Mr. DeMaio's Website
August 2025
Hello Awesome Fifth Graders and Families!
We’re so excited to welcome you to fifth grade! We hope you’re enjoying these last few days of summer and getting ready for an amazing school year ahead. This year is going to be filled with new adventures, fun projects, and lots of learning—and we can’t wait to get started!
Our goal is to help each of you grow not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. We want our classroom to be a place where you feel supported, challenged, and part of a great team. Get ready to make some fantastic memories, meet new friends, and take on the fun (and responsibility!) of being the oldest students in the school!
Meet Your Fifth Grade Team!
Your fifth grade teachers this year are Ms. Kennedy, Mrs. Harnett, and Mr. DeMaio. To help you get ready for middle school, we use a departmentalized model—this means you’ll get to switch classes for different subjects, just like in middle school!
Here’s how your classes will look:
Ms. Kennedy – WIN (What I Need) Time & Word Study: This block is all about building your reading and writing skills. We’ll work on spelling, grammar, and reading stamina through fun activities, small groups, and individual conferences.
Mrs. Harnett – Math: Get ready to think critically, solve problems, and build your math confidence!
Mr. DeMaio – Science & Social Studies: We’ll explore exciting topics, ask big questions, and make learning come alive through hands-on projects and discussions.
We’re all using a new reading and writing program this year called Arts and Letters, and we’re excited to dive in together!
School Supplies
Attached you’ll find a list of materials your child will need to start the year strong. If you’ve already purchased these through the online supply list, you’re all set—just check it off! Please label all supplies with your child’s name, and if possible, try to have everything ready by the end of the first week of school.
Thank you so much for your support—we’re really looking forward to partnering with you to make this year a great one. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we can’t wait to see you soon!
Warmly,
Ms. Kennedy, Mrs. Harnett, and Mr. DeMaio
Your Fifth Grade Team
The Fifth Grade Team Email Addresses
Ms. Kennedy (WIN Time & Word Study)
k.kennedy@wi.k12.ny.us
Mrs. Hartnett (Math)
r.hartnett@wi.k12.ny.us
Mr. DeMaio (Science)
j.demaio@wi.k12.ny.us
5TH GRADE SUPPLY LIST
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, BELOW YOU WILL FIND THE
AMAZON LINKS TO THE SPECIFIC SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR 5TH GRADE.
(OF COURSE, IF YOU CAN FIND THE SAME PRODUCT AT A LOWER PRICE PURCHASE THAT ONE).
1 shoebox sided plastic container (They have similar ones in the dollar store as well)
Zipper Supply Case (This type was very helpful last year!) (This has a hook to attach to the backpack. This makes traveling with supplies from class to class much easier)
1 Wide Ruled Marble notebook
Wired earbuds or headphones (A pair for school and a backup pair at home if they should lose theirs, which will happen.)
Wireless mouse (Optional)
**Please label all supplies with your child’s first and last name**
Wallet size picture of your child to be put on their desk.
1 REALISTIC FICTION NOVEL--NO GRAPHIC NOVELS PLEASE!!!
(THIS CAN BE FROM THE PUBLIC LIBRARY)