Welcome to Fifth Grade in F3!

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 12^th 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 7^th.

Cheers!

Marcia Ventura

5th grade teacher, Maple School