Hello! I am Marcia
Ventura, and I will be your child’s fifth grade teacher this year.
I have taught in the Seattle School District since 1998, and this is my 12th year at Maple, and I
love it here deeply! Joining me this year is Maya Festinger from the Seattle
Teacher Residency program. Ms. Festinger will in the classroom
Monday-Friday through winter break in December.
Fifth grade is a very exciting year for
students. At this moment they are one year from starting middle
school, and as such, it is critical that throughout the year, students become
academically and socially ready for that transition. Instruction, especially in
the areas of reading, writing, and math, will be rigorous to ensure that
readiness.
What will students learn this year? In science,
they will work with learn about forces, composting and matter. They will
also complete several engineering design challenges. In social studies, your
child will learn about early US history and the principles this country was founded
on.
Homework will be given Monday through
Thursday. Students should be spending about 10-20 minutes on homework, and
thirty minutes reading a book of their choice. I expect homework to be done
completely independently. If your child is asking for help often with the
homework, please let me know. All homework given in class will be directly
related to what was taught during that school day.
Coming up very soon will be fourth and fifth
grade camp!! Most of the students are already
signed up and paid for. If you are not, you'll be receiving a phone call from
me very soon :). Camp is very exciting and will be taking place at Camp Seymour
in Gig Harbor from September 26-28.
Please visit the blog often! Also, the
kids will get started on podcasts soon. They will be heir reading
stories over "the air" and you will be able to listen to their weekly KOF3 radio shows. Curriculum night is September 20-- see you
there!
Please fill out the paperwork attached by
Friday the 7th.
Cheers!
Marcia Ventura
5th grade teacher, Maple School
