Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.-Helen Keller

Fifth grade could hardly wait for March 29, 2021…this was the date of their field trip to the Arkansas Outdoor School in the Little Rock, AR area. Our departure was set for 7:15 am. I could see the excitement on all the faces as we climbed into the cars, loaded bags, and said some “goodbyes” to mom. Our class had chosen the classes/activities earlier in March: Team Challenge, Archery, Fishing, Canoeing, Rock Climbing, and Hiking. Some students were looking forward to rock climbing, some wanted to learn how to fish, and some wanted to spend some time outdoors. But all of us wanted to learn, have fun, and experience some nature.

After moving our things into our rooms, it was time to get started with our first activity: Team Challenge. We learned how important trust, communication, and confidence was to not only an individual, but also as a team. Archery showed us how to focus, rock climbing tested our confidence, canoeing encouraged us to communicate, and fishing required us to slow down and be patient with ourselves.

The next morning, we went on a hike. We were shown how important diversity is in nature. We identified many plants and animals and also how to respect nature.

Field trips connect students to the real world by providing every student with real world experiences that I’m pretty sure they will never forget!

“The color of springtime is in the flowers. The color of winter is in the imagination.”

Our area experienced some brutally cold temperatures (even below 0) in February. I was for certain the plants in our garden were doomed…nature can be predictable but it can also be surprising! The peas, radishes, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts are STILL flourishing!

Fifth grade is also working on their community service project for the Texarkana Animal Care and Adoption Center. The project has multiple components. These pictures show fifth graders planting grass (in recycled containers) for cat enrichment. Other components of our project include artwork and dog leashes.

Six months ago our class began their journey through middle school. Confidence, knowledge, and friendships have grown along with some shoe sizes too! These pictures are a “snapshot” into a day in Fifth Grade!

by Jennifer Jordan, History & Latin Teacher

After simulating colonists living and working in the three colonial regions, our 5th graders have continued these roles to learn about growing tensions between the colonies and England. England has to pay war debts for the French and Indian War, and it believes that the colonists should help to pay in the form of taxes. Our 5th grade colonists have experienced taxation without representation through a candy game, wherein students playing king, Parliament, and tax collector exacted taxes for situations as simple as wearing a red shirt or having a name beginning with “A”. Our colonists endured the pain of giving up their candy, which allowed them to understand the real feelings of 18th century colonists in paying taxes on items without any say!  We continued this interactive learning with our Boston Tea Party last week. After reading about the cause of the Boston Tea Party, the 5th graders created a party invitation and then engaged in their own dumping of British tea. We followed that with a little American tea, as the students were rather eager to try hot tea. Everyone had a great time! Role play has served as a superb tool to engage students and allow them to comprehend the tense atmosphere leading up to the American Revolution. 

by Jennifer Jordan, History & Latin teacher

Our annual Colonial Living History project, a.k.a. Colonial Fair, met with great success last week. This project began several years ago as a simple idea to host a live showcase of colonial businesses. Ms. Denise Henley, our resident design expert, offered her ideas. She has continually worked her magic on this project, devoting many hours. This year was no exception. After 4 weeks studying the three colonial regions, researching further, and writing a diary entry, 5th graders worked under Ms. Denise’s direction to transform the middle school commons into a colonial village. Each of the three colonial regions was represented. Students tend to learn best by doing, and there is always learning away from the textbooks and off a computer. This project enabled just that-- actual building and design of businesses and rooms in a home. Each student put his or her own touch on their space and prepared a short speech welcoming visitors to their home or business. They dressed up, too!  Other classes toured the fair in a distanced manner, and we were happy to host everyone, although we were disappointed to not invite families this year. The project was live-streamed for parents, so we are grateful for this technology. All in all, the Colonial Fair continues to be a multi-curricular interactive learning experience that 5th graders enjoy year after year.