Team
Viking
Mrs. Kaldas & Ms. Levi
2025-2026
(Image of NASA Viking Mars Lander)
*Homeroom 366, English Language Arts (ELA) & Social Studies
*Loves reading, writing, traveling, and dogs. Spending time with family is very important to Mrs. Kaldas!
*Homeroom 368, Math & Science
*Loves turtles, arts and crafts, puzzles, and walking on stilts. Spending time in nature is very relaxing for Ms. Levi!
*Classroom 364, Reading and Resource
*Loves all spooky things, drawing, reading, as well as listening to music and dancing. She also loves spending time with her dog! Ms. Manchester's perfect day is a cool, rainy day where she can snuggle up with a good book and a cup of tea or coffee!
(We try to update this by 4PM each school day. Please keep in mind, if a teacher is absent, their portion may not be completed until the following school day. Thank you for your understanding!)
Friday 10/10/25
ELA- We focused on narrative writing today. Students were challenged to bring readers into their stories and not just tell what was happening. They thought about all that they could see, hear and feel to help them with this!
MATH- We further practiced comparing decimals using visual models, using a place value chart, or by creating equivalent decimals. We also completed a "Homework Helper" worksheet applying place value concepts to decimal numbers. Students in 368 worked on a Practice Buddy, and other students will do that next week. There is no new homework (and 1-4: Practice Buddy is NOT homework.).
SCIENCE- We continued growing our ideas about matter by playing small group games of "Properties of Matter 20 Questions." Students also watered their plants.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Today we completed the 13 Colonies map quiz! We ended class with a fun cup game to unwind. Have a great long weekend!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Thursday 10/9/25
ELA- Today students used the STEAL method to complete a writing assignment. The students chose one of the characters from BMT and were challenged to use the STEAL method to teach someone who has never read BMT about their character of choice. Ask them about their character at dinner tonight! Homework: Reading Log #4 is due Friday. Please follow all the directions for full credit.
MATH- We practiced comparing decimals using visual models and using equivalent decimals. Students played a dice game in small groups to practice further. Tonight's homework: Math Google Classroom Question.
SCIENCE- We introduced our new unit about the properties of matter via some games of "Properties of Matter 20 Questions" Tonight's homework: Science Google Classroom Question.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Today we continued learning about the different individual colonies. We focused on the Rhode Island Colony! We will be working on a comparison chart as we work our way through the colonies. Homework: Study the 13 Colonies map. Quiz Friday!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Wednesday 10/8/25
ELA- Today we continued the STEAL method while reading BMT. We focused on Anna, Danielle and Alexia today. Homework: Reading Log #4 is due Friday. Please follow all the directions for full credit.
MATH- We introduced the concept of equivalent decimals. We also compared decimals using visual models. Tonight's homework is the Comparing Decimals worksheet (which students started at the end of class.)
SCIENCE- After a final opportunity to ask questions, students took their scientific quiz. Then students experimented with 5 different assigned Gizmo computer simulations and/or worked on missing work. Tonight's homework is a Google Classroom Question.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Today we began our learning about the different individual colonies. We started with the Massachusetts Bay Colony! We will be working on a comparison chart as we work our way through the colonies. Homework: Study the 13 Colonies map. Quiz Friday!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Tuesday 10/7/25
ELA- Today we continued working with the STEAL method for characterization. The characters we focused on today were Jessica and Jeffrey. I was so impressed by the connections the students were making! So far we are loving Because of Mr. Terupt :). Homework: Reading Log #4 is due Friday. Please follow all the directions for full credit.
MATH- We set up and introduced a new dry erase template for modeling with decimals. We compared it to place value blocks that most students were familiar with. Tonight's homework is the worksheet named "Ordering Whole Numbers."
SCIENCE- We reviewed about scientific practices during class today. Tonight's homework is to prepare for tomorrow's science quiz. There are some study hints in Google Classroom. Preparing for a quiz can also include going to bed a little earlier and eating a good breakfast in the morning!
SOCIAL STUDIES- Students worked independently to complete a graded compare and contrast activity. Students were able to use all of their slideshows and EdPuzzles to help. Time was also given for missing work. Homework: Study the 13 Colonies map. Quiz Friday!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Monday 10/6/25
ELA- We continued reading our class novel Because of Mr. Terupt today! We began part "November". Our skill focus throughout this portion of the book will be characterization. Students were introduced to the STEAL method today. Homework: Reading Log #4 is due tomorrow. Please follow all the directions for full credit.
MATH- We practiced decimal place value including switching number forms. We also set up our Math/Science JogNog accounts and practiced individually answering questions related to decimal place value. Tonight's homework is a Math Google Classroom Question.
SCIENCE- Today students shared different answers from the "Analysis" section of their water drop experiments. We discussed those answers as well as how to use the provided framework to write a clear specific conclusion sentence. Students had in class time to work on finishing their own versions, and many students read their final conclusion statements for the class. Any students wanting additional help with finishing the assignment were offered individual help after school today. The experiment papers will be collected tomorrow. Tonight's homework is a Science Google Classroom Question.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Our focus today was the Southern Colonies! Students worked in partners to learn and research. They read aloud a passage and answered questions together focused on the Southern Colonies. Independently they completed an EdPuzzle to show what they have learned. They are doing a great job collaborating respectfully with their classmates. Homework: Study the 13 Colonies map. Quiz Friday!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Friday 10/3/25
Spartan Run Day!!!! We had an awesome time participating in the Spartan Run! We were rewarded with popsicles at the end and a relaxing movie with our homerooms. Congrats to Ms. Levi's homeroom for being the highest fundraising class in the 5th grade!
Thursday 10/2/25
ELA- Today we continued our questioning and predicting strategy group work from yesterday to start class. After, we chose a story for our personal narrative and began the planning process! Homework: Reading Log #3 is due tomorrow. Please follow all the directions for full credit.
MATH- Please see the instructions and work posted in the Math Google Classroom. Any work not completed during class will be due on Monday. (As always, if you have an individual issue with meeting these general expectations, please check in in privately to work out an individual solution.)
SCIENCE- Please see the instructions and work posted in the Science Google Classroom. Any work not completed during class will be due on Monday. (As always, if you have an individual issue with meeting these general expectations, please check in in privately to work out an individual solution.)
SOCIAL STUDIES- Our focus today was the Middle Colonies! Students worked in partners to learn and research. They read aloud a passage and answered questions together focused on the Middle Colonies. They are doing a great job collaborating respectfully with their classmates. No homework!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night. Tomorrow is an early release day and you will need to wear shoes for running around outside for the Spartan Run.
Wednesday 10/1/25 🎃
ELA-. Today we finished responding to the October writing prompt for BMT. Students then worked in groups to practice the reading strategies "Questioning and Predicting". They did a great job collaborating and discussing their assigned character. We will finish the assignment tomorrow! Homework: Reading Log #3 is due Friday. Please follow all the directions for full credit.
MATH- We reviewed the practice quiz and then students took their real quiz. There is no new homework tonight, so it is a great opportunity for catching up on missing work as needed.
SCIENCE- Students continued working on their individual water drop controlled experiments. Then students practiced the Scientific Practices vocabulary using StudyStack. There is no new homework tonight, so it is a great opportunity for catching up on missing work as needed.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Today students worked in partners to learn about the New England Colonies! They read aloud a passage and answered questions together. They are doing a great job collaborating respectfully with their classmates. No homework!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night. Friday is an early release day and you will need to wear shoes for running around outside for the Spartan Run.
Tuesday 9/30/25
ELA-. Today we finished reading the "October" section of BMT. Students worked in their interactive notebooks during the reading. After, students began responding to the BMT October writing prompt. Homework: Reading Log #3 is due Friday. Please follow all the directions for full credit.
MATH- We reviewed all 5 different number forms, and started work together on a practice quiz. We also discussed and corrected all remaining work from last week, and last night. Tonight's homework in math is to finish the practice quiz. The actual quiz is tomorrow.
SCIENCE- We continued and improved our experiments with pennies and pipettes. We also acted out a silly example of an "unfair race" to help students better understand why controlling variables (i.e. having "fair races") is so important for science experiments. There is no new homework in science tonight.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Today students worked in partners to rewatch the EdPuzzle from yesterday and use it to complete an interactive slideshow. Students independently completed an exit ticket. The exit ticket was open note and graded for PowerSchool. No homework!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night. Friday is an early release day and you will need to wear shoes for running around outside for the Spartan Run.
Monday 9/29/25
ELA- Today we continued reading our class novel Because of Mr. Terupt. We are focusing on the skill of summarizing and practiced this skill using a chapter of our choice from today's reading. Homework: Reading Log #3 is due Friday. Please follow all the directions for full credit.
MATH- We reviewed our new number form, expanded form "the fifth grade way," which includes writing each term using exponents. Many students continued work on their practice buddies. Tonight's homework in Math is a Google Classroom Question (In the MATH Google Classroom).
SCIENCE- We experimented with pennies and pipettes to help us learn more about the important topic of variables in experiments. We also finished discussing and correcting the independent work from last week. Tonight's homework in Science is a Google Classroom Question (In the SCIENCE Google Classroom).
SOCIAL STUDIES- Today we began learning about the 13 original colonies. We started class with a whole group EdPuzzle where we had a preview into the different regions. After, students created a color coded map of the 13 original colonies. No homework!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night. Friday is an early release day and you will need to wear shoes for running around outside for the Spartan Run.
Friday 9/26/25
ELA-Today we focused on narrative writing! We tried out two different strategies for brainstorming ideas that would make a strong personal narrative. Students brainstormed stories with different people and places. No homework over the weekend, enjoy the warm weather!
MATH- We introduced our new number form, expanded form "the fifth grade way," which includes writing each term using exponents. We started Practice Buddy 1-1 together and will continue working on it together next week. There is no new homework, but quite a few students have been given a fifth chance to earn full credit on on their Tuesday and Wednesday work by finishing over the weekend.
SCIENCE- We finished our first "Plant Q and Q" by focusing on the second Q: quantitative observations. This included counting and measuring with our plants, and recording the data on slide 4 of the plant slides. There is no new homework, but quite a few students have been given a fifth chance to earn full credit on on their Tuesday and Wednesday work by finishing over the weekend.
SOCIAL STUDIES- We continued independent research! Students learned about life in the 13 original colonies. They were able to choose 2-3 topics that interested them the most and dove deeper into the topic. Students who finished early learned more about who Pocahontas really was!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Thursday 9/25/25
ELA-We continued to work in our interactive notebooks as we read Because of Mr. Terupt. We moved onto the next section of our book, "October". We focused on the characters Peter, Luke and Jeffrey and their perspectives on the plant project! Homework: Reading Log #2 is due Friday. Please follow all the directions for full credit.
MATH- We reviewed step by step how to work with powers of ten. We also practiced reading names of large whole numbers correctly, as a whole class and with partners using some unusual dice. Tonight's homework: one more chance to finish the classwork from Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. For full credit, follow the directions carefully and finish it before school starts tomorrow.
SCIENCE- We started our first "Plant Q and Q" focusing on the first Q: qualitative observations. We also corrected Monday's homework and shared our ideas from it with each other. Tonight's homework: one more chance to finish the classwork from Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. For full credit, follow the directions carefully and finish it before school starts tomorrow.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Today we did some independent research! Students learned about life in the 13 original colonies. They were able to choose 2-3 topics that interested them the most and dove deeper into the topic. No homework this week!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Wednesday 9/24/25
ELA-We continued to work in our interactive notebooks as we read Because of Mr. Terupt. Today we met two more characters; Danielle and Anna. Students used clues from the book to determine what they believed each character's perspective on school is. To end the lesson students began a writing prompt where they made a prediction about which character they think will change their perspective the most by the end of the novel. Homework: Reading Log #2 is due Friday. Please follow all the directions for full credit.
MATH- Please see the directions and work posted in Google Classroom Math. Tonight's homework is to finish the classwork. Due to the holiday being observed by some members of the community, the work is due on Friday.
SCIENCE- Please see the directions and work posted in Google Classroom Science. Tonight's homework is to finish the classwork. Due to the holiday being observed by some members of the community, the work is due on Friday.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Today we began learning about the Plymouth colony. Students participated in an interactive slideshow to show what they learned throughout the lesson. No homework this week!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Tuesday 9/23/25
ELA- We continued to work in our interactive notebooks as we read Because of Mr. Terupt. Today we met three more characters; Luke, Alexia and Jeffrey. Students used clues from the book to determine what they believed each character's perspective on school is! Homework: Reading Log #2 is due Friday. Please follow all the directions for full credit.
MATH- Please see the directions and work posted in Google Classroom Math. Tonight's homework is to finish the classwork. Due to the holiday being observed by some members of the community, the work is due on Friday.
SCIENCE- Please see the directions and work posted in Google Classroom Science. Tonight's homework is to finish the classwork. Due to the holiday being observed by some members of the community, the work is due on Friday.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Today we learned about Jamestown! We started class together by participating in a whole class interactive slideshow. The, students worked independently to watch and complete a Brainpop assignment. No homework this week!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Monday 9/22/25
ELA- Today we began our first class novel Because of Mr. Terupt. We started our interactive notebooks and discussed point of view and different character perspectives on school. Homework: Reading Log #2 is due Friday. Please follow all the directions for full credit.
MATH- We introduced exponents and practiced the proper way to say large whole numbers. Tonight's homework is a Google Classroom Question for Math.
SCIENCE- We added new leaves to our 5th grade plants. We also explored some of the study options available through vocabulary lists posted by Ms. Levi on the StudyStack website. The link is now in Google Classroom. Tonight's homework is a Google Classroom Question for Science.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Students completed their Compass Rose quiz. They had as much time as they needed and a word bank to use to complete the quiz. After the quiz students had time to complete any missing Brainpop assignments from Social Studies. No homework this week!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Friday 9/19/25
ELA- Reading Log #1 was due today. For today's classwork, please see Google Classroom.
MATH- We took the district mandated STAR math assessment today. It was great to see students showing how much math they already know!
SCIENCE- Today students finished incomplete work or played the game Math Spin with a partner.
SOCIAL STUDIES- For today's classwork, please see Google Classroom. The Compass rose quiz has been rescheduled for Monday, and you can still study for it.
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Thursday 9/18/25
ELA- Today we focused on Realistic Fiction. We read different book descriptions and discussed the hints in each description that told us it was a realistic fiction book. Homework: Reading Log #1 due tomorrow. Please follow all directions carefully for full credit.
MATH- We introduced our online textbook, SAVVAS, and used one of its "Practice Buddies" to practiced place value concepts. Homework: Finish incomplete work, starting with Edpuzzles.
SCIENCE- Today we used a computer simulation to investigate plant growth. We shared ideas about what we discovered in that specific simulation as well as discussing why scientists use simulations. Homework: Finish incomplete work, starting with Edpuzzles.
SOCIAL STUDIES- We began learning about the Roanoke Colony! Students enjoyed hearing the different theories about how this colony ceased to exist. Homework: Study the Compass Rose, quiz on Friday!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Wednesday 9/17/25
ELA- We started class with a literary genres Blooket! Students had fun playing the fishing frenzy game to answer questions about the different literary genres. Afterwards, students independently completed a Literary Genres check-in on Google Classroom. Students who finished early reviewed parts of speech on Brainpop! Homework: Reading Log #1 due Friday. Please follow all directions carefully for full credit.
MATH- We set up our dry erase template with place value chart and space for math vocabulary and other work. We also reviewed expectations and procedures regarding behavior, supplies, and homework. Homework: Finish incomplete work, starting with Edpuzzles.
SCIENCE- Today's classwork included 3 "Google Classroom Questions" to help us continue to build community and to familiarize all students with a few of the ways that "GCQs" will be used in math and science classes this year. Homework: Finish incomplete work, starting with Edpuzzles.
SOCIAL STUDIES- HAPPY CONSTITUTION DAY!!!!!!! Today we focused on this important document and all it does for us and our country! Homework: Study the Compass Rose, quiz on Friday!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Tuesday 9/16/25
ELA- We continued learning about Literary Genres! Today was a game filled day on different learning platforms to practice identifying literary genres. Homework: Reading Log #1 due Friday. Please follow all directions carefully for full credit.
MATH- See work posted in Google Classroom.
SCIENCE- See work posted in Google Classroom.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Today we continued learning about the Compass Rose. We played some games and completed our packets! Homework: Study the Compass Rose, quiz on Friday!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Monday 9/15/25
ELA- Students complete their STAR Assessment independently. They worked hard to show what they know! Homework: Reading Log #1 due Friday. Please follow all directions carefully for full credit.
MATH- See work posted in Google Classroom.
SCIENCE- See work posted in Google Classroom.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Today we learned about the Compass Rose and began working on some map skills! Homework: Study the Compass Rose, quiz on Friday!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Friday 9/12/25
ELA/SOCIAL STUDIES/SCIENCE- We watched the movie "The Wild Robot." It ties into the 5th grade summer learning theme of "The Environment."
MATH-We introduced some additional computer tools for learning and practicing in Math and Science.
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Thursday 9/11/25
ELA- Students completed a writing pre-assessment to show off their skills! Homework: Summer Learning Reading Log due Friday.
MATH- See work posted in Google Classroom.
SCIENCE- See work posted in Google Classroom.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Today we focused on the idea of what makes someone a "hero". We tied this idea into our learning and discussion of the events of 9/11.
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night. Tomorrow is an early release day with some unique things happening in the schedule. School starts at the regular time (7:50) but will end at 11:45
Wednesday 9/10/25
ELA- We completed a summer learning activity and discussed the importance of where we live. We discussed how our environment impacts our way of life. Homework: Summer Learning Reading Log due Friday.
MATH- See work posted in Google Classroom.
SCIENCE- See work posted in Google Classroom.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Today we learned about primary and secondary sources. We watched a Brainpop, participated in a whole class game/discussion identifying primary sources and came up with two of our own slides! No homework tonight.
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Tuesday 9/9/25
ELA- We finished up our Writing Goals for the school year. Students decorated their stars which will be displayed in the classroom. We had a shortened class due to a PowerSchool presentation. Homework: Summer Learning Reading Log due Friday.
MATH- See work posted in Google Classroom.
SCIENCE- See work posted in Google Classroom.
SOCIAL STUDIES- We finished our letters to future self and continued to learn about geography! No homework.
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.
Monday 9/8/25
ELA- Today we discussed Literary Genres! We played Blooket before moving onto partner work. Students worked on learning the different genres and how to identify which books are in each category. We will continue learning about Literary Genres tomorrow! Homework: Summer Learning Reading Log due Friday.
MATH- See work posted in Google Classroom.
SCIENCE- See work posted in Google Classroom.
SOCIAL STUDIES- Our focus today was Geography! Students worked in partners to learn about world geography and maps. No homework!
OTHER- Remember to charge your chromebook and restock your pencil case every night.