Students are involved in using the Accelerated Reading and Math programs on the computers. Tests on the A.R. books can be taken any time throughout each day, as well as having a regular silent reading time to help complete individual A.R. goals. If all students complete their A.R. goals, a movie/snack reward is enjoyed by all at the end of each marking period.
At these grade levels, students are expected to develop their organizational and independent working skills. Students keep track of assignments though the use of daily homework sheets, which are signed by parents each evening. Personal responsibility and organization are highly stressed, and behavior expectations are high. Because students in this class are the oldest in the school, it becomes a big responsibility to set an appropriate example for the younger students. But, being the oldest has its rewards, too. We have, within our own classroom, 5 Dell computer set-ups, and students are allowed to use earned minutes to play supervised games at certain times. Much assigned work is also completed on computers, which makes it more enjoyable than using pencil and paper for everything.
Academically, students are expected to always work to the best of their abilities. If some students show special aptitudes in certain areas, activities are provided for them to pursue and advance knowledge in their interest areas.
Students are involved by helping with our school Mass, being responsible for alter serving, singing, reading, and presenting gifts. We also perform a very professional and entertaining Christmas musical each year.
Each Spring, this grade level is rewarded for their hard work with an extended field trip. One year, the entire class spends three days at Camp Timbers. The following year is an overnight trip to Lansing to visit several places of interest in our State's capitol.
This classroom will be creating the 2nd annual, school-wide yearbook. The students will be learning many new computer skills, and how to use some of the most up-to-date photo and layout programs.
St. Valentine's 4th and 5th grade classroom provides a very involved and well-rounded education for the students, meeting the expectations and standards of our Catholic diocese, as well as the State of Michigan.
