Today, with the exception of a few students, children will take their last big test of the year. I am so happy that today marks the end of a test season that included nine tests that each took about 3 hours. That's a lot of testing. I still find myself on the fence about these tests since there are both positives and negatives related to this practice. When the data is released, I study the results carefully and use that study to improve next year's practice.
Once the tests are done, we'll travel forward to our engaging project-based month of teaching and learning with the following projects.
The Fifth Grade Play
Everyone of the 65 fifth graders has a role. The music teacher has carefully crafted the play to include students' desired roles and talents. It is the quintessential community building event--one that the fifth grade teachers and many family members support. The presentation is a joyful event for the whole school and parent group. This project is definitely worth the time involved--it's a wonderful learning event for all.
Climate Change Projects
We are at the end stage of this year-long learning event. Students need to complete and present their projects. We learned a lot this year as we engaged in this study, and once the play is complete we'll spend a couple of days putting the final touches on the project and celebrating with a day-long field study in a beautiful, local conservation location.
Global Changemakers Project
Students have been reading and taking notes about famous global changemakers throughout time. Once we complete the Climate Change projects, students will immerse themselves into using their notes to write fictional interviews with these changemakers past and present. Later they'll prepare costumes, finish portraits and digital posters, and practice acting in character.
Boston Walking Tour
Students will take a guided tour through Revolutionary War era Boston--our guide is a wonderful storyteller, and this is always a popular trip.
Middle School Introduction
Students will be introduced to the Middle School with a visit to the school and a visit from the sixth grade team.
Sexual Abuse Awareness
Our guidance counselor will lead this wonderful prevention program to help students be aware of what sexual abuse is, and how to both prevent it or act if it happens to them.
Book Swap and Sale
A high school student will lead a book swap and sale to support Room to Read .
Global Cardboard Challenge
Students will review the design process and use what they've learned to create wonderful cardboard creations for our school wide Global Cardboard Challenge Arcade on the playground.
Field Day
Students will participate in a school-wide day of collaborative and individual sports, and they will also help out with the field day for the younger children.
Fun Day
Fun Day is a peaceful day at a beautiful natural place where children can play, play, and play more.
Slideshow, Clap-out, and Memory Books
To celebrate students' final days of elementary school there will be a slide show, memory books and autographs, and a clap-out.
The goal for fifth grade educators, family members, and students is to stay the course, and do their best and enjoy each wonderful event as it occurs. Onward.
