Upper Elementary Update

Fifth Grade “Matters”
By Andrew Staerker
Photo Editor

This quarter, in math, the fifth graders have learned divisibility rules. They have also learned about factors, least common multiple, and the greatest common factor. The fifth graders have been using Chromebooks in math by getting on IXL to increase their math skills. While in science, they figured out the properties of matter by using apples in an experiment. They have also used mixtures and solutions in the lab. The students have also expanded their knowledge of space by studying matter, stars, and the sun. On the other hand, in language, the pupils have studied pronouns. For Halloween, they created Halloween stories using their spelling words. The students in literature also presented book talks and are reading The Tale of Despereaux. Mr. Courtney came in to their literature class and read one of the his favorite stories as well. In history, the students have been taught about the events leading up to the American Revolution and the French and Indian War. They also created a state cube which the students picked a state and included information about it. While in religion, the fifth graders studied the liturgical season calendar. For Thanksgiving the students learned about the Pilgrims and the Mayflower. Finally the whole fifth grade went to Camp Allen as a field trip. The fifth graders had a great time at Camp Allen!














Third graders collect treats to help seminarians during their finals.

Our “Deer” Third Graders
By Caitlyn DeCorte
News Editor

This quarter in third grade, the students learned multiplication in math. They also started to learn division facts. They started a new chapter in science about the Earth and the Universe. To go along with this chapter, Mrs. Byers assigned a moon journal. Each day the students observed the moon and recorded in the journal every time they saw a new phase. They did this for 29 days to see all eight phases of the moon.
In language, the teachers started to review simple subjects and predicates. The students also learned the differences between simple and complete subjects and predicates. Along with language, the third graders recently finished reading Sarah Plain and Tall. They created interactive notebooks where they put all of their work in the book .
The students went on a field trip to St. Mary’s Seminary. They gathered treats for the seminarians as a service project. Their new seminarian is Justin Cornie and they will follow his progress throughout his studies. Also in religion, the third graders watched Jesus of Nazareth to prepare for Christmas. Mrs. Love taught the third graders about natural resources and how to take care of the earth in social studies. They also completed their timeline project, where they made a timeline about their lives.
Using technology, they researched different states to find out if they were grassy lands as part of more work with Sarah Plain and Tall. When the students have free time in class, they play math games like Impoppable and practice on IXL.
Early in the quarter, the students did projects such as their Halloween poems and Rosary books. For Christmas, they completed their “Deer” St. Nick letter, where they traced their hands and feet to make a reindeer to write their letter on. They also finished their plural Christmas tree. The third graders had a great second quarter!

Time Flies When You’re in Fourth Grade
By Jie Chen Hegedus
Technology Editor

This past quarter, the students made family tree projects. In this project, they practiced interviewing, notetaking, and communication skills. Their teacher Mrs. Condara wants them to realize that they are a gift to their families, and they are connected to the world through their heritage. She said that they also found out some interesting stories and facts about their family, who they are, and who their ancestors were.
The students also worked hard learning good study skills such as SCORER for test taking and SLOWER for writing. They made cards for their grandparents on Grandparents’ Day and Advent Angels for Advent. They held a service project for the school where they asked other students to bring blankets, toiletries, and socks to help the homeless.
In November, the students listened to Mr. Khayat, an NASA engineer. He told them about the robot that flew by Pluto and the first picture of it taken on July 11, 2015. The students also learned about the landing on Mars. Mr. Khayat also told them that humans may walk on Mars in 2030.
The students continue to adapt to the challenges of fourth grade, well done students!