5th Grade

Fifth grade at RHLS is an exciting year academically and socially. The students learn about our great country’s history and the thrilling American Revolutionary War. In the Spring, the students dress up as characters and reenact historical scenes from the conflicts between the Patriots and Britain. Students read three award winning novels featuring characters similar in age to themselves. Each character faces a challenge that requires them to be courageous and handle the situation on their own.

Mrs. Voeste, Teacher
Ms. McGregor, Aide

In fifth grade we focus on growing our independence, responsibility, and critical thinking skills. Our goal is to create well rounded, hard working students that enjoy the learning process. In our class, learning is fun! We find many ways to make learning exciting and sometimes we go off campus to learn in different environments. Students dive deeper into reading comprehension with novel studies and class discussions. Our math curriculum explores fractions, decimals, measurement, and many other skills that transfer into their everyday lives. Our science lessons and projects explore the human body, cells, ecosystems, and space. In Social Studies we learn all about the American Revolution and even get to reenact battles and important moments in history.

In fifth grade we have many exciting projects that tie directly into what the students are learning. After students learn about the different parts of a plant cell, we create our own version of a “cookie cell.” Sugar cookies are frosted and decorated with different candies, each representing a different part of the cell. Our biggest project in fifth grade is the State Report. Students pick one of the great 50 states and research the history, geography, important locations and fun facts. This project includes a written report, oral presentation, online quiz game, and a visual aid that represents what they have learned about their state.

Students will experience a few different field trips throughout the year. fifth grade year. In the past we have visited the Aquarium of the Pacific, the California Science Center, Olvera Street for Dia de Los Muertos, and the Ronald Reagan Library where students participate in a simulation where they act as members of the government to solve problems. At the end of the year, our class travels without parents to Crestline for a four day, outdoor science camp. Students hike, sing, problem solve, play games, climb a rock wall, and do archery. It is an amazing experience!

Homework is assigned in alignment with what is currently being learned in the classroom. It is designed not as busy work, but to reinforce weekly concepts. In fifth grade students are given the option to use their second recess time to work on their homework as a way to gain extra support from the teacher and avoid too much work on top of busy schedules. Homework should take about 50 minutes to complete on average. This does not include the breaks/distractions in between.

We have 1:1 school-issued Chromebooks for daily use in most subjects, including Writing, Grammar, Science, and Social Studies. Students learn to work with Google documents, Google slides, Google Classroom, and email. The assignments online are classwork, homework, and assessments. Students bring their Chromebook home to complete homework. We also have time without screens where students work face to face and build skills outside of technology usage.