RELIGION

Children are introduced to the purpose of worship and ways to express it. They study the sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. Along with the study of the Eucharist, we study the Mass in more depth. The Sacraments of Healing, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, are studied next. Then the Sacraments of Vocation, Matrimony and Holy Orders, are studied. A review of the Commandments and a study of the Works of Mercy rounds out the core curriculum. In addition this the liturgical seasons, Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time are celebrated throughout the year. Instruction and opportunities to practice prayer are provided. Instruction in the use of sacramentals, especially the Rosary, is also included.

MATH

Students are expected to have basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. Our main focus in 5 th grade is fractions and decimals. After review of the four operations with whole numbers, the four operations are introduced using fractions and decimals. Other areas covered include estimation, problem solving, customary and metric systems of measuring, and geometry. Formulas for finding perimeter and area of quadrilaterals, triangles, and circles are presented and the concept of pi is introduced.

*** Students have the opportunity to participate in both the Math Olympiad and the Math 24 Challenge competition.

*** Students can practice their facts by going to www.firstinmath.com

Each student has been given their own user ID and password.

SCIENCE

In science we explore the following topics –

Children have weekly Health Class where they are instructed in ways to acquire and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Through a special partnership with the Lebanon Police Department, 5th graders participate in an eleven week D.A.R.E. Program

LANGUAGE ARTS

Reading , Writing, English and Spelling comprise our Language Arts program.

Reading – comprehension is stressed through daily reading activities, book reports, and Literary Circles.

Writing – the writing process is being reviewed and developed through writing instruction of narrative and expository pieces, as well as poetry. We are working on incorporating the 4Square Writing Method.

Grammar and Spelling – these skills are introduced and maintained in class and reinforced with daily assignments and homework.

RULES

1) Be responsible for yourself.

2) Respect other's rights

3) Be polite

4) Safety first

5) Do your best

Grading

I arrive at my final grades in the following manner.

Religion & Math

80 % Tests
10 % Class work
10 % Completion of Homework Assignments

Science

60 % Tests
20 % Health
10 % Class work
10 % Completion of Homework Assignments

Language Arts

40 % Reading
25 % Grammar and Writing
15 % Spelling
10 % Class work
10 % Completion of Homework Assignments