Grade 5 Curriculum Overview
	Mission The mission of Holy Spirit Episcopal School is to provide a unique and outstanding high school preparatory education, which combines the best traditions of learning with relevant and contemporary programs that promote excellence in scholarship, richness of soul, godly character, and physical well-being.   Core Values   A heart stands for our loving, nurturing, joyful environment, which is essential to the healthy development of our students.   A sunburst represents our spirit of optimism and a commitment to diversity, which prepare our students for the larger world.   An open book symbolizes our strong, research-based academic programs, which combine traditional and experiential learning methods.   A leaf signifies enrichment and growth through offerings that allow each student to follow their unique path.   These elements are bound together by the symbol of the cross, in recognition of the strong core of faith-based character that we strive to build in every member of our school community.   Introduction Fifth grade is a year during which children transition from lower school experiences to middle school. They do many of the same things the other middle school students do. For example, fifth graders attend classes according to the middle school daily schedule. They elect representatives that attend relevant middle school Student Council meetings during the second semester of the year. Fifth graders attend all middle school assemblies. They also use lockers with combination locks located on the second floor of the middle school building next to the sixth grade lockers. Fifth graders wear the middle school uniform, and are assigned locker room lockers for use during health and fitness classes. However, many other aspects of fifth grade are different from the rest of middle school, allowing the transition to be spread out over two years. For example, almost all of their classes are held in classrooms on the ground floor of the middle school building, while most sixth- through eighth-grade classes are held in classrooms on the second floor. Fifth graders continue to participate in the youth sports program rather than the junior varsity and varsity competitive athletic program, which is designed for sixth- through eighth-grade students. Fifth graders attend socials held immediately after school rather than the dances held at night for the sixth through eighth graders. The fifth and sixth grade teachers actively support students in their transition from the lower school to the middle school to ensure a smooth transition.   Curriculum   The fifth grade curriculum consists of integrated language arts, mathematics, general science, American history, Spanish, health and fitness, Christian education, visual and performing arts, and an integrated computer technology program. The fifth grade integrated language arts program provides a comprehensive literature, writing, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and handwriting program that incorporates student research and technology. Novels utilized integrate with the American history curricula. Class discussions focus on character traits as motivation for character behavior, and plots are put into historical context with the intent of providing students with a deeper understanding of the culture and lifestyles of the time period being studied. Class activities develop advanced reading comprehension, literary analysis, and critical thinking skills. Grammar concepts and rules are studied and then applied to editing and proofreading. Diagramming is taught to provide students with a visual way of understanding word relationships within sentences. In vocabulary, Greek and Latin prefixes and roots are studied systematically. Thesauruses are utilized to study more precise connotations to specific vocabulary within the context of applying it to student writing. Spelling lessons provide students with the opportunity to learn spelling rules and letter patterns and apply these same rules and letter patterns to other words they read and write in school. Cursive handwriting is used in all classes. Writing processes, techniques, styles and genre are studied over the course of the year during this two-period daily course of study.     The middle school math program systematically distributes instruction, practice and assessment of related concepts and skills throughout the academic year as opposed to concentrating the instruction, practice and assessment of individual concepts and skills into a short period of time. This distributed approach produces significantly higher levels of student learning than in programs with a chapter-based approach. The frequent, cumulative assessments used in our math program evaluate both the acquisition and retention of content. This unique approach to math instruction ensures that students not only gain but also retain essential math knowledge and skills. The fifth grade study of mathematics, which includes both honor and advanced math, stresses basic operations; fractions, decimals, and percentages; estimation; measurement (U.S. customary and metric); number theory and number systems; geometry; algebra fundamentals; statistics, data analysis, and probability; problem-solving strategies; and mathematical thinking. Students in grade five are required to pass basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division tests that consist of one hundred problems each. They are expected to achieve 100 percent accuracy in two minutes for each test. Through a variety of activities, students test and evaluate properties of mathematical operations. They formulate their own hypotheses about how and why numbers create certain patterns. The teacher helps students expand their understanding of extended place value. Students explore and experience larger and smaller numbers in their daily lives using problem-solving strategies and estimation skills. They discover relationships among fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, and decimals with hands-on materials and real-life applications. In addition, measurement, statistics, data analysis, and problem-solving strategies are integrated into science activities, providing authentic purposes for using mathematics in the pursuit of scientific discoveries.   Students are placed in either the honors or advanced math class based on fourth grade grades, knowledge of math facts, work habits, stanines on standardized math subtests such as the Stanford 10, and a placement exam. Students may move between the two classes as needed throughout their middle school education.     During general science, fifth grade students investigate life by comparing living things and categorizing them to determine in which kingdom they belong. They divide plants and animals into subclassifications according to their structures and methods of reproduction. Students also investigate how plants and animals adapt to their environments. Fifth graders explore physical science by classifying matter, investigating motion (including Newton’s laws of motion) and various forms of energy. Finally, students study earth science by exploring the geology of Earth, discovering the causes and effects of plate tectonics, as well as how weathering and erosion affect the features of Earth. Fifth graders enjoy investigations that examine Earth’s relationship to the sun and other planets, and discuss the most recent discoveries in astronomy and theories relating to astronomy.     All fifth grade students participate in the HSES Science Fair in January. They develop a long-term investigation that is student selected and experimental (i.e., not a demonstration). Much of the project is done at school and with minimal, if any, parental assistance. Science projects are displayed for public viewing during Spotlight on Holy Spirit Night.   The fifth grade ECO-link trip is a four-day experience at Sky Ranch, which is east of Dallas and north of Tyler. Through a nature study, students come to understand they are part of a larger ecosystem and that humans have a responsibility for helping safeguard the various ecosystems on our planet. Students also develop leadership and teamwork skills as well as self-confidence through challenges, daily activities, and faith-based meditation. A follow-up field trip to the Blackwood Educational Land Institute in Hempstead builds on the Sky Ranch experience. Students participate in hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding of the interdependency of Earth’s ecosystems and the importance of being a good steward of nature.     American history is investigated during fifth grade social studies. Students begin by investigating the native peoples of North America. Then the majority of the year is spent examining the time periods that include European colonization on through the War Between the States. Emphasis is on the effect cultures, customs, geography, and accidents had in shaping the history of the United States. The textbook is augmented with videos, dramatizations, “virtual tours,” and other resources that help students identify with people and events.     Spanish is considered a core subject and is taught through an experiential approach that includes interactive conversations, skits, videos, technology, and written activities. Since a familiarity with Spanish-speaking countries enhances the motivation for learning the language and provides a global perspective, Holy Spirit has carefully developed a sister-school relationship with St. Michael Archangel School in San Jose, Costa Rica. Our students have contact with the Costa Rican children through the sharing of class projects and an annual student exchange program in grades five through eight.     The health and fitness program provides an opportunity for students to acquire lifetime skills, knowledge, and positive attitudes toward their health and physical well-being. Individual physical conditioning, coordination and fitness, team sports, and health education are integral parts of our program.     Christian education in the fifth grade is facilitated through participation in global outreach, as well as chapel and Holy Eucharist services. In addition, students take a course of study in which they examine the relationship of God with Saul and David, providing the opportunity for students to make inferences regarding their own personal relationship with God. They learn the difference between God’s evaluation and humans’ evaluation of success and failure. Students also discover the benefits inherent in following God’s way rather than that of the world. Through the activities in this course, fifth graders come to understand that they are uniquely created and loved by God. Students may join the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), which meets every Wednesday morning before school and serves as a means to interact with other HSES middle school students while deepening their understanding of God’s plan for their lives.     The visual arts course provides fifth graders the opportunity to explore the basic elements of art such as color, texture, form, line, space, and value, as well as principles such as emphasis, pattern, balance, proportion, and unity. Students create original artwork and investigate a variety of art materials and media. Several national periods of art are compared and contrasted. Students appreciate their own cultural heritage and that of others through the study of art and develop the attitude that art can be a lifelong pursuit.     The performing arts class concentrates on music in the fifth grade. Students compare and contrast composers and their compositions. They learn to use standard terminology when discussing music, music notation, musical instruments, voice, and musical performances. Students also learn a variety of music forms; understand symbols and terms that refer to dynamics, tempo, and articulation; use standard symbols that denote meter, rhythm, and pitch; and create and verbalize rhythmic and melodic phrases. Fifth graders study excerpts of music representing diverse genres, styles, periods, and cultures. They also perform a varied repertoire of music representing styles from diverse cultures. Students perform in a 5th/6th grade play in February and have the opportunity to participate in the more advanced middle school production that is presented in April. Students may join the Ensemble Choir which performs at various functions and during chapel services.     Technology is integrated throughout the entire fifth grade program. During a quarter-long course and throughout assignments in various classes, students use Microsoft Word™ and Power Point™ to generate reports, tables, and presentations. They also use Microsoft Excel™ to construct data tables and various types of graphs. Fifth graders use the Internet as one of several sources to collect information for research and other class activities, as well as a means for taking “virtual field trips” and participating in simulations and hands-on activities related to units of study in the classroom. Fifth graders may join our technology club, which meets once per week.   All middle school students have an advisory period at the beginning of the day, which includes chapel on most Tuesdays and Thursdays. The purpose of an advisory period is to further develop students’ social, emotional, and spiritual growth. Students study a multitude of desirable attributes and how they can develop these within themselves. The specific attributes are rotated through a three-year cycle. This year students will focus on the virtues of: Self-discipline—Self-control, self-restraint, self-reliance, independence Choices and Accountability—Making decisions, accepting consequences, being responsible for your choices Empathy—Understanding, compassion, charity, sensitivity, concern Honesty—Truthfulness, sincerity, honor, fairness, trustworthiness, being genuine Leadership—Setting a good example, leading others, being a good follower Courage—Bravery, boldness, daring, confidence, resolve Conservation—Preservation, thriftiness, moderation Athletics  Holy Spirit Episcopal School believes that athletics are an important part of the student’s physical, mental, and spiritual education. Even though striving to be the best we can be and winning are desirable parts of any athletic program, the development of the athletes’ skills, sportsmanship, and leadership qualities are also major objectives. We strive for our athletes to enjoy the athletic experience with the hope that the continued involvement in athletics and fitness will be a lifelong pursuit for each of them. Holy Spirit offers competition in coed soccer and girls’ volleyball in the fall, boys’ and girls’ basketball in the winter, and boys’ baseball, girls’ softball, and coed track in the spring. The sports of soccer, volleyball, and basketball have junior varsity and varsity teams. Baseball, track, and softball only have varsity teams.   Homework  Homework assignments are an integral part of the fifth grader’s education. Its purpose is to provide reinforcement and extension of understandings and skills introduced in class. On average, students should plan to spend 50 to 75 minutes per day during the school week to complete homework, work on extended assignments (independent reading, essays, research projects, extensive readings), and study for exams. Students are expected to spend a minimum of five minutes per subject every night reviewing the material presented in class. They need to plan their time judiciously to complete extended assignments. Even though homework is listed on our website (www.hses.org), students are expected to keep their school-issued planners up-to-date with daily assignments, tests, quizzes, and future projects. Blackout dates are listed on the school calendar when no homework is to be assigned.   Conclusion  Fifth grade is a busy, yet rewarding year at Holy Spirit Episcopal School. Through a challenging curriculum, children increase and solidify their basic understandings and skills and move into increasingly more complex disciplines. The middle school faculty and administration, together with the students’ parents, work as a team to help each student reach his or her academic, physical, emotional, and spiritual potential and make this year a joy to remember.