Sale shoppers - would you please keep an eye out for chairs - something like these that could be used for comfort in our reading corner? These aren’t holding up so well. Thanks in advance.
The Timber Rattler reading incentive Princeton Family Day is Sunday, May 3, 2026 @ 1:10 pm. Tickets were earned by ALL 5th graders this year!! Way to go, students!! The tickets were sent home this week.
ELA/INTO READING During the ELA block, students have finished Module 7, “Above, Below, and Beyond.” Now, they are reading and writing their way through Module 8, “A New Home”.
DAILY READ-TO-SELF - Students record two choice, DIFFERENT, reading strategy sentences (from the five they have been using all year) at school from that day’s reading AT SCHOOL. They are to read AT LEAST 20 PAGES PER SCHOOL NIGHT AT HOME. We have a number of students working towards this expectation.
Read-to-Self Reading Journal
Directions: Please fill in a new row every day after completing your 20+ pages of silent reading. You can add as many rows to the table as you need to. Please refer to my sentence frames on how to complete the table (do not delete my example). Feel free to refer back to the Making Connections Sentence Starters, Asking Questions Sentence Starters, Visualizing poster with sentence stems, Determining Importance poster with sentence stems, and MI slideshow to help you apply the two different strategies each day.
Date
Book Title & Author’s Name
Start Page
End Page
At least two complete sentences using the reading strategies we’ve focused on this year: Making Connections, Asking Questions, Visualizing, Determining Importance, or Making Inferences. Use two DIFFERENT strategies each day. You need at least one of each strategy per week.
MC Ex: 9/26/25
Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories by Jeff Kinney
1
217
DONE
TS- Rowley has scary experiences, I have scary experiences.
TT- Gunther and Anders have been to a school dance, Greg has been to a school dance.
AQ Ex:
10/3/25
The Scarlet Stockings Spy by Trinka Hakes Noble
1
48
1) Why didn’t anyone suspect Maddy Rose of being a spy?
2) How did Maddy Rose feel when she first saw Seth?
V Ex:
11/30/25
The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller
1
40
V1) When the author wrote “the states were just waking up” on page 4, it helped me hear the states as they were just beginning to wake up.
V2) When I read about Nevada talking to Missississippi, “I’ll go get my things and meet you there,” and Mississippi replied, “I can’t wait,” I can imagine the two states falling in love.
DI Ex:
2/1/26
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
16
58
DI1) When I read about Roz coming to the farm, I knew it was important.
DI2) When I read the farmer’s wife had passed away, I knew it was important for Roz to be learning farmwork.
MI Ex:
4/1/26
The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown
1
43
-In paragraph ____, on page _____, I inferred this character (_________ name of character) felt ____________________.
-The story said ________________________ which made me think _____________________________________.
-From what the author wrote on page _____, I can infer…
-When I read _____________, it made me realize…
-I can tell __________ is ____________, because …
-In the ____ paragraph on page _____, I inferred that…
-How _____________ (character’s name) acted on page _____ tells me….
-How _________________ (character’s name) feels tells me _____________________.
How can you help at home?
Please assist your child in checking they have about 30-40 pages per day (including the 20-30 pages read during school and at least 20 pages per school day at home) with the date, title, pages read, two DIFFERENT strategy sentences written in their online journal. This is a bit of a growth for a few students, and working together, they’ll get the hang of it. Thank you!
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS - Your child has three or four other teammates reading a total of 16 books. The teams of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will “battle” each team until the end of May. By now, your child should have FINISHED reading the first of the books on their bookmark. Their goal is to have at least three books read by the first “battle” on May 4th. Many 5th graders have read a lot more of the books to help their team earn points at the “BATTLES”.
How can you help at home?
Please quiz them when you have a chance on the sixteen authors by reading the title to your child, and they need to know the author.
ELA ROTATIONS - Currently, during ELA Rotations,, I am helping students in small groups showcase their creative writing skills by writing poetry in a unit called, “I’m a Poet, and I Know It.” Students have written a biopoem, acrostic poem, and an acrostic poem. Next, they’ll be writing a haiku poem and a limerick. They will turn their finished poems into a booklet.
Rotations are also a wonderful time to work more closely with the learners and watch them grow. Students not working with us are working independently on IXL lessons. A MINIMUM of 2 lessons per week and 30 minutes per subject are the goal. Class Champions are recognized on Mondays (and an award is posted in the classroom) from the previous week’s work focusing on lessons passed and time spent during their time on IXL lessons.
How can you help at home?
If you have access to the internet, have your child show you they have passed at least the 2 lessons and spent at least 30 minutes per subject each week.
READ-ALOUD - During Milk/Snack break, students are enjoying The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin in addition to the Scholastic News magazine.
MATH – Students have been working through Unit 8, “Measurement and Geometry”. Students usually have some math homework on each weeknight other than Fridays. They will be wrapping up the unit with the post-assessment on Tuesday this week.
Then, students will work through Unit 6, “Operations and Word Problems”
How can you help from home?
Your child should know the answers to all multiplication and division basic problems through 12s as quickly as they know their name (or at least within 3 seconds). When there is an assessment coming up (as we will have this week), please help your child study using the pre-assessment they took that has similar problems as the test. We had corrected the pre-assessment, so the answers should be in red pen.
Use the papers in the math folder used throughout the unit to support your child studying for the assessment.
Check their planner each night that they have completed their homework & returned it to the school side of their planner binder. If there is not a paper copy of homework, have them show you their IXL Math or other lessons completed at home for at least 10 minutes.
SOCIAL STUDIES/GEOGRAPHY UNIT - Students wrapped up the US Geography in our unit, “Travel and Explore the Amazing United States of America” earlier this month. They prepared a project using Canva or Zohoshow (online presentation tools) to persuade their classmates to visit or move to a state of their choice. Pictures are on the class Facebook page.
How can you help at home?
Help your child review states, capitals, and abbreviations using resources from my website under Students, Content
SOCIAL STUDIES/ECONOMY UNIT - Thanks to Mark Judas for launching and helping us in our Economy unit. Students are preparing their own budget using Google spreadsheets. Mr. Judas will walk them through writing their own checks and recording debit purchases in a fake checkbook register. Throughout the unit, students learned some valuable lessons - especially:
Don’t spend money you don’t have.
Late payments affect credit history and cost even more money.
How can you help at home?
Continue to discuss fixed expenses (what you need to pay each month that doesn’t change), spending that is required but different each month, and the importance of SAVING.
SCIENCE - Students are working through the Mystery Science Unit, “Spaceship Earth” will end the year with a Mystery Science unit, “Chemical Magic”.
SPRING ELEMENTARY CONCERT - As you know, the Elementary Concert, “A Small Part of the World: Folk songs from here, there, and everywhere” will be on May 12th. We have an especially important role including memorizing lines. Students should have their parts and actions memorized soon.
How can you help at home?
Please feed your child the lines before their lines and after to assure he or she performs the best he or she can on May 12th.
CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES
REPEATED POST: BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday. So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day). They are welcome to share individually packaged healthy treats if they like – but it is not required.
REPEATED POST: CLASS DOJO- Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach 5,000 point increments (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. Let me know if you need me to send you another invitation.
REPEATED POST: ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK: Your child should be asking you to sign their assignment notebook EVERY SCHOOL DAY. Looking over this with your child will hopefully help prevent missing work. Thank you :)
Other recent events - see Simacek Fifth Grade Facebook Page for many pictures as well as announcements, etc. :)
REPEATED POST: Character Strong PurposeFULL People - Students have been going through the ten again the ten traits one week at a time to really hone in on developing these lifelong skills. Week 4 of Cooperation begins Tuesday.
Favor - Could you please have your child check for any books that belong to our classroom library? They would be labeled Mrs. Simacek on the inside left cover. A number of books are missing. Also, Mrs. Metras has asked students to please return Library books they are not reading to the school library. Thanks in advance.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
April 20, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
April 24, 2026 - 5th Grade Field Trip to the Princeton Historical Society’s Folklore Museum
May 3, 2026 - Princeton School District Family Day at the Timber Rattlers Game (your child was given his or her ticket package this past week)
May 4-8, 2026 - Staff Appreciation Week
May 12, 2026 - 6:00 PM - Elementary Band Concert/Musical
May 19, 2026 - “Mock Trial of the Three Little Pigs Field Trip” to Green Lake County Courthouse (AM)
May 25, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
May 28, 2026 - ALL DAY 5TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO THE Renewable World Energies and Neshkoro Dam (from Renewable World Energies) with Mr. Bill Harris (Unlimited chaperones) All Day Field Trip to
May 29, 2026 - MEMORIAL DAY NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
June 2, 2026 - PTO Field Day (Noon-3:30 PM) - Please watch for PTO note to secure volunteers & consider joining us - WE NEED VOLUNTEERS - it’s your child’s last Field Day…
June 4, 2026 - Last Day of School/End of 4th Quarter/End of 2nd Semester
Grade 5 Facebook Page
“Like” and “Follow” our Facebook Page
Click on the link or search the above name.
Mrs. Simacek’s “X” (formerly Twitter)
@MrsSimacek
Sincerely,
Mrs. Keri Simacek
Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), March 18, 2026
In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5th, I’m happy to put together this update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact either of us at 920-295-6571 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us. I also archive the monthly updates on my website. Within this newsletter, you will find links to various resources to help keep you in the loop. I hope you find them useful. You may need to have your child open his/her Google Classroom to access some of the links.
STATE TESTING DATES: This year, your child has less state Forward testing than in 4th grade. Your child will have three English/Language Arts sessions and two Math sessions. We have reviewed test-taking strategies and tips to succeed overall. They are ready to do their best! We are so proud of them. Please avoid if possible your child missing school for an appointment on the following testing date MORNINGS:
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
STATE TESTING SNACKS: Thank you if you have already signed up for snacks for state testing. If you are interested in contributing to some healthy snacks during state testing, here is the sign up link. Thanks in advance!
SPRING/EASTER PARTY - Thank you in advance to our Spring/Easter party committee for sending yummy goodies and planning fun activities and crafts for the Easter Party on Thursday, April 2nd. Sorry to share, but this will be the last class holiday party for your 5th grader. They don’t have parties like this in middle school.
READING - During Milk/Snack break, students enjoyed Yo, Millard Fillmore (And All Those Other Presidents You Don’t Know in addition to the Scholastic News magazine.
DAILY READING - Students record at school two Making Inferences sentences from that day’s reading. They are to read AT LEAST 20 PAGES PER SCHOOL NIGHT AT HOME. We have a number of students working towards this expectation.
Date
Book Title & Author’s Name
Start Page
End Page
At least two complete sentences using the Making Inferences reading strategy.
Example
3/2/26
The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown
1
43
-In paragraph ____, on page _____, I inferred this character (_________ name of character) felt ____________________.
-The story said ________________________ which made me think _____________________________________.
-From what the author wrote on page _____, I can infer…
-When I read _____________, it made me realize…
-I can tell __________ is ____________, because …
-In the ____ paragraph on page _____, I inferred that…
-How _____________ (character’s name) acted on page _____ tells me….
-How _________________ (character’s name) feels tells me _____________________.
3/4/26
MI 5)
MI 6)
3/3/26
MI 3)
MI 4)
3/2/26
MI 1)
MI 2)
How can you help at home?
Please assist your child in checking they have about 30-40 pages per day (including the 20-30 pages read during school and at least 20 pages per school day at home) with the date, title, pages read, two making inference sentences written in their online journal. This is a bit of a growth for a few students, and working together, they’ll get the hang of it. Thank you!
MATH – Students have been working through Unit 8, “Measurement and Geometry”. Students usually have some math homework on each weeknight other than Fridays.
How can you help from home?
Your child should know the answers to all multiplication and division basic problems through 12s as quickly as they know their name (or at least within 3 seconds). When there is an assessment coming up (as we will have this week), please help your child study using the pre-assessment they took that has similar problems as the test. We had corrected the pre-assessment, so the answers should be in red pen.
Use the papers in the math folder used throughout the unit to support your child studying for the assessment.
Check their planner each night that they have completed their homework & returned it to the school side of their planner binder. If there is not a paper copy of homework, have them show you their MobyMax Math or other lessons completed at home for at least 10 minutes.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Students will wrap up the US Geography in our unit, “Travel and Explore the Amazing United States of America” later this month.
How can you help at home?
Help your child review states, capitals, and abbreviations using resources from my website under Students, Content
LANGUAGE ARTS - Students have been preparing for the Forward State test coming up after Spring Break.
Congratulations to four of the young authors for winning the local Mary Jo Nettesheim Delta Kappa Gamma writing contest. Their books are currently at state for judging. We will celebrate their books with other local, young writers in Beaver Dam on April 21st!!
How can you help at home?
Ask your child helpful hints they will take with them into state testing after spring break.
SCIENCE - Students enjoyed the Olympics STEM Activities in conjunction with the Olympics last month.
Next month, the Science/Health Unit is: STEP (see below):
Dear Family Members,
As we all know, emergencies can strike quickly and without warning. These events can be traumatic, especially for children. To help your child and your family be better prepared and to learn what to do to stay safe, we will be teaching the Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) program.
As part of this program, students will learn what steps to take now to prepare and how to stay safe during and after the types of disasters that might occur in our area. They will also learn how to help their families prepare for emergencies. This knowledge can decrease the anxiety they may feel when hearing about disasters happening nearby and around the world and give them an understanding of what to do in a similar situation.
The STEP program, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is designed to be age appropriate and engaging for fourth- and fifth-graders. The goals of STEP are for your child to do the following:
1. Become familiar with the types of natural disasters that can occur in our area;
2. Work with you to assemble items for a disaster supply kit to use, should your family need to evacuate or stay at home without power; and
3. Work with you to form a family emergency communication plan so that everyone knows what to do and how to contact each other during emergencies.
While we know some children might feel anxious thinking about a disaster impacting their community, the STEP program emphasizes positive, proactive steps they can take to feel safe. If your child does feel worried while learning the material, please contact me or the school counselor, who is trained to help with emotional concerns. We hope we do not have to deal with the effects of an emergency or large-scale disaster anytime soon. However, I’m pleased that we are providing our students with tools to help them and our community be ready in case of such an event. More emergency preparedness information for parents is available at Ready.gov/kids/families.
We are excited about the STEP program and hope you will discuss with your children about what they are learning.
FEMA offers many online resources on emergency preparedness for families. You can help reinforce the STEP program at home and learn more at Ready.gov/kids because preparing for the future starts today.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Simacek :)
CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES
REPEATED POST: BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday. So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day). They are welcome to share individually packaged healthy treats if they like – but it is not required.
REPEATED POST: CLASS DOJO- Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach 5,000 point increments (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. Let me know if you need me to send you another invitation.
REPEATED POST: ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK: Your child should be asking you to sign their assignment notebook EVERY SCHOOL DAY. Looking over this with your child will hopefully help prevent missing work. Thank you :)
Other recent events - see Simacek Fifth Grade Facebook Page for many pictures as well as announcements, etc. :)
WANTED: SNACKS - If you’re able to contribute a box or two of healthy snacks (fresh fruit is welcome too if you see a sale), the students would appreciate it. Students eat lunch at 12:40, and they enjoy a snack with their milk break.
REPEATED POST: Character Strong PurposeFULL People - Students have been going through the ten again the ten traits one week at a time to really hone in on developing these lifelong skills.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
March 19, 2026 - Madison Field Trip to the State Capitol & Children’s Museum
March 19, 2026 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 20-27, 2026 - No School (Spring Break)
April 2, 2026 - 1:35-3:00 PM - Easter Party
April 3, 2026 - NO SCHOOL
April 20, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
May 4-8, 2026 - Staff Appreciation Week
May 12, 2026 - 6:00 PM - Elementary Band Concert/Musical
May 19, 2026 - Mock Trial of the Three Little Pigs Field Trip to Green Lake County Courthouse (AM)
May 25, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
May 28, 2026 - ALL DAY 5TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO THE NESHKORO DAM with Mr. Bill Harris (Unlimited chaperones)
May 29, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
June 4, 2026 - Last Day of School/End of 4th Quarter/End of 2nd Semester
Grade 5 Facebook Page
“Like” and “Follow” our Facebook Page
Click on the link or search the above name.
Mrs. Simacek’s “X” (formerly Twitter)
@MrsSimacek
Finally, I wish you all a safe and happy spring break.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Keri Simacek
Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), February 17, 2026
In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5th grade, I’m happy to put together this update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me 920-295-6571 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us I also archive the monthly updates on my website. Within this newsletter, you will find links to various resources to help keep you in the loop. I hope you find them useful. You may need to have your child open his/her Google Classroom to access some of the links.
SHARE THE FAIR COIN COLLECTION: From Mrs. Holland: Thank you!!! You are amazing! During the Share the Fair coin challenge last week, we collected double our goal! The final amounts were as follows: Mrs. Simacek 5th Grade: $279.38; Mr. Bartol 4th Grade: $252.35; Mrs. Holland 4K: $249.64; Miss Brzowzowski K: $166.16; Mrs. Brotz 1st Grade: $119.53; Mrs. Naparalla 2nd Grade: $110.02; Miss Bogucke 3rd Grade: $76.93; Mrs. Welak 3rd Grade $26.13. Mrs. Simacek’s class won the party from the PTO. We will be supporting Read Across America Week (and gave each elementary student a coupon worth $5 to be used at the book fair to purchase a book).
ELA
INTO READING - Students wrapped up Module 6, “Art for Everyone” this week. Lessons include Word Study, Reading and Vocabulary, and Writing.
The Module 6 writing piece is a Personal Narrative. Ask your child what memory they chose to write about this week.
Module 7 is entitled, “Above, Below, and Beyond”. The writing piece will be embedded with the Social Studies unit on Research.
ELA ROTATIONS - Students not working with me in a small group on reading and writing skills are working independently on IXL Language Arts. A MINIMUM of 2 lessons per week and 30 minutes per subject are the goal. Class Champions are recognized on Mondays from the previous week’s work focusing on lessons passed and time spent during their time on IXL lessons.
How can you help at home?
If you have access to the internet, have your child show you they have passed at least the 2 lessons and spent at least 30 minutes per subject each week.
DAILY READING - Students record at school two Making Inferences sentences from that day’s reading. They are to read AT LEAST 20 PAGES PER SCHOOL NIGHT AT HOME. We have a number of students working towards this expectation. THIS STRATEGY WILL CONTINUE THROUGH MARCH.
Students should feel free to refer back to the slideshow to help you apply the making inferences strategy.
Date
Book Title & Author’s Name
Start Page
End Page
At least two complete sentences using the Making Inferences reading strategy.
Example
2/2/26
The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown
1
43
-In paragraph ____, on page _____, I inferred this character (_________ name of character) felt ____________________.
-The story said ________________________ which made me think _____________________________________.
-From what the author wrote on page _____, I can infer…
-When I read _____________, it made me realize…
-I can tell __________ is ____________, because …
-In the ____ paragraph on page _____, I inferred that…
-How _____________ (character’s name) acted on page _____ tells me….
-How _________________ (character’s name) feels tells me _____________________.
2/4/26
MI 5)
MI 6)
2/3/26
MI 3)
MI 4)
2/2/26
MI 1)
MI 2)
During Milk/Snack break, students are listening to the book by Will Cleveland & Mark Al;avarez, Yo, Millard Fillmore! (And all those other Presidents you don’t know). Students reflect and share the inferences made during the read-aloud.
How can you help at home?
Please assist your child in checking they have about 30-40 pages per day (including the 20-30 pages read during school and at least 20 pages per school day at home) with the date, title, pages read, two making inference sentences written in their online journal. This is a bit of a growth for a few students, and working together, they’ll get the hang of it. Thank you!
PROJECTS/Social Studies - Students have enjoyed learning about the Olympics, keeping up with Olympics news, and participating in Olympic events the past few weeks.
Students will be learning about US Geography in our unit, “Travel and Explore the Amazing United States of America”.
All students will learn the states, capitals, and abbreviations for all 50 states by region of our country. Online tools they have found helpful include: Sheppard Software (for state locations and state capitals) and a state abbreviations website. Students will enjoy the silly book, Yo! Sacramento (and all those other state capitals you don’t know) that combines states and capitals in silly cartoons.
In our current project, “Travel and Explore the Amazing United States of America,” your child will focus on persuading others to visit or move to a state of their choice. They will be taking notes from given resources IN THEIR OWN WORDS and citing them according to the APA guidelines using Citation Machine. This skill will be of great help to your child in future research projects. Your child can show you all the resources in Google Classroom. They will post the notes into an online resource called lino. They will focus their online post-it notes into the four guiding questions (to really focus their notetaking). They will cite their source immediately on each note. Students will soon choose a state and a product to showcase their learning and persuade people to visit or move to the state chosen.
How can you help at home?
Help your child meet deadlines by watching the daily planner & signing it each night.
Go over the given grading sheet with him/her to make sure s/he has everything needed.
MATH – Students have been working through Unit 5, “Division with Whole Numbers and Decimals”. Students usually have some math homework on each weeknight other than Fridays. They are finishing their post-assessments next week.
Students will be moving to Unit 8 next, “Measurement and Geometry”. The family letter your child will be bringing home is pasted below.
How can you help from home?
Your child should know the answers to all multiplication and division basic problems through 12s as quickly as they know their name (or at least within 3 seconds).When there is an assessment coming up (as we will have this week), please help your child study using the pre-assessment they took that has similar problems as the test. We had corrected the pre-assessment, so the answers should be in red pen.
Use the papers in the math folder used throughout the unit to support your child studying for the assessment.
Check their planner each night that they have completed their homework & returned it to the school side of their planner binder.
If there is not a paper copy of homework, have them show you their IXL Math or other lessons completed at home for at least 10 minutes.
PROJECTS/Science/Health- The next Science unit will be called STEP (Student Tools for Emergency Planning). Students will learn about safety in the home.
How can you help at home?
Have discussions about what they learned.
Be sure you have discussed (and practiced) your Family Escape Plan including Meeting Spot in the event of a fire.
RESPECT - Thank you for your RESPECT during conferences. I enjoyed meeting with you, celebrating the growth your child has made, and setting goals to finish fifth grade strong. Please continue to have conversations about showing respect to ourselves, others, and tools we use with your child - especially if we have a guest teacher here.
CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES
REPEATED POST: BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday. So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day). They are welcome to share individually packaged healthy treats if they like – but it is not required.
REPEATED POST: CLASS DOJO- Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach 5,000 point increments (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. Let me know if you need me to send you another invitation.
REPEATED POST: ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK: Your child should be asking you to sign their assignment notebook EVERY SCHOOL DAY. Looking over this with your child will hopefully help prevent missing work. Thank you :)
Other recent events - see Simacek Fifth Grade Facebook Page for many pictures as well as announcements, etc. :)
DATES TO REMEMBER: Additions are highlighted in yellow from the January newsletter
March 2-6 2026 - Read Across America Week - stay tuned for details
March 19, 2026 - Madison Field Trip to the State Capitol & Children’s Museum - only two chaperones allowed per class - permission slips coming home soon
March 19, 2026 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 20-27, 2026 - No School (Spring Break)
April 2, 2026 - 1:35-3:00 PM - Easter Party
April 3, 2026 - NO SCHOOL
April 20, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
May 4-8, 2026 - Staff Appreciation Week
May 12, 2026 - 6:00 PM - Elementary Band Concert/Musical
May 19, 2026 - Mock Trial of the Three Little Pigs Field Trip to Green Lake County Courthouse (AM)
May 25, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
May 28, 2026 - ALL DAY 5TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO THE NESHKORO DAM with Mr. Bill Harris (Unlimited chaperones)
May 29, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
June 4, 2026 - Last Day of School/End of 4th Quarter/End of 2nd Semester
Grade 5 Facebook Page
“Like” and “Follow” our Facebook Page
Click on the link or search the above name.
Mrs. Simacek’s “X” (formerly Twitter)
@MrsSimacek
REPEATED POST: Character Strong PurposeFULL People - Students have been going through the ten again the ten traits one week at a time to really hone in on developing these lifelong skills.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Keri Simacek
Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), January 23, 2026
In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5th grade, I’m happy to put together a monthly update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 920-295-6571 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us.
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with friends and family and enjoyed the parent gift your child made (calendar :) I hope you’re staying safe and warm today.
Your child is halfway through fifth grade! During January, a number of assessments were completed. Our class average is at proficiency for both reading and math. Way to go, 5th graders! Keep it up! Report cards were sent up yesterday prior to today’s NO SCHOOL for students.
How can you help at home?
Your child needs to read books that challenge themself while reading at least 20 pages at home each school night.
Your child needs to complete at least 30 minutes of IXL ELA and 30 minutes of IXL math each week. These lessons are designed to fill the gaps your child may have based on the assessment they took in January. If your child has access to a computer, they can complete these IXL minutes at home (if they’ve missed completing the minutes in class or go above 30 minutes to continue growth).
This week was the last week of our Character Strong specific lessons designed around empathy. These purposeful lessons are during our Morning Meeting time from 8-8:20 each day.
The next four weeks, our Morning Meeting lessons will focus around Perseverance.
January 29th Concessions Fundraiser for Spring Field Trip - We have 11/12 spots yet to fill for the Middle School Girls’ Basketball Concession stand to raise money for our May 19th field trip to see the Mock Trial of the Three Little Pigs at the Green Lake County Courthouse. PLEASE check your calendar and sign up using this link if you’re available with your child if possible. Thanks to the families who offered to plate and bag sweets to sell for $1 if unable to attend.
Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up on February 11th and February 12th. Please use this link to sign up for a time that works best for you AND YOUR CHILD. Thanks to the ten of you who have already signed up - that leaves just 12 more families to sign up.
VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY - Thanks in advance to our awesome Valentine’s Day Party committee. Our 5th grade party will be on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM (see note handed out last week and pasted at the bottom of the newsletter).
ELA- During milk & snack break, students are enjoying reading the fabulous non-fiction texts of Scholastic News magazine, and their videos are very informative as well.
INTO READING - Students wrapped up Module 5, “Project Earth”. They started Module 6, “Art for Everyone” this week. Lessons include Word Study, Reading and Vocabulary, and Writing. The Module 6 writing piece is a Personal Narrative. Ask your child what memory they chose to write about this week.
I’M AN AUTHOR - Students have wrapped up their writing project, “I’m an Author”. They have illustrated them. Winning stories will be sent to the state competition, and the writers will be invited to a pizza party celebrating their hard work where they will be recognized and read their story to an audience of other young writers and professional women in the Alpha Xi chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma (including yours truly). Good luck, writers!
DETERMINING IMPORTANCE Students are reading about 30 minutes per day in class and asked to read at least 20 pages at home per night. In addition to recording nightly pages read during the 30 minutes read at home, DETERMINING IMPORTANCE. The journal is in Google Classroom, and they can write it during the school day.
Read-to-Self Journal
______ The date
______ Page started on & page ended on
______ The title underlined with most words capitalized
______ At least two complete sentences of important/essential information the author wrote for you to be sure understand their message (not the little interesting details)
______ Mechanics/Spelling
Capital letters begin the sentence.
Quotation marks if needed.
Periods end the sentences.
Commas when needed (for pauses)
12/1/22 - pgs. ____ - ____ (goal 40+ pages per day counting pages read in school) Title of Book
I found __________________important, because ___
_______________________________________.
I think one of the main ideas of this reading was _____
because ________________________________.
When I read _________________, I knew it was important, because ___________________________.
I thought ______________ was important because
________________.
According to the text, ___________________________.
The picture on page ____ is important because ________.
It was important when __________________________.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Check to see the book they ARE READING 20 PAGES PER SCHOOL NIGHT AT HOME is challenging.
If possible, have your child show you their Determining Importance Reading Journal online.
AG ESSAYS - During Project time, students are working on Agriculture Essay. They began the drafts this week.
From the Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom link,
“Grow Community Connections through Writing
Image courtesy of Feeding Minds Press
The Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Essay Contest invites 4th and 5th graders to explore how food, fiber, and fuel shape our daily lives and communities. This contest isn't just about writing—it's about exploring, connecting, and celebrating the importance of agriculture in Wisconsin.
Students write a 200–300-word narrative essay responding to a new prompt each year, inspired by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture's Book of the Year. The Top Ten essays in each grade level are recognized at the state level with a cash prize and medal.
This is a fun chance for students to dig into agriculture in their communities, see how it impacts their lives, and share their own personal connection with agriculture in a creative way!”
MATH – Students finished Unit 4, “Multiplication with Whole Numbers and Decimals” this week. Unit 5 is entitled, “Division with Whole Numbers and Decimals.”
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
PLEASE be sure to check your child’s planner and assist them in getting it back on the right back to school side.
Also, please assist your child in memorizing basic multiplication and division facts through 12s. They should know all of the facts within 3 or less seconds.
USING TIME WISELY - Please have a chat with your child about how they use their time wisely. There are plenty of opportunities to work independently while I am working with small groups or individual students. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to challenge himself or herself. Some students also need a pep-talk to focus on their learning and not worry about their classmates. Finally, students could use friendly support from home that they are using school devices and school internet which is monitored (so stay focused on what they are to be doing).
POSTCARDS - Thank you for continuing to send and have your friends and family members send postcards from around the world. They provide such an authentic geography lesson.
THANK YOUS - Our class is lucky enough to have retired adults reading with our students. Thank you to community members Mrs. Janine Goben, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Goulet. Also, thank you to our parent helpers for reading with our students, and helping to prepare materials to help students grow.
VAPE FREE PROGRAM - Green Lake County Health staff have taught two lessons this week and will teach one more on Tuesday, January 27th about living a Vape-Free and tobacco free life.
How can you help at home?
Have discussions about what they’ve learned.
THE 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL is coming up in February. Stay tuned for more information. :)
GUEST (SUB) TEACHERS - As you may or may not know, it is very difficult to find substitute/guest teachers. It is VERY important for our students to treat guest teachers with respect. In the coming weeks, I will need to be out of school a day here and there for a variety of reasons. My friend, Mrs. Humbart, will be my sub most of the dates. I EXPECT students to show respect. I will not be at school on Monday, January 26th. So, this is a wonderful opportunity for your child to showcase his or her leadership skills.
Students will be rewarded with double Class DOJO points if they make good choices. If they misbehave, they will lose triple the points. It is THAT important we treat our guest teachers with respect and continue learning.
How can you help at home?
Have a pro-active discussion with your child how to show leadership and represent your family well when we have guest teachers.
WANTED: SECOND SEMESTER IS HERE & SNACKS ARE NEEDED - If you’re able to contribute a few boxes of healthy snacks (fresh fruit is welcome too if you see a sale), Students eat lunch at 12:40 pm, and they enjoy a snack with their milk break.
REPEATED POSTS:
BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday. So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen a “half-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day). They are welcome to share birthday treats if they like – but it is not required.
CLASS DOJO- Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach 5,000 point increments (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. If you haven’t signed in to view your child’s Dojo points, let me know if you need me to send you another invitation.
DATES TO REMEMBER: Additions are highlighted in yellow from the December newsletter
January 29, 2026 5th grade Concession for the Middle School Girls’ two shifts: 4:00-4:45 PM, 4:45-5:30 PM, & then 5:30-6:15 PM - up to 11 volunteers still needed - please sign up using this link
February 11, 2026 - 3:45-6:30 PM - Conferences (Sign Up Genius link was emailed for you to sign up)
February 12, 2026 - 3:45-7:00 PM - Conferences (Sign Up Genius link was emailed for you to sign up)
February 13, 2026 - NO SCHOOL
February 16, 2026 - 1:35-3:00 PM - Valentine’s Day Party
March 2-6 2026 - Read Across America Week
March 19, 2026 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 20-27, 2026 - No School (Spring Break)
April 2, 2026 - 1:35-3:00 PM - Easter Party
April 3, 2026 - NO SCHOOL
April 20, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
May 4-8, 2026 - Staff Appreciation Week
May 12, 2026 - 6:00 PM - Elementary Band Concert/Musical
May 19, 2026 - Mock Trial of the Three Little Pigs Field Trip to Green Lake County Courthouse (AM)
May 25, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
May 28, 2026 - ALL DAY 5TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO THE NESHKORO DAM with Mr. Bill Harris
May 29, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
June 4, 2026 - Last Day of School/End of 4th Quarter/End of 2nd Semester
CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES
Grade 5 Facebook Page
“Like” and “Follow” our Facebook Page
Click on the link or search the above name.
Mrs. Simacek’s “X” (formerly Twitter)
@MrsSimacek
Sincerely,
Mrs. Keri Simacek
5th Grade Valentine’s Day Celebration
Thursday, February 12, 2026 - 1:30-3:00 PM
The 5th grade class will be having a Valentine’s Day Celebration on Thursday, February 12th from 1:30-3:00 pm. I have a celebration committee prepared to bring treats and plan activities.
Students are welcome to write valentines to all 22 classmates if they want, and I encourage them to have them here by Tuesday, February 10th if they do. I included their names below.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns (920) 295-6571.
Mrs. Simacek, kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us
Aubrey Dallas Lily Madi Jaxon Emma E. Emma H. Sadie John Mia Liam Bentley Ryan Noah
Heavenly Kolton Skylar Cale Layla Gavin Madison Nova
Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), December 19, 2025
In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5S, I’m happy to put together a monthly update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me 748-4695 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us. I also archive the monthly updates on my website.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA - Please join me with your child tomorrow, December 20th to lay wreaths on the graves of Veterans in our Princeton cemeteries. All are invited to go to the American Legion at 10 AM, and then we’ll lay the wreaths at the graves of our veterans.
WINTER CONCESSIONS - To raise funds for the bus to the Neshkoro Dam field trip on May 28, 2026, we need parents and students to help run the Concessions on January 29th for the Middle School Girls’ Basketball game. I need at least two parents with their children 4:15-5:15 PM & then 5:15-6:15 PM. Please let me know if you can help. Also, staff will be running the Concessions to help raise money for our field trip to Madison, so please come support us on February 2nd and February 19th at the Girls’ Basketball games.
CHRISTMAS PARTY - Thanks in advance to our fabulous Christmas Party committee for planning fun craft and game stations (and providing the yummy treats). Our 5th grade party will be on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 from 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM.
ELA – Students are enjoying Module 5, Project Earth. They are writing an editorial essay.
They will also be writing a creative story for possible entry into the Mary Jo Nettesheim Writing Contest.
After winter break, students will be focusing on the Determining Importance Reading Strategy with their independent reading. Below are some tips on this strategy:
Read-to-Self Journal
______ The date
______ Page started on & page ended on
______ The title underlined with most words capitalized
______ At least two complete sentences of important/essential information the author wrote for you to be sure understand their message (not the little interesting details)
______ Mechanics/Spelling
Capital letters begin the sentence.
Quotation marks if needed.
Periods end the sentences.
Commas when needed (for pauses)
1/5/26 - pgs. ____ - ____ (goal 40+ per day counting pages read in school) Title of Book
I found __________________important, because ___
_______________________________________.
I think one of the main ideas of this reading was _____
because ________________________________.
When I read _________________, I knew it was important, because ___________________________.
I thought ______________ was important because
________________.
According to the text, ___________________________.
The picture on page ____ is important because ________.
It was important when __________________________.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Remind them they need to read 20 pages per school day AT HOME. Have them show you their reading journal online).
MATH – Students wrapped up Unit 3, “Multiplication and Division with Fractions” last week. There are some standards I will be working with students individually or in small groups to achieve proficiency in the weeks ahead.
Unit 4 is entitled “Multiplication with Whole Numbers and Decimals”. Miss Bogucke assures me all the students knew their basic facts in 3rd grade, so multiplying and dividing larger numbers should be a great unit for these mathematicians.
How can you help at home?
-Make sure your child knows the basic multiplication and division facts through 12s within 3 seconds!
-PLEASE be sure to check your child’s planner and assist them in getting it back on the right back to school side.
SCIENCE - Students learned about explorers, colonists, pioneers, and immigrants. Thank you to the parents and volunteers who were able to help for Immigration Day. The students had a GREAT day! Please see the pictures on the class Facebook page.
Student are working through the Mystery Science unit called “Watery Planet”. They will be able to answer these questions:
How is water distributed?
How much water is in the world?
How much salt is in ocean water?
When you turn on the faucet, where does the water come from?
How does water cycle through Earth’s system?
How does water affect human societies?
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Students have vocabulary words in Social Studies and Science they could ask you to help them review occasionally.
Class Wish List: Rubber stamp pads (red, green, any color), Diffuser scents (i.e. peppermint)
WANTED: SNACKS - If you’re able to contribute a box or two of healthy snacks (fresh fruit is welcome too if you see a sale), our class is down to its last few boxes for snack break. Students eat lunch at 12:40 pm, and they enjoy a snack with their milk break.
REPEATED POSTS:
BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday. So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day). They are welcome to share healthy treats if they like – but it is not required.
CLASS DOJO- Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach 5,000 point increments (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. If you haven’t signed in to view your child’s Dojo points, you may use the form in the black folder given at our before school conference. Let me know if you need me to send you another invitation.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Dates to Remember Additions are highlighted in yellow from the November newsletter
December 20, 2025 10 AM-Noon - Wreaths Across America (meet at the American Legion at 10 AM
December 23, 2025 - 1:35 PM-3:00 PM - Christmas Party
December 24, 2025 - January 2, 2026 - No School (Winter Break)
January 16, 2026 - End of 2nd Quarter/End of 1st Semester
January 19, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
January 29, 2026 5th grade Concession for the Middle School Girls’ two shifts: 4:15-5:15 PM & then 5:15-6:15 PM
February 11, 2026 - 3:45-6:30 PM - Conferences (Sign Up Genius link will be emailed for you to sign up)
February 12, 2026 - 3:45-7:00 PM - Conferences (Sign Up Genius link will be emailed for you to sign up)
February 13, 2026 - NO SCHOOL
February 16, 2026 - 1:35-3:00 PM - Valentine’s Day Party
March 2-6 2026 - Read Across America Week
March 19, 2026 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 20-27, 2026 - No School (Spring Break)
April 2, 2026 - 1:35-3:00 PM - Easter Party
April 3, 2026 - NO SCHOOL
April 20, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
May 4-8, 2026 - Staff Appreciation Week
May 12, 2026 - 6:00 PM - Elementary Band Concert/Musical
May 25, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
May 28, 2026 - ALL DAY 5TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO THE NESHKORO DAM with Mr. Bill Harris
May 29, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
June 4, 2026 - Last Day of School/End of 4th Quarter/End of 2nd Semester
CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES
Grade 5 Facebook Page
“Like” and “Follow” our Facebook Page
Click on the link or search the above name.
Mrs. Simacek’s “X” (formerly Twitter)
@MrsSimacek
Finally, I wish you all a safe, a VERY happy holiday season, happy new year, and I look forward to seeing your children back safely at school on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Keri Simacek
Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), November 30, 2025
In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5th grade, I’m happy to put together the second monthly update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me 920-295-6571 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us.
From Jake Boll, Curriculum Specialist, at CESA 5: The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI): This organization is all about "Good Digital Parenting." FOSI provides great parenting resources to help you feel confident in setting boundaries and having important conversations with your kids about technology as they grow.
Occasionally, I am unable to be at school. Please have a chat with your child about showing leadership when we have a guest teacher (substitute teacher).
LITERACY
Students are currently working through Module 4 in the Into Reading series entitled, “The American West”.
Students are reading about 30 minutes per day in class (with the goal of at least 20 pages read) and have been asked to read AT LEAST 20 pages at home per school night.
CONFERRING CONFERENCES - I meet with your child regularly about their reading progress. We discuss what they need to do to continue to grow as readers.
Students will wrap up writing about the reading strategy, Visualizing at the end of December. A sample of their online reading journal is below:
Date
Book Title & Author’s Name
Start Page
End Page
At least two complete sentences of visualizations you made while reading your book. REMEMBER to include the starting and ending page number EVERY school day (should be around 40 pages per day). Number the Visualizations V1) and V2).
Example:
11/3/25
The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller
1
40
V1) When the author wrote “the states were just waking up” on page 4, it helped me hear the states as they were just beginning to wake up.
V2) When I read about Nevada talking to Missississippi, “I’ll go get my things and meet you there,” and Mississippi replied, “I can’t wait,” I can imagine the two states falling in love.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: You could have your child show you the reading log in Google Classroom showing about 30-40 pages per day (including the 20-30 pages read during school and at least 20 pages per school day at home) with the date, title, pages read, two visualizations written in their journal.
MATH – Students are wrapping up Unit 3, “Multiplication and Division with Fractions”. They will take the unit test the week after Thanksgiving. There should be homework most school days (except Fridays), and they should be able to open IXL at home. If there is NOT math homework (if we didn’t complete a lesson), they should spend at least 10 minutes on IXL math or review multiplication and division facts through 12s (if they can’t get on IXL). By 5th grade, students should know those basic facts through 12s for multiplication and division as quickly as they know their name (or at least within 3 seconds maximum). Those who don’t have really struggled in this unit.
Unit 4 is entitled, “Multiplication with Whole Numbers and Decimals.”
WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME: Please check the daily planner, and have your child show you his/her finished homework. If there is no math homework, please remind them to hop on IXL math for at least 10 minutes or review basic multiplication and division facts through 12s.
PROJECTS - Students learned about explorers, colonists, pioneers, and immigrants. Thank you to the parents and volunteers who were able to help for Immigration Day. The students had a GREAT day! Please see the pictures on the class Facebook page.
The next Mystery Science unit is called “Watery Planet”. They will be able to answer these questions:
How is water distributed?
How much water is in the world?
How much salt is in ocean water?
When you turn on the faucet, where does the water come from?
How does water cycle through Earth’s system?
How does water affect human societies?
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Students have vocabulary words in Social Studies and Science they could ask you to help them review occasionally.
IXL (Math & Language Arts) - Your child is given time each week in class to work on the online program, IXL. There are lessons designed for your child based on the Arena Assessment taken in September. Students know they are to pass at LEAST two lessons per week per subject and spend at LEAST 30 minutes per week in each of the subjects. On Mondays, we celebrate their growth as a class and recognize class champions for passing the most lessons and spending the most time on each subject as well as keyboarding success.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Your child could work on IXL and Keyboarding at home if you have a device they’re allowed to use.
CLASS DOJO - Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach increments of 5,000 points (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. If you haven’t signed in to view your child’s Dojo points, let me know if you need me to send you another invitation. They enjoyed their Free Recess. They’re working towards a PJ party.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Talk with your child about the importance of showing respect to all - especially when there is a guest teacher is here and when a classmate is talking. In addition, the cafeteria, halls, and recess are a great spot to show leadership. We have also discussed the meaning of integrity as doing what is right - especially when nobody is watching.
REPEATED POSTS:
CHARACTER STRONG - Our Social Emotional Learning curriculum (SEL) is entitled Character Strong. Each morning we have our morning meeting for about 20 minutes where students participate in lessons and activities accompanying the theme. The first two weeks of the school year, there was a Kindness Kickoff theme. Then, the next four weeks, the focus shifted to Respect. This was our second week focusing on Responsibility.
ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS
Students write their assignments in their planner (which is in their 3-ring binder) each day. They are to ask for your initials.
WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME: Please assist your child in getting in the habit of using their planner that will benefit them for years to come (and initial they have done their work).
REPEATED POST: CLASSROOM RULES - The 5th graders created their Classroom Constitution. They all signed the constitution. :) We the students of 5th grade in order to have an AWESOME year in 5th grade hereby agree to:
Follow directions.
Raise your hand before speaking out loud.
Treat others as you want to be treated; be kind.
4) Be respectful to classmates, teachers, and equipment.
5) Do your own work. Use time wisely & stay organized.
6) Work hard.
7) HAVE FUN!
REPEATED POST: POSTCARDS - Our class will be collecting postcards this year to improve geography skills. When postcards arrive, we will share in our morning meeting. Please ask any of your family or friends to send us a postcard at school. The address is:
Mrs. Simacek’s 5th Grade Class
Princeton School
604 Old Green Lake Road
Princeton, WI 54968
REPEATED POST: BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday. So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day). The only way treats can be shared is if they are store-purchased and individually wrapped. This is up to each family; it is not required.
Dates to Remember Additions are highlighted in yellow from the October newsletter
December 3, 2025 - Create-a-Craft Night 5:30-7:00 PM
December 11, 2025 - Elementary Winter Concert 6:00 PM
December 16, 2025 - Caroling @ Martha’s 1-3 PM
December 23, 2025 - 1:35 PM-3:00 PM - Christmas Party
December 24, 2025 - January 2, 2026 - No School (Winter Break)
January 16, 2026 - End of 2nd Quarter/End of 1st Semester
January 19, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
February 11, 2026 - 3:45-6:30 PM - Conferences (Sign Up Genius link will be emailed for you to sign up)
February 12, 2026 - 3:45-7:00 PM - Conferences (Sign Up Genius link will be emailed for you to sign up)
February 13, 2026 - NO SCHOOL
February 16, 2026 - 1:35-3:00 PM - Valentine’s Day Party
March 2-6 2026 - Read Across America Week
March 19, 2026 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 20-27, 2026 - No School (Spring Break)
April 2, 2026 - 1:35-3:00 PM - Easter Party
April 3, 2026 - NO SCHOOL
April 20, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
May 4-8, 2026 - Staff Appreciation Week
May 12, 2026 - 6:00 PM - Elementary Band Concert/Musical
May 25, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
May 29, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
June 4, 2026 - Last Day of School/End of 4th Quarter/End of 2nd Semester
COMING HOME ON MONDAY:
Dear Parents and Guardians, December 1, 2025
In preparation for the MOST WONDERFUL time of year, I am hoping you’d be able to send some materials for upcoming projects.
Green & white or red & white round peppermints (will be shared - just a few bags are needed - not one bag per student)
Wrapping paper for a few upcoming projects (and to wrap your parent gift)
Cotton balls
PLEASE SEND THE ITEMS ABOVE BY Wednesday, DECEMBER 10, 2025.
Beginning on Tuesday, December 16th, 5th graders will be applying geometry concepts while constructing and decorating gingerbread houses. The supplies your student will need to complete the activity are provided below. You are welcome to purchase and send things at any time, as I will put your child’s name on them. We will keep them until it’s time to create them. Supplies NEEDED for EVERY STUDENT:
-1 box of graham crackers
-1 brown paper bag (to bring the gingerbread house home safely)
-1 container of white frosting
-Candy for decorating (WILL BE SHARED AFTER YOUR CHILD
CHOOSES WHAT S/HE WANTS)
Suggestions: marshmallows, peppermint candies, m&ms, candy canes, gumdrops, licorice, dots, skittles, assorted hard candy, lifesavers, Colorful cereal such as Fruit Loops or cereal such as shredded wheat or oyster crackers work well as shingles.
Supplies should be brought to school by Friday, December 12th.
The students will be able to bring home their houses on or before December 23rd. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thanks for your help!
Mrs. Simacek kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us
Also, see Simacek Fifth Grade Facebook page for pictures. This Facebook page is for our class families only. If you have a family member (aunt or uncle, grandparent, etc.) who would like to join our group, please have them message me their relationship, so I can accept the request.
Mrs. Keri Simacek
MY CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES
Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), October 26, 2025
In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5th grade, I’m happy to put together the second monthly update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me 920-295-6571 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us.
Thank you very much for taking the time to meet with me for our Fall conferences. If there are any questions or follow-ups, please feel free to let us know as soon as possible. Thanks!!
SCHOOL FOREST FIELD TRIP TOMORROW MORNING: Remember to have your child dress for the chilly weather and boots for the potentially wet ground.
PROJECTS - Great news! Your child’s Comma Corral Jingle projects and Habits of Mind e-book projects are now both online for families to enjoy and share with others who’d like to see your awesome 5th grader’s work! The links to the projects are found under the Projects tab on my school website. Please feel free to enjoy & share with family and friends. Your child is excited to share it with you, and I also added the link into their Google Classroom.
The students did a GREAT job of presenting their jingles to other Princeton elementary students, and the audience REALLY enjoyed their creativity in these presentations.
LITERACY
Students continue to enjoy issues of Scholastic News with accompanying videos during read-aloud. They have also enjoyed various stories related to the Character Strong themes of Respect and Responsibility.
Thank you to the families who have brought in snacks to share. Multiple students mentioned they are glad we share snacks. However, if your child prefers to have his/her own healthy snack, that’s fine too :).
Students have completed Module 2 in our new reading series, Into Reading, “What a Story.” They have moved into Module 3, “Natural Disasters”. They are writing a Persuasive Essay why they should or should not (but all picked should) rebuild Princeton if there was a natural disaster that destroyed Princeton.
Students will also be able to improve their non-fiction reading skills using Scholastic News magazine. Students get to keep the magazines. Sometimes, we’ll work through them as a class, while other times students will be able to enjoy them independently.
Friends and family members of mine have donated money for your child to receive their own book each month this school year! See the Class Facebook page for a picture and video of when they received the September & October books. Many of the book sponsors reached out after receiving their thank-yous from the students indicating how lovely they were written and decorated.
Students are reading about 20 minutes per day in class (with the goal of at least 20 pages read) and have been asked to read AT LEAST 20 pages at home per school night.
CONFERRING CONFERENCES - I meet with your child regularly about their reading progress. We discuss what they need to do to continue to grow as readers.
Students will wrap up writing about the reading strategy, Asking Questions on 10/31.
Starting in November, students will transition to focusing on the VISUALIZING strategy. A sample of their reading journal will look like for November is below:
Read-to-Self Reading Journal
Directions: Please insert a new row (2 finger click on your Chromebook) above each day while or after completing your 40+ pages (20+ pages in school and 20+ pages at home) of silent reading. The first few dates have been entered for you. See the Visualizing poster with sentence stems for help in doing your best job on your read-to-self reading journal. For an “A” Advanced grade, choose a variety of sentence stems, or create your own.
Date
Book Title & Author’s Name
Start Page
End Page
At least two complete sentences of visualizations you made while reading your book. REMEMBER to include the starting and ending page number EVERY school day (should be around 40 pages per day). Number the Visualizations V1) and V2).
Example:
11/3/25
The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller
1
40
V1) When the author wrote “the states were just waking up” on page 4, it helped me hear the states as they were just beginning to wake up.
V2) When I read about Nevada talking to Missississippi, “I’ll go get my things and meet you there,” and Mississippi replied, “I can’t wait,” I can imagine the two states falling in love.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Ask your child the three points they made in their introduction why Princeton should be rebuilt if there was a natural disaster that destroyed it.
You could have your child show you the reading log in Google Classroom showing about 30-40 pages per day (including the 20-30 pages read during school and at least 20 pages per school day at home) with the date, title, pages read, two sentence questions written in their journal. This is a bit of a growth for a few students, and working together, they’ll get the hang of it. Thank you!
MATH – Students wrapped up Unit 2, “Addition and Subtraction with Decimals” last week. They will take the unit test at the beginning of this week and the unit 3 pre-test. There should be homework most school days (except Fridays), and they should be able to open IXL at home. If there is NOT math homework (if we didn’t complete a lesson), they should spend at least 10 minutes on IXL math or review multiplication and division facts through 12s (if they can’t get on IXL). By 5th grade, students should know those basic facts through 12s for multiplication and division as quickly as they know their name (or at least within 3 seconds maximum).
Unit 3 is entitled, “Multiplication and Division with Fractions.” I’m confident 5th graders will find this unit easier than unit 1 was - IF THEY KNOW THEIR FACTS QUICKLY…
WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME: Please check the daily planner, and have your child show you his/her finished homework. If there is no math homework, please remind them to hop on IXL math for at least 10 minutes or review basic multiplication and division facts through 12s.
PROJECTS - Students are working on researching for their first social studies unit called “Ohhh - Say Can You See”. This government unit includes learning about the three branches of government and the U.S. Election process. They will present a visual project of their group’s choice with learnings from the unit.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Help your child review the three branches of government, who serves at each branch for the national, state, and local levels, and what buildings those officials work in.
IXL (Math & Language Arts) - Your child is given hours per week in class to work on the online program, IXL. There are lessons designed for your child based on the Arena Assessment taken in September. Students know they are to pass at LEAST two lessons per week per subject and spend at LEAST 30 minutes per week in each of the subjects. On Mondays, we celebrate their growth as a class and recognize class champions for passing the most lessons and spending the most time on each subject as well as keyboarding success.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Your child could work on IXL and Keyboarding at home if you have a device they’re allowed to use.
CLASS DOJO - Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach increments of 5,000 points (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. If you haven’t signed in to view your child’s Dojo points, let me know if you need me to send you another invitation. Their first celebration was the tech party. Now, they’re working towards a free recess.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Talk with your child about the importance of showing respect to all - especially when a classmate is talking (including keeping hands to themselves). In addition, the cafeteria, halls, and recess are a great spot to show leadership. We have also discussed the meaning of integrity as doing what is right and showing leadership - especially when nobody is watching.
CHARACTER STRONG - Our Social Emotional Learning curriculum (SEL) is entitled Character Strong. Each morning we have our morning meeting for about 20 minutes where students participate in lessons and activities accompanying the theme. The first two weeks of the school year, there was a Kindness Kickoff theme. Then, the next four weeks, the focus shifted to Respect. This will be our third week focusing on Responsibility.
HALLOWEEN PARTY
The 5th grade class will be having a Halloween Party on Friday, October 31, 2025 from 1:35- 3:00 PM. Students may wear their costumes to school, but all blood, gore, weapons, and costume masks should not be worn.
A Halloween party committee will bring treats that are
pre-packaged and will have planned Fall activities including crafts and games.
Please feel free to contact Mrs. Simacek with any questions or concerns.
-Mrs. Simacek
-920-295-6571 kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us
Playground Recess Guidelines to Keep you Safe
Updated: 9/17/25
The rolling cart will be taken outside to hold the equipment no longer being used.
Equipment taken out by a student should be returned by that student.
Students should be able to be seen at all times. If you can’t see a teacher, a teacher can’t see you!
The shelter house is not part of the playground.
Toys, trading cards, or stuffed animals should be left in backpacks or left at home.
The fence is to keep you safe; it is not part of the climbers.
What is on the ground stays on the ground - sand, rocks, sticks, dirt, snowballs.
The trees are for shade, and are not another climber.
Stay out of water puddles and off the ice in winter.
When there is a snowhill students should stay on the same side as the teacher - be sure to slide on your bottom.
Students in 3rd grade on up may walk the track.
Tag should be played in the grass areas, not on the climbers.
Shoes should remain on when in the sand box.
Gaga Pit:
Students will follow the rules taught in gym class.
No other version of rules will be allowed.
If rules are not followed after one reminder from the supervising teacher, students will be asked to leave the pit for the rest of recess.
Only kick balls may be used in the Gaga pit
**At this time Kindergarteners have not been taught the rules so they need to refrain from using Gaga Pit until further notice.**
Swings:
One person on a swing at a time.
Jumping off swings is not allowed.
Spinning while on the swings is not allowed.
Use caution when standing near the swings - don’t stand too close.
Running between the swings should be avoided
All Slides:
Students need to sit on their bottoms when going down the slides
One person at a time on the slides
Slides are for going down- not climbing up
Blue Circle Monkey Bars:
Only those students that can safely reach the end are allowed to use these.
Students should complete the set of monkey bars and not drop to the ground.
One student on the disks at a time.
Red Swinging Disks:
Only one student on the disks at a time.
Running between the disks should be avoided.
Students should complete the disks and not jump off.
Monkey Bars/Silver Climber
Standing on top of these is not allowed.
Only students in 3rd grade or older are allowed to hang by their knees.
Blue Spinner:
Up to 6 students are allowed on the spinner. They should only be sitting in the seats, not on the center bump.
There may be up to 3 people pushing. They should be pushing by using the backs of the higher seats.
One push per time is the limit. A push is one time around the spinner. After the one spin is complete the pushers move away from the spinner.
Riders should remain seated until the spinner comes to a stop. Jumping off is not allowed.
Once the spinner stops, those students must get off and let other students get on.
If a student is not feeling well they should remain off of the spinner for the rest of the recess - headache, stomach ache, dizzy
Cave Climber:
Students in K - 2nd should not be jumping off of the cave.
Students getting off of the cave should be aware of students that may be under the cave.
Large New Climber:
Students should use the various ways to climb up onto or down from the climber. Those areas are not for jumping off of.
There is no chasing or pushing on the climber.
Students should use each area one at a time - especially the bridge
INDOOR RECESS
Temperature is below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Windchill is below -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is raining.
If it has recently rained or is misting outside, students can go outside and play on blacktop and the playground equipment with gravel.
STUDENT DRESS REQUIREMENTS:
Students must wear a coat if the temperature is below 40 degrees fahrenheit.
Students must wear a coat and hat and gloves if the temperature is below 32 degrees fahrenheit.
In winter, students without boots must remain on the blacktop.
NOTE: Classroom teachers, if there is a “repeat offender” in your grade level who does not come with hats, gloves, or boots, please reach out to parents and insist that they come prepared. Nurse Chris is more than willing to help contact parents.
Please contact Katie Berndt if there is a student/family in need of gear and she will get information to you about our “Warmth for Winter” supplies.
REPEATED POSTS:
CLASSROOM RULES - 5S created their Classroom Constitution. They all signed the constitution. :) We the students of 5th grade in order to have an AWESOME year in 5th grade hereby agree to:
Use time wisely & stay organized.
Talk to people with respect.
Follow rules - especially listening carefully
(give me 5)
Be a leader - be happy & show positivity.
5) Think before you speak.
6) Use technology and supplies wisely.
ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS
Students write their assignments in their planner (which is in their 3-ring binder) each day. They are to ask for your initials.
WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME: Please assist your child in getting in the habit of using their planner that will benefit them for years to come (and initial they have done their work).
REPEATED POST: CLASSROOM RULES - The 5th graders created their Classroom Constitution. They all signed the constitution. :) We the students of 5th grade in order to have an AWESOME year in 5th grade hereby agree to:
Follow directions.
Raise your hand before speaking out loud.
Treat others as you want to be treated; be kind.
4) Be respectful to classmates, teachers, and equipment.
5) Do your own work. Use time wisely & stay organized.
6) Work hard.
7) HAVE FUN!
REPEATED POST: POSTCARDS - Our class will be collecting postcards this year to improve geography skills. When postcards arrive, we will share in our morning meeting. Please ask any of your family or friends to send us a postcard at school. The address is:
Mrs. Simacek’s 5th Grade Class
Princeton School
604 Old Green Lake Road
Princeton, WI 54968
REPEATED POST: BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday. So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day). The only way treats can be shared is if they are store-purchased and individually wrapped. This is up to each family; it is not required.
Dates to Remember Additions are highlighted in yellow from September newsletter
Thursday, October 31, 2024 - Halloween Party - 1:35 PM
Thursday, October 31, 2024 - Last day of 1st Quarter
Friday, November 1, 2024 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - 9:30 AM - VETERANS’ DAY PROGRAM - All are welcome to attend
Wednesday, November 27-Friday, November 29, 2024 - NO SCHOOL
December 12, 2024 - Elementary Concert
December 19, 2024 - Santa’s Workshop
December 20, 2024 - 1:35 PM - Christmas Party
December 23, 2024-January 1, 2025 - NO SCHOOL
January 10, 2025 - 6-8 PM PTO Movie Night
January 17, 2025 - End of Quarter 2/Semester 1
Monday, January 20, 2025 - NO SCHOOL (Inservice)
February 10-14, 2025 - ALL FOR COINS Collection - PLEASE FEEL FREE TO START SAVING THOSE COINS NOW :) 5TH GRADE HAS WON THE COMPETITION THE PAST TWO YEAR :)
February 14, 2025 - Valentine’s Day Party - 1:35 PM
February 19, 2025 - 3:45-6:30 Conferences
February 20, 2025 - 3:45-7 Conferences
February 21, 2025 - NO SCHOOL
February 24, 2025 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
March 3-7, 2025 - Read Across America Week
March 7, 2025 - Family Bingo Night
March 20, 2025 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 21, 2025 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
March 24-28, 2025 - NO SCHOOL/SPRING BREAK
April 16, 2025 - Easter Party 1:35 PM
April 17, 2025 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
April 18, 2025 - NO SCHOOL
April 25, 2025 - PTO Spring Dance 6-8 PM
May 5-9, 2025 - Staff Appreciation Week
May 13, 2025 - Elementary Concert
Monday, May 26, 2025 - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
June 2, 2025 - PTO Field Day
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - Last Day of School
Mrs. Keri Simacek
MY CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES
Simacek Fifth Grade
Facebook Page
“Like” and “Follow” our Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085005699458
Click on the link or search Simacek Fifth Grade
If it is a family member requesting access to the closed group, please have them message me as to their relationship.
Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), September 28, 2025
In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5S, I’m happy to put together a monthly update for you. I know it’s a lot at one time, but I will archive it on my website for you to go back and refer to.
CONTACTING ME - I thrive on excellent communication between teachers, parents, and students. If you have any questions or concerns, the BEST way to communicate with me is via my school email: kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us. Also, the school phone number is 920-295-6571 (Monday-Friday 7:45 AM-3:25 PM.
PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT CONFERENCES - Please see the 5th Grade Parent-Teacher Conferences - Fall, 2025 for the time you hopefully have signed up for by this time. Please bring your child to the conference.
BEGINNING OF YEAR BASICS
We have set our guidelines and procedures for attending in-person school as well as expectations and communications with our virtual learners.
We recite the Pledge of Allegiance each day.
They have had art with Mrs. Ellingson twice a week, music with Mrs. Burdick once a week, and phy ed with Ms. Bradley three times a week.
Students are working hard to show the Princeton Success Way in all areas of the building – especially a zero voice (no talking) in the hallway and during transitions.
CLASSROOM RULES - The 5th graders created their Classroom Constitution. They all signed the constitution. :) We the students of 5th grade in order to have an AWESOME year in 5th grade hereby agree to:
Follow directions.
Raise your hand before speaking out loud.
Treat others as you want to be treated; be kind.
4) Be respectful to classmates, teachers, and equipment.
5) Do your own work. Use time wisely & stay organized.
6) Work hard.
7) HAVE FUN!
ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS
Students write their assignments in their planner (which is in their 3-ring binder) each day. They are to ask for your initials.
WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME: Please assist your child in getting in the habit of using their planner that will benefit them for years to come (and write your initials indicating they have done their work).
Students wrote three Hopes and Dreams for the school year (which are posted on our classroom doors) focusing on:
ELA (English/Language Arts)- Students enjoyed the following read-alouds: Imagine: An Inspirational Story of Calming Strategies for Children, The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, September 12th We Knew Everything Would Be Alright, and issues of Scholastic News with accompanying videos during read-aloud. They have also enjoyed various stories related to the Character Strong themes of Kindness and Respect.
Thank you to the families who have brought in snacks to share. Multiple students mentioned they are glad we share snacks. However, if your child prefers to have his/her own healthy snack, that’s fine too :).
Students have completed Module 1 in our new Reading series, Into Reading, “Inventors at Work.” They are working hard on an Expository Essay as well on an invention.
Students will soon begin a short project on when to use commas properly. The project is called “Comma Corral”. Students will learn eight rules when to use commas correctly. Then, they’ll write an example sentence using that rule. Finally, they will create a four slide presentation with another student (or two) with a jingle to help their classmates (and younger elementary students they will present to) remember the rule using a tune everyone would be familiar with.
Students will also be able to improve their non-fiction reading skills using Scholastic News magazine. Students get to keep the magazines. Sometimes, we’ll work through them as a class, while other times students will be able to enjoy them independently.
Friends and family members of mine have donated money for your child to receive their own book each month this school year! See the Class Facebook page for a picture and video of when they received the first book. They have already received their September book. They did a wonderful job writing an official thank you to our book sponsors with wonderful illustrations.
Students are reading about 20 minutes per day in class (with the goal of at least 20 pages read) and have been asked to read at least 20 pages at home per night. So, they should be reading about 40 pages per school day.
MAKING CONNECTIONS - In addition to recording nightly pages read during the 30 minutes read at home, students have been writing two connections they’ve made with that day’s reading in their reading journal stored online in Google Classroom (TT=text-to-text connection; TS=text-to-self; TW=text-to-world). Usually, students are able to record the connections in their journal during school reading. It may be a good conversation piece to ask your child what connection they made that day.
WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME: Please assist your child in checking they have about 30-40 pages per day (including the 20-30 pages read during school and at least 20 pages per school day at home) with the date, title, pages read, two sentence connections written in their journal. This is a bit of a growth for a few students, and working together, they’ll get the hang of it. Thank you!
SAMPLE DAILY MAKING CONNECTIONS READING ENTRY:
9/29/25 Pgs. 24-80 Hatchet by Gary Paulsen - TS- When I read Brian was bitten by many mosquitoes, it reminded me of the bad mosquitoes this fall.
MATH – Students are working hard in the math unit 1 called, “Addition and Subtraction with Fractions”. There should be homework most school days (other than no Fridays there is no math homework). Watch the planner for the assignment.
We are stapling the homework to the student activity pages done in class.
If there is NOT math homework (if we didn’t complete a lesson), they should spend at least 10 minutes on IXL math or review multiplication and division facts through 12s using the Xtra math online program. By 5th grade, students should know those basic facts through 12s for multiplication and division as quickly as they know their name (or at least within 3 seconds maximum). When finished with Unit 1, they’ll study unit 2 entitled, “Addition and Subtraction with Decimals”.
WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME: Please check the daily planner, and have your child show you his/her finished homework. If there is no math homework, please remind them to hop on IXL math (or Xtra math) for at least 10 minutes or review basic multiplication and division facts through 12s. At the end of each chapter, when you see “study for test”, students should use their math folder with student activity pages, homework pages, and pre-tests as study materials.
PROJECTS: HABITS OF MIND – Students have learned nine of the Habits of Mind to better learn how we can become a community of learners. Each lesson, students write the definition of the habit of mind, reflect when they have demonstrated that habit of mind, and they set a goal to use that habit of mind in school this year. They have put together an electronic book (aka: e-book) using Book Creator on their school Chromebooks. They will share the e-books with you at a later time. They will be presenting their projects to their classmates and other PSD students as well.
WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME: Please have them share the Habits of Mind we have covered and why it’s important we learn about the Habits of Mind (Taking Responsible Risks, Persistence, Listening with Empathy, and Managing Impulsivity today)
SPELLING - With the new Into Reading series, there is a shift in how Spelling is assessed. There are NOT weekly spelling tests. Students are reviewing basic spelling skills, and they are assessed by applying the skills learned each part of the three modules (i.e. the prefixes re-, pre-, im-; the suffixes -ful, -ous, and -less).
WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME: Have the students share the patterns they are focusing on.
Class Dojo - Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach increments of 5,000 points (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. If you haven’t signed in to view your child’s Dojo points, you may use the form given at Open House. Let me know if you need me to send you another invitation. They are currently working towards a “TECHNOLOGY” hour where they can have fun educationally appropriate technology tools.
WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME: Would you have a heart-to-heart with your child and ask if they are following the rules they created in an honest conversation? If they are, AWESOME! Ask them how they can spread the leadership. If they are not, how can they grow each day? For example, some students are struggling to use their reading rotations time wisely each day.
Water Bottles - Students are to have their own water bottles. They can fill them at the water station. They are to come home on weekends for a washing and return on Mondays.
WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME: Please encourage your child to be responsible in bringing his/her water bottle each day.
CLASS WISH LIST:
Scotch thermal laminating sheets 3MM
Diffuser scents (other than lavender or apple)
CHARACTER STRONG - Our new Social Emotional Learning curriculum (SEL) is entitled Character Strong. Each morning we have our morning meeting for about 20 minutes where students participate in lessons and activities accompanying the theme. The first two weeks of the school year, there was a Kindness Kickoff theme. The next four weeks, the focus shifts to Respect.
T
WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME: Ask your child about anything that stands out to them as a way to learn about these important qualities of good people :)
POSTCARDS - Our class will be collecting postcards this year to improve geography skills. When postcards arrive, we will share in our morning meeting. Please ask any of your family or friends to send us a postcard at school. The address is:
Mrs. Simacek’s 5th Grade Class
Princeton School
604 Old Green Lake Road
Princeton, WI 54968
BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday. So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day). The only way treats can be shared is if they are store-purchased. This is up to each family; it is not required.
LEADERS - The 5th graders are leaders of the elementary school. With this comes some great opportunities and responsibilities. For example, this year, your student will be able to raise and lower the flag in front of the school each morning and afternoon. If your child forgot to tell you, I am very honored to have our class participate in this responsibility, as our daughter, Jenna, was able to replace the old flagpole in front of the school (that desperately needed to be replaced) as part of her Girl Scouts Gold Award project. Here is a short video I showed the students the day the flagpole arrived and was installed in November of 2016. Also, as part of the Gold Award project, she created a video interviewing Princeton veterans about patriotism (which I will share with the students closer to Veterans Day) and this Flag Etiquette video.
5th graders are also making the daily elementary announcements. Each student will have a chance during 5th grade to read any important announcements, the lunch menu, and a fun fact and joke of the day (they research to find), and then invite the student announcer to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dates to Remember
September 26, 2025 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
October 8, 2025 - 3:45-6:30 PM - Conferences (Sign Up Genius link will be emailed for you to sign up)
October 9, 2025 - 3:45-7:00 PM - Conferences (Sign Up Genius link will be emailed for you to sign up)
October 10, 2025 - NO SCHOOL
October 31, 2025 - End of 1st Quarter
October 31, 2025 - 1:35 PM-3:00 PM - Halloween Party
November 3, 2025 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
November 26-28, 2025 - NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)
December 11, 2025 - Elementary Winter Concert 6:00 PM
December 23, 2025 - 1:35 PM-3:00 PM - Christmas Party
December 24, 2025 - January 2, 2026 - No School (Winter Break)
January 16, 2026 - End of 2nd Quarter/End of 1st Semester
January 19, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
February 11, 2026 - 3:45-6:30 PM - Conferences (Sign Up Genius link will be emailed for you to sign up)
February 12, 2026 - 3:45-7:00 PM - Conferences (Sign Up Genius link will be emailed for you to sign up)
February 13, 2026 - NO SCHOOL
February 16, 2026 - 1:35-3:00 PM - Valentine’s Day Party
March 2-6 2026 - Read Across America Week
March 19, 2026 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 20-27, 2026 - No School (Spring Break)
April 2, 2026 - 1:35-3:00 PM - Easter Party
April 3, 2026 - NO SCHOOL
April 20, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
May 4-8, 2026 - Staff Appreciation Week
May 12, 2026 - 6:00 PM - Elementary Band Concert/Musical
May 25, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
May 29, 2026 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
June 4, 2026 - Last Day of School/End of 4th Quarter/End of 2nd Semester
Also, see Simacek Fifth Grade Facebook page for pictures. This Facebook page is for our class families only. If you have a family member (aunt or uncle, grandparent, etc.) who would like to join our group, please have them message me their relationship, so I can accept the request.
Thank you, and stay cool!
Mrs. Keri Simacek
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