Fifth grade is an exciting and challenging year that prepares students for higher learning and to be successful in college and career. Our goal is to focus on student development within a safe, supportive environment that promotes independence and responsibility, motivation and excellence in learning.

Our curriculum, which is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, provides students with a diverse and challenging education that meets the individual needs of all learners. Students will become active learners in each of the following subject areas:

Reading: Students will interact with many genres and types of text, including Literature and Informational text. Various reading strategies will be used to build vocabulary and increase comprehension across multiple disciplines. Students will respond to their writing through Literary Analysis and Evidence-based writing.

Math: Students will demonstrate understanding of numerical operations and algebraic thinking, geometry and measurement, fractions, patterns and discrete mathematics. Skills are practiced and reinforced using Study Island, which is designed to help prepare students for PARCC testing toward the end of 5th grade.

Grammar / Writing: Students will practice and develop correct sentence structure, as well as grammar rules and usage. Our writing curriculum teaches students to apply skills in writing to multiple genres, such as Narrative, Opinion and Expository. Through the program, students are provided with the tools they need to become proficient and effective writers in the 21st Century.

Social Studies: Students will learn about the development of America as a nation from early settlement to Modern day America. Historical time periods and events such as Slavery, The American Revolution, The Constitution and Bill of Rights and the Civil War are focused topics.

Science: Students will understand the world around them through lessons in all areas of Science – Life, Earth and Physical Science, as well as Space and Technology. STEM and Hands-on learning activities in and outside the classroom will allow students to become independent and critical thinkers through observation and experimentation.

Technology: Technology plays an important role in improving the quality of instruction and supports student learning by providing them with the tools needed in today's society. In the classroom, students utilize digital tools such as SMART boards, iPads and Chromebooks, and also make use of our multi-media computer lab to enhance their learning. Programs such as Study Island reinforce concepts learned in Language Arts and Math.