The grade 5 English program develops the language skills students need in order to excel in the Middle School: literary analysis; the mechanics of writing, grammar, and usage; and spelling and vocabulary. Exploring protagonists from diverse cultural backgrounds helps to develop students’ understanding of and compassion for others while exposing them to perspectives different from their own. Students read a variety of novels, short stories, and poems with an emphasis on reading critically for main idea, analyzing plot structure, and identifying theme. Integral to the study of the literature is expository and creative writing that deepens the students' understanding of sentence and paragraph structure and offers students the opportunity to consider connections between texts and their own experiences. Texts include: The War That Saved My Life; Esperanza Rising; The End of the Wild; Hello, Uni- verse; Home of the Brave; Lucky Broken Girl; A Single Shard; as well as selected short stories and poetry.

In the fifth grade, students are formally introduced to the four essential language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. To develop these skills students are taught fundamental grammatical structures, which are reinforced with traditional and project-based learning activities such as skits, presentations, and writing projects. A variety of instructional modalities, including web-based applications and peer-to-peer interactions, create a fun learning environment designed to promote the students’ curiosity about the connection between language and culture, and to develop a passion for languages. Cultural aspects and daily-life themes are also explored and compared to improve the students’ cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Following the Singapore Math approach, the grade 5 mathematics program introduces students to new concepts in whole number theory, fractions, decimals, and percent. Students are provided with learning experiences which enable them to learn mathematics meaningfully. Students develop proficiency in determining reasonable answers using various estimation techniques, and in model drawing as a means of contextualizing number relationships. They also develop a mastery of computational skills through varied and challenging problem-solving exercises and activities. Puzzles are incorporated throughout the year to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Other topics covered include metric measurement, conversions between metric units, and plane geometry concepts. Computational speed and accuracy are expected.

The major theme explored in the grade 5 program is God’s saving action depicted in the lives of the people in the Hebrew Scriptures. The course is designed to help students understand the Hebrew Scripture narratives as the sacred history of God’s revelation to the people of Israel, and His faithful commitment to the Covenant. As students explore the scriptures, they are asked to consider the ethical choices made by the prophets and kings. During class discussions and activities, they reflect on how the choices made and the moral dilemmas presented relate to their own lives. Students are also introduced to the history of Convent of the Sacred Heart, including the foundresses and the network, as well as God’s call to care for the gift of creation. Students explore Judaism and its connection to the Hebrew Scriptures.

The fifth grade science curriculum introduces students to life science through laboratory investigation. In the first semester, students begin their laboratory survey of the natural world and its diverse life forms by learning about the fundamental characteristics and needs of living organisms. Students also gain a historical understanding of major ideas, tools, and discoveries in life science. Laboratory dissections of the frog, sea star, sponge, and hydra, as well as the reconstruction of owl pellets, help enhance students’ understanding of the relationship between body structure and function. In the second semester, students continue exploring the anatomical similarities and differences of organisms and look at the biological relationships between organisms in different ecosystems. Throughout the second semester, students also deepen their understanding of the interdependence of living things on Earth.

Embracing the concept of stories as windows and mirrors into the lives and cultures of others, the librarian regularly presents book talks introducing new acquisitions and thematically related titles. Students learn to identify different types and elements of literature in order to select books for independent reading that suit their interests. Discussions include intellectual property, plagiarism, and copyright laws. Skills reviewed include searching for print resources in the library, using keywords to find articles in online subscription databases, and practice with bibliographic citation. The library complements the grade 5 curriculum by curating both print and electronic resources needed for specific research projects, as well as providing contextual information and resources in advance of literature studies. In addition, note-taking and paraphrasing skills are reinforced. Students hone their library skills through use of the patron catalog, recognizing call numbers, and locating materials on the shelves.

Students reflect on what it means to be an artist and are encouraged to investigate the role of art in culture. As they study and prepare for projects, students begin with an examination of art and artifacts. They explore topics such as how the art was made, what information the artist might have been trying to convey in the art, and what a specific culture’s use of certain materials might suggest. Through work in clay, painting, and drawing, students develop their visual vocabulary and learn how to use a variety of different media and artistic processes. Students are encouraged to use imagination, to trust their intuition, and to grow in patience and discipline as they work with new media and tools in more complex projects. Projects support the 5th grade social studies curriculum.

Fifth grade drama aims to create an ensemble experience for the students as young actors, working on listening, collaborating, and practicing different “team” roles. Stu- dents learn improvisational skills through unscripted process drama and partner scenes. They work together to remain in character while solving problems under fictional circumstances. Fifth graders also study physical theater, examining how Rudolf Laban and 1930s cartoon animation communicate through movement. Students are asked to interpret a cultural story or event, and express it entirely through movement. They learn how physical actions and facial expressions can communicate character objectives and emotions. As students work together on scenes and developing characters, they grow in their understanding of different perspectives and develop compassion for others.

Music in grade 5 develops choral singing, musical skills and literacy. Units in American folk music and musical theater develop group choral technique, part-singing and solo singing. Through singing songs, students explore the backgrounds, traditions and values of American communities throughout history. Chorus, violin and flute are offered once a week as an elective.

The goals of the Middle School physical education program are overall physical fitness, growth in motor abilities and coordination, increased understanding of game rules and basic game strategies. Units in volleyball, soccer, basketball, badminton, track, softball, lacrosse and swimming will be offered as electives to all Middle School students. Classes in dance, fitness and yoga concepts are also integrated into the program. Students will have the additional opportunity to participate in interscholastic sports teams.