Each year, the 5th grade class takes its Colonial America unit and makes it interactive– a complete physical representation of life in the three colonial regions. Students take on the roles of colonial citizens and research the aspects of colonial life in their particular region (New England, Middle, or Southern). The real fun begins when we build rooms and businesses to showcase the students’ research. Students actively participate in the planning and design as well as the physical building of their rooms and businesses. We could not do any of this without the genius and support of Denise Henley, our rock star jack-of-all-trades. Mrs. Denise truly teaches our 5th graders how to think and plan for themselves. She offers suggestions on design and welcomes students’ own ideas. Students build self-confidence and motivation. They learn to take initiative. Real life lessons occur behind the scenes at the Colonial Fair, thanks to Mrs. Denise. 

“Act as if what you do makes a difference…it does! “

Fifth grade had a “work day” for their community service project with the Texarkana Animal Care and Adoption Center. The assignment was to create cat scratchers made from cardboard and decorate collection boxes for the pet food drive.

The pet food drive will begin after Christmas break and students will take another “work day” to construct more cat scratchers.

Fifth grade concluded their unit of Energy this week. Instead of a conventional assessment, each student planned and created an “Energy Robot” that exhibited different forms of energy. In addition to the creation of the robot, students had to put their ideas into writing.

“Only through direct energy can great work be accomplished.”

On November 4, our class went to the Sullivan Performing Arts Center to watch the live stage show, “Annie.” One of our classmates was the leading role, Annie. The entire cast of “Annie” is incredibly talented and was a joy to watch. We will remember this event for many, many years.

by Jennifer Jordan

This year, the 5th grade takes a service and leadership class on Tuesday mornings. The class voted to work on projects around campus that will benefit the school. With the guidance of Ms. Denise, we have been organizing the resale shop and preparing decorations for the fall festival. The girls are also decorating and helping with the Primary classes’ fashion show on October 29. The class has been industrious and inventive, as Ms. Denise encourages the students to suggest their own ideas. Hence, 5th graders are also asserting themselves as leaders. These mini-projects have become a great way that we can give back to our school community and bring a little festive spirit on campus!